Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags are a great investment, and with proper care, they can last for years. However, accidents can happen, and you may find yourself with a torn sleeping bag and feathers escaping. If you're facing this predicament, don't fret! You can easily fix a hole in your sleeping bag with a few simple steps. First, locate the hole and trim any loose threads. If there are feathers poking out, gently push them back inside. Then, select a patch that is slightly larger than the hole and carefully stick it over the tear, smoothing out any air bubbles. Finally, apply a product like Gear Aid's Seam Grip to the edges of the patch to seal it. Let it cure flat before storing your sleeping bag, and your faithful companion will be ready for your next adventure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hole detection | If there is no obvious hole and feathers are escaping, the stitching has degraded beyond repair. |
| Hole repair | Trim loose threads, coax feathers back inside, and use duct tape for a temporary fix. For a permanent fix, use a patch kit with a flexible fabric layer and a sticky backing. Cut the patch to be 1/2-1 inch larger than the hole, apply it to the outside of the bag, and smooth out any air bubbles. Let it cure flat for 24 hours before storing. |
| Zipper repair | Treat zippers with care. If there's a snag, pull it out perpendicular to the track. A broken zipper doesn't necessarily mean the end of your sleeping bag's life. |
| Maintenance and cleaning | Dry the bag in humid or wet conditions. Never store it compressed as it's devastating to the loft. Wash the bag when it starts to feel gross, using a cold, gentle cycle and low heat to dry. |
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What You'll Learn
How to temporarily fix a hole in your sleeping bag in the field
If you've discovered a hole in your sleeping bag while you're out in the field, you can perform a temporary repair with duct tape, gear tape, or even a patch kit if you have one. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you fix the hole temporarily:
Step 1: Prepare the Hole and the Sleeping Bag
Locate the hole and trim any loose threads around it with scissors. If there are feathers poking out, gently push them back inside the sleeping bag using your fingers or tweezers. Ensure your sleeping bag is clean and dry before proceeding.
Step 2: Choose and Cut the Patch
If you're using duct tape or gear tape, cut a piece that is at least 1/2 inch larger than the hole on all sides. If you have a patch kit, choose a patch that is slightly larger than the hole and trim it to size if necessary.
Step 3: Apply the Patch or Tape
Place the patch or tape over the hole, making sure the sleeping bag fabric is smooth and flat. Apply firm, even pressure around the edges of the patch or tape to secure it in place. If using a patch, remove the backing and gently press down, working outwards from the centre to smooth out any air bubbles.
Step 4: Secure the Patch (Optional)
If you have access to Gear Aid's Seam Grip or a similar product, apply it to the edges of the patch to help secure it. This step can also be done when you return home to reinforce the temporary repair.
Step 5: Allow it to Cure (If Possible)
If time allows, let the patch cure flat for at least 24 hours before using the sleeping bag again. However, if you're still in the field, you may not have this luxury, and the temporary repair should hold until you can properly address the issue.
Remember, this is a temporary solution, and it's recommended to send your sleeping bag for professional repair or fix it more permanently yourself once you're back from your trip.
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How to properly clean your sleeping bag
To properly clean your sleeping bag, you should first consider spot cleaning. Make a paste with non-detergent soap and water, and use a toothbrush to gently clean the shell, focusing on areas like the hood and collar where hair and skin oils tend to accumulate. If possible, hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation to avoid getting the inside fill wet.
If your bag is losing loft and is darkened with grime, it's time for a full wash. Check the manufacturer's washing instructions, which may be printed on a tag, draft tube, or elsewhere on the bag. If you're washing it yourself, use a purpose-made soap like Nikwax Down Wash or Tech Wash, and launder your bag alone on a cold, gentle cycle. Dry it on low heat, as high heat can damage the down. This process may take a few cycles. Between cycles, use your hands to break apart any down clumps balled up in the baffles.
If you're drying your bag outdoors, hang it or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area. Avoid drying your bag in direct sunlight, as this can damage the fabric and insulation. If you're using a dryer, consider adding clean tennis balls to the load to help fluff up the bag and speed up the drying process.
To maintain the lifespan of your sleeping bag, avoid storing it compressed in its stuff sack, as this can damage the fill over time. Instead, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase, or a cotton bag that you sew yourself. Additionally, always ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it, as moisture can reduce loft and lead to mildew issues.
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How to store your sleeping bag
Properly storing your sleeping bag is essential to maintaining its quality and ensuring a comfortable night's sleep. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your sleeping bag:
Clean the Sleeping Bag
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to give it a thorough cleaning. Natural body oils, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric and the insulation fibres over time, reducing the bag's effectiveness and potentially resulting in a cold night's sleep. Spot-clean your bag after each trip 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-treat any stains or dirt marks. Ensure you keep the insulation fibres dry while cleaning. If possible, use a purpose-made soap like Nikwax Down Wash or Tech Wash and launder the bag alone on a cold, gentle cycle. Dry it on a low heat setting, as high heat can damage the bag.
