Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm and dry, but are all sleeping bags water-resistant? The short answer is no. While most sleeping bags are water-resistant, they are not entirely waterproof. They feature tightly woven fabrics on the outside, often with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, which allows them to withstand a small amount of moisture. However, they are not designed to be exposed to significant amounts of water, and it is essential to keep them dry as a damp sleeping bag will feel cold and uncomfortable.
Are all sleeping bags water-resistant?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Waterproof sleeping bags | Difficult to manufacture, expensive, and impractical to use |
| Water-resistant sleeping bags | More common, but still susceptible to moisture |
| Synthetic sleeping bags | Better insulating ability when wet, but less warm overall |
| Down sleeping bags | More susceptible to moisture, but warmer overall |
| Breathability | Important to prevent condensation and body moisture |
| Face fabric | Tightly woven outer fabric treated with durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes |
| Condensation | Can be reduced with a double-walled tent or a condensation liner |
| Sleeping bag liners | Effective barrier between user and interior of the bag, but often not used |
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What You'll Learn
Synthetic vs down sleeping bags
Most sleeping bags are not waterproof but are water-resistant. They usually have tightly woven fabrics on the outside, often treated with a durable water-repellent finish. This means they can withstand a little moisture, but it is still important to keep your sleeping bag dry. A damp sleeping bag will feel cold and clammy, and the trapped moisture will inhibit its thermal performance.
Now, when it comes to synthetic vs down sleeping bags, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, synthetic sleeping bags are typically made of polyester and are quick-drying, even when wet. They tend to be less expensive, more durable, and hypoallergenic. Synthetic insulators can be short-staple or continuous filament. Short-staple insulations feature densely packed, short strands of filaments to minimize heat loss, resulting in soft and flexible sleeping bags with great compressibility. Continuous-filament insulations, on the other hand, use thicker filaments that provide loftiness, strength, and durability.
Down sleeping bags, on the other hand, use the plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl such as ducks and geese. They have a higher fill power, which means they require less down to fill space and achieve a certain temperature rating. This results in a lighter product. However, a common criticism of down insulation is its tendency to clump up and lose loft when wet, causing it to lose its insulation properties. Proprietary treatments have been developed to make down water-resistant, but even treated down will get wet if submerged or exposed to heavy rain.
Some manufacturers offer hybrid sleeping bags that combine water-resistant down and synthetic insulation. These hybrid constructions aim to provide the benefits of both materials while limiting their respective imperfections. When choosing between synthetic and down sleeping bags, consider factors such as weight, compressibility, price, and the weather conditions you're likely to encounter.
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Waterproof coatings
While most sleeping bags are not waterproof, they are usually water-resistant, with tightly woven fabrics on the outside of the bag, often treated with durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes. This means they can withstand a little moisture, but it is still important to try and keep your sleeping bag dry. A damp sleeping bag will feel cold and clammy, and the trapped moisture will inhibit its thermal performance.
DWR is a hydrophobic coating that aids liquid water to run off. It won't make anything waterproof and it won't stop water vapour from escaping. Many sleeping bags have some degree of DWR pre-applied but it tends to wear off. There are also industrial sprays that claim to be able to waterproof a wide range of materials, including nylon, suede, leather, and Gore-Tex.
If you are looking for a waterproof coating for your sleeping bag, there are two main types used in the industry: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer that is widely used due to its low cost and durability. It provides excellent waterproofing properties and is suitable for general-purpose applications. TPU, on the other hand, is a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to abrasions and oils. It is typically more expensive than PVC but offers superior strength and durability, as well as being environmentally friendly and free from harmful phthalates.
In addition to providing protection from water damage, waterproof coatings can also enhance the durability of the sleeping bag by providing resistance to abrasions and punctures. The coating forms a protective layer that prevents the fabric from wear and tear, ensuring that the bag can withstand extreme outdoor conditions and prolonging its lifespan.
