Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are one of the most important pieces of equipment for camping and backpacking. They are also one of the most expensive items in your camping kit. As a result, it is important to know how to repair them and fix common issues with their zippers. In this article, we will cover how to re-zip a sleeping bag, common issues with sleeping bag zippers, and how to fix them. We will also discuss some best practices to keep your sleeping bag in good condition.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Zipper type | Heavy duty zipper, such as a jacket zipper |
| Zipper length | Over a yard (over a meter) |
| Zipper color | Matching the original zipper color or at least complementing the sleeping bag's color |
| Sewing machine | Basic functionality: forward and backward motion, sewing straight lines, handling multiple fabric layers |
| Zipper foot | Optional |
| Zipper stopper | One stopper is needed, but they are usually sold in packages with multiple stoppers |
| Zipper sliders | Two sliders are needed for double-slider zippers |
| Tools | End nipper, needle-nose pliers |
| Lubricant | Avoid Vaseline, oil, or soap; consider specific zipper cleaners or silicone spray |
| Repair service | Seamstress or professional repair service |
| Repair kit | McNett field zipper repair kit |
| Replacement product | FixnZip |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the issue: Is the zipper dirty, bent, or broken?
When your sleeping bag won't zip properly, the slider is often to blame. Before you attempt to fix the zipper, it's important to identify the issue. Is the zipper dirty, bent, or broken?
Zippers have a low tolerance for dirt and debris. If your sleeping bag isn't washed at least once a year, dirt can build up in the slider, which is the metal part that closes the zipper teeth. Over time, this build-up can cause the slider to separate, making it less effective at pressing the zipper teeth together. If you notice that the top and bottom of the slider are slightly separated, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently press them back together, a little at a time. Test the slider after each slight adjustment to see if it's working properly.
If the slider is bent or broken, you may need to replace it. You can try to crimp the old slider back to its original size using needle-nose pliers, but this fix should be considered temporary. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when crimping, or you may break or jam the slider. If the zipper pull has come off or the slider is worn out, you'll need to replace it with a new one that matches the type and size of the original. You can find the model number on the back of the zipper slider and look online to find the correct replacement.
In addition to slider issues, sometimes the zipper can get stuck due to fabric getting caught in the teeth. If this is the case, gently pull the fabric in the opposite direction of the zipper's path to free it. You can also use a pair of pliers to hold the slider and provide a better grip, but be careful not to use too much force and damage the fabric or zipper.
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Clean zipper with a brush and lubricant
Zippers can get stuck due to a lack of lubrication, dirt, or corrosion. To prevent this, it is important to clean and lubricate the zipper of your sleeping bag after each use. You can use a zipper cleaner and lubricant to clean the zipper of your sleeping bag.
First, unzip the sleeping bag and use a brush to remove grit and dust particles. You can use a brush-top zipper lubricant, which can help remove debris from the zipper teeth. Brush the entire length of the zipper to ensure that all dirt and debris are removed.
Next, apply the zipper lubricant to the zipper. Lift the push/pull brush top and apply a generous amount of the lubricant to the entire length of the zipper. Slide the zipper back and forth to evenly distribute the fluid. The lubricant will help to prevent corrosion and will ensure that the zipper glides smoothly.
Wipe away any excess lubricant with a cloth and be sure to rinse the brush after use. You should also reapply the lubricant periodically, especially before storing the sleeping bag away for a long time.
It is important to note that some substances, such as Vaseline, oil, or soap, are not suitable for lubricating zippers as they can attract dirt and cause more issues down the line.
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Replace the slider: Sew a new one into place
If your sleeping bag zipper is broken, you can replace the slider by sewing a new one into place. First, you need to purchase a new slider. It is important to find the right replacement slider, which is not always easy to do. Look at the back of your zipper slider to get the model number, then look online to find the correct slider. Make sure to get the same size as the old slider.
Next, unzip your sleeping bag and examine how the zipper is sewn to the bag. Take note of how the zipper lies on the fabric and how it is positioned. If there are straps at the bottom of the bag, you will need to pin them in place before removing the zipper.
