Gina Johnson
A good night's sleep while camping is essential for feeling rested and ready for any winter sports or activities you have planned for the next day. A down sleeping bag is a great option to keep you warm through the night, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get a good night's sleep. Firstly, it is important to keep your sleeping bag dry, as wet down will not maintain warmth and is difficult to dry. You should also avoid jumping around or standing in your bag, as this can damage it. Additionally, be mindful of what you are wearing and whether it could be dirty or oily, as this can affect the bag's insulation over time. Finally, practice using your bag's zippers at home, so you don't accidentally tear the fabric when trying to zip it up in the dark.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Down or synthetic fibres |
| Purpose | Keep you warm |
| Air pockets | Bigger and stronger is better |
| Storage | Uncompressed, dry and inside a large cotton or mesh sack |
| Drying | Hang up in the wind or inside a tent with ventilation |
| Cleaning | Use a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag clean |
| Sleeping mats | Closed-cell foam or inflated/self-inflating |
| Sleeping bag care | Avoid jumping around while standing inside the bag |
| Sleeping bag care | Avoid lending to friends |
| Sleeping bag care | Be patient with the zippers |
| Sleeping bag care | Air out the bag daily |
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What You'll Learn
Keep it dry
Keeping your down sleeping bag dry is essential for staying warm and preserving its lifespan. Here are some tips to keep your bag dry:
Waterproofing
Waterproof stuff sacks are ideal for backpacking, especially if you carry the bag outside your pack. Alternatively, you can line a regular stuff sack or your backpack with a plastic garbage bag and then place the sleeping bag inside. This will help protect your bag from rain or other sources of moisture.
Drying
Always ensure your down sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it away. When you return home from a camping trip, unzip the bag and hang it for at least 24 hours to air it out and ensure it's dry. If the bag is still damp, you can use a dryer on low heat or 'delicates' setting. Avoid high heat as it can damage delicate shell materials. You can also place the bag in the sun or line dry it indoors if outdoor drying isn't possible.
Washing
Washing your down sleeping bag can help remove dirt, oils, and odours, extending its life and improving its performance. However, always ensure the bag is completely dry after washing. Hand washing is an option, but it can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. If using a machine, opt for a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Use a gentle cycle with warm or cold water and a soap specifically formulated for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash or Grangers Down Wash. Avoid standard laundry detergents as they can leave residue and affect the bag's performance.
Repellent Finish
Over time, the original durable water repellent (DWR) finish on your sleeping bag's shell will wear off. You can restore water repellency by reapplying this finish using various products available on the market. This will help keep your bag drier for longer.
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Use a sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bag liners are a great way to keep your bag clean, which is essential for maintaining its insulating power. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, protecting it from body oils, sweat, and dirt. Liners are also useful if you're travelling in bear country, as they prevent your bag from absorbing cooking odours, which could attract unwanted attention from wildlife. Liners are available in a range of materials, including silk, cotton, fleece, wool, and synthetic fabrics like polyester and CoolMax®. Each material has its own advantages: silk is lightweight and ideal for most hikes, while cotton is better suited for travel and hostel-hopping. Fleece is a heavier option that adds significant warmth, along with extra weight, making it a good choice for cold temperatures. Synthetic liners are moisture-wicking and breathable, perfect for humid conditions. They also offer some stretch, which is ideal for restless sleepers.
When choosing a liner, you'll also need to consider the measurements. Mummy liners are the lightest weight option, tapering down from the hips to the feet, while standard liners are rectangular and offer more foot room. If you're looking to extend the range of your lightweight bag, insulated liners like Thermolite® can add up to 25°F of warmth and dry faster than cotton. In bug-infested areas, a liner with built-in bug protection, such as the Insect Shield® by Sea to Summit, can provide extra peace of mind.
While sleeping bag liners can add extra weight to your pack, many seasoned hikers consider them essential for keeping their bags clean and comfortable. They're also easy to wash, so you can start each trip with a fresh liner and a fresh bag. If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can even make your own liner, custom-fitted to your height and width.
Remember, keeping your sleeping bag clean and dry is crucial for its performance and longevity. A liner is a great way to maintain hygiene and reduce the frequency of washes, which can be especially important if you're camping in cold, wet weather where drying your bag may be challenging.
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Wear clean clothes
While sleeping in a down sleeping bag, it is important to wear clean clothes. This is because, over time, body oils, sweat, and dirt can reduce the insulating power of your sleeping bag. Even if you are exhausted, avoid crawling into your bag wearing the clothes you hiked in. Change into clean long underwear and socks for sleep. If the weather is warm, you can opt for a clean tee and underwear. To keep oily hair from touching the bag's hood, wear a knit cap or a clean bandana.
