Gina Johnson
Knowing how to stuff a sleeping bag is essential for backpackers and campers. While stuffing a sleeping bag into a compression sack is necessary for travel, it is not ideal for long-term storage. Sleeping bags should be stored in a large mesh or fabric sack that does not compress the bag. This is because the insulation inside a sleeping bag, whether down or synthetic, needs to be able to loft (fluff up) to create small air pockets that trap heat and keep the sleeper warm. Keeping a sleeping bag compressed for long periods can reduce its lofting ability, and failure to dry it out between trips can result in mould and mildew.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in a large mesh or fabric storage sack that is breathable |
| Do not store in a stuff sack for long periods | |
| Store in a cool, dry place | |
| Avoid direct sunlight and windows to prevent UV damage | |
| Cleaning | Wash by hand or use a front-loading machine |
| Do not dry clean or use a top-loading washing machine | |
| Use down-specific soaps like Nikwax | |
| Wash periodically to avoid a build-up of body oils, sweat and dirt | |
| Dry with tennis balls to break up clumped down and insulation | |
| Do not leave in direct sunlight as UV rays can weaken the fabric |
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What You'll Learn
Keep the bag clean
Keeping your sleeping bag clean is the best way to keep it in good condition. There are several ways to do this, including using a sleeping bag liner, storing it properly, and spot cleaning.
Firstly, consider using a sleeping bag liner. Liners can be made from cotton, silk, wool, or polyester and act as a barrier between your skin and the bag. This means you only need to wash the liner after each trip, rather than the bag itself. Liners also add 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating.
If you do need to wash your sleeping bag, it is important to do so correctly. Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, as long as a front-loading washer (or top-loading machine without an agitator) is used. However, some sources recommend hand washing as machine washing can damage the bag. If you do use a machine, wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and a small amount of appropriate soap. Avoid standard laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, and alternative bleach products. Rinse at least twice to ensure all the soap residue is gone.
If you hand wash your bag, fill a bathtub with warm water and add the recommended amount of soap. Turn the bag inside out and submerge it in the water, gently kneading to force the water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can tear the stitching. After each kneading cycle, drain the tub and carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the water. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat until there are no more suds.
To dry your bag, set the dryer on low heat and check often as the fabric or filling can melt if it gets too hot. Down sleeping bags can take several hours to dry thoroughly, so patience is key. When the bag is nearly dry, add two or three clean tennis balls or a pair of clean sneakers to the dryer to help with the lofting process.
Finally, store your bag correctly to keep it clean and in good condition. When you arrive home from a trip, unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it is completely dry before storing. Then, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase, or a cotton bag that you have made yourself. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will damage the fill over time. Avoid storing in watertight bags, as condensation can build up and result in mildew.
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Dry the bag properly
Drying a down sleeping bag is a time-consuming process that requires patience and careful handling. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your bag is dried properly:
Drying Techniques
If you're hand-washing your sleeping bag, carefully gather it up and hold it close to your body to avoid straining the seams when it's heavy and soaked. You can then roll it up in a few towels and press firmly to squeeze out excess water. If you're using a washing machine, set it to \"spin\" to remove as much water as possible before drying.
The drying process can be done in a dryer or by air-drying, or a combination of both. If you choose to machine dry, use a dryer with a large capacity to ensure the bag has enough room to tumble. Set the dryer to low heat as high temperatures can damage the delicate fabric of the sleeping bag.
Preventing Clumping
To prevent the down filling from clumping, add two to three tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. These help agitate the fill, restoring its loft. However, some sources suggest that tennis balls can tear the outer fabric, so it's recommended to wait until the bag is 90% dry before adding them. You can also manually break up clumps with your hands during the drying process.
Air Drying
Air-drying is another option, especially if you don't have access to a dryer. Hang the bag and let it air dry for an extended period, such as 12 hours. You can then put it back in the dryer on \"air dry\" (no heat) for 30 minutes to help reduce the remaining moisture. Repeat this process as needed until the bag is completely dry.
Drying Time
Down sleeping bags can take several hours to dry thoroughly, so be patient and don't rush the process. Remember to dry your bag completely before storing it. Always store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place, uncompressed, and away from direct sunlight.
