Miya Pearson
A sleeping bag is one of the most important investments for backpackers, so it's crucial to know how to take care of it. Proper care will ensure your bag lasts for many years, possibly even decades. To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it's important to store it correctly, clean it regularly, and make any necessary repairs. Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, and should never be stored compressed unless they are completely dry. When cleaning your sleeping bag, avoid using harsh soaps and detergents, and try to minimise how often you wash it as the fibres are delicate. Instead, spot cleaning is recommended, and you should always let your bag dry thoroughly before storing it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry, and dark area, away from direct sunlight. |
| Hang it up in a dry closet or store it in a large breathable bag in a dry place. | |
| Do not store it compressed unless it is completely dry. | |
| Decompress the bag by leaving it unrolled and flat for a few hours before using it. | |
| Cleaning | Use a sleeping bag liner to protect the interior from dirt and grime. |
| Spot clean when possible, wash when needed. | |
| Use a non-detergent, gentle soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items. | |
| Avoid fabric softener, bleach, or alternative bleach products. | |
| Avoid dry cleaning, top-loading machines with agitators, and harsh soaps. | |
| Wash by hand or use a large commercial washer. | |
| Air dry or use a large commercial dryer on low heat. | |
| Repairs | Small tears and rips can be patched with products like Tenacious Tape by Gear Aid. |
| For bigger tears, sew up the hole by hand or use adhesive gear-repair tape. | |
| For serious holes or broken zippers, consider professional repairs. |
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What You'll Learn
Storing: Hang it up or keep it loose in a cool, dry place
When storing your backpacking sleeping bag, it is best to hang it up in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet. Avoid storing it in a damp basement or attic, as moisture and temperature extremes can damage the bag. If you do not have outdoor space, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. Alternatively, you can store it loose in a large, breathable cotton or mesh bag in a dry place.
If you are storing your sleeping bag for an extended period, it is recommended to wash it first, as body oils and other residues can damage the fabric over time. When washing, use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items. Avoid dry cleaning, fabric softeners, bleach, and alternative bleach products.
After washing, ensure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing. You can air-dry your bag by laying it flat in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or you can hang it up. To speed up the drying process, you can use a fan or dehumidifier, or toss in a few clean tennis balls to fluff up the fill.
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Washing: Wash by hand or professionally, using non-detergent soap
When it comes to washing your backpacking sleeping bag, you can either wash it by hand or send it to be professionally laundered. Many people opt for the latter to protect their investment in the bag. REI, for example, offers a bag-laundering service through its partnership with Rainy Pass Repairs.
If you choose to hand wash your sleeping bag, you can do so in a bathtub. Fill the tub with cool or warm water and add the appropriate cleaning product for your bag, such as Down Wash Direct or Tech Wash. Avoid using too much soap, as it will be challenging to rinse out. Hold the shell or liner fabric away from the insulation so that you can wash and rinse the outer shell without getting the inner fill wet. If the fill does get wet, be sure to give it plenty of time to dry before storing your bag.
Use a non-detergent soap that is specifically formulated for down and synthetic-filled items, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. You can also make a paste with a small amount of water and non-detergent soap and use a cloth or toothbrush to clean the affected area of your sleeping bag. Try not to get the insulation of the bag wet by pulling the fabric away from the insulation when cleaning.
If you're using a washing machine, a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat is recommended. The larger capacity ensures your bag is thoroughly rinsed. Avoid using a top-loading washer with an agitator column, as your bag could get damaged by becoming entangled or wrapped around it.
Drying your sleeping bag will take at least two to three hours, and down fillings take longer than synthetic. You can air dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or you can hang it up to dry. Be careful not to put too much stress on the nylon fabric if you hang it. To speed up the drying process, you can use a large commercial dryer, although this is not usually necessary unless you wash your bag.
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Drying: Air dry or use a large commercial dryer on low heat
Drying your sleeping bag is a critical step in the cleaning process. It is important to ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it away. If your bag is not dried properly, it can develop mold or mildew.
If you're going to air dry your bag, lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang it up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric. If you're short on space, you can hang your bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. Using a fan or dehumidifier will speed up the drying process.
If you're going to use a dryer, it's recommended to use a large commercial dryer, as home dryers are typically not big enough. Set the dryer to low heat and run it for at least an hour, checking frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting. To speed up the process and ensure the filling dries uniformly, toss two or three clean tennis balls into the dryer with your bag.
