Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags should be stored loosely in a cool, dry place to prevent mould and mildew from setting in. While folding your sleeping bag may seem like a good way to save space, it can damage the insulation, making it less effective at keeping you warm. Instead, you should stuff your sleeping bag into its sack, starting from the foot end to avoid trapping air. If your sleeping bag doesn't come with a storage sack, you can use a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack, or even a king-size pillowcase. Read on to learn more about the best way to fold (or stuff) your sleeping bag.
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What You'll Learn
Unzip the bag
Unzipping your sleeping bag is the first step to preparing it to be folded and stored away. This is an important step as an unzipped bag is harder to roll evenly.
Place the bag on a flat, dry surface, such as the ground tarp or the floor of your tent. This will ensure the bag stays clean and moisture-free.
Once the bag is flat and free of air pockets, you can proceed to the next steps of folding and rolling the sleeping bag.
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Fold in half lengthwise
To fold a sleeping bag in half lengthwise, first, lay the sleeping bag out on a flat, dry surface. Make sure to zip it up all the way to the top and smooth it out so any air pockets can escape through the head. Once the bag is as flat as possible, fold it in half lengthwise. Take some time to make sure the edges are lined up. They don't have to be perfect, but the closer they are, the better.
Fold one side over so that it lines up with the zipper. If your sleeping bag has a hood, make sure to address it before you start rolling. You can do this by neatly tucking the hood into the roll as you go. Now, you can start rolling the bag upwards, firmly, from the foot of the bag. Use both hands to roll the bag up tightly, kneading it with your hands to push any air in the bag up and out through the hole at the top for your head. If you are having trouble getting the bag tight enough, you can try a few things. Sit on the bag with your knees to keep it tight, or crouch down and use your knees to keep the roll tight and push out air. Then roll up another 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm), using your fingers to get the roll tight, and push more air out with your knees.
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Roll from the foot end
Rolling your sleeping bag from the foot end is a great way to fold it, especially if you're an outdoor enthusiast. This method is also known as the roll-up technique and is the most common way to fold a sleeping bag. It is also the best method for backpacking or when space is limited.
Step 1:
Start by laying your sleeping bag on a flat, dry surface. Ensure that the surface is clean and free from any dirt or debris. You can use a ground tarp or the floor of your tent to keep the bag clean and prevent moisture from getting into the bag.
Step 2:
Zip up the sleeping bag all the way to the top. Make sure to push out any large air pockets as you zip it up. Smooth out the bag to ensure that it is nice and flat, with no wrinkles or bumps.
Step 3:
Now, fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise. Take your time to ensure that the edges are lined up neatly. The closer the edges are to being perfectly aligned, the neater your roll will be.
Step 4:
Starting at the foot end of the bag, begin rolling it upwards towards the head end. Use both hands to roll the bag up tightly, kneading it with your hands to push any air out through the top opening. As you roll, you can also use one knee to press down on the bag to help keep it tight.
Step 5:
Once you've reached the top end of the bag, secure the roll. Most sleeping bags come with attached straps, cords, or elasticated straps that you can use to keep the bag rolled up. If your bag doesn't have built-in straps, you can use separate straps, a piece of string, or a bungee cord to secure it.
Storing Your Sleeping Bag:
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to choose the right container. Opt for a large, breathable storage sack made of cotton or mesh to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Ensure the container is big enough to avoid compressing the sleeping bag, as prolonged compression can damage the insulation and reduce its effectiveness.
Additionally, it is recommended to store your sleeping bag vertically to avoid damaging the insulation. Always keep your bag in a cool, dry place, and consider airing it out before storage to prevent mould or mildew from forming.
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Store in a cool, dry place
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place. This will ensure that your bag stays in good condition and will help to prevent the growth of mould or mildew.
A dry environment is crucial as moisture can damage the insulating material of your sleeping bag, compromising its performance and ability to keep you warm. Waterproof outer shells can block the dissipation of moisture, so it is important to dry your bag thoroughly before storage and to store it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid storing your bag in damp environments, such as attics, basements, or garages, as these can promote the growth of mould or mildew.
A cool environment is also essential, as excessive heat can damage the bag over time. Keep your sleeping bag away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. A temperature-controlled room or cupboard is ideal, allowing your bag to maintain its insulating properties.
In addition to a cool, dry environment, it is beneficial to hang your sleeping bag or store it loosely in a breathable sack. This prevents compression, which can damage the insulating fibres and reduce the bag's effectiveness. By following these storage guidelines, you can maintain the longevity and functionality of your sleeping bag.
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Avoid prolonged compression
To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it's important to avoid prolonged compression. Sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm by trapping hot air, and this is achieved through their loft—the space created by the fibres inside the bag. However, when a sleeping bag is stored in a compressed state for too long, it loses its loft, making it less effective at trapping hot air and keeping you warm.
Prolonged compression can cause the fibres in your sleeping bag, whether natural or synthetic, to become damaged and clump together. This reduces the insulation capabilities of the bag, making it harder to keep you warm. The risk of damage is especially high if the sleeping bag is damp or wet when compressed, as this can lead to the growth of mildew and mould, and cause unpleasant odours.
To prevent this, it's recommended to store your sleeping bag loosely rolled or lightly folded when not in use. Give your sleeping bag time to air out and regain its loft after each trip. If your sleeping bag has been compressed for a long time, you can help it recover by air drying it, gently machine washing it, or using a specialised down cleaner if there are traces of mould or mildew.
The environment in which you store your sleeping bag is also important. Aim for a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, such as a closet or storage room. Avoid damp, humid, or high-temperature spaces, as these conditions can further damage the fibres and decrease the bag's insulation properties over time.
Additionally, the quality of the fibres in your sleeping bag plays a role in how well it can withstand compression. High-quality natural fibres, such as goose down with a high fill power, can rebound better after being compressed compared to lower-quality options. Sleeping bags with baffles and box wall construction can also help maintain the loft, making them more resilient to compression.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to fold your sleeping bag for storage as it can damage the insulation, making it less effective at keeping you warm. Instead, you should stuff your sleeping bag into a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack.
Start by unzipping your sleeping bag fully. Then, fold it in half lengthwise and roll it up tightly from the foot end. Once you've rolled it up, you can put it into the stuff sack.
Fold the bag in half lengthwise and then start stuffing the foot end into the bottom of the compression sack. As you put the bag in, turn the sack slightly to fill it up evenly. Once the bag is fully inside, pull the drawstring to keep it closed.
Zip up the bag and push out any large air pockets. Smooth out the bag and fold it in half lengthwise. Then, start rolling it up tightly from the foot end. You can use the attached straps to secure the roll or store it in its bag.
