Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant. This means they can withstand a little moisture, but it's still important to try and keep your sleeping bag dry. If water droplets are soaking into the outer fabric of your sleeping bag, you can restore the coating at home with a spray-on solution.
If you're in the market for a new sleeping bag, consider getting one that comes with a dry bag or waterproof stuff sack. Alternatively, you can use a rucksack liner or rain cover to add extra protection from the elements.
When sleeping outdoors, always use a sleeping mat as well as a sleeping bag. A mat provides vital insulation from the cold ground, ensuring you'll sleep warmer than with a bag alone. It also helps to prevent your sleeping bag from absorbing additional moisture that will otherwise get trapped between the ground and your body.
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What You'll Learn
- Waterproof sleeping bags are difficult to manufacture and impractical to use
- Waterproofing sprays can be used to enhance the water-repellency of a sleeping bag
- Waterproof stuff sacks can be used to store sleeping bags and protect them from water damage
- Sleeping bag liners can be used to protect sleeping bags from dirt and odour-causing bacteria
- Bivvy bags can be used to protect sleeping bags from water damage when sleeping without a tent or tarp
Waterproof sleeping bags are difficult to manufacture and impractical to use
Waterproof sleeping bags are difficult to manufacture, expensive to produce, and impractical to use.
To make a sleeping bag waterproof, you would need to use shell fabrics with a waterproof coating or a membrane, and ensure that all seams and stitching were fully taped or sealed. This would be a very costly process, and it would add weight and bulk to the bag, making it less comfortable and probably crinkly and noisy, which is not ideal for a good night's sleep.
Using waterproof fabrics in a sleeping bag also tends to reduce breathability. Modern waterproof fabrics are marketed as being 'breathable', but they are far less breathable than most non-waterproof shell fabrics used in sleeping bags today. Breathability refers to a material's ability to move moisture vapour, and sleeping bags are constructed to move this moisture through the fabrics and fill, away from the body, thereby keeping the sleeper warm, dry, and comfortable.
The enclosed design of most mummy-style sleeping bags tends to trap moisture, which the body naturally produces overnight through evaporation (perspiration or sweating) and respiration (breathing). No one wants to sleep drenched in their own sweat or in the fug of their own breath, so it's important that the bag doesn't trap too much moisture.
Waterproofing sprays can aid water repellency, but they won't make a sleeping bag totally waterproof.
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Waterproofing sprays can be used to enhance the water-repellency of a sleeping bag
Additionally, it is crucial to consider the breathability of the bag. A sleeping bag needs to be porous to allow moisture to escape, as condensation can form inside the insulation if it is unable to do so. This can result in the sleeper waking up drenched in sweat. Therefore, while waterproofing sprays can provide some level of water resistance, they may also negatively impact the breathability of the bag.
Before applying any waterproofing product, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that it is safe for the specific sleeping bag material. It is also worth noting that many good-quality sleeping bags already come with a water-repellent coating, so adding an extra layer may be unnecessary.
If waterproofing sprays are used, it is important to follow the instructions on the product carefully. One recommended product is Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On, which is easy to use and can be applied after washing the bag and before drying it.
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Waterproof stuff sacks can be used to store sleeping bags and protect them from water damage
Waterproof stuff sacks are a great way to store your sleeping bag and protect it from water damage. They are made from materials such as nylon, polyester, or Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) and are available in a range of capacities, from less than a litre to 60 litres or more.
Nylon and polyester stuff sacks are the most common and affordable options. They are relatively strong, tear- and puncture-resistant, and pack down well. Most nylon stuff sacks range from about 30- to 70-denier, and thicker varieties are better for use outside of a backpack. It’s also common to see silnylon—short for silicone-treated nylon—which is a premium, waterproof blend of the material. Polyester stuff sacks are generally thicker and more affordable than nylon designs, but some modern blends are highlighted by their impressive durability and low weight.
Dyneema is a great choice if you demand a lot from your gear. It’s lightweight, strong, and inherently waterproof. Unlike nylon and polyester, it doesn’t require waterproof coatings, which provides some added assurance while minimising weight and bulk. In our experience, Dyneema stuff sacks can be thrown around, used daily, and stored outside of a backpack without worrying too much about the consequences.
Waterproof stuff sacks feature waterproof fabrics, taped seams, and roll-top closures. In contrast, water-resistant stuff sacks feature coatings for water resistance but forgo taped seams and watertight closures.
Stuff sacks are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most stuff sacks are some variation of a cylinder, with a round and flat (or flat-ish) bottom and straight sides. These styles are easy to stuff and thus our top choice for lofty items like a tent, sleeping bag, or down puffy. But manufacturers have gotten creative with their stuff sack shapes, and it’s also common to see flat, rectangular designs (with no base), which are less useful for bulky or lofty gear, but we really like them for lower-profile items like dehydrated backpacking meals or a book and journal. Their sleek shape also makes them an ideal fit for stashing in the outside dump pocket of many ultralight backpacking packs.