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Repairs: Patch small tears with tape or sew by hand
When repairing small tears in a backpacking sleeping bag, you can either patch it with tape or sew it by hand.
Patching with Tape
- Assess the tear: Examine the size and shape of the tear. If it is a small tear or hole, you can reinforce the edges of the tear with tape before sewing it up.
- Clean the tear: Use an alcohol wipe or a cloth dipped in mild soap and water to clean the area around the tear. This ensures that the patch will adhere well. Let it dry completely.
- Prepare the patch: Cut the patch at least 0.5 inches larger than the hole or tear on all sides. If you have a repair kit, use the fabric patch included. Alternatively, you can use a self-adhesive gear repair tape, such as Gear Aid's Tenacious Tape, which comes in various colours to match your gear and has an aggressive adhesive backing that can repair nearly any material.
- Apply the patch: Remove the backing from the patch and carefully place it over the tear, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles. For patches that require adhesive, apply a thin layer of fabric glue to the patch and the sleeping bag fabric, then press the patch in place.
- Seal the edges: Apply a seam sealer around the edges of the patch to prevent fraying and ensure a waterproof seal. Allow the repair to dry for at least 24 hours.
Sewing by Hand
- Clean and dry the sleeping bag.
- Reinforce the edges of the tear with tape to prevent it from spreading.
- Use a sharp needle and light thread, such as Mara 70 or Mara 100 (SewAll).
- Fold the edges of the fabric on each side of the tear and stitch them closed, being careful not to pull the threads too tight, which can create tension and cause the tear to spread.
- When you return home, you can remove the hand stitching and sew the fabric more durably with a sewing machine if needed.
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Packing: Compress and place in a waterproof stuff sack
When packing your sleeping bag for a backpacking trip, you'll want to compress it and place it in a waterproof stuff sack. This will ensure that your bag stays dry and compact while you're on the trail. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you pack your sleeping bag effectively:
Choose the Right Stuff Sack:
Start by selecting an appropriately sized stuff sack for your sleeping bag. Compression sacks are designed to reduce the volume of your sleeping bag, making it more compact. They are available in various sizes, and you can choose one that best fits your sleeping bag model. Some sleeping bags come with their own compression sacks, so check if yours already includes one. If not, you can purchase one separately.
Prepare the Sleeping Bag:
Before placing your sleeping bag into the stuff sack, ensure that it is clean and dry. Sleeping bags can be washed and dried, but make sure to follow the care instructions specific to your bag. After cleaning, allow the bag to dry thoroughly before storage. This is crucial to prevent the growth of mold or mildew, which can damage the insulation.
Stuffing Technique:
To stuff your sleeping bag into the sack efficiently, start with the foot end of the bag and partially close the zipper. Push the foot end firmly into the bottom of the stuff sack, and continue stuffing the bag evenly as you move upwards. This technique helps to release air out of the top of the bag and puts less stress on the stitching. If your sleeping bag has a waterproof shell, turning it inside out before stuffing can make the process easier by preventing air from getting trapped inside.
Ensure Waterproof Protection:
Sleeping bag compression sacks are not always waterproof, so it is essential to take additional measures to ensure your bag stays dry during your backpacking trip. You can use a waterproof pack liner or a dry bag inside your backpack to keep your sleeping bag and other gear dry. This extra layer of protection will give you peace of mind, especially when hiking in wet or rainy conditions.
Adjust Compression as Needed:
Once your sleeping bag is inside the stuff sack, you can adjust the compression level to your preference. Remember that sleeping bags, especially synthetic ones, have a limit to their compression resilience. Over-compressing for an extended period can compromise the bag's ability to fluff up (loft) and trap body heat effectively. Therefore, it is recommended to use a slightly larger stuff sack than necessary to avoid over-compression and allow for easier packing.
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Frequently asked questions
You should store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry, and dark area, away from direct sunlight. It should be stored loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a pillowcase, or a cotton bag you've sewn yourself. Do not store it compressed in its stuff sack, as this will damage the fill over time.
You should only need to wash your sleeping bag once a year, at a minimum. If you're using it more frequently, you may want to wash it more often. You can hand wash it in a bathtub, send it to a professional service, or use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat. If you're washing it yourself, use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items, such as Grangers Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash.
Small tears and rips can be patched with a product like Tenacious Tape by Gear Aid. Clean the area of the sleeping bag that needs patching, then peel and stick the patch on the tear. If your bag gets a serious hole or broken zipper, consider having it professionally repaired.
