Herbie Murray
Knowing how to store your Kelty sleeping bag is essential to maintaining its quality and ensuring a comfortable night's sleep. Incorrectly stored sleeping bags can easily become soiled or damaged, and their fragile insulation fibres can be compromised, leading to a cold night's sleep. After each trip, it is important to air dry your bag for at least 24 hours before storing it in a cool, dry place. Never store your bag in a stuff sack or keep it compressed for extended periods, as this will cause it to lose loft or fluffiness. Instead, hang your sleeping bag from a hook or store it in a large cotton or mesh bag in a cool, dry room or cupboard.
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What You'll Learn
Air dry your bag for 24 hours before storing
Air drying your sleeping bag for 24 hours before storing is crucial to prevent the growth of mildew and to ensure your bag is ready for its next use. After a camping trip, your sleeping bag may be damp or smell musty. To air it out, turn it inside out to dry any moisture. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric. If your bag is very wet, air it out for several hours.
When you arrive home from your trip, unzip the bag and hang it up to dry, distributing the weight evenly to avoid putting stress on the nylon fabric. Alternatively, lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. Leave your bag to air dry for at least 24 hours before storing. This process ensures your bag is completely dry and prevents the growth of mildew, which can occur when condensation builds up inside a stored bag.
If you need to speed up the drying process, use a dryer on a low heat setting. High heat can damage delicate nylon fabrics. If using a dryer, periodically check the bag to ensure the fabric isn't too hot and the insulation isn't bunching or clumping. If clumping occurs, line dry the bag instead.
Once your bag is completely dry, you can store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack, a large pillowcase, or a breathable storage bag provided by the manufacturer. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack, as this will damage the fill over time. By allowing your bag to air dry for 24 hours before storing, you can maintain its condition and ensure it's ready for your next adventure.
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Wash your bag when it gets dirty or loses loft
Sleeping bags should be washed when they get dirty or lose loft. Loft is the bag's ability to be fluffy and full of air, which provides insulation and warmth. If your sleeping bag loses loft, it will not be as warm.
Washing a sleeping bag can be done at home or at a laundromat. It is important to never dry clean a sleeping bag, as the chemicals can damage the materials. When washing, use a mild detergent or a soap designed for down or synthetic-filled items. Avoid normal detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products. Use warm or cold water and wash on a gentle cycle.
Before washing, unzip the bag and bring the slider halfway up one side of the zipper to prevent the slider from coming off. If you are using a machine, ensure it does not have an agitator, as these can damage the bag. If you are handwashing, fill a tub with water and add the appropriate cleaner.
After washing, dry the bag on low heat. Check the bag regularly to ensure the fabric is not too hot and the insulation is not clumping. If clumping occurs, line dry the bag instead. For down bags, you can add tennis balls or clean sneakers to the dryer to help break up clumps and restore loft.
If your bag is old or inherited, it may be unwashable. Check the integrity of the bag by gently tugging on the lining and shell material. If you hear threads popping or ripping, the bag needs repairs before washing. Waterproof bags will hold a lot of water, so use caution when transporting them from washer to dryer.
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Don't store in a compression sack
When storing your Kelty sleeping bag at home, it is important to remember not to store it in a compression sack. This is because the longer the insulation in your sleeping bag is compressed, the more loft it loses. Insulation loft is key to keeping you warm. Both down and synthetic fills need to fluff up (loft) to create small air pockets within the insulation. These air pockets then trap your body heat to help keep you warm while you sleep. If you leave your bag in a compressed state for several months, it will lose its resiliency and lofting ability.
Although down and synthetic bag insulations do a good job of fluffing up after being compressed, there is a limit to their resilience. Synthetics tend to fare worse than down in this regard, but both types of fills will be compromised. If you don't dry out your bag between trips, mould and mildew can grow on the surface and inside the insulation. Therefore, it is important to always dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting and to check it frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting.
If you are unable to remove your sleeping bag from its compression sack between uses, it is recommended that you at least pull it out on occasion to give it a good shake and fluff up the fill material. This will help to prevent the insulation from becoming too compressed and losing its lofting ability.
