Ashwin Lewis
Enlightened Equipment's sleeping bags are constructed with delicate, high-tech materials to balance warmth and weight. Proper care and maintenance of the sleeping bag are important to extend its lifespan and save money in the long run. To prevent tears and snags, it is recommended to only take out the sleeping bag inside a tent, and to check the surrounding area for sharp objects. Carrying a lightweight patch kit is also advised to repair small tears and prevent them from worsening. For deep cleaning, Enlightened Equipment recommends a professional CO2 cleaner or hand washing, while smaller steps like using a base layer while sleeping and wiping down the fabric after a trip can help maintain cleanliness and insulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Care and Repair | Ultralight sleeping bags are made with delicate, high-tech materials, so they require proper care and repair to maintain their insulating properties and extend their lifespan |
| Cleaning | Regular cleaning is important to prevent dirt and oil buildup, which can reduce warmth and insulating performance; smaller steps like using a base layer and wiping down the fabric after use are recommended, in addition to occasional deep cleaning |
| Zippers | Be gentle when using the zipper to avoid damage |
| Sharp Objects | Avoid sharp objects that can snag or tear the fabric; carry a lightweight patch kit to repair small tears and prevent further damage |
| Campfires | Keep sleeping bags away from campfires to prevent fire damage, which can be catastrophic |
| Loft Management | Redistribute loft to maintain warmth; excessive dirt and oil can clog insulation and reduce loft |
| Water Protection | Use a large plastic bag or a waterproof dry bag to protect items from water damage |
| Repair Kit | Enlightened Equipment provides a repair patch kit to repair small to medium-sized tears in various fabrics |
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What You'll Learn
Preventing tears and snags
Enlightened Equipment sleeping bags are made with lightweight, delicate, and high-tech materials. To prevent tears and snags, it is important to take good care of your sleeping bag and avoid sharp objects. Here are some tips to prevent tears and snags:
Firstly, always open and close your sleeping bag inside a tent or a tarp to avoid sharp objects. Before setting up your tent or tarp, inspect the area for any sharp objects and remove them. This will keep your sleeping bag safe and also prevent punctures in your sleeping pad.
Secondly, be careful when zipping and unzipping your sleeping bag. The fabric facing the zipper can be snagged if you're not careful. The Enlightened Equipment Convert sleeping bag features a full-length zipper with a built-in stiffener to prevent snags. However, it's still important to be gentle when zipping and unzipping to avoid any potential damage.
Thirdly, carry a lightweight patch kit with you on your camping trips. In case of a snag or a small tear, you can use the patch kit to prevent further damage during transit and compression. Once you return home, you can repair the tear more thoroughly. Remember that continuing to use a sleeping bag with an open hole can worsen the problem and make it irreparable.
Additionally, keep your sleeping bag clean to maintain its insulating properties. Dirt, oils, and perspiration can accumulate on the fabric, reducing its loft and warmth over time. During your trip, wear a base layer while sleeping to keep the sleeping bag clean. After each trip, wipe down the fabric with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or oil. For extended trips, consider using a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag clean for longer.
Finally, avoid getting too close to campfires as fire is one of the most common causes of catastrophic damage to sleeping bags. By following these tips, you can help prevent tears and snags in your Enlightened Equipment sleeping bag and extend its lifespan.
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Patching holes and tears
Enlightened Equipment sleeping bags are constructed with delicate, high-tech materials that balance warmth and weight. Proper care ensures the bag remains in good condition and retains its insulating properties. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and storage prevent wear and tear, avoiding the need for premature replacements.
To repair holes and tears in your Enlightened Equipment sleeping bag, you can use the brand's repair kit, which includes adhesive-backed polyester cloth patches. This is a durable and permanent solution that can be used to patch holes on any of their 7D, 10D, or 20D fabrics or almost any other piece of gear.
Before patching, brush or wipe the item to remove dirt and oil, and ensure the fabric is dry. The patch is best applied between 68-90°F (20-32°C). If it's colder, you can use the heat of your hands to warm the adhesive.
First, determine the size and shape of the tear or hole. If it's a tear with no fabric missing, use a long piece of patch material, or overlap two pieces if the tear is L-shaped. If it's a hole with fabric missing, simply apply the patch directly over the hole. If the fabric is melted, you may need to make small cuts to allow it to lie flat beneath the patch.
Rub the patch firmly into place, smoothing out wrinkles and air bubbles. Check for any places that aren't fully bonded, and use a fingernail or credit card to firmly go over the patch. Let the patch lie flat overnight while the adhesive cures. Once patched, the item can be washed according to the brand's instructions.
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Cleaning your sleeping bag
Enlightened Equipment sleeping bags are made from lightweight, delicate, and high-tech materials. Proper care will ensure your sleeping bag remains in good condition and retains its insulating properties, providing warmth during cold nights in the great outdoors. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and careful storage will also extend the lifespan of your sleeping bag.
