Ashwin Lewis
NEMO sleeping bags are popular among campers and backpackers. They are lightweight, comfortable, and durable. However, they can be challenging to roll and store. This guide will teach you how to roll your NEMO sleeping bag properly, ensuring it stays clean, dry, and in good condition for your next adventure. We will also cover some tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining your sleeping bag to make it last as long as possible. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a beginner, knowing how to roll your sleeping bag efficiently is an essential skill for your outdoor adventures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rolling technique | Flatten the bag, align the long sides, fold in half lengthwise, then roll from the bottom up towards the head area. |
| Straps | Use the attached straps to secure the roll. If there are no straps, use a belt, large rubber bands, or rope. |
| Storage | Store the sleeping bag in a dry, loose state for a few days before putting it into a smaller bag. Do not roll if the bag comes with a stuff sack. |
| Cleaning | Spot clean with a wet cloth or mild, non-detergent soap and cold water. For excessive dirt, wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a technical fabric wash, then tumble dry on low heat. |
| Repairs | Small tears can be patched with products like Tenacious Tape by Gear Aid. NEMO also offers professional repair services for more extensive damage. |
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What You'll Learn
How to lay the sleeping bag flat
To lay a sleeping bag flat, start by finding a flat, dry surface. If possible, use a ground tarp or the floor of your tent to keep the bag clean and prevent moisture from seeping into the bag, which could lead to mildew growth.
Next, unzip the bag completely and lay it out flat. If your sleeping bag has a hood, make sure it is also laid out flat and not bunched up, as this will affect how tightly the bag can be rolled. Smooth out the bag to remove any air pockets, as these will prevent an even, tight roll.
Once the bag is as flat as possible, fold it in half lengthwise. Take your time to ensure the edges are lined up as closely as possible. The closer the edges are, the easier it will be to roll the bag tightly.
Now you are ready to start rolling the bag from the bottom upwards. Use both hands to roll it up tightly, kneading the bag as you go to push out any remaining air. If you are having trouble getting a tight roll, try kneeling on the roll occasionally to compress it further.
Finally, use straps, rope, or even a belt to secure the roll before sliding it into a storage bag. If your bag did not come with a storage bag, you can use a large breathable cotton or mesh sack, or even a king-size pillowcase to keep it contained without compressing the fill.
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Folding the bag in half lengthwise
To fold your NEMO sleeping bag in half lengthwise, first lay the bag out flat on the floor. Ensure that the bag is flattened as much as possible by running your hands down the length of the bag. This will help to smooth out any bumps or air bubbles.
Next, fold the bag in half, lengthwise, in a style also known as "hot dog-style". Again, smooth out the bag by running your hands along it to push out any air bubbles that might have been trapped during the folding process. Start from the bottom, where your feet go, and smooth the bag out towards the top, where your head goes. This will help to push out any remaining air.
After folding the bag in half, you will need to align the two long sides of the bag. Matching the sides up will help when it comes to rolling the bag. Place a heavy object on the top/head section of your sleeping bag to prevent it from unfolding while you roll.
Now you are ready to roll the bag from the bottom upwards, towards the head area, allowing any remaining air to escape. Place your knee on the rolled-up section of the bag as you go to keep it small and tight.
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Rolling the bag
Rolling a NEMO sleeping bag is an essential skill for any camper. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you roll your NEMO sleeping bag efficiently:
Firstly, lay the sleeping bag on a flat, dry surface. If possible, use your ground tarp or the floor of your tent to roll up the bag. This will keep it clean and prevent moisture from getting into the bag, which could lead to mildew growth. Ensure your bag is completely zipped up, as an unzipped bag is harder to roll evenly. Smooth out the bag to remove any air pockets, as these will prevent a tight roll.
Next, fold the bag in half lengthwise, also known as "hot dog-style". Flatten the bag by running your hands along it to push out any air bubbles that may have been trapped during the folding process. Smooth the bag out from the bottom (foot area) to the top (head area).
Now, you are ready to start rolling! Place your knees on the rolled-up section of the bag to keep it small and tight. Start rolling from the bottom upwards, towards the head area, to allow the air to escape. The top part of the bag may begin to unfold as you roll. If this happens, place a heavy object on the sleeping bag to keep it flat.
Once you have rolled up the entire sleeping bag as tightly as possible, use the attached straps to secure the roll. If your bag does not have straps, you can use a belt, large rubber bands, or rope to keep it rolled up. Alternatively, you can store the sleeping bag in a separate carrying bag and close the top tightly.
