Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are essential for camping, providing warmth and comfort during outdoor adventures. Proper care and maintenance of your sleeping bag are crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. One important aspect of sleeping bag care is knowing how to fold and store it correctly. Folding an REI sleeping bag may seem straightforward, but there are specific steps to follow for effective results. By learning the proper technique, you can optimise space, avoid damage, and enhance the insulation of your sleeping bag. In this guide, we will cover the key considerations and step-by-step instructions for folding your REI sleeping bag like a pro.
How to Fold an REI Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface to lay the bag | Flat, dry surface |
| Zipper | Zip it up completely |
| Air pockets | Smooth out the bag to remove air pockets |
| Folding | Fold the bag in half lengthwise |
| Rolling | Roll upwards from the feet, using both hands |
| Air | Squeeze out any air while rolling |
| Storage | Store loosely rolled or lightly folded |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a dry, flat surface
When preparing to fold your sleeping bag, it is important to choose a dry, flat surface. This could be the ground tarp of your tent, which will help keep your bag clean and prevent moisture from getting into the bag, where mildew might grow. If you are indoors, a dry floor or table will do.
The surface should be completely dry. If you are outdoors, check the weather forecast and make sure there is no rain or dew expected. If you are indoors, ensure there is no damp, as moisture and temperature extremes are hard on your bag.
The surface should also be completely flat. This will make it easier to fold the bag evenly and tightly. It will also help to ensure that the bag does not roll away when you are folding it. If you are outdoors, check the ground for bumps and try to find a spot that is free of rocks or sticks. If you are indoors, a table or floor without any uneven patches is ideal.
By choosing a dry, flat surface, you will be able to fold your sleeping bag more easily and effectively, and you will help to keep it clean and mildew-free.
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Zip up the bag and smooth it out
To fold an REI sleeping bag, you must first lay the bag out on a flat, dry surface. Make sure to zip it up completely. Zipping up the bag ensures that it is compact and easier to roll up. It also helps to get rid of any air pockets that may prevent an even, tight roll.
After zipping up the bag, the next step is to smooth it out. Smooth out the bag so that you get out as much air as possible. You can push any large air pockets out through the head of the bag. This step is important because air pockets will prevent an even, tight roll.
Once the bag is as flat as it can be, you can move on to the next step of folding it in half lengthwise. Then, use both hands to roll the bag tightly going up from the feet to the head. As you roll the bag, continue to smooth out the fabric and remove any air pockets that may be trapped inside.
If you’re having trouble getting it tight enough, try kneeling on the roll every once in a while. It is important to remove as much air as possible from the bag to ensure an even, tight roll.
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Fold in half lengthwise
Once the bag is laid out on a flat, dry surface, zipped up, and smoothed out, it's time to fold it in half lengthwise. Take one side of the sleeping bag and fold it over so that it lines up with the zipper on the other side. Be sure to take your time to ensure the edges are lined up. They don't have to be perfect, but the closer you can get them, the better. This step is important because it creates a symmetrical base for the next step of rolling up the sleeping bag.
When folding the bag in half, try to make the two halves as even as possible. This will make the rolling process easier and help to minimise any bumps or uneven areas. It is important to be gentle and careful during this process to avoid any damage to the sleeping bag. Ensure that the sleeping bag is laid out on a clean surface to prevent dirt or debris from getting onto the bag.
If you are struggling to align the edges, you can try using a strip of fabric or paper to guide you. Place the fabric or paper along the length of the sleeping bag, then fold it over, using the fabric or paper as a marker. This will help you achieve a straighter fold. It is also important to ensure that the sleeping bag is completely dry before folding it. Any moisture trapped inside the sleeping bag can lead to the growth of mildew.
After folding the sleeping bag in half lengthwise, you should have a long, narrow rectangle. The next step will be to start rolling the bag from the feet upwards, but this initial fold sets the foundation for a neat and tight roll. Taking the time to carefully fold the bag in half lengthwise will make the rest of the process easier and help you achieve a compact and well-rolled sleeping bag.
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Roll upwards from the feet
To fold an REI sleeping bag by rolling upwards from the feet, first lay the sleeping bag out on a flat, dry surface. Make sure the sleeping bag is completely zipped up and smooth it out so that any air pockets can escape through the head. Getting rid of air pockets is important because they can prevent an even, tight roll.
Once the bag is as flat as possible, fold it in half lengthwise. Then, use both hands to roll the bag upwards tightly, starting from the feet and moving towards the head. As you roll, use your hands to push out any remaining air. If you are struggling to get a tight roll, try kneeling on the roll occasionally as you go.
When the sleeping bag is completely rolled up, use straps, rope, or a belt to secure it in place before sliding it into a bag for storage or transport.
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Store in a cool, dry place
Storing your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place is essential for maintaining its condition. Sleeping bags should be stored in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, avoiding damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics.
When storing your sleeping bag for an extended period, it is crucial to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried beforehand. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate on the fabric and compromise the insulating performance of the bag. To prevent this, it is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at least once a year, or more frequently if used often. You can hand wash the bag in a bathtub or use a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat. If you prefer to use a machine at home, opt for a front-loader without an agitator to avoid damaging the bag.
After washing, dry your sleeping bag thoroughly on a low heat setting. You can use a large commercial dryer, adding two to three clean tennis balls to help fluff up the fill and ensure even drying. Alternatively, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang the bag, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
Once your sleeping bag is completely dry, it's time to store it in a cool, dry place. Loosely store your bag in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. This allows for air circulation and prevents compression of the fill. If your bag didn't come with a large storage sack, you can use a king-size pillowcase or sew your own cotton bag. Find a roomy corner in your closet to hang the storage sack, ensuring the sleeping bag remains uncompressed.
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Frequently asked questions
To fold an REI sleeping bag for storage, first ensure the bag is clean and dry. Then, lay the bag on a flat, dry surface and zip it up. Smooth out the bag to remove air pockets. Next, fold the bag in half lengthwise, then fold one side over so that it lines up with the zipper. Finally, start rolling the bag upwards from the feet, using both hands to roll it up tightly and pushing out any air.
To fold an REI sleeping bag for backpacking, first ensure the bag is clean and dry. Then, start with the foot of the sleeping bag with the zipper partially closed. Push the foot of the bag firmly into the bottom of the stuff sack and stuff evenly as you go up. Use a slightly larger stuff sack than necessary to make stuffing your sleeping bag easier.
To fold an REI sleeping bag for camping, follow the same instructions as for storage. Camping bags are generally larger than backpacking bags, so you may need to use a larger storage sack or pillowcase to store your bag.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag periodically, as body oils, sweat, and dirt can compromise the performance of the bag over time. If you are an avid backpacker, it is recommended to wash your bag once a season.
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