Additionally, when storing your sleeping bag at home, make sure to extract it from its stuff sack, dry it thoroughly, and loosely stow it inside a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. Store it in a place that is both cool and dry, such as a closet, avoiding damp basements and unheated spaces like garages and attics.
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Store in a cool, dry place
When storing your Kelty sleeping bag, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place. This is because the insulating material in sleeping bags can be damaged by heat and moisture. If your bag is stored in a warm location, the insulating fibres can become crushed and damaged over time. Similarly, damp environments can cause mould to form on the sleeping bag.
Therefore, it is recommended to store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry room or cupboard. This will allow the bag to fully loft and air out, maintaining its insulating properties. Avoid storing your bag in places with fluctuating temperatures or in damp environments, such as attics, cellars, or basements. These areas are often humid and can cause damage to the bag over time.
If you must store your bag in an attic, basement, or garage, there are some guidelines to follow. In an attic, store the bag close to the attic hatch or eaves, where temperatures are slightly cooler. For basements, ensure the space is insulated and well-ventilated to prevent mould buildup. In a garage, choose a container that keeps the bag ventilated while minimising dampness. Additionally, consider storing the bag inside out, as the waterproof coating on the outer layer can trap moisture inside.
To further ensure your sleeping bag is stored in a cool, dry place, consider using a storage rack to keep it off the floor and away from any moisture that may accumulate there. A shelf in a closet or a hanging rack are also suitable options, as long as the bag is not compressed. Using a jumbo cotton storage bag or a king-size pillowcase can also help to keep your sleeping bag contained while allowing for air circulation.
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Use a large cotton storage sack or mesh bag
When storing your Kelty sleeping bag, it is important to use a storage option that allows the bag to decompress and retain its volume. A large cotton storage sack or mesh bag is ideal for this purpose. Cotton storage sacks are designed to allow your sleeping bag to breathe and retain the volume that keeps it soft and warm. They are made of lightweight, breathable cotton fabric, which makes them perfect for storing your sleeping bag between adventures.
These storage sacks are spacious, allowing your sleeping bag to decompress and maintain its loft. This is especially important if you have a down sleeping bag, as compressing the insulation for extended periods can cause it to lose its loft over time. By using a large cotton storage sack, you can prevent this issue and ensure your sleeping bag stays fluffy and warm.
Additionally, cotton storage sacks provide protection from dust and other contaminants. They create a barrier that keeps your sleeping bag clean and fresh while it is stored away. This feature is particularly useful if you plan to store your sleeping bag for extended periods without use. The sack's breathable nature also helps prevent moisture buildup, keeping your sleeping bag dry and odour-free.
When choosing a cotton storage sack, look for one with a secure closure, such as a drawstring, to keep your sleeping bag safely contained. Some cotton storage sacks, like the AntiGravityGear (AGG) sleeping bag storage sack, feature a drawstring closure that is easy to operate and secure. This ensures that your sleeping bag remains protected from dust and other contaminants while stored.
By using a large cotton storage sack or mesh bag, you can effectively store your Kelty sleeping bag while maintaining its loft, softness, and warmth. Remember to always air dry your sleeping bag before storing it and to give it a good shake to fluff up the fill material. With proper care and storage, your Kelty sleeping bag will be ready for your next adventure.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash your bag when it gets stinky, dirty, or loses loft. For most people, this means once a year.
Do not dry clean your sleeping bag. For safe and thorough cleaning, use a jumbo, front-loading washer. Before washing, unzip the bag and bring the slider halfway up on one side of the zipper. Use warm water, the gentle cycle, and a mild powdered detergent.
Sleeping bags take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to dry completely. Check the bag periodically to make sure the fabric isn't too hot and the insulation isn't bunching or clumping. If it clumps, line dry it instead.
Keeping your sleeping bag in good condition is essential to prolonging its life. Allowing your sleeping bag to fully loft while it's being stored for lengthy periods will keep a protective layer of air around the delicate insulation materials. Hang your sleeping bag from a hook in a cool, dry room or cupboard, or store it in a large cotton storage sack or mesh bag.
After each trip, air-dry your bag for at least 24 hours before storing. Unzip your sleeping bag completely and let it hang in a cool, dry place for at least 4 to 6 hours.
