Gina Johnson
A wet down sleeping bag is a sorry sight, and won't keep you warm. If your bag gets soaked, it's worthless or worse than worthless. The moisture filling the spaces between delicate feathers is a great conductor of coolness. It works in a different way than the air being heated by your body, which normally fills the spaces inside the insulation. If your bag gets really wet, it may be necessary to air it out for several hours. If you get your down bag wet so that it stops insulating in cold conditions, you could, in the worst case, get hypothermia and die. However, if your sleeping bag is made of breathable fabric, you just need to get inside it and after about 20 minutes, the moisture will simply evaporate under the influence of your body temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to dry a wet down sleeping bag | Air it out for several hours, then store loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack |
| How to wash a down sleeping bag | Use a down-specific wash, zip up all zippers, use a delicate wash cycle with a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C/100°F, use a faster/longer spin cycle, tumble dry on low heat with tennis balls |
| How to store a down sleeping bag | Store loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, do not store compressed in its stuff sack or in a watertight bag |
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What You'll Learn
Prevent a down sleeping bag from getting wet
Sleeping bags, especially down sleeping bags, are quite expensive. It is therefore understandable that the thought of getting it wet during a camping trip can be terrifying. The good news is that there are several ways to prevent your down sleeping bag from getting wet. Here are some tips to help you keep your down sleeping bag dry:
Use a Liner or a Second Sleeping Bag
One way to protect your down sleeping bag from getting wet is to use a liner or a second sleeping bag with synthetic filling. This outer layer will act as a barrier, preventing condensation and moisture from reaching the inner down layer. This method is practical and lightweight, and it can be used in almost all conditions. It is also recommended to use a liner or a trash compactor bag inside your sleeping bag container to protect it from morning dew or condensation.
Waterproof Your Gear
Waterproofing your gear is another way to keep your down sleeping bag dry. You can line your backpack with a trash compactor bag or use a waterproof bivy sack to protect your sleeping bag from rain and moisture. Additionally, you can treat your down sleeping bag with water-resistant chemicals to make it more water-resistant. However, it's important to note that water-resistant treatments may not hold up to full submersion or heavy rain.
Choose the Right Fabric and Environment
The type of fabric you choose for your sleeping bag can make a difference in how well it handles moisture. Synthetic bags are made of tightly wound plastic fibres, which provide more water resistance than down bags. Synthetic bags are also less expensive and dry faster than down bags. However, down bags are lighter, warmer, more compressible, and generally more comfortable. Consider the environment you'll be camping in and choose the fabric that best suits the expected weather conditions.
Properly Care for Your Tent and Equipment
Sometimes, a wet sleeping bag can be the result of improper care of your tent and camping equipment. Make sure to dry your tent thoroughly before storing it away. Additionally, inspect your shelter carefully before each trip to ensure that the seams and fabric are in good condition. This will help prevent leaks and keep your sleeping bag dry.
Stay Dry and Active
When camping in wet conditions, it's important to stay as dry and active as possible. Wear rain gear and quick-drying clothes, such as polyester, wool, or fleece, to prevent moisture from reaching your sleeping bag. If your clothes do get wet, change into dry ones and stay active to keep your body temperature up.
By following these tips, you can help prevent your down sleeping bag from getting wet and ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
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Dry a down sleeping bag with your body heat
While it is not recommended to sleep in a wet sleeping bag, it is possible to dry a damp sleeping bag with your body heat. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can compromise the insulating power of your sleeping bag, so it is best to change into clean, dry clothes before entering the bag.
If your sleeping bag is only slightly damp, you can try to dry it by sleeping in it. However, if it is soaked, you will need to find an alternative method to dry it first, such as using a dryer or airing it out. Sleeping in a soaking wet sleeping bag will likely lead to mildew and a persistent unpleasant smell.
If your sleeping bag is only slightly damp, you can try to dry it by sleeping in it. Make sure to change into clean, dry clothes first to avoid adding more moisture to the bag. Keep the bag zipped up to trap your body heat inside and help speed up the drying process.
It is important to note that this method may not be effective for larger sleeping bags with more filling, as they require more time and heat to dry thoroughly. If you have access to a dryer or the opportunity to air out the bag, it is recommended to utilize those methods first to ensure the bag is completely dried before storing it away.
Remember, sleeping in a damp sleeping bag can be uncomfortable and may not provide sufficient warmth. It is always best to ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before use, either through body heat or other drying methods.
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Use a vapor barrier to prevent condensation
A vapor barrier liner (VBL) is a great way to prevent condensation in your sleeping bag. It is a very effective method, especially in arctic environments. Vapor barriers are the lightest and warmest option, and they work all year round, even in the middle of summer.
VBLs are designed to trap water vapour, and anything between the VBL and the source of water vapour will get wet. Therefore, the VBL is placed closest to the skin, with the sleeping bag on top. This prevents perspiration from getting into the sleeping bag, and your body heat can then slowly dry out the sleeping bag without the addition of moisture from perspiration.
