Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags can be expensive, so it's important to know how to repair them to prolong their life. Tears and holes can occur due to accidents, negligence, or snagging on branches and plants, and zippers can also become stuck. Knowing how to patch a hole or tinker with a zipper can save you money and ensure your bag is ready for your next adventure. Proper cleaning, drying, and storage are also key to maintaining your sleeping bag. In this article, we will cover how to mend a sleeping bag, including temporary fixes for when you're out in the field and more permanent solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Dry sleeping bag after use, especially in humid or wet conditions |
| Do not store in a compressed state, hang it up or use a large cotton/mesh bag for storage | |
| Wash in cold water with a gentle cycle and dry on low heat | |
| Treat zippers carefully, do not yank the slider if there is a snag | |
| Repairs | For small holes, use a patch and cover the hole with a thin layer of Seam Grip |
| For larger holes, cut a piece of fabric and use duct tape to hold it in place | |
| Send to a repair facility for more serious damage |
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What You'll Learn
Patching small holes
If you have access to a needle and thread, you can sew the hole shut. First, push any stuffing or down filling back into the hole, using your finger or a small object. Fold the edges of the tear back towards the stuffing to create a clean edge with no fraying. Then, sew the fabric together with a needle and thread, preferably using a thread colour that matches the sleeping bag material.
Alternatively, you can use a patch to cover the hole. First, clean the area around the hole with an alcohol swab or a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol, then let it dry. Cut the patch into a round shape, about half an inch larger than the hole on all sides. Place the patch over the hole and smooth it out from the centre to eliminate any air bubbles. If you're at home, let the sleeping bag sit for 24 hours to allow the patch to adhere properly. If you're camping, apply seam grip to the edges of the patch when you return home to secure it. You can also paint over the patch's edges with Gear Aid's Seam Grip and let it cure flat before storing.
There are various types of patches you can use. Gear Aid's Tenacious Tape is a tough, lightweight material with a sticky adhesive backing that can fix holes and tears in almost any material. McNett's Tear Aid is another option, or you can simply use duct tape in a pinch, although this may leave a sticky residue when peeled off.
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Fixing zippers
Fixing a sleeping bag zipper can be a daunting task, but it is possible to do it yourself without professional help. Here are some common issues with sleeping bag zippers and how to fix them:
Stuck Zipper
If your zipper is stuck, it might be due to dirt or fabric caught in the teeth. To fix this, gently pull the fabric away from the zipper's path in the opposite direction. You can also use a pair of pliers to hold the slider for a better grip. Be careful not to use too much force, as you could tear the fabric or damage the zipper further.
Separated Zipper
A temporary fix for a separated zipper is to lubricate the teeth with common household items like soap, lip balm, or wax paper. You can also try graphite from a pencil. However, do this sparingly, as the goal is to reduce friction without creating a mess.
Slider Issues
If the slider is the issue, you can try to gently squeeze the top and bottom sections together with needle-nose pliers. This will crimp the slider back to its original size, and you can check that both sides are even. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you could break or jam the slider. If gentle squeezing doesn't work, you may need to replace the slider.
Replacing the Slider
To replace the slider, you will need a new zipper stopper and some new zipper sliders. First, use a pair of end nippers to remove the old stopper and sliders. Then, slip on the new sliders and attach the new stopper with needle-nose pliers. Make sure to get a replacement slider that matches the type and size of the original.
Replacing the Zipper
If your zipper is damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace it entirely. You will need a heavy-duty zipper, such as a jacket zipper, that is over a yard long. It's best to measure your old zipper and get a replacement that matches in length and colour. You will also need a sewing machine or needle and thread to attach the new zipper.
Temporary Fixes
If you are camping and don't have access to a new zipper, there are some temporary fixes you can try. You can use a zip tie or ribbon to replace a missing pull tab until you can get a proper replacement. You can also try a product like FixnZip, which can repair zippers in the field without requiring tools or sewing.
By following these steps and troubleshooting common issues, you can fix your sleeping bag zipper and get back to enjoying your camping trip.
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Caring for your bag
A good sleeping bag can last for years, even decades, if you take care of it. Here are some tips to keep your sleeping bag in good condition:
- Keep your bag dry. In humid or wet conditions, take any opportunity to dry your bag by hanging it up or laying it out. Moisture reduces loft in down bags.
- When storing your bag, never keep it compressed. Store it in a large cotton or mesh bag, or hang it up in a dry closet.
