About Us
Criterion down sleeping bags history
We have been making down sleeping bags since 2003 and more recently down clothing. We use the best quality materials available and specialise in minimalist down sleeping bags. Our design is focused on light-weight, small pack-sizes and high warmth to weight ratios.
Criterion originally traded under a different name and in 2014 we re-branded changing our name and logo, but not the quality or attention to detail of our products.
Our history dates back much earlier than the birth of Criterion Down Sleeping Bags, but to 1988 and an outdoor independent retail shop in Warrington called the Adventure Centre. In the early 2000s our Shop Manager and Managing Director, dissatisfied with the quality of down sleeping bags on offer decided to investigate the possibility of manufacturing our own, which resulted in Criterion. The outdoor shop has sadly gone, but the Criterion brand carried on being known for its standards of quality in both production and materials.
In 2023, our original Managing Director and founder passed away. Criterion Down Sleeping Bags is now is owned by its former Brand Manager.
Criterion Ethos
From day one our focus has always been simple: to produce down-insulated products with high warmth to weight ratios for outdoor enthusiasts. As such we produce minimalist gear devoid of fancy gimmickry. If there is no function to a feature then it is dead weight!
We only use the best quality down and fabrics so we use Polish goose down and Pertex fabrics. Polish goose down insulation is generally acknowledged to be the best down in the world, due to the climate and history of geese breeding. Whilst Pertex fabric, in turn, is generally said to be the best shell material for down-filled products, combing low weight with high tensile strength and durability. This combination has enabled us to create a range of sleeping bags which is lightweight and compact, yet very warm and comfortable, the ideal combination for backpacking, trekking and mountaineering, enhancing every user’s enjoyment. Our products are designed in the U.K. and made in the European Union (EU) by expert machinists. This allows us to ensure quality in our production and flexibility in our manufacture.
Every Criterion sleeping bag and jacket is subject to quality control during manufacture and also when arriving at our U.K. headquarters. Purchasing Criterion means investing in the best quality materials as well as peace of mind.
Criterion's History
Where our brand originated with the idea that ‘we can do down sleeping bags better!‘
The Prime, Traveller and Ultralight ranges
Consisted of three models, 200, 350 and 450 making use of Pertex Quantum fabric and 850FP down.
-30°C and -40°C extreme weather sleeping bags with additional features to keep users active at the ends of the Earth.
Designed specifically for female users. Shorter with a fleece footbox and female-specific down distribution
This ultralight down jacket wins a Trail Magazine “approved” award.
Introducing an improved hood as well as new colour combination for drying and visibility.
With hydrophobic down and waist drawcord.
An ultralight down quilt for summer use hits the market.
Criterion supplies Expedition 900 and Expedition 1100 sleeping bags for the British Antarctic Expedition
Criterion supplies 50 Criterion Traveller 500 Sleeping Bags to the Bahrain Raid Xtreme team for the 2021, 22, 23 & 24 Dakar Rallys.
