Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags are essential for camping and backpacking trips, providing warmth and comfort during outdoor adventures. When not in use, it is important to store them properly to maintain their quality and ensure a good night's sleep when you need them. This includes cleaning, drying, and finding the right storage space and sack to preserve the insulation and fabric of the sleeping bag. With the right care, your sleeping bag can last for years, so it is worth knowing how to display and store them correctly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, inside a large cotton or mesh sack |
| Cleaning | Spot-clean after every trip, turn inside out and use technical soap for stains |
| Drying | Hang up to air dry, avoid direct sunlight, use a low heat setting |
| Shape | Rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, double |
| Temperature Rating | Choose a rating lower than the lowest anticipated temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Hang to dry before storing
Hanging your sleeping bag to dry before storing it is essential to prevent mould and mildew from forming and to maintain the bag's insulating capacity. Even if you've been camping in dry conditions, your sleeping bag will have absorbed some degree of moisture from condensation or sweat. Hanging your bag to dry will prevent this moisture from becoming trapped when you store your bag, which could otherwise lead to mould forming and damaging the fabric.
Before hanging your bag to dry, it's important to give it a thorough cleaning. Natural body oils, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric and accumulate on the insulation fibres, reducing the bag's efficacy and potentially resulting in a cold night's sleep. To clean your bag, start by wiping away any dirt or debris from the exterior with a soft toothbrush or a slightly damp cloth. Then, turn the bag inside out and use a dedicated technical soap to spot clean any stains or marks.
Once your bag is clean, wring out any excess moisture and hang it up to air dry. It's important to hang your bag in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the exterior coating and fabric. If you're hanging your bag indoors, set up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. You can also use a large commercial dryer, although this is usually only necessary if you've washed your bag. If you do use a dryer, be sure to use a low heat setting and check on your bag frequently to avoid damage.
After your bag is clean and completely dry, it's a good idea to air out the insulation material. Unzip the bag completely and hang it in a cool, dry place for at least 4 to 8 hours. Turning the bag inside out for a few hours first will help it dry evenly and thoroughly. Storing your bag in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack will help to maintain air circulation and keep your bag in top condition.
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Use a cotton or mesh sack
Cotton or mesh sacks are ideal for storing sleeping bags. They are breathable and allow for a free flow of air, which is critical for maintaining the insulation loft of the sleeping bag. The loft is essential for keeping you warm as it creates small air pockets within the insulation, trapping body heat.
Most modern sleeping bags are sold with a large cotton storage sack. These bags are designed to keep the sleeping bag contained without compressing the fill, allowing for air circulation. If your sleeping bag did not come with a storage sack, you can purchase a cotton or mesh sack specifically designed for sleeping bag storage. These sacks are available in various sizes, with 90L being a good option to ensure your bag has enough room to loft and spread out.
If you are looking for a budget option, you can also use a king-size pillowcase or a large duvet cover to loosely store your sleeping bag. However, a cotton or mesh sack is still recommended as the best option for maintaining the quality of your sleeping bag.
When choosing a storage location, opt for a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard or closet. Elevated shelves in garages or similar spaces are also suitable, provided they are not too hot or cold. Avoid storing your sleeping bag in damp basements or unheated spaces like attics. Additionally, ensure the storage area is free from direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the fabric of your sleeping bag.
By following these steps and using a cotton or mesh sack for storage, you can effectively maintain the warmth, comfort, and longevity of your sleeping bag.
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Store in a cool, dry place
Storing your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place is critical to maintaining its quality and ensuring a good night's sleep. When storing your sleeping bag at home, it's important to first extract it from its stuff sack and dry it thoroughly. After cleaning and drying your sleeping bag, choose a cool, dry place to hang it, such as a temperature-controlled indoor area. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials. If space is limited, consider using a large commercial dryer on a low heat setting, tossing in a few clean tennis balls to fluff up the fill.