It is recommended that you clean your sleeping bag once a year or less, depending on usage. The cleaning procedure is time-consuming and requires special care to prevent damage to the fabric and insulation. It is important to use a gear-specific soap designed for outdoor gear, such as Granger's Performance Wash, which is formulated to clean and maintain the insulation and fabric of synthetic sleeping bags.
Before you begin, find a suitable area to wash your sleeping bag, such as a bathtub, large sink, or clean basin. Fill the tub or sink with enough warm water to completely submerge the sleeping bag. Refer to the instructions on the soap packaging to determine the appropriate amount of detergent to use. Gently submerge the sleeping bag in the soapy water and agitate it with your hands. Pay attention to any heavily soiled areas, gently rubbing them with a soft cloth or sponge. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub or sink with clean water. Rinse the sleeping bag thoroughly, repeating the rinsing process as needed until the water runs clear.
Avoid wringing or twisting the sleeping bag, as this can damage the insulation. Instead, gently press out any excess water and lay the bag flat on a clean, dry surface, or hang it in a well-ventilated area, ensuring it is evenly spread to promote faster drying. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can degrade the fabric and insulation.
During trips, it is beneficial to wear a base layer while sleeping to keep oils and perspiration off the fabric. If you prefer, you can also use a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag clean for longer. After a trip, use a damp cloth or wet wipe to wipe down the fabric to remove any dirt and oil.
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Repelling water
Water-resistant fabric is essential to maintaining the performance and longevity of your sleeping bag. Over time, any DWR (durable water-resistant) coating on a fabric will break down or wear out, especially when exposed to frequent friction or sunlight. Aftermarket DWR treatments can be used to boost the moisture resistance of the fabrics in your quilt, but avoid treatments that require high heat to settle into the fabric, as this will damage the material.
To keep your sleeping bag in top condition, it is important to regularly clean it. Dirt and oils will diminish the loft of down insulation and reduce its warmth. Enlightened Equipment recommends using a professional CO2 cleaner, such as eClean, or handwashing. Machine washing is not recommended for products containing down feathers as it can cause damage or clumping.
If you decide to handwash your sleeping bag, find a suitable area, such as a bathtub, large sink, or clean basin, and fill it with enough warm water to submerge the sleeping bag. Ensure the water is not too hot, as it can damage the fabric or insulation. Use a gear-specific soap, such as Granger's Performance Wash, to effectively clean and maintain the insulation and fabric of the sleeping bag. Refer to the instructions on the soap packaging to determine the appropriate amount of detergent to use. Gently submerge the sleeping bag in the soapy water and agitate it with your hands, paying extra attention to any heavily soiled areas with a soft cloth or sponge. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean water, thoroughly rinsing the sleeping bag and repeating as needed until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze or roll the sleeping bag to remove excess water.
To avoid water reaching the inside of your sleeping bag, use a pack cover, or place everything that needs to stay dry inside a large plastic bag, such as a trash compactor bag.
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Loft management
Preventing Loft Compression
To prevent the loss of loft, avoid long-term compression of your sleeping bag. When packing, use a compression sack, but allow your bag to loft up for 2-3 hours before use. If your bag has been in solid compression, allow it to re-loft for about an hour for every day it was packed. When storing your bag for an extended period, use the large, breathable cotton storage sack provided, and keep it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Cleaning to Maintain Loft
Keeping your sleeping bag clean is crucial for maintaining its loft. During your trip, wear a base layer while sleeping to keep oils and perspiration off the fabric. After each trip, wipe down the bag with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or oil. Wash your bag annually, either by hand or with a professional CO2 cleaner. To hand-wash, fill a tub or sink with warm water, add a specialised soap like Granger's Performance Wash, and gently submerge the bag, paying extra attention to heavily soiled areas. Rinse thoroughly, squeeze out excess water, and dry the bag in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources.
Redistributing the Down
If your bag has lost its loft, you can try to redistribute the down filling to restore it. First, lay the bag on a flat surface and gently run your hand over the baffles to move the down back into place. You can also put the bag in the dryer on the no-heat setting with a few tennis balls to help break up the down clusters. If these methods do not work, your bag may have a buildup of dirt, moisture, or oil that is affecting its ability to loft.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent damage to your Enlightened Equipment sleeping bag, only take out your quilt or sleeping bag inside your tent or sleeping area. If you’re camping with a tarp or bivy, check the area around your sleeping area for sharp objects. Additionally, keep your quilt away from campfires as fire is one of the most common causes of catastrophic quilt damage.
To keep your Enlightened Equipment sleeping bag clean, wear a base layer while sleeping to keep oils and perspiration off the fabric. If you like using a quilt or sleeping bag liner, this will also keep the quilt clean for much longer. After a trip, use a damp cloth or wet wipe to wipe off any dirt and oil. If the quilt becomes dirty, a thorough cleaning is necessary. Enlightened Equipment recommends using a professional CO2 cleaner or hand washing the quilt yourself.
Enlightened Equipment offers a repair kit that includes adhesive patches to repair your gear. The kit includes 14 pre-cut pieces, an uncut 8" x 10" sheet of patch material, and instructions for patching your gear. The patches are made of durable polyester with strong adhesive and can be cut to size.
