Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are an essential part of camping gear, and keeping them clean and dry is crucial for their longevity and performance. While washing a sleeping bag is a tedious task, drying it in the field can be even more challenging. Whether you're dealing with a down or synthetic bag, getting it thoroughly dry is essential to prevent mildew and maintain insulation. So, how do you dry a sleeping bag in the field? From hanging it up in the sun to using a tumble dryer, there are several methods to ensure your sleeping bag is ready for a comfortable night's rest.
How to dry a sleeping bag in the field
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air it out | Turn the bag inside out and air it out daily, especially if it gets damp. Avoid direct sunlight as UV light can degrade the fabric. |
| Use a dryer | Dryers are preferable to air drying as they prevent clumping and mildew. Use a commercial or home dryer on low heat or 'delicates' and run for at least an hour. |
| Dry cleaning | Never dry clean a sleeping bag as it strips the natural oils. |
| Air drying | Air drying is possible but will take a couple of days. Lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up, distributing the weight to avoid stress on the fabric. |
| Tumble drying | Tumble drying is recommended to restore fluffiness and insulation. Use a laundry sack to protect the bag and add tennis balls or thick rolled-up socks to break up clumps. |
| Waterproofing | Waterproof stuff sacks are useful for backpacking. Alternatively, line a regular stuff sack with a plastic bag before adding the sleeping bag. |
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What You'll Learn
Air it out
Airing out your sleeping bag is an important step in keeping it clean and dry. This is especially true if you've been sleeping directly in the bag, as body oils, sweat, and dirt can degrade the insulating power of the bag over time. Even if you use a liner, it's a good idea to air out your bag daily if possible. Turn the bag inside out and hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight so as not to put too much stress on the fabric. If you're in a sunny, dry climate, this process should go relatively quickly, but it may take a couple of days for the bag to fully dry, especially if the climate is more humid. If you're in a rush, you can try turning the bag right-side out and laying it in the sun, but be careful not to leave it in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric over time.
If you're hanging the bag up to dry, be sure to support the entire bag, not just one end, when removing it from the hanger, as this will help avoid straining and ripping the seams. If you're laying the bag out flat to dry, try to elevate it off the ground. Either way, it's important to make sure the bag is completely dry before you store it. If you're storing the bag for a long period of time, it's best to keep it in a cool, dry place, uncompressed, and away from direct sunlight.
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Avoid direct sunlight
If you're out in the field and your sleeping bag gets wet, it's important to dry it off before storing it away. However, you should avoid direct sunlight when doing so, as UV light can slowly degrade the fabric of your sleeping bag.
If your sleeping bag is only slightly damp, you can simply air it out. Turn it inside out to dry any moisture, and hang it up or lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You may need to manually break up clumps of insulation as it dries. If your bag is particularly dirty, you can spot clean it with a small amount of mild soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Just be sure to hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to avoid getting the inner fill wet.
If your sleeping bag is very wet, you'll need to let it air out for several hours. If possible, hang it up to dry, being careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. If hanging your bag isn't an option, lay it flat in a well-ventilated area and turn it over occasionally to ensure all sides can dry.
In addition to avoiding direct sunlight, it's important to store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid storing it inside its stuff sack for long periods, as this can damage the fill. Instead, opt for a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a pillowcase, or a loose box.
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Use a dryer
If you're out in the field and your sleeping bag gets wet, it's important to dry it out as soon as possible. While there are several ways to do this, using a dryer is one of the most effective methods, especially if you're in a rush. Here's what you need to know about using a dryer to dry your sleeping bag:
First, it's important to choose the right type of dryer. Most sleeping bags are designed to withstand industrial dryers, so look for a front-load commercial dryer at a laundromat. These dryers have larger capacities, ensuring your bag has enough room to tumble and dry thoroughly. If you don't have access to a laundromat, you can use a home dryer, but be aware that some home dryers may be too small for your sleeping bag.
Once you've selected the appropriate dryer, it's crucial to use the correct settings. Always dry your sleeping bag on the lowest heat setting to prevent the shell or synthetic fill from melting. High heat can damage delicate nylon fabrics, so it's better to be cautious and dry your bag at a lower temperature. Check the dryer frequently to ensure it's not getting too hot.
To help restore the loft of your sleeping bag and break up any clumps of insulation, add two to three clean tennis balls or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers to the dryer. This is especially important for down sleeping bags, but can also be beneficial for synthetic bags. The tennis balls will gently break up the clumps as the dryer spins, improving the insulation and warmth of your bag.
