By Jo Moseley www.jomoseley.comBut Ive also wondered, is it really that useful or just a gimmick? So when wholesale stockists Whitby and Co of Kendal invited me to try one, I jumped at the chance to see for myself.First of all, what is a Selk Bag? Essentially, its a sleeping bag that you can also wear, complete with legs, booties, arms, and a hood. Its like a onesie or sleepsuit but much warmer. Originating from Chile, the Selk Bag was designed for camping, sleeping and enjoying life by the campfire with the warmth of a sleeping bag but with the ability to move around.post-consumer recycled materials, including 23 plastic water bottles, the Original Maipo Burgundy I was invited to review is also a thing of beauty. The colour and fabric are gorgeous, and it feels great on. Its machine washable, and the comfort rating is 44F or 6C. The limit is 35F and 2C. Its made of a water-repellent and stain-resistant fabric.The SWYTCH design marks a significant change from previous styles, and for some, a very important one. It has a zip across the middle, making it a two-piece jacket and trouser set. On a practical basis, this means its super easy to go to the loo or simply use it as a jacket when you dont need the warmth of the whole suit moving around. Whilst enjoying a tasty breakfast or evening walk before bed on a campsite, the jacket alone has been really useful and cosy.I have always been someone who feels the cold, and a good or bad nights sleep has a profound impact on my wellbeing, energy and mood the next day. So sleeping in it in my van, Summer was the real test. Would I be warm or sweaty, cosy or confined? Im pleased to say it was a success. I had a great nights sleep! I didnt use the booties, which can also be zipped on and off. This is partly due to personal sleeping preference and partly the nature of the Selk Bag sizing, which Ill mention later, and is something you do need to take into consideration when ordering.The top has a handy kangaroo pocket, a balaclava, an adjustable hood, an elastic waist pull (I believe the technical term is cinch), and hand covers. The legs have vents for extra room. You can wear the legs on their own for extra warmth in a tent, while sitting in a van, or in a camp chair. However, the designs nature means they wont stay up without the top attached.The other feature to consider is the booties, which can be zipped on and off. If Im honest, Im not sure I would wear these outside regularly I could see them getting very dirty and perhaps snagging if Im in a wood or by a rocky beach. However, for extra warmth when sleeping or if youre looking for something to wear whilst WFH indoors in the chillier months, they would be great. My preference when out and about is to ditch the booties and opt for a pair of trainers, boots, or even sliders/slippers for a walk or pottering around the van.Bag is unisex and comes in S, M, L, and XL. There is a helpful guide, which I recommend you take advantage of. I wanted it slightly snugger, so I chose the M as this is recommended for anyone up to 5 ft 5 ins for active wear, but without the booties zipped in.So whats my verdict now? Is it a gimmick or something that will be really useful?Id say its the real thing, and I will be wearing it for post-swim and post-SUP adventures, around the campfire, and on the campsite, as well as being cosy for camping and sleeping in the van. It looks and feels great, and as the nights draw in, I can see myself really making the most of it. Why not give it a go yourself?Price: 129.99https://www.selkbag.co.uk/products/swytch-original-maipo-burgundy-sleeping-bag-suit