Miya Pearson
Keeping your sleeping bag clean is important for its lifespan and insulating power. While cleaning a Rab down sleeping bag is a time-consuming job, it can be done at home or professionally. The former requires careful consideration of the washing and drying process, while the latter is a more straightforward option. In terms of storage, it is recommended to keep the bag uncompressed in a cool, dry place.
How to Clean a Rab Down Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to clean | At least once a year, or more if used regularly |
| How to wash | Hand or machine wash on a gentle 30°C cycle with a specialised agent (e.g. Nikwax Down Wash Direct) |
| Rinse to ensure no soap residue remains | |
| Drying | Tumble dry on a low heat or synthetic setting to restore loft |
| Drying takes 2-4 hours depending on the bag | |
| Down sleeping bags require special attention during drying and can take several hours | |
| Storage | Store uncompressed in a dry, cool place |
| Use a cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase, or a cotton bag | |
| Do not store in its stuff sack or a watertight bag as this can damage the fill | |
| Air the bag out after a trip to ensure it's completely dry before storing | |
| Allow the bag to air for two days before use | |
| Keep the bag in a clean place | |
| Additional tips | Use a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag clean |
| Change into clean clothes before entering the sleeping bag |
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What You'll Learn
Use a non-biological liquid detergent, pure soap or a technical cleaner
To clean a Rab down sleeping bag, you can use a non-biological liquid detergent, pure soap, or a technical cleaner. It is recommended to use a specialised agent such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Granger's Down Wash. You should avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products, as well as fabric conditioner, as this can reduce the thermal efficiency of the sleeping bag by coating the synthetic fill.
If you are using a washing machine, rinse your machine first to clear any residual detergent and softeners. Turn your sleeping bag inside out to protect the outer shell and allow the synthetic fill to get a thorough clean. Use a gentle, cool setting, ideally 30°C, and a low spin.
If you are washing your bag by hand, fill a tub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate cleaner. You can also use a large commercial washing machine, which may be the easiest option.
After washing, check your sleeping bag and turn it over regularly to ensure that it dries evenly. Tumble drying on a low heat or synthetic setting will help restore the loft. The drying process can take several hours, from two to four hours, or even up to eight hours for a sleeping bag. It is important to note that down sleeping bags require more careful attention and time than synthetic bags.
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Machine wash on a cool, gentle setting, ideally 30ºC
Machine washing a Rab down sleeping bag requires a cool, gentle setting, ideally at 30ºC. This temperature is recommended because it is gentle enough to protect the down compartments of the sleeping bag. Machine washing is a good option for those who wish to wash their down sleeping bag themselves, although it is a time-consuming job, especially the drying process, which requires special attention.
When machine washing, it is important to use a specialised agent such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Granger's Down Wash. These products are designed to protect the natural oils of the down, which help the bag retain its loft. After washing, it is crucial to remove the sleeping bag from the machine with care. The weight of the item should be supported by 'cradling' it in a bath towel or something similar. Failure to do so may result in damage to the down compartments.
Once removed from the machine, the sleeping bag should be tumble-dried immediately in a front-loading dryer on a cool setting. This step is essential to restoring the loft of the sleeping bag. The tumble-drying process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the bag. It is important to note that the down in the sleeping bag may clump together during the drying process, but this is usually not a cause for concern. If this happens, the bag can be re-washed and dried again, following the correct instructions.
After drying, the sleeping bag should be stored uncompressed in a dry, cool place. It is recommended to allow the bag to air for two days before using it again. Proper care and maintenance of a Rab down sleeping bag will ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.
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Tumble dry on a low heat or synthetic setting
Tumble drying your RAB down sleeping bag is an important step in the cleaning process. It is recommended that you tumble dry your sleeping bag on a low heat or synthetic setting to help restore the loft. The tumble drying process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the bag. It is important to note that down sleeping bags require more time and careful attention, which is why many people choose to have their bags professionally cleaned.
When tumble drying your RAB down sleeping bag, always use a front-loading dryer on a cool setting. This is crucial to ensure that the down compartments are not damaged. Make sure to cradle the sleeping bag in a bath towel or something similar when removing it from the washing machine, as the weight of the item can strain and damage the down compartments.
During the tumble drying process, regularly check on your sleeping bag and turn it over to ensure that the synthetic fill is evenly dried. This will help maintain the insulating power of your sleeping bag. It is also important to avoid using fabric softener, dryer sheets, bleach, or alternative bleach products when tumble drying your down sleeping bag, as these can coat the synthetic fill and reduce its thermal efficiency.
Once the tumble drying cycle is complete, remove the sleeping bag from the dryer and allow it to air dry for another 2 to 4 hours. This will ensure that any remaining moisture is removed and prevent mildew from forming. Always store your down sleeping bag uncompressed in a dry, cool place. Proper airing should continue for at least two days before using the sleeping bag again.
By following these instructions for tumble drying your RAB down sleeping bag, you can ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned, maintained, and stored correctly, extending its lifespan and keeping it in good condition for years to come.
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Store uncompressed in a dry, cool place
When storing your Rab down sleeping bag, it is important to keep it uncompressed. This is because, over time, storing your sleeping bag in a compressed state will cause it to lose its loft, or fluffiness. If you leave your bag in a compressed state inside its stuff sack for several months, it will lose its resiliency and lofting ability.
To store your sleeping bag uncompressed, you can use a large cotton or mesh storage sack, which often comes with the purchase of a sleeping bag. You can also use a large pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. If you don't have space for a large storage bag, you can hang your sleeping bag in a closet or from a curtain rod in your bedroom.
Regardless of how you choose to store your uncompressed sleeping bag, make sure it is in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing your sleeping bag in damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics. Moisture and temperature extremes are hard on your bag and can cause damage.
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Consider using a sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bag liners are a great way to keep your bag clean and fresh. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, preventing body oils, sweat, and dirt from building up on the bag and reducing its insulating power. Liners are available in lightweight materials such as cotton, silk, wool, or polyester, and can be easily washed and dried at the end of each trip. This keeps your sleeping bag clean and extends the time between full washes, which can be time-consuming and require special care.
Rab offers a range of sleeping bag liners, including the Standard Poly-cotton liner, which is durable, versatile, and easy to clean. It packs light, making it ideal for changing temperatures and extended adventures. The liner is breathable and soft against the skin, and can be used on its own or inside your sleeping bag.
For extremely cold temperatures, Rab's Hooded Vapour Barrier Liner is a clever option. This ultralight liner has been treated with a Silcoat™ water-resistant finish and a DWR coating, which prevents moisture from passing from your body into the down of your sleeping bag. This protects the down from condensation and freezing, maintaining its loft and warmth in sub-zero temperatures. The liner features a contoured hood with a drawstring, allowing you to cinch it close around your face for added warmth.
Using a sleeping bag liner can also increase the temperature rating of your bag by 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great option for colder climates or expeditions where you need to stay warm. Liners are easy to pack and won't add significant weight to your gear, making them a convenient way to enhance the comfort and longevity of your sleeping bag.
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