Ashwin Lewis
Winter sleeping bags are a must-have for cold-weather camping, but they can be bulky and take up a lot of storage space. Properly storing your winter sleeping bag will ensure that it stays in good condition and keeps you warm and cosy for many years. Here are some tips to help you store your winter sleeping bag effectively.
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What You'll Learn
Wash and dry your sleeping bag before storing it
Before storing your winter sleeping bag, it is important to wash and dry it properly. This will ensure that your bag stays fresh and lasts longer. Here are some detailed instructions on how to wash and dry your sleeping bag before storing it:
Firstly, it is recommended to wash your sleeping bag at the end of the season or before storing it for an extended period. Body oils, sweat, dirt, and other greasy residues can build up on the bag over time and compromise its insulating power. Washing your bag will help remove these residues and keep it clean and fresh.
When washing your winter sleeping bag, you can either hand wash it in a bathtub or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If using a washer, it is recommended to use a front-loading machine without an agitator to avoid damaging the bag. Always use a gentle, non-detergent soap specifically made for washing down or synthetic-filled items. Avoid using regular laundry detergent as it can lead to clumping or reduced loft. Unzip the bag completely before washing to prevent any snagging or breaking of the slider.
After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water and proceed to dry your sleeping bag. It is important to dry your bag thoroughly before storing it. You can use a commercial dryer on a low heat setting, ensuring that you check on it frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting. Alternatively, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Hanging the bag to dry is also an option, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric.
To speed up the drying process and restore the loft, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer or dryer bag. This helps to break up clumps of down and agitate the fill. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional. Regardless of the drying method, ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it.
By following these instructions, you can effectively wash and dry your winter sleeping bag, ensuring that it is clean and fresh for your next use and stored correctly for the long term.
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Store it in a cool, dry place
It is important to store your winter sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. Moisture and temperature extremes are hard on your bag, so avoid damp basements and unheated spaces like garages and attics. If you have to store your bag in an attic, store it close to the attic hatch or eaves, where the temperatures are slightly cooler. Basements can also be very damp, so mould might start to build up on your sleeping bag if it's not stored properly. If your basement is insulated with plenty of ventilation, you may be able to avoid any serious damage to your bag.
If you absolutely have to store your sleeping bag in a damp or humid environment, make sure to keep it inside a large, airtight container that keeps the bag ventilated but does not let too much damp in. If you do this, be absolutely sure that the bag is dry and that there is not a speck of moisture in the tub.
If you have the space, it is best to hang your sleeping bag from a hook in a cool, dry room or cupboard. This allows air to flow freely around the bag, and the bag is not compressed at all. If you hang your bag, make sure it is not in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric.
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Avoid storing it in a stuff sack
Storing your winter sleeping bag properly is important to prolong its life and ensure that it keeps you warm and cozy for many years. While a stuff sack is handy for transporting your bag to the campsite, it should not be used for long-term storage. Here are the reasons why you should avoid storing your winter sleeping bag in a stuff sack:
Compressed Fibers
Packing a sleeping bag tightly in a stuff sack will compress its fibers, causing them to break down over time. When the bag is compressed inside the stuff sack for several months, it will lose its resiliency and lofting ability. This will result in a flat, fluff-less sleeping bag that has lost its insulating properties.
Moisture and Temperature Extremes
Stuff sacks are not designed to protect your sleeping bag from moisture and temperature extremes. When stored in damp conditions, such as basements or unventilated attics, the sleeping bag can develop mold or mildew. Similarly, car trunks are not suitable for storage due to susceptibility to temperature changes.
Lack of Air Circulation
A stuff sack does not allow for adequate air circulation, which is necessary to keep the sleeping bag fresh and odor-free. By storing the bag in a confined space, it may develop a musty smell over time.
Difficulty in Lofting
Insulation loft is critical to keeping you warm. When the sleeping bag is compressed in a stuff sack, the insulating fibers are unable to loft properly. This results in reduced warmth as the small air spaces within the insulation are diminished.
Long-Term Damage
The continuous compression and lack of airflow can cause long-term damage to the sleeping bag. The fibers may become permanently deformed, and the bag may not be able to regain its original shape and insulating properties even when removed from the stuff sack.
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Hang it from a hook or lay it flat
Hanging your winter sleeping bag from a hook or laying it flat are two ways to store your sleeping bag.
If you want to hang your sleeping bag from a hook, make sure it is a sturdy hook that can bear the weight of the bag. Ideally, the bag should be hung in a cool, dry room or cupboard. Hanging your bag allows air to flow freely around it, and it will not be compressed. Some sleeping bags even have loops on them for this purpose. However, if your bag is made of down, hanging it from a hook may cause the insulation to sink to the bottom, so it is recommended to store it on a shelf instead.
If you want to store your sleeping bag flat, make sure to extract it from its stuff sack, dry it thoroughly, and then loosely pack it into a large cotton or mesh sack, or a king-size pillowcase. You can then store it flat on a shelf in a cool, dry place. Make sure to avoid damp basements and unheated spaces like garages and attics, as moisture and temperature extremes are hard on your bag.
Whether you choose to hang your sleeping bag from a hook or store it flat, always ensure that it is completely dry before storing it away. If necessary, hang it outdoors or in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area for 6 to 8 hours before storing.
Additionally, it is important to note that you should never fold your sleeping bag, as folding or creasing can cause damage to the delicate outer materials and insulation fibres, reducing its warmth and comfort over time.
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Use a large cotton or mesh bag
To store a winter sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a large cotton or mesh bag. This is because cotton and mesh bags are breathable, allowing air circulation and preventing moisture build-up. They also help to prevent the compression of the sleeping bag, which can damage the insulating fibres.
If your sleeping bag came with a large cotton storage bag, make sure to use this. Many modern bags are sold with both a stuff sack and a larger, looser, breathable storage bag. This larger storage bag is ideal for home storage, as it gives the bag room to breathe and unfurl. If your bag did not come with a large storage bag, you can purchase a large cotton laundry bag or use a king-size pillowcase.
When placing the bag into the storage bag, slowly feed the sleeping bag into the mesh bag and shake it out to allow it to loft and maintain its insulating properties. It is important to ensure that the sleeping bag is completely clean and dry before storing it, as natural body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric and the insulation fibres over time.
Store the large cotton or mesh bag in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and windows, to prevent long-term UV damage. A shelf in a closet or a basement gear room with consistent temperature and humidity can be a good option.
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Frequently asked questions
You should store your winter sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. It should be stored loosely in a breathable cotton or mesh sack, or hung in a closet or cupboard.
Stuff sacks are designed for transporting your bag and should not be used for long-term storage. Packing your sleeping bag tightly will compress its fibres, causing them to break down over time.
Wash your sleeping bag with a gentle detergent and dry it on a low heat setting. Tumble dry with two or three tennis balls to help fluff up the fill. Wash your sleeping bag periodically to remove body oils, sweat and dirt.
If you're an avid backpacker, wash your sleeping bag once a season. Otherwise, once every few years should be sufficient.
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