It is also important to avoid wearing damp clothes inside your sleeping bag. This is because the moisture in your clothes gets trapped by the sleeping bag's insulation, reducing its effectiveness. If your base layer is wet or damp, make sure to dry it before getting into your sleeping bag. Additionally, avoid wearing clothes that you cooked in, especially if you are in an area with bears, as you don't want your sleeping bag to absorb cooking odors that might attract wildlife.
To keep your sleeping bag clean, consider using a sleeping bag liner. Liners act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, and they can be made of cotton, silk, wool, or polyester. They are lightweight and can add 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating. After each trip, simply wash the liner to keep your sleeping bag fresh and clean.
It is also recommended to keep your sleeping bag dry. Moisture can damage the insulation in your sleeping bag, reducing its ability to keep you warm. Always store your bag in a dry and uncompressed state to allow the insulating material to breathe and regain its original strength. When out on an adventure, take any opportunity to hang your bag up to dry in the wind.
By following these tips and wearing clean clothes when sleeping in your down sleeping bag, you can improve its performance and prolong its lifespan.
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Choose the right sleeping bag
Choosing the right sleeping bag is essential for a good night's sleep in the outdoors. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a sleeping bag:
Temperature Rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag indicates the lowest temperature at which it is designed to keep a person warm. It's important to choose a bag with a suitable temperature rating for the environment you'll be using it in. Consider the typical low temperatures you anticipate encountering and select a bag with a rating slightly lower than those temperatures. This way, you can ensure you'll stay warm even if temperatures drop unexpectedly. Remember, you can always open up the bag or unzip it if you get too warm.
Type of Insulation
Sleeping bags typically use either down or synthetic insulation. Down insulation, made from goose or duck plumage, is known for its warmth, lightweight, and compressibility. It is often more expensive and durable than synthetic insulation. Down bags usually have a "fill power" rating, which indicates the quality and loftiness of the down. The higher the fill power, the greater the warmth for the weight. On the other hand, synthetic insulation is generally more affordable and vegan-friendly as it does not use animal byproducts. Synthetic bags are also effective at retaining warmth when wet, whereas down insulation loses insulating efficiency when wet.
Weight and Packability
The weight of a sleeping bag is an important consideration, especially if you plan to carry it while backpacking or hiking. Down sleeping bags are generally lighter and more packable than synthetic bags. If weight and space are crucial factors, a down bag might be the better choice.
Comfort and Fit
Everyone has their own comfort preferences when it comes to sleeping. Sleeping bags come in various shapes, including mummy, square, semi-rectangular, and double. Mummy bags are tapered towards the feet, saving weight and space while providing extra warmth by reducing empty space. Rectangular bags offer more room to move around and stretch out. Some bags, particularly those designed for women, may have extra fill material as women tend to sleep colder than men. Consider your personal comfort and sleep style when choosing a bag.
Price
Sleeping bags can vary significantly in price depending on factors such as insulation type, fill power, brand, and features. Down bags tend to be more expensive than synthetic bags, and higher fill powers also come with higher price tags. It's important to determine your budget and find the best bag you can afford within that range. Remember that a good-quality sleeping bag is an investment that will enhance your outdoor experiences.
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Store it correctly
When storing your down sleeping bag, it's important to first remove it from its stuff sack and dry it thoroughly. This is because, over time, the fragile insulation fibres inside the bag will be damaged by excessive periods of compression, leading to a cold night's sleep. If you leave your bag in a compressed state for several months, it will lose its resiliency and lofting ability.
After drying, it's recommended to air out the insulation material to prevent unpleasant odours and maintain the loft of the down filling. To do this, unzip your sleeping bag completely and let it hang in a cool, dry place for at least 4 to 8 hours. If you don't have access to outdoor space, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area.
Once dry, you can then store your sleeping bag in a large cotton or mesh sack. This will keep it contained without compressing the fill, while also allowing for air circulation. If your bag didn't come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase or purchase a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size).
It's important to store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain the loft of the down filling and protect the exterior coating and materials of your bag.
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Frequently asked questions
Waterproof stuff sacks are great for backpacking when rain is expected. You can also line a regular stuff sack with a plastic bag and then stuff the sleeping bag inside it. It is also important to keep your bag off the ground, as moisture can seep in.
When you get home, take your sleeping bag out of the compression bag and store it uncompressed in a cool, dry place. This will allow the insulating material to breathe and regain its original strength.
Wear clean clothes to sleep, as body oils, sweat and dirt can reduce the insulating power of the sleeping bag. You can also use a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag clean.