Once your sleeping bag is clean and dry, you can prepare it for storage. Find a roomy corner in your closet or storage area, and use a jumbo cotton storage bag or a large breathable cotton or mesh sack to loosely stow your sleeping bag. These bags are designed to keep the sleeping bag contained without compressing the fill, allowing for air circulation. If your bag didn't come with a large storage bag, a king-size pillowcase or a cotton or mesh sack (90L) can also be used.
It's important to avoid storing your sleeping bag in damp basements or unheated spaces like garages and attics. Moisture and temperature extremes can damage the bag over time. Additionally, avoid crushing the delicate insulating fibres while the bag is in storage, as this can affect its insulating properties.
By following these steps and storing your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place, you can prolong its life and ensure that you get a comfortable and restful night's sleep during your camping trips.
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Clean before compressing
It is important to clean your sleeping bag before storing or compressing it. Body oils, sweat, dirt, grime, and sunscreen can build up on the outer fabric and the insulation fibres over time, reducing the bag's efficacy and resulting in a cold night's sleep. Therefore, it is recommended to do a spot-clean of your bag after every trip.
To clean your sleeping bag, start by wiping away any dirt or debris from the exterior with a soft toothbrush or slightly damp cloth. Next, turn the bag inside out and use a dedicated technical soap to spot-clean any stains or dirt marks. Once done, wring out the excess moisture and hang the bag up to air dry. It is important to ensure that the bag is completely dry before storing it.
If you have access to a dryer, you can also machine wash your sleeping bag. Make sure to use a specialist down cleaning product, such as Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash Direct, Storm Down Wash, or Fibertec Down Wash Eco. Avoid using detergent or fabric softener. If you are unable to find a specialist cleaning product, soap flakes can also be used. When machine washing, it is recommended to add two to three tennis balls to the dryer to help break up any clumps of down and speed up the drying process.
After cleaning and drying your sleeping bag, it is important to air out the insulation material. Unzip the bag completely and let it hang in a cool, dry place for at least 4 to 6 hours. This helps prevent unpleasant odours and maintains the loft of the down or synthetic fill, ensuring you stay warm and cosy at night.
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Air out after each use
Airing out your sleeping bag after each use is crucial for maintaining its longevity and ensuring your comfort during future use. Here are some detailed instructions to follow:
Firstly, it is important to clean your sleeping bag after each trip. Natural body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can accumulate on the bag's exterior and interior, reducing its insulation performance and resulting in an uncomfortable night's sleep. Use a soft toothbrush or a slightly damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris from the outside of the bag. Then, turn the bag inside out and use a dedicated technical soap to spot clean any stains or marks. Rinse the bag thoroughly and wring out any excess moisture.
Secondly, hang up your sleeping bag to air dry completely. It is recommended to hang the bag in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, for at least 4 to 8 hours. UV rays can weaken and damage the fabric of your sleeping bag. If you are in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by setting up a fan or a dehumidifier. Alternatively, you can use a large commercial dryer, although this is usually not necessary unless you are washing your bag. If you do use a dryer, always use a low heat setting and check on your bag frequently to prevent damage from heat or twisting.
Once your sleeping bag is clean and dry, it is time to air out the insulation material. Unzip the bag completely and hang it up again, turning it inside out for a few hours first. This process helps prevent unpleasant odours and maintains the loft of the insulation, ensuring your bag will keep you warm during your next use.
Finally, when storing your sleeping bag, avoid keeping it in its stuff sack or in a compressed state for extended periods. Instead, store it loosely in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack, or use a king-size pillowcase. These storage methods allow for air circulation and help maintain the quality of your sleeping bag.
By following these steps and airing out your sleeping bag after each use, you can extend its lifespan and ensure a comfortable and warm night's sleep during your camping or backpacking adventures.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. You should also ensure that the bag is thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing it.
Start by wiping away any dirt or debris from the exterior of the sleeping bag with a soft toothbrush or slightly damp cloth. Next, turn your sleeping bag inside out and use a dedicated technical soap to spot clean any stains or dirt marks. Then, wring out the excess moisture and hang up your sleeping bag to air dry.
Hang your bag over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. If no outdoor space is available, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area.
You should let your sleeping bag air out for at least 4 to 6 hours.