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Using straps to secure the roll
Once you have rolled your Nemo sleeping bag, the next step is to use straps to secure the roll. This will ensure that the bag stays tightly rolled up and doesn't unravel. It will also make it easier to put the bag into a stuff sack or compression sack for storage or transport.
If your sleeping bag has attached straps, use them to secure the roll. Most sleeping bags that are designed to be rolled will have straps that cinch around the rolled bag and then tighten to keep it in place. These straps are typically positioned roughly one-third of the way from each edge of the rolled bag. If your bag has straps at the bottom (near the foot area), roll the bag from head to toe, and then use the straps to secure it.
If your sleeping bag does not have attached straps, you can use separate straps to secure the roll. Make sure the straps are long enough to fit around the bag when it is rolled up. Wrap the straps around the bag and tighten them to keep the roll securely in place.
You can also improvise straps using a belt, large rubber bands, or rope if you don't have any separate straps available. These improvised straps can be wrapped around the rolled-up sleeping bag to keep it securely in place.
By using straps to secure the roll, you can ensure that your Nemo sleeping bag stays compact and easy to transport or store, whether you're using a stuff sack or simply carrying the rolled-up bag.
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Storing the bag
Storing the NEMO sleeping bag correctly is important to keep it in good condition. Here are some detailed steps to follow for storing your NEMO sleeping bag:
Clean the Sleeping Bag
Before storing your NEMO sleeping bag, it is important to clean it, especially if it is dirty or has stains. Oil and dirt can affect the insulation of the bag over time. Spot cleaning is recommended whenever possible, using a non-detergent soap and a wet cloth to clean the affected areas. Try to avoid getting the insulation of the bag wet by pulling the fabric away from the insulation when cleaning. If there is excessive dirt or oil, you can wash the bag in a washing machine using cold water and a gentle cycle. Then, tumble dry it on low heat and add clean tennis balls to help dry the bag thoroughly.
Dry the Sleeping Bag
Ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Water can affect the insulation and compromise its ability to keep you warm. It can also lead to the growth of mildew. If possible, allow the bag to air dry on a flat, dry surface before storing it.
Decompress the Bag
When you get back from your trip, it is a good idea to leave the bag uncompressed for a couple of days. This helps the bag to "breathe" and ensures that it is completely dry before storing it in a smaller bag.
Store Loosely or Rolled
NEMO sleeping bags can be stored compressed or loose. If you choose to roll your bag, ensure that it is zipped up completely and smoothed out to remove any air pockets. Then, fold it in half lengthwise and start rolling from the bottom towards the head area. Use the attached straps to secure the roll. If your bag did not come with attached straps, you can use separate straps, a belt, large rubber bands, or rope to keep it rolled up tightly.
If your bag came with a storage bag, you can also store it loosely inside without rolling it. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions if you are unsure.
Protect the Bag
Small tears and rips can be patched up with products like Tenacious Tape by Gear Aid. This will provide a durable and nearly invisible repair. NEMO also offers professional repair services for more extensive damage. Additionally, always store your bag in a dry place, preferably in a waterproof bag, to protect it from moisture and mildew growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you roll up your NEMO sleeping bag:
- Lay the sleeping bag on a flat, dry surface.
- Zip up the bag and push out any air pockets.
- Fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise.
- Roll the bag upwards from the foot area.
- Use the attached straps to secure the roll.
If your NEMO sleeping bag does not have straps, you can use a belt, large rubber bands, or rope to secure the roll.
To keep your NEMO sleeping bag clean, try to keep it away from oil and dirt as they can affect the bag's insulation. When possible, wipe yourself down with a wet cloth and wear clean clothes before entering the bag. Spot clean the bag when possible and only wash it when necessary.
When washing your NEMO sleeping bag, use a non-detergent soap and make a paste with a small amount of water. Use a cloth or toothbrush to clean the affected area, being careful not to get the insulation wet. For excessive dirt and oil, wash the bag on a gentle cycle with cold water in a front-loading commercial washing machine. Then, tumble dry on low heat in an oversized commercial dryer with clean tennis balls to help dry the down/synthetic material.
Always store your NEMO sleeping bag in a dry state. After returning from a trip, it is recommended to store the bag loose for a couple of days before stashing it away in a smaller bag. When camping, decompress the bag by leaving it unrolled and flat for a few hours before use to help the down loft back up.
