Miya Pearson
Sleeping bags are not meant to be stored in compression sacks. While down and synthetic bag insulations are quite resilient and do a good job of fluffing up after being compressed, there is a limit to their resilience. If a sleeping bag is left in a compressed state for a long time, it will lose its lofting ability and resiliency. It is recommended to only pack it as tight and for as long as needed.
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What You'll Learn
It's not recommended to store sleeping bags in compression sacks long-term
It is not recommended to store sleeping bags in compression sacks long-term. This is because the longer a sleeping bag is stored in a compressed state, the more it loses its loft and resiliency. Loft refers to the fluffiness of the sleeping bag, which is what traps warm air and keeps you insulated. Therefore, the degradation of loft directly impacts the bag's ability to keep you warm.
Additionally, the tighter the sleeping bag is compressed, the more significant the degradation of loft and resiliency. This means that compression sacks, which are designed to compress sleeping bags as tightly as possible, are especially detrimental to the bag's longevity.
It is worth noting that this issue is not unique to down sleeping bags. While it is true that the stiffer feather components of down bags are more susceptible to damage from compression, synthetic bags will also degrade if stored in a compressed state over a long period.
To ensure your sleeping bag remains in good condition, it is best to store it in a large, loose sack that allows the bag to retain its loft and air circulation. This could be the jumbo cotton storage bag that most bags are sold with, or you could hang it on a large hanger in a closet or under a bed.
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Compression can degrade lofting ability
While sleeping bags are designed to be compressed for short periods of time, keeping them stored in a compression sack long-term can degrade their lofting ability. This is because the filling in sleeping bags—whether down or synthetic—can only withstand a certain amount of compression before it starts to lose its resiliency.
Lofting ability refers to the sleeping bag's capacity to fluff up and retain warmth through the thickness of its fill. Over time, the tight compression of the bag reduces the fill's ability to loft, compromising its insulating properties. This is especially true for synthetic bags, which tend to fare worse than down bags when kept in a compressed state for extended periods.
The impact of compression on lofting ability is also influenced by the tightness of the compression. The tighter the bag is compressed, the greater the potential damage to the fill. This is because excessive compression can cause the fill to become permanently compacted, reducing its ability to expand and loft.
Additionally, it's important to consider the cleanliness of the sleeping bag. Dirt, body oils, and sweat can accumulate in the insulation over time, compromising the bag's performance. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the bag periodically, especially if it is used frequently. However, when washing and drying a sleeping bag, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid accidental damage.
To maintain the lofting ability of a sleeping bag, it is best to store it in a larger sack or container that allows the bag to remain loose and uncompressed. This could include hanging the bag in a closet or laying it flat under a bed. By avoiding prolonged compression, users can help ensure their sleeping bag retains its warmth and effectiveness over a longer period.
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The longer a bag is compressed, the more damage is done
Sleeping bags should not be stored in their compression sacks. While down and synthetic bag insulations are quite resilient and do a good job of fluffing up after being compressed, there is a limit to how much they can take. The longer a sleeping bag is stored in a compressed state, the more damage is done to its lofting ability. This is because the down filling becomes degraded over time, reducing its effectiveness.
It is recommended that sleeping bags be dried out between trips to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the surface and inside the insulation. To do this, fully unzip the bag and hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid leaving the bag in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. It is also important to periodically wash your sleeping bag, as body oils, sweat, and dirt in the insulation can compromise performance.
Some people recommend using a stuff sack instead of a compression sack to store your sleeping bag. Stuff sacks keep the bag nice and small, but do not compress it as tightly as a compression sack. Others recommend hanging the sleeping bag on a hanger in the closet or storing it in a pillowcase to prevent the down from being compressed.
While some people report that their sleeping bags have been damaged after being stored in a compression sack for a long period of time, others have found that their bags are still usable even after being stored in a compressed state for many years. Ultimately, the decision of how to store your sleeping bag is up to you, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved in compressing your bag for extended periods of time.
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Bags should be dried out between trips to prevent mould and mildew
It is important to dry out your sleeping bag between trips to prevent mould and mildew. This is because moisture and temperature extremes are hard on your bag, and can cause mould and mildew to grow on the surface and inside the insulation. To dry your bag, first, fully unzip it. Then, hang your bag over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. You can aid the drying process by turning the bag inside out for the first 4 hours, and then turning it back for the remaining 4 hours. This process is especially important if your bag has a waterproof outer shell, as this type of shell blocks the dissipation of moisture.
Even if you don't suspect a mould or mildew problem, washing your bag periodically is a good idea. Body oils, sweat, and dirt in the insulation can compromise performance. Most people can do this every few years, but if you're an avid backpacker, washing once a season is recommended. When washing your bag, always use a low heat setting and check it frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting.
If you're unable to dry your bag between trips, it's important to at least avoid storing it in a compressed state for long periods. This is because the resilience of the insulation is limited, and if left compressed for several months, it will lose its resiliency and lofting ability. Synthetics tend to fare worse than down in this regard, but both types of fills will be compromised. Therefore, it's recommended to only pack your bag as tightly and for as long as needed, and to avoid using compression sacks for storage.
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A stuff sack is preferable to a compression sack
While compression sacks are useful for saving valuable space in your backpack, especially when it comes to large sleeping bags, they are not ideal for long-term storage. This is because every second a sleeping bag spends in a compressed state, it loses longevity. The tighter the compression, the bigger the impact on its lifespan. Therefore, a stuff sack is preferable to a compression sack for storing a sleeping bag.
A stuff sack keeps the sleeping bag small and can fill nooks and crannies in your backpack. It also offers moisture and cut protection. Keeping the sleeping bag loose inside the stuff sack allows it to fill the little spaces in your pack. Stuff sacks are also useful for storing sleeping bags in the short term when you are travelling and need to save space. For example, if you're staying in a hotel for a few days, you can take your sleeping bag out of your backpack and store it in a stuff sack.
While compression sacks can be useful in certain situations, such as when packing for a winter expedition, they are not necessary for sleeping bags. Sleeping bags are quite resilient to compression and decompression, and they can be stored without being compressed. In fact, the packing and unpacking process is more damaging than the compressed storage. Additionally, compression sacks may not save much space as they can create wasted air pockets.
It is worth noting that neither stuff sacks nor compression sacks will keep your sleeping bag dry. To ensure your sleeping bag stays dry, it is important to store it in a clean and dry place, whether it is stuffed or not. Overall, while compression sacks can be useful in certain situations, a stuff sack is generally preferable for storing a sleeping bag due to its smaller size, versatility, and lower impact on the lifespan of the sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended to store your sleeping bag in a compression sack. This will cause it to lose its lofting ability and compromise its insulation.
It is best to avoid storing your sleeping bag in a compression sack for long periods. Some sources suggest that keeping it compressed for up to a week should be fine, while others recommend avoiding this altogether.
The best way to store your sleeping bag is in a roomy corner of your closet. You can hang it on a large hanger or lay it flat, ensuring that it is completely dry and uncompressed.
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