Miya Pearson
Sleeping bags are essential for a good night's sleep when camping, so it's important to know how to store them properly to ensure they last a long time and remain comfortable. Incorrect storage can damage the insulation, leading to a cold night's sleep. The best way to store a sleeping bag is to hang it in a cool, dry place, allowing it to fully loft (fluff up) and ventilate. This keeps a protective layer of air around the insulation materials, maintaining warmth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Store in a cool place |
| Dryness | Store in a dry place |
| Loft | Allow sleeping bag to fluff up |
| Container | Store in a breathable cotton or mesh sack |
| Washing | Wash bag periodically |
| Sunlight | Keep out of direct sunlight |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid damp and unheated spaces
When storing a sleeping bag, it's important to keep it in a cool, dry place. Basements, attics, garages, and sheds are often damp and humid, which can cause mould to form on the sleeping bag over time. The same goes for unheated and uncooled spaces, like car trunks. These spaces can also experience extreme temperature fluctuations, which are hard on your bag.
If you must store your sleeping bag in one of these spaces, there are a few things you can do to minimise damage. Firstly, make sure your bag is completely dry before storing it. You can do this by hanging your bag over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area.
Another way to minimise damage is to use a storage container made of natural materials such as cotton or canvas. A jumbo cotton storage bag is ideal as it gives the bag plenty of room to loft and air out. You can also use a mesh laundry bag, which is machine washable and allows for airflow. If you're using a plastic bin or box, consider adding an anti-humidity/moisture absorber packet to help keep the space dry.
Finally, it's important to take your sleeping bag out of storage every month or so to fluff it up, air it out, and ensure that it's not showing any signs of damp. This will help keep your sleeping bag in good condition and prevent any specific area from being folded in one place for too long.
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Use a breathable cotton or mesh sack
To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it's important to store it in a cool, dry place. One way to do this is to use a breathable cotton or mesh sack. This will allow air circulation and prevent the build-up of moisture, which can lead to mould or mildew. A cotton or mesh sack is also a good option because it is soft and won't damage the delicate insulating fibres of your sleeping bag. This type of storage bag is often included with the purchase of a sleeping bag, so you may already have one. If not, you can buy a mesh laundry bag, which will do the job well.
When using a cotton or mesh sack, make sure to loosely pack your sleeping bag inside. This will help maintain the loft of the sleeping bag, which is key to keeping you warm. The insulating fibres need room to fluff up and create small air pockets that trap body heat. If these fibres are compressed for long periods, they can become damaged and less effective at retaining warmth.
You can also use a cotton or mesh sack in combination with other storage methods. For example, you could hang your sleeping bag from a hook in a cool, dry room and then cover it with the sack to protect it from dust. Alternatively, you could loosely pack your sleeping bag into a large pillowcase and then place it inside the cotton or mesh sack for added protection.
It's worth noting that, while cotton and mesh sacks are great options, there are other breathable materials you can consider. For instance, you could use a cardboard box or a pillow or comforter set's clear plastic zipper pouch. The key is to ensure your sleeping bag has room to loft and ventilate, so it doesn't get damaged or lose its insulating properties.
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Wash and dry your bag before storing
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to wash and dry it thoroughly. This will ensure that your bag stays clean and performs well for longer.
Firstly, check your bag for any stains or dirt. If there are any, try to remove them with a cloth, wet towel, or by handwashing a separate section of the bag. If this doesn't work, or if your bag is losing its insulating properties, it's time for a wash. It is recommended to wash your bag at least once a year, or more often if you use it frequently. If you're an avid backpacker, washing your bag once a season is a good idea.
When washing your bag, always follow the product care instructions on the label. Avoid using a top-loading machine with an agitator, as this can damage the bag. Instead, use a front-loading machine or hand wash the bag. If you're using a machine, fill the tub with cool or warm water and add a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products. If handwashing, soak the bag in a bathtub or large container of water for no more than half an hour, then move it to a horizontal-loading machine. Wash in a delicate cycle at the temperature indicated on the label, using a special soap for down bags if necessary.
After washing, dry your bag thoroughly. Drying will take at least two to three hours, and down bags may take longer. Avoid dry cleaning, as the solvents can strip the natural oils from down. Instead, 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 damage the fabric. If hanging indoors, use a dry, temperature-controlled room and consider setting up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the process. Make sure your bag is completely dry before storing it, as moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.
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Avoid direct sunlight when drying
When drying a sleeping bag, it is important to avoid direct sunlight. UV rays can weaken the fabric and damage the exterior coating and materials. This is especially true if your bag has a waterproof shell, as this can block the dissipation of moisture.
If you are drying your bag outdoors, hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space. It should be kept out of direct sunlight, and you can aid the drying process by turning the bag inside out for the first four hours, and then turning it back for the remaining four hours. If there is no outdoor space available, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. Set up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the process.
If you are using a dryer, always use a low heat setting and check the bag frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting. If you are air-drying your bag, lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up, but be careful to distribute the weight so that you do not put too much stress on the fabric.
It is important to ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. If your bag is not completely dry, the moisture can cause mould and mildew to grow on the surface and inside the insulation.
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Store in a cool, dry place
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place. This is because moisture and temperature extremes are hard on your bag. Avoid damp basements and unheated spaces such as garages and attics. If you have to store your sleeping bag in an attic, it is best to store it close to the attic hatch or eaves, where temperatures are slightly cooler. Basements can also be very damp places, so mould might start to build up on your sleeping bag if it is not stored properly. If your basement is insulated with plenty of ventilation, you may be able to avoid any serious damage to your bag.
Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry room or cupboard where they have plenty of space to fully loft and air out. Avoid storing your bag in places where temperatures are likely to fluctuate or damp environments. The best place to store a sleeping bag is a dry and well-ventilated cupboard, like a walk-in wardrobe. If you absolutely have to store your sleeping bag in a garage, make sure to find a container that keeps the bag ventilated but does not let too much damp in.
It is also important to avoid storing your sleeping bag in direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials. If you're airing your sleeping bag inside, find a place that isn't too hot or humid. Hot water cupboards are not the best place, as the warm air can damage the bag over time. Instead, hang your bag over a clothes airer in a dry room and use a household fan to keep the air moving around your bag.
To get the most out of your sleeping bag, it is important to avoid crushing the delicate insulating fibres while the bag is in storage. This applies to both down insulation and synthetic fibres. Allowing your sleeping bag to fully loft (fluff up) while it's being stored for lengthy periods keeps a protective layer of air around the delicate insulation materials.
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Frequently asked questions
To store your sleeping bag for a long time, you should first clean it thoroughly. Then, dry it either on a clothes hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6-8 hours, or in a large commercial dryer on low heat. Finally, loosely store it in a large cotton or mesh sack in a cool, dry place.
To dry your sleeping bag, first fully unzip it. Then, hang it over a line or a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6-8 hours. If drying outdoors, make sure it is not in direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can dry your sleeping bag in a large commercial dryer.
To clean your sleeping bag, first check the washing instructions on the label. Then, put it through the washing machine. Dry it either on a clothes hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6-8 hours, or in a large commercial dryer on low heat.
To store a sleeping bag for camping, you can use its compression stuff sack to make it more compact and portable. However, when you reach your campsite, take it out of the stuff sack to allow it to breathe and fluff up.
You should store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements, unheated spaces like garages and attics, and car trunks. A closet or cupboard is ideal.
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