Ashwin Lewis
When it comes to down sleeping bags, the general consensus is that they should be stored as open as possible when not in use. However, this does not mean that they cannot be compressed when necessary. Compressing a down sleeping bag for a long period of time, especially when it is damp, can damage the bag and decrease its longevity. Therefore, it is recommended to only pack it as tight and for as long as needed, and to always ensure that the bag is dried and aired out after use before storing it in a cool, dry place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Compression damage | Over compressing a down sleeping bag can lead to loft degradation and damage to the barbs and barbules of the feathers |
| Storage | Down sleeping bags should be stored as open as possible when not in use, but can be compressed when necessary |
| Drying | It is important to dry a sleeping bag thoroughly before storage and to store it in a cool, dry place |
| Washing | Washing a sleeping bag periodically is recommended to remove body oils, sweat and dirt; this should be done every few years or once a season if the bag is used frequently |
| Moisture | Moisture and temperature extremes are hard on a sleeping bag, so it is important to avoid storing it in damp or unheated/uncooled spaces |
| Protection | Using a stuff sack can provide moisture and cut protection for a sleeping bag |
| Space-saving | Compressing a down sleeping bag can save space, but it is important to consider the trade-off between volume, weight and warmth |
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What You'll Learn
Down sleeping bags can be compressed, but not too tight
It is important to note that compressing any bag, whether down or synthetic, too tightly will lead to loft degradation over time. This is because the tight compression impacts the feathers' structure, reducing their ability to create the small air pockets that provide insulation. Therefore, it is recommended to only pack the bag as tightly as needed and for as long as necessary. If possible, remove the bag from its compression sack periodically to allow it to loosen and air out.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that a down sleeping bag is thoroughly dried before storage. Moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow on the surface and inside the insulation, compromising the bag's performance and longevity. To dry a down sleeping bag, it is recommended to hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. Alternatively, the bag can be dried in a large commercial dryer on a low heat setting, with a few clean tennis balls added to help fluff up the fill.
When storing a down sleeping bag for an extended period, it is best to use a large, breathable cotton or mesh storage sack. This allows the bag to remain loose and airy, ensuring that it dries out thoroughly and maintains its loft. A king-size pillowcase can also be used if a large storage bag is not available. It is recommended to store the bag in a cool, dry place, avoiding damp basements and unheated or uncontrolled spaces like garages and attics.
By following these guidelines for compression, drying, and storage, down sleeping bag owners can ensure that their bags remain in good condition and provide effective insulation for many trips to come.
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Loft degradation can occur from over-compression
Loft degradation from over-compression
Loft degradation is the decrease in a sleeping bag's ability to fluff up (loft) and create small air pockets within the insulation, which is key to keeping you warm. Over-compressing a sleeping bag, whether down or synthetic, can lead to loft degradation. This occurs when the bag is compressed too tightly, damaging the barbs and barbules of the feathers and decreasing loft over time. This is less likely to occur with higher-quality down.
To prevent loft degradation, it is recommended to store a sleeping bag as loosely and openly as possible when not in use. This allows the bag to maintain its fluffiness and create the necessary air pockets for insulation. When packing a sleeping bag for travel, it is best to compress it only as much as needed to fit into your bag. A simple stuff sack or dry bag is often sufficient, and a compression sack may not save much additional space due to the hard shape it creates, which can leave wasted air pockets in your pack.
Additionally, it is important to keep your sleeping bag dry. A damp down bag that is left compressed for an extended period is more susceptible to damage. Always dry your sleeping bag thoroughly before storing it, and avoid storing it in damp spaces like basements or unheated areas. If your bag is damp, hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. You can also use a large commercial dryer on a low heat setting, tossing in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the fill.
By following these guidelines and avoiding over-compression, you can help maintain the loft and warmth of your sleeping bag over its lifetime.