Dry the Sleeping Bag
In humid or wet conditions, take every opportunity to dry your bag. You can drape it over rocks or branches or lay it on the ground. If drying indoors, avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials. Instead, hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled area, and use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. Avoid damp basements and unheated/uncooling spaces like garages and attics, as moisture and temperature extremes are hard on the bag.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Always store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. Unzip the bag completely and let it hang for at least 4 to 6 hours before storing. If hanging indoors, use a clothes airer and a fan to keep the air moving.
Use a Storage Bag
Avoid storing your sleeping bag compressed. Instead, use a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack to loosely stow the bag. The jumbo cotton storage bag that most bags are sold with is ideal, but you can also use a king-size pillowcase or a cotton/mesh sack of around 90L. These storage bags keep the bag contained without compressing the fill, allowing for air circulation and maintaining the bag's loft.
Avoid Damage to Insulating Fibres
To get the most out of your sleeping bag, avoid crushing the delicate insulating fibres while in storage. An oversized stuff sack can help the bag retain its original shape for longer. Additionally, tossing two or three clean tennis balls into the dryer when drying the bag can help fluff up the fill.
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How to fix a broken zipper
A broken zipper on a sleeping bag can be frustrating, especially when you’re looking forward to a cozy night outdoors. However, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of your sleeping bag’s life. Here are some ways to fix a broken zipper:
Lubricate the Zipper
Sometimes, all a stubborn zipper needs is a bit of lubrication. You can use common household items like soap, lip balm, or wax paper to grease the teeth lightly. Remember to use these items sparingly as the goal is to reduce friction, not to create a mess.
Employ Gentle Force
If the zipper is caught on the fabric, gently pull the fabric in the opposite direction of the zipper’s path. You can use a pair of pliers to hold the slider if you need a better grip, but be careful not to use too much force as you may tear the fabric or damage the zipper further.
Realign and Reclose
Fully open the zipper to the bottom. This can realign the teeth, allowing you to start fresh. Slowly zip it back up, watching to ensure the teeth interlock correctly. Sometimes, a zipper just needs a reset.
Replace the Slider
If the slider is worn out and unable to properly join the zipper teeth together, you can replace it with a new one. First, get a pair of end nippers and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Buy a new zipper stopper and some new zipper sliders. Remove the old stopper and sliders, slip on the new sliders, and attach the new stopper. Check your work by zipping the sleeping bag open and closed a few times.
If your zipper's teeth are damaged, or you are unable to replace the slider, you may need to contact a repair service or the manufacturer to fix the issue.
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How to fix a large tear
If you have a large tear in your sleeping bag, it is best to have it professionally repaired by the manufacturer or a gear store. However, if you are in the field and need to perform a temporary repair, you can use duct tape or gear tape. Lay your sleeping bag on a flat surface, ensuring none of it is hanging off the edge, and follow the steps below:
- Trim any loose threads or frayed edges around the tear with scissors. If there are feathers poking out, use your fingers or tweezers to gently push them back inside.
- Prepare a patch that is larger than the tear. You can cut a patch out of rip stop nylon fabric, or use a patch from a repair kit such as McNett's Tear Aid or Gear Aid's Tenacious Tape. If using nylon fabric, round the corners of the patch to prevent them from catching on things.
- Place the patch over the tear, ensuring the fabric around it is smooth and flat. Press down on the edges of the patch to secure it in place, then use your fingernail or a plastic ruler to smooth out any air bubbles.
- Once you return home, you can paint over the patch's edges with Gear Aid's Seam Grip to ensure a strong hold. Allow the sleeping bag to cure flat before storing it.
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Frequently asked questions
First, trim any loose threads around the hole with scissors. Use your finger or a pair of tweezers to push the feathers back inside the bag. Do not pull them out! Cut a patch that is at least 0.5 inches larger than the hole on all sides. Peel the backing off the patch and apply it to the hole. Smooth out the patch from the centre outward to eliminate air bubbles.
It is recommended to use McNett’s Tear Aid or Gear Aid’s Tenacious Tape. Duct tape can be used for a temporary fix but will leave a mess when you peel it off.
Lay your sleeping bag on a flat surface. Smooth out the fabric to ensure there are no wrinkles. Press down on the edges of the patch to secure it and use your fingernail to smooth out any air bubbles. Leave the sleeping bag to dry overnight.
For large tears, it is best to send your sleeping bag to the manufacturer or a specialty gear repair shop for a professional repair.