Once you have a good understanding of how the zipper is attached, use a seam ripper to carefully remove the old slider. Pull one side of the unzipped zipper away from the sleeping bag until you can see the threads that hold the zipper in place. Cut these threads and repeat on the other side. After the entire zipper has been removed, pull out any remaining threads.
Now you can pin the new zipper into place, following the same method as the original zipper. Start at the top of the sleeping bag, a few inches below the very top, and work your way down. Slip the new slider onto the zipper, making sure it is on the same side and in the same orientation as the old zipper.
Finally, sew the new slider into place, following the original stitching pattern. If you are using a sewing machine, it should be able to sew straight and handle multiple layers of fabric. Once the new slider is sewn in place, check that it is secure by zipping your sleeping bag open and closed a few times.
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Use a zipper repair kit: Unstitch, replace, and sew
If your sleeping bag zipper is broken, you can use a zipper repair kit to fix it. One such kit is McNett's field zipper repair kit, which costs around $9.95. This kit includes 5 sliders, each fitting a specific size and style of the zipper.
To begin the repair process, carefully examine the sleeping bag and its broken zipper. Observe how the zipper is sewn to the bag, taking note of the stitching position and orientation.
Next, use a seam ripper to carefully unstitch the seam holding the zipper in place. If there are straps at the bottom of the bag, they are likely sewn with the same seam, so be sure to pin them in place before ripping out the seam. Once the seam is ripped, pull out any remaining broken threads.
Now, it's time to install the new zipper. Unzip the new zipper and pin it into place, matching the orientation of the original zipper. Start at the top of the sleeping bag, a few inches below, and slip on the new slider, ensuring it's on the same side and in the same orientation as the old zipper. Place the new zipper stopper onto the top end.
Finally, sew the new zipper in place. Using a sewing machine with cotton thread that matches the zipper, stitch the zipper to the sleeping bag, removing pins as you go. Reverse stitch for a few stitches at the end, then go forward for a few stitches, and cut the threads. Examine your work, ensuring the zipper functions properly and no extra fabric has been caught in the stitching.
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Take it to a professional: A seamstress can help
Taking your sleeping bag to a seamstress is a great option if you want to save yourself the time and effort of replacing the zipper yourself. A professional seamstress will be able to replace the zipper on your sleeping bag, ensuring that it functions properly and looks neat.
While this option may cost anywhere from $60 to $100, it is a good choice if you are not in a hurry to use the bag and are located in town. The process of replacing a zipper involves unstitching the seam, sewing a new zipper in place, and stitching the seam back up. A seamstress will have the necessary tools and skills to complete this process efficiently and effectively.
If you decide to go with a seamstress, it is important to provide them with as much information as possible about the original zipper. This includes taking note of how the zipper was sewn into the sleeping bag, the type of zipper used, and the color of the zipper. Taking pictures of the zipper before removing it can be helpful in ensuring an accurate replacement.
Additionally, if your sleeping bag has straps at the bottom, be sure to inform the seamstress so that they can take the necessary steps to ensure those straps remain secure. It is also worth mentioning that you can request a heavy-duty zipper that goes all the way down the sleeping bag, similar to the original zipper.
Overall, taking your sleeping bag to a seamstress is a convenient and reliable option for replacing a broken zipper. They will be able to handle the entire process, from start to finish, ensuring that your sleeping bag is returned to you in good condition and ready for use.
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Frequently asked questions
You can purchase a field zipper repair kit, which includes 5 sliders, a seam ripper, and thread. You will need to unstitch the seam, put on a new slider, and sew the seam back up.
You can use a FixnZip®, which does not require tools or sewing and takes only seconds to install.
First, unzip the bag and examine the zipper to understand how it is sewn to the bag. Then, pull one side of the zipper away from the bag to reveal the threads holding it in place. Use a seam ripper to remove the seam, and repeat on the other side. Once the zipper has been removed, pull out any remaining threads. Pin the straps at the bottom of the bag in place. Then, pin the new zipper in place, starting at the top of the bag, and sew it in place.