VBLs are also useful in preventing the accumulation of frozen condensation, which can be a problem in freezing temperatures. The vapor barrier liner will protect the down from condensation from insensible perspiration, and it will keep you warmer. It is important to note that there will be condensation inside the VBL, but this is manageable.
Vapor barriers can be uncomfortable and are not necessary for most people unless you are dealing with extremely cold temperatures for an extended period. They are also not very breathable, and some people dislike the damp, clammy feeling. However, they can be a lifesaver in certain situations and are a good option to have as part of your essentials.
You can make your own VBL using an emergency blanket and some duct tape, or you can purchase one from companies such as Warmlite.
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Carry a synthetic sleeping bag as a backup
Carrying a synthetic sleeping bag as a backup is a good idea when camping or hiking in humid weather or wet conditions. Synthetic sleeping bags are more effective than down sleeping bags in wet conditions because they can insulate even when damp. Down sleeping bags, on the other hand, are useless when they get wet, and drying them out while camping in humid or wet conditions can be challenging.
If you're planning a multi-day hike or camping trip in an area with high humidity or the possibility of rain, it's a good idea to bring a synthetic sleeping bag as a backup. Synthetic bags are generally more affordable than down bags, so having one as a backup won't break the bank. Additionally, synthetic bags are easier to care for than down bags, which require more time and careful attention.
When using a down sleeping bag as your primary bag, make sure to keep it dry and clean. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate in the bag over time, compromising its insulation and leaving it smelling unpleasant. Air out your down bag daily, turning it inside out to dry out any moisture. If possible, hang it in a dry, temperature-controlled area, and set up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
If your down bag gets wet, it's important to dry it thoroughly before storing it. Hang it up or lay it out in a warm, dry place, ensuring it's completely dry before putting it away. To prevent your down bag from getting wet in the first place, consider using a waterproof stuff sack or lining your bag with a plastic garbage bag.
By carrying a synthetic sleeping bag as a backup and properly caring for your down bag, you can ensure a warm and comfortable night's sleep during your outdoor adventures, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
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Use a hydrophobic down sleeping bag
If you're an avid camper, you know the importance of having a good sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags are popular due to their superior warmth and comfort. However, their Achilles' heel is their susceptibility to moisture. Enter hydrophobic down sleeping bags—a solution to this age-old problem.
Hydrophobic down is a term used for down that has been coated with a water-repellent chemical, making it absorb less water and dry faster. This treatment addresses the issue of down losing its insulating properties when wet, which can be a significant concern for campers in sustained wet conditions. The hydrophobic coating causes water to bead up and roll off the surface of the bag, helping to keep you and your belongings dry.
While some campers swear by hydrophobic down, others argue that it doesn't make a significant difference in performance. They claim that even in humid environments, untreated down bags can perform exceptionally well. Additionally, hydrophobic coatings have a ''breaking point' where they can become overly saturated, and they don't tend to last as long as the sleeping bag itself.
If you're considering a hydrophobic down sleeping bag, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. They can provide peace of mind and perform well in damp conditions. However, they may not be worth the extra cost, especially if you primarily camp in dry climates. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and camping style.
Some popular options for hydrophobic down sleeping bags include the ZOOOBELIVES 10 Degree F Hydrophobic Down Sleeping Bag and the ForestDawn 32/15 Degree F Hydrophobic Down Sleeping Bag. These bags offer warmth, breathability, and compact designs, making them suitable for various outdoor activities like backpacking and mountaineering.
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Frequently asked questions
If your down sleeping bag gets wet, it will lose its insulating properties and may leave you vulnerable to hypothermia. If you are in a remote location, you should get into dry clothes and put on rain gear. Stay active to keep your body temperature up. If possible, build or find a dry shelter and hang up your bag to dry. In an emergency, you can use a tea light candle to heat your tent and aid the drying process.
If your bag is only slightly damp, turn it inside out and air it out. If it is thoroughly soaked, hang it up in a dry shelter for as long as it needs to dry. You can speed up the drying process by using a tea light candle in your tent, but be sure to isolate, ventilate, and insulate the flame properly.
To prevent your down sleeping bag from getting wet, carry it in a waterproof sack, especially if it is attached to the outside of your pack. Avoid sleeping outside in the rain or snow, and do not sleep in a puddle or a place where a puddle could form. Before using a new shelter in a remote location, test it out during bad weather in an exposed location where you can easily retreat if necessary.
To protect your down sleeping bag from getting wet while sleeping outdoors, you can use a vapor barrier inside the bag to prevent body moisture from escaping into the down. Alternatively, you can use a thin, synthetic insulated sleeping bag as a cover for your down bag. This will allow the down bag to dry freely while the outer bag reaches the dew point.