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Water-resistant materials
Most sleeping bags are not waterproof, but they are usually water-resistant. The outer shell of a sleeping bag is typically made from tightly woven fabrics that have been treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. This means that the bag can withstand a small amount of moisture, but it is still important to keep it dry. Water-resistant materials used in sleeping bags include polyester, Dryloft, and Epic. Polyester is naturally water-resistant, lightweight, durable, and breathable. Dryloft, designed by Gore, is an insulated garment/sleeping bag shell that is also breathable and lightweight. However, some users have expressed skepticism about its performance, claiming that it does not solve any problems and may even trap condensation. Epic, made by Nextec, is a cheaper alternative to Gore Activent that is lightweight, water-resistant, and wind-resistant. Nevertheless, it has been criticised for its poor breathability due to the use of silicon-encapsulated threads.
While fully waterproof sleeping bags are available, they are challenging to manufacture, expensive, and impractical. They require the use of shell fabrics with a waterproof coating or membrane, and all seams and stitching must be fully taped or sealed. Instead of a fully waterproof sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a bivvy bag, a waterproof and breathable outer shell that protects the sleeping bag from moisture.
Synthetic sleeping bags have the advantage of maintaining insulation even when wet. Synthetic fibres do not clump together when exposed to moisture, allowing them to continue providing considerable insulation. On the other hand, down feathers, which are highly valued for their warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility, lose their insulating properties when wet. They clump together and lose their loft and insulating power. Therefore, synthetic sleeping bags are a better option for wet conditions, even though down sleeping bags are generally preferred for their superior warmth and compactness.
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Sleeping bag liners
Liners made of silk are lightweight and ideal for most thru-hikes as they provide extra warmth and cleanliness. Silk blend liners are also light, compact, and designed for comfort, making them perfect for travel. Fleece liners are heavier and significantly warmer, making them suitable for very cold temperatures. Cotton liners are mid-weight and ideal for travel and hostel stays, but they offer no warmth when wet, making them unsuitable for backpacking or thru-hiking. Synthetic liners, such as those made with CoolMax®, are moisture-wicking, breathable, and stretchy, making them perfect for restless sleepers in humid conditions. Insulated liners, like those made with Thermolite®, add extra warmth and dry faster than cotton.
When choosing a sleeping bag liner, consider factors such as comfort, ease of care, and the liner's ability to extend the temperature range of your sleeping bag. While liners can be purchased from various brands, they can also be handmade using fabric, thread, scissors, pins, and a sewing machine. Liners typically start at around $50, with higher-end options costing over $100.
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Sleeping bag breathability
While most sleeping bags are not waterproof, they are usually water-resistant, with tightly woven fabrics on the outside of the bag, often treated with durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes. This means they can withstand a small amount of moisture, but it is still important to try and keep your sleeping bag dry. A damp sleeping bag will feel cold and clammy, and the trapped moisture will inhibit its thermal performance, making it harder for the bag to keep you warm.
To avoid this, it is recommended to use a sleeping bag liner, which creates an effective barrier between you and the difficult-to-clean interior of your bag. Additionally, if you're sleeping without any shelter, you can use a bivvy bag, a waterproof but breathable outer shell designed to protect your sleeping bag from getting damp.
Some people also experience "damp bag syndrome", where their sleeping bag becomes sweaty and damp from their body heat and natural perspiration. This can be mitigated by using a sleeping bag made from a super breathable fabric, such as a cotton t-shirt or no-see-um mesh, which allows moisture to escape more easily than traditional shell fabrics. However, one downside to this is that a sleeping bag that is too breathable may lose heat more easily, especially in drafty conditions.
Another way to increase breathability is to use a quilt instead of a sleeping bag, as quilts are easier to ventilate and will move with you as you shift in your sleep. However, quilts may not provide as much warmth as a sleeping bag, especially in colder conditions.
Overall, while sleeping bags are typically not completely waterproof, they do have some water-resistant features, and there are ways to increase their breathability and keep them dry, ensuring a more comfortable night's sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all sleeping bags are water-resistant. While many sleeping bags have some type of light water repellence, most are not fully waterproof.
Water-resistant sleeping bags are difficult to manufacture, expensive to produce, and fairly impractical to use. Manufacturers would need to use shell fabrics with a waterproof coating or a membrane while ensuring that all seams and stitching were fully taped or sealed.
If you're camping without shelter, it's recommended to use a bivvy bag, a waterproof but breathable outer shell designed to protect your sleeping bag from getting damp.