- Treat zippers with care. If there's a snag, don't yank the slider free; pull out the obstruction perpendicular to the track.
- Avoid walking on your bag, especially with muddy shoes or feet.
- Use a ground sheet and sleeping pad to protect your bag from direct contact with the ground.
- Keep your bag clean. Sweat, dirt, and oil can reduce your bag's effective warmth rating. Change into clean clothes before getting into your sleeping bag if possible, and consider washing your bag when it starts to feel gross.
- Use a purpose-made soap, such as Nikwax Down Wash or Tech Wash, and launder your bag alone on a cold, gentle cycle. Dry on low heat.
- If you're using a patch to repair a tear, clean the area around the tear with an alcohol swab or rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth before applying the patch.
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Knowing when to replace it
Sleeping bags do not have an expiration date, but they will eventually need to be replaced. The loft, or fluffiness, of a sleeping bag creates warmth by trapping heat between the fibres. The longer the material is compressed, the less it bounces back to its original shape, and the more it loses its heat retention. Therefore, it is important to store your sleeping bag correctly: it should be dried thoroughly, then stored in a cool, dry place inside a large breathable cotton or mesh sack, or a jumbo cotton storage bag.
If your bag has been stored correctly, and you are still feeling cold when you should be sleeping comfortably, it may be time to replace it. This could be because the loft is severely degraded, or because the shell material is wearing out. In particular, the bottom of the bag may be wearing out, as this is where the most wear occurs. If you are a particularly heavy sleeper, this may also be affecting the bag's loft.
However, before you replace your sleeping bag, you could try revitalising it. Follow the washing instructions to agitate, clean, and dry the bag, then sleep in it to see if it still does the job. If you are still cold, you could try using a bag liner to add extra warmth.
If your bag has burn holes or rips, you can patch holes that are less than an inch in diameter. If the holes are bigger than this, it is probably time to replace the bag.
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Using duct tape for a quick fix
Duct tape can be used to quickly fix a tear in a sleeping bag. This method is best used as a temporary solution until a more permanent fix can be made. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Sleeping Bag
Before applying any adhesive, it is important to prepare the sleeping bag. If there are any loose threads around the tear, trim them with scissors. If there are feathers poking out, gently push them back into the sleeping bag using your finger or a pair of tweezers. Do not pull on the feathers, as this may cause further damage.
Step 2: Choose the Right Tape
When selecting duct tape for repairing your sleeping bag, consider the colour and finish. Choose a colour that closely matches your sleeping bag to make the repair less noticeable. There are also clear duct tapes available, which can blend in well with the existing colour of the bag.
Step 3: Apply the Tape
With the sleeping bag prepared and the duct tape chosen, you can now apply the tape. Cut a piece of duct tape slightly larger than the tear. Ensure the area around the tear is smooth and flat, and then carefully stick the duct tape over the tear. Apply firm, even pressure, especially around the edges, to ensure the tape is securely adhered.
Step 4: Smooth Out Any Air Bubbles
Use your fingernail or a plastic ruler to smooth out any air bubbles that may have formed under the duct tape. This will help ensure a strong bond and prevent the tape from peeling up.
Step 5: Allow Time for Drying
If possible, allow the duct tape repair to dry for 24 hours before using the sleeping bag again. This will give the adhesive time to set properly. If you are in a hurry or camping, you may not have this luxury, but you can apply a small amount of seam grip around the edges of the patch to secure it further.
While duct tape can be a quick and effective solution for repairing a torn sleeping bag, it may not be the most durable option. Consider seeking professional repair services or using alternative patch materials, such as Gear Aid's Tenacious Tape, for a more permanent solution.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clean the area around the tear to ensure any oils or dirt won't stop the patch from sticking. Then, lay the patch over the hole and smooth out from the centre to eliminate any air bubbles. Finally, leave the sleeping bag for 24 hours to allow the patch to adhere properly.
You can use a product like McNett's Tear Aid, Gear Aid's Tenacious Tape, or duct tape in an emergency.
Always use a ground sheet and sleeping pad to protect your bag from direct contact with the ground. You can also follow our guide to attaching a sleeping bag to a backpack to keep it safe from branches and prickly plants.
If there's a snag, don't yank the slider free. Instead, pull out the obstruction perpendicular to the track.
Never store your bag compressed—this will damage the down feathers and cause it to lose loft and warmth. Instead, hang it up on a hook in a dry closet or store it in a large breathable bag in a dry place.
