Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are essential for a good night's sleep when camping or backpacking. However, they can be bulky and awkward to store when not in use. So, should a sleeping bag be stored indoors? The answer is yes, but with some important considerations. Firstly, it is crucial to avoid storing a sleeping bag in a compressed state for extended periods. This can damage the insulation and reduce its ability to keep you warm. Secondly, sleeping bags should be dried thoroughly before storage to prevent mould and mildew growth. Finally, choose a cool, dry, and well-ventilated indoor area for storage, such as a shelf in a cupboard or closet, to ensure your sleeping bag stays in good condition for your next adventure.
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry place
Sleeping bags should always be stored in a cool, dry place. This is to prevent the growth of mould or mildew, which can occur if your bag is stored while still damp. If you have access to a closet, a good option is to loosely fold your sleeping bag and store it on a shelf. If you don't have closet space, you can hang your bag on a hook or hanger.
It's important to remove your sleeping bag from its stuff sack before storing it. Although compression sacks are great for portability, they are not ideal for long-term storage. Compressing your sleeping bag can cause damage to the insulation fibres, reducing the bag's ability to keep you warm. It can also cause the outer fabric to deteriorate and tear, and the zips to become bent or buckled.
Instead, sleeping bags should be stored in a large cotton or mesh sack that allows for a free flow of air. Most modern sleeping bags are sold with a large cotton storage sack, but if yours didn't come with one, you can use a king-size pillowcase or buy a 90L cotton or mesh sack.
Before storing your sleeping bag, make sure it is completely dry. Unzip the bag and hang it for at least six hours, or up to 24 hours if possible. If you're in a hurry, you can use a commercial dryer on a low heat setting, but be sure to check the bag frequently to avoid damage from heat.
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Avoid attics, basements, garages, vehicles
It is best to avoid storing your sleeping bag in attics, basements, garages, or vehicles. These areas are typically more susceptible to temperature changes and have poor airflow and higher humidity. Garages, in particular, can be damp and non-insulated, leading to wild temperature fluctuations.
If you must store your sleeping bag in these locations, it is crucial to take extra precautions. Firstly, ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. Moisture can lead to mould or mildew growth, compromising the performance of your sleeping bag. Secondly, choose a storage container that allows for adequate airflow. A cotton or mesh sack is ideal, as it enables a free flow of air while keeping the sleeping bag contained without compressing the fill.
Additionally, consider using a dehumidifier or setting up a fan to help regulate the temperature and reduce humidity. By taking these extra steps, you can minimise the potential damage caused by storing your sleeping bag in less-than-ideal conditions. However, it is always preferable to find an alternative storage location that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated if possible.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that attics, basements, and garages are acceptable storage locations if proper precautions are taken. However, the consensus among experts is that these areas should generally be avoided due to the challenges in maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels.
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Use a large cotton or mesh bag for storage
Sleeping bags should not be stored in a compressed state for long periods. This is because the protective air between the fibres is removed, which can cause the insulation fibres to crush and break. This will reduce the bag's ability to keep you warm. Therefore, it is recommended to store sleeping bags in a large cotton or mesh bag.
Most modern sleeping bags are sold with a large cotton storage bag. This bag keeps the bag contained without compressing the fill, allowing air circulation. If your bag did not come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase. However, a pillowcase may be too small, so it is better to buy a 90L cotton or mesh sack.
Storing your bag in a large cotton or mesh bag will protect your sleeping bag without compressing the insulation. It is recommended to loosely pack your sleeping bag into the cotton or mesh bag, allowing a free flow of air. This will help to keep the bag lofted inside while in storage.
Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard or room with good ventilation. Avoid storing sleeping bags in locations that experience extreme temperature fluctuations or high levels of humidity, such as attics, basements, garages, or vehicles. These areas tend to have poor airflow and higher humidity, which can damage the sleeping bag.
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Don't store sleeping bags rolled or folded
Storing sleeping bags rolled or folded can cause permanent damage to loose down fill insulation, reducing their effectiveness at trapping air and providing warmth. This is because rolling or folding compresses the insulation, which can cause it to lose its lofting ability. Lofting is key to keeping you warm, as it creates small air spaces within the insulation.
Additionally, rolling or folding your sleeping bag can also cause damage to the delicate outer materials and insulation fibres, which will gradually reduce its warmth and comfort. The compression can also cause the outer fabric to deteriorate and tear, and zips can become bent and buckled.
To avoid this damage, it is recommended to store your sleeping bag loosely packed in a cotton or mesh sack that allows for a free flow of air. This will protect the delicate fibres and fabrics and keep your sleeping bag warm for longer. If your sleeping bag did not come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase or purchase a cotton or mesh sack.
It is also important to keep your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place, as moisture and temperature extremes can be hard on the bag. If storing your bag in an attic, basement, or garage, make sure to remove all moisture from the bag first to prevent the growth of mould.
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Always dry your sleeping bag before storing it
It is important to always dry your sleeping bag before storing it. This is because moisture residue can lead to a damp smell, mould, mildew, and even down rot. If your sleeping bag has a waterproof shell, this is especially important as this type of shell blocks the dissipation of moisture.
To dry your sleeping bag, hang it in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. If you're hanging your bag outdoors, make sure it's in a covered space, as you don't want to leave your bag in direct sunlight for too long. UV rays can slowly degrade the fabric. If you're in a hot climate, a fan can help speed up the drying process.
If you're using a dryer, always dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting and check it frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting. You can also use a large commercial dryer, although this isn't usually needed unless you're washing your bag. If you're using a dryer, toss in two or three clean tennis balls to help break up clumps and dry the bag uniformly.
Even if you don't have a mould or mildew problem, washing your bag periodically is a good idea. Body oils, sweat, and dirt in the insulation can reduce the insulating power of your sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended to store a sleeping bag in its stuff sack for long periods. This is because the compression removes protective air from the fibres, which can cause crushing and breakage of the insulation fibres, reducing the bag's ability to keep you warm.
Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard or closet. They should be stored in a large cotton or mesh bag that allows for a free flow of air, or hung up by a loop.
Garages tend to be damp and non-insulated, with wild temperature fluctuations. Sleeping bags should be stored in a dry place with consistent temperatures and good airflow.
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to dry it thoroughly. Unzip the