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Sleeping bag liners can be used to protect sleeping bags from dirt and odour-causing bacteria
Sleeping bag liners are a great way to protect your sleeping bag from dirt and odour-causing bacteria. They are a multi-functional piece of gear that can be used in various climates and sleeping conditions.
Sleeping bag liners act as a protective layer between you and your sleeping bag, preventing the transfer of body oils, sunscreen, bug spray, dirt, and other odours that may be on your skin, hair, or clothes. Over time, these contaminants can cause the filler in your sleeping bag to clump, reducing its loft, insulation rating, comfort, and overall lifespan. Liners also help to manage moisture, as many sleeping bags are made from nylon, which has moisture-wicking properties but is not very comfortable against the skin. Liners made from materials such as silk, COOLMAX® technology, and microfleece are both breathable and effective at wicking away moisture, keeping you warm and comfortable throughout the night.
Sleeping bag liners are also useful for travel, especially when staying in hostels, hotels, or huts, as they provide a hygienic layer between you and potentially unclean bedding. They are easy to pack and carry, making them a convenient addition to your gear.
It is important to wash your sleeping bag liner regularly, as the fabric comes into direct contact with your body and can absorb sweat, oil, and dead skin cells. Washing your liner after each trip will help to keep it clean and bacteria-free. The washing process will depend on the type of liner you have, with some materials such as silk and fleece requiring more delicate care than others.
In conclusion, sleeping bag liners are a great way to protect your sleeping bag from dirt and bacteria, while also providing added comfort and warmth. They are a valuable addition to your gear, especially when travelling or camping in various environments.
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Bivvy bags can be used to protect sleeping bags from water damage when sleeping without a tent or tarp
A bivvy bag is a thin, lightweight, compact, and flexible waterproof jacket for your sleeping bag. It is a minimalistic shelter that allows you to sleep almost anywhere. It is a good option for those who want a lightweight, smaller alternative to a tent.
Bivvy bags can be used to protect your sleeping bag from water damage when sleeping without a tent or tarp. They are especially useful in wet or windy weather, providing extra protection from the elements. However, it is important to note that condensation can build up inside the bivvy bag due to poor airflow, so it is crucial to dry your sleeping bag afterward. Additionally, bivvy bags offer limited space, so they may not be ideal for those who want to sit up or move around inside.
When using a bivvy bag without a tent, it is recommended to choose a sheltered area, such as an overhang or a clump of trees, to set up your sleeping arrangement. It is also a good idea to use a groundsheet and a tarp to provide extra protection from the rain and keep your gear dry.
While bivvy bags offer some advantages in terms of portability and protection from the elements, they may not be suitable for extended trips in wet conditions due to the condensation issue. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific needs and conditions of your trip when deciding whether to use a bivvy bag without a tent or tarp.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a waterproof sleeping bag. The vast majority of sleeping bags are not waterproof, but they are usually water-resistant, with tightly woven fabrics on the outside of the bag, often treated with durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes.
The easiest way to keep a sleeping bag dry while it’s in your pack is to keep it in a dry bag or waterproof stuff sack. Premium sleeping bags often come with these (in addition to a bigger mesh bag that is intended for longer-term storage at home). But if your sleeping bag doesn’t have one, you can buy one that is roughly the same volume as your sleeping bag when it is fully compressed (squashed down) to help minimise bulk in your pack.
In addition, you can use either a rucksack liner or rain cover to add extra protection from the elements for your sleeping bag (as well as the rest of your hiking and camping gear) when backpacking.
When you’re sleeping outdoors, always use a sleeping mat as well as a sleeping bag. A mat provides vital insulation from the cold ground, ensuring you’ll sleep warmer than with a bag alone. It also helps to prevent your sleeping bag from absorbing additional moisture that will otherwise get trapped between the ground and your body.
If you’re sleeping in a tent, try to ensure that the hood and footbox of your sleeping bag do not brush against the inner walls during the night. Look for a tent that is long enough to accommodate you fully stretched out, and make sure the walls of the tent do not slope in at an angle too much, as this gives less interior space for head and feet.
Another way to stop your sleeping bag from getting wet inside your tent is to maximise airflow through the tent. This will reduce humidity and condensation, minimising the chances of moisture build-up. Look for a tent designed with integrated air vents, as well as an inner with at least some mesh. A bigger gap between the flysheet and the ground also helps to increase airflow.
If you’re sleeping without any form of shelter at all, always use a bivvy bag. This is a waterproof but breathable outer shell designed to protect your precious sleeping bag from damp.
Fully waterproof sleeping bags are difficult to manufacture, expensive to produce and fairly impractical to use. You’d need to use shell fabrics with a waterproof coating or a membrane, whilst ensuring that all seams and stitching were fully taped or sealed. Think about all of the tiny needle holes in the baffling of a down sleeping bag, for example. Taping or seam sealing them all would be very costly. This process would also add weight and bulk while making the bag less comfortable, and probably crinkly and noisy too – not great for a good night’s sleep.