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Use a large mesh sack for storage
When storing a down sleeping bag for a long time, it is important to keep it uncompressed and well-aerated. This is because the delicate down fill fibres can be damaged by excessive compression, causing the bag to lose loft and become less effective at trapping air and providing warmth. Therefore, a large mesh sack is ideal for storing your down sleeping bag.
A mesh sack allows for a free flow of air, preventing mildew or insulation damage from moisture. It also helps to keep dirt and dust from building up on your bag. Additionally, the large size of the sack provides ample room for the sleeping bag to spread out and retain its loft, which is key to keeping you warm.
Many sleeping bags come with their own large mesh or fabric storage sacks. If yours did not come with one, you can purchase a cotton or mesh sack that is 90 litres or larger. A cotton laundry bag or a king-size pillowcase can also be used, although a pillowcase may be a bit small.
When placing the bag into the storage sack, slowly feed the sleeping bag into the mesh bag and shake it out to allow it to achieve maximum loft. Undo the zips and turn your sleeping bag inside out before storing it. This is because many bags are coated with a waterproof film that can prevent damp air from escaping.
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Avoid direct sunlight
When storing your sleeping bag, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. The UV rays from the sun can weaken the exterior coating and materials of your bag, causing damage over time. This is true for both down and synthetic sleeping bags.
If you need to air out your sleeping bag, find a place that isn't too hot or humid, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods. The same goes for when you are on a backpacking trip and need to air out your bag during the day. Choose a spot in the shade, and turn the bag inside out to dry out any moisture.
When storing your sleeping bag for the long term, it is best to keep it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. A dry room or cupboard where it has plenty of space to loft and air out is ideal. Avoid storing your bag in places where temperatures fluctuate or in damp environments, as this can cause mould to form over time.
Additionally, when stuffing your sleeping bag into a compression sack, avoid using excessive force or keeping it compressed for extended periods. This can compress the insulation, reducing loft and warmth and potentially damaging the delicate insulating fibres.
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Wash by hand or machine
Whether you choose to hand wash or machine wash your down sleeping bag, there are some important steps to follow to ensure you don't damage the bag.
If you choose to hand wash your bag, fill a tub with cool or warm water and add a suitable cleaner. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be harder to rinse out. Place the bag in the water and gently work the soap through the material, paying particular attention to heavily soiled areas. Allow the bag to soak for up to an hour, then drain the tub and press out any remaining water. Refill the tub with fresh water and gently work out the soap, then let the bag sit for 15 minutes before draining again. Repeat the rinsing process until all the soap is removed, then gently squeeze out excess water.
If you would prefer to machine wash your bag, use a front-loading washer (or a top-loading machine without an agitator). Wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and an appropriate soap, such as a down soap, which is mild and will rinse out without leaving residue. Avoid using standard laundry detergent, as the fillers and brighteners can stick to the down and prevent it from lofting. Use a small amount of soap to avoid over-sudsing, and consider adding damp towels or t-shirts to help balance the spin of the machine. Rinse at least twice to ensure all soap residue is removed, or run a second, soap-free wash cycle.
Regardless of whether you hand wash or machine wash your down sleeping bag, it is important not to pick up the bag when it is full of water, as this can cause tearing or shifting of the down. Once you have squeezed out excess water, carefully carry the bag to the dryer, supporting the entire bag to avoid straining and ripping the seams. Set the dryer to low heat, as high heat can melt the fabric or filling. Dry for at least an hour, adding two or three clean tennis balls to help break up clumps of down and speed up the drying process.
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Frequently asked questions
Slowly feed the sleeping bag into the sack and shake it out to allow it maximum loft.
Avoid jumping into the sleeping bag when you're wet, sweaty, and dirty. You can also use a sleeping bag liner to help keep it clean.
Hang your bag 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.
Find a large mesh or fabric storage sack that will protect your sleeping bag without compressing it. Keep it in a place that's cool and dry.
Keep your bag dry and leave it lofted and loose when possible. This prevents any funk and moisture from festering.