Run the dryer for at least an hour, but be prepared for the drying process to take longer, depending on the type of sleeping bag you have. Synthetic bags will typically dry within an hour, while down sleeping bags can take several hours to dry completely. It's crucial to ensure your bag is entirely dry before placing it in its storage sack.
Finally, when using a dryer, never let the cycle finish unattended, especially if the dryer doesn't have a cool-down feature. You don't want your sleeping bag to sit on a hot drum, as this could cause the outer fabric or zippers to melt. Always support the entire bag when removing it from the dryer, as handling it by one end can strain and rip the seams.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a dryer to dry your sleeping bag in the field, ensuring it's ready for a comfortable night's sleep.
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Hang it up
If you're out in the field and need to dry your sleeping bag, hanging it up is a great option. This method works best in low-humidity environments and is most effective when paired with warm, breezy conditions. Here are some detailed steps to help you through the process:
Find a Suitable Hanging Spot:
Look for an area with good airflow and, if possible, direct sunlight. Avoid hanging the bag in a damp or humid location, as this will prevent it from drying properly. If you're in a windy area, make sure the bag is secured well so it doesn't blow away.
Prepare the Sleeping Bag:
Before hanging, turn the sleeping bag inside out. This will help the inner lining dry faster. Zip up all zippers to prevent them from snagging or getting damaged. If the sleeping bag has straps or loops designed for hanging, use those. If not, look for sturdy parts of the bag, such as the corners, to hang it from.
Distribute Weight Evenly:
Sleeping bags, especially when wet, can be quite heavy. Ensure that you distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the nylon fabric. You can use a clothesline or a sturdy branch to hang the bag. If using a branch, make sure it's strong enough to bear the weight without breaking.
Air it Out:
Leave the sleeping bag hanging for several hours, or even overnight, to ensure it dries completely. If possible, periodically check on it and give it a good fluff or shake to help break up any clumps that may form as it dries. This will help restore the bag's natural loft, which is essential for insulation.
Bring it Indoors Overnight:
If the bag still feels slightly damp, bring it indoors for the night. Hang it up inside your tent or shelter, ensuring good airflow, to let it finish drying. This will help prevent any musty smells from developing and ensure your sleeping bag is ready for use the next night.
Remember, if you're hanging your sleeping bag to dry, avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV light can degrade the fabric over time. Additionally, always support the entire bag when moving it to avoid straining and ripping the seams.
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Use tennis balls
If your sleeping bag gets wet in the field, it's important to dry it out as soon as possible. A wet sleeping bag won't keep you warm, and if it doesn't dry quickly enough, it can develop mildew. While there are several ways to dry a sleeping bag, using tennis balls is a popular method, especially for down-filled bags.
To dry a sleeping bag with tennis balls, first, gently squeeze out any excess water from the bag. Next, place the bag in a dryer, if one is available. If not, air-drying is also an option, but it will take longer. Set the dryer on low heat—high heat can damage the delicate fabric of the sleeping bag. Add two to three tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff the down back to its original loft and prevent clumping. The tennis balls will agitate the fill, speeding up the drying process.
For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional but can be helpful in breaking up clumps and speeding up drying time. If you are air-drying your sleeping bag, you can still use tennis balls. Simply place the bag on a clean, flat surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, and put the tennis balls in with the bag. Be sure to turn the bag occasionally to ensure even drying.
It's important to note that while tennis balls are a popular method for drying sleeping bags, some sources suggest they can tear the outer fabric. If you're concerned about this, you can try using "dryer balls" instead. These are about the same size and weight as tennis balls but have small spikes that help break up down clumps without tearing the fabric. Alternatively, you can use thick rolled-up socks or a lightweight pair of clean sneakers.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're looking to dry your sleeping bag without the use of a dryer, air it out daily and turn it inside-out to dry out any moisture. Avoid direct sunlight as UV light can degrade the fabric. If your bag is really wet, it may need to air out for several hours.
Synthetic sleeping bags will dry a lot quicker than down sleeping bags. Synthetics will take at least an hour to dry, while downs will take several hours.
To speed up the drying process, use a dryer on low heat. If you don't have access to a dryer, you can lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up to dry. Be careful not to put too much stress on the fabric when hanging.
Avoid dry cleaning your sleeping bag as the solvents can strip the natural oils. Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products. Do not use a top-loading washing machine with an agitator as it can strain or rip the seams.
