Herbie Murray
Knowing how to store a synthetic sleeping bag can drastically increase its life expectancy. When storing a synthetic sleeping bag, it is important to keep it dry and leave it lofted and loose when possible. This prevents any moisture from festering and keeps the bag's fill healthy and functional. It is recommended to store the bag in a large cotton or mesh bag, rather than compressing it into a small stuff sack, as this can damage the bag's fibres and cause it to lose its function over time. To prevent mould and mildew, the bag should be left outside to dry for at least 6 to 8 hours after each use, and it should be washed as seldom as possible but as often as necessary.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid compression sacks
Sleeping bag manufacturers recommend storing synthetic sleeping bags in a loose stuff sack. This is because, over time, compression can damage the bag, causing it to lose its function. In the case of synthetic bags, the fibres can become permanently folded, much like a piece of paper that has been creased. This can decrease the longevity of your sleeping bag, causing it to lose its structure and comfort.
Instead of using a compression sack, you can store your synthetic sleeping bag in a large cotton or mesh bag, or even a pillowcase. If you don't have a bag, you can simply lay your sleeping bag flat under your bed. This method keeps the bag's fibres loose and prevents the build-up of moisture and unpleasant smells.
If you need to pack your sleeping bag into a compression sack for a trip, it's a good idea to let it air out and return to its full size as soon as you get home. You can do this by hanging it up or laying it out flat in a dry, well-ventilated place. This will help to prevent mould and mildew from building up.
If your sleeping bag has lost its loft due to being stored in a compression sack, you can try to revive it by using steam. Force hot steam through the bag from one side until it comes out the other side, fluffing up the compressed areas.
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Store in a cool, dry place
When storing a synthetic sleeping bag, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place. This is because the insulating material in the sleeping bag can be damaged by warm air over time. The ideal storage location is a well-ventilated, dry room or cupboard, such as a walk-in wardrobe, where the bag has plenty of space to loft and air out.
It is best to avoid storing your bag in places where temperatures fluctuate or in damp environments. Attics, cellars, basements, and garages are often damp and humid, which can cause mould to form on the sleeping bag. If you must store your bag in one of these places, make sure the space is insulated and well-ventilated. In an attic, store the bag close to the attic hatch, where temperatures are cooler due to the passing air. Basements should be insulated and ventilated to avoid mould. In a garage, find a container that keeps the bag ventilated while preventing damp.
When storing your bag, it is also important to keep it out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric and damage the exterior coating. Instead, hang the bag over a clothes airer and use a fan to keep the air moving. Alternatively, you can use a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
To prepare your synthetic sleeping bag for storage, it should be cleaned and completely dried. It is recommended to hang the bag for 24 hours to allow the fibres to fully decompress and dry out. If hanging the bag outside, be mindful of the weather and avoid direct sunlight. The bag should be kept clean and dry, and a sleeping bag liner can help with this.
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Wash infrequently
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag infrequently, that is, only once every few years. If you are an avid backpacker, wash it once a season. This is because washing your sleeping bag too often can damage the insulating fibres.
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to give it a thorough cleaning. Natural body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric of your bag over time and accumulate on the insulation fibres. This reduces the efficacy of your bag and can result in a cold night's sleep. To prevent this, do a spot-clean of your bag after every trip. Start by wiping away any dirt or debris from the exterior of the sleeping bag with a soft toothbrush or a slightly damp cloth.
If you do decide to wash your sleeping bag, make sure to dry it with tennis balls, as this will help break up clumped insulation. When the bag finishes the drying cycle, you may need to break up any leftover clumps by hand.
It is also important to air out your sleeping bag as often as possible. When on a trip, air out your sleeping bag soon after arriving at a campsite to let its fibres loft inside the tent. This removes the moisture the bag collects from your body, clothes, or anything else.
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Air after use
It is important to air out your synthetic sleeping bag after use to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. To do this, fully unzip the bag and hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid leaving the bag in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. You can aid the drying process by turning the bag inside out for the first 4 hours, then turning it back for the remaining time. If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. Set up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
After airing and drying, it is recommended to give your sleeping bag a thorough cleaning before storing it away. Natural body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up on the outer fabric and the insulation fibres over time, reducing the bag's effectiveness. Spot-clean your bag after each use by wiping away any dirt or debris from the exterior with a soft toothbrush or a slightly damp cloth. Depending on the frequency of use, consider washing your bag periodically to ensure it stays in top condition.
Once your bag is clean and dry, loosely pack it into a large breathable cotton or mesh sack for storage. Avoid using the compression stuff sack that your bag may have come with, as long-term compression can damage the insulation and reduce its ability to fluff up, compromising its warmth. Instead, opt for a jumbo cotton storage bag or a cotton or mesh sack that is at least 90L in size. These larger bags will keep your sleeping bag contained without compressing the fill, allowing for air circulation and preventing dirt and dust from building up.
Finally, choose a storage location that is cool, dry, and away from any moisture. A shelf in a closet or a storage rack can work well, ensuring the bag is not placed on the ground where it could encounter moisture. If space is limited, you can also consider hanging the bag in the closet or laying it flat under a bed, as long as it is not compressed and has room to breathe.
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Use a liner or functional underwear
Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry place. They should be kept loose and lofted when possible to prevent moisture and funk from festering. This is because the insulation inside a synthetic sleeping bag can be damaged if it is stored incorrectly.
Using a liner or functional underwear can help to protect your sleeping bag by absorbing perspiration and providing added insulation. Liners are also easy to wash, which is important because it is not recommended to wash a sleeping bag too often. Liners are made from a variety of materials, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Silk liners are lightweight, compact, and help insulate in cold weather, but they are also absorbent and breathable in warm weather. They are also quite expensive. Cotton liners are strong, durable, and absorbent, but they are not very lightweight or compact. They are, however, quite economical. Synthetic liners are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them ideal for humid conditions.
Functional underwear can also be worn inside a sleeping bag to add warmth. In cold climates, it is recommended to avoid cotton liners or underwear as they can hold onto moisture from your body. Silk liners or underwear are ideal in these conditions. It is also important to be dry when getting into a sleeping bag and to properly layer your bag. Too many layers will make you feel clammy, but fewer layers will allow the bag to get warmer, and the moisture inside it is more likely to vaporize and breathe out of the bag.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a wardrobe. Do not store it in a damp basement. It is best to keep it in a loose stuff sack or a large cotton drawstring bag.
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to air it out and ensure it is completely dry. You can hang it outside for at least 6-8 hours, but not in direct sunlight. After that, shake out the sleeping bag to remove any dirt or debris.
You should wash your sleeping bag as rarely as possible but as often as necessary. On average, once a year should suffice. When washing, use a mild detergent and a gentle cycle. Avoid drying-cleaning as the chemicals can deteriorate the material.
To maintain the structure and comfort of your sleeping bag, avoid storing it in a tight stuff sack for long periods. This can cause the synthetic fills to lose elasticity and become degraded over time. Instead, store it in a loose sack or lay it out flat when possible.
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