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Damp down bags should not be stored compressed
Down sleeping bags should not be stored compressed, especially when damp, as this can damage the bag. When a down sleeping bag is compressed, the air trapped in the feathers is pushed out, and the feathers are forced to lie flat. This can cause the feathers to become brittle and break, reducing the bag's loft and insulation.
While down sleeping bags can be compressed for short periods without causing significant damage, it is generally recommended to store them as open as possible when not in use. This allows the feathers to loft and regain their shape, ensuring the bag remains warm and comfortable. Storing a down sleeping bag in a large breathable storage bag, such as the one it came with, is ideal. Alternatively, it can be kept under a bed or hanging in a closet.
If a down sleeping bag must be stored in a compressed state, it should be removed and allowed to loft periodically. This could be once a day or once every few days, depending on the climate and storage conditions. The bag should be removed from its stuff sack and gently shaken out to allow the feathers to separate and regain their loft.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that a down sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it in a compressed state. Any moisture trapped in the feathers can cause mildew and mould, which will not only damage the bag but also pose health risks.
Overall, while down sleeping bags can be compressed for short periods without significant damage, it is best to avoid storing them in a compressed state for extended periods, especially if damp.
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Dry bags are preferable to compression sacks
It is well known that a down sleeping bag should be stored as open as possible when not in use. However, it can be compressed to a small fraction of its size when necessary. For example, compression sacks can be used to transform bulky items into small, rock-hard packages. They work by squeezing out all the air, optimising the space in your backpack or luggage.
However, there are some drawbacks to using compression sacks for sleeping bags. Firstly, they can be heavier than simple stuff sacks. Secondly, they can create wasted air pockets at the corners and edges. Thirdly, and most importantly, they can damage the sleeping bag. Every second a down sleeping bag is compressed is a check mark against its longevity, and the tighter it is packed, the bigger the check mark. Compressing the bag too tightly can cause damage to the barbs and barbules of the feathers, decreasing loft over time. This is less of an issue with higher-quality down, but it is still a risk.
Therefore, dry bags are preferable to compression sacks. A good stuff sack can keep a sleeping bag dry, help it last longer, and reduce weight. The best sleeping bag stuff sack is completely waterproof, lightweight, and durable. For example, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Sack provides a good balance between moderate durability and weight savings. The Watershed ZipDry bags are also 100% waterproof, but they are too heavy for use as a sleeping bag stuff sack.
It is important to note that sleeping bags should not be stored in a compression sack for an extended period of time. After several months, down items may lose their resiliency and lofting (re-fluffing) ability. Instead, sleeping bags should be draped over a hanger for long-term storage.
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Compression sacks can create wasted air pockets
A large sleeping bag, when compressed, can become a solid item with a hard shape. This can make it difficult to fit into a backpack and utilise all the available space. Instead, a loosely packed sleeping bag can fill the bottom of a backpack, with other items packed around it, making better use of the space.
Additionally, compression sacks can be heavier than simple stuff sacks, adding unnecessary weight to your pack. A compression sack may also not be necessary, as a sleeping bag can be compressed by simply rolling it up and placing it in the backpack without a stuff sack. This method can save space and weight, which is essential for backpacking and hiking.
Finally, it is important to consider the long-term storage of your sleeping bag. Leaving a sleeping bag compressed for extended periods can damage the loft, especially if it is damp. Storing your sleeping bag loosely in a large breathable cotton or mesh sack will keep it contained without compressing the fill and allow for air circulation. This will help ensure that your sleeping bag lasts for many adventures to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, down sleeping bags can be packed too tight. Compressing the bag too much will degrade the loft, causing damage to the barbs and barbules of the feathers.
If your sleeping bag is compressed to the point of feeling hard, it is likely too tight. Compression bags also tend to have a limit, where the buckles start to slip or the seams start to burst.
It is recommended to store your down sleeping bag in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack in a cool, dry place. The bag should be loose enough to allow air circulation and ensure it dries out thoroughly.
It is recommended to wash your down sleeping bag periodically, as body oils, sweat, and dirt can compromise performance. Avid backpackers should wash their bags once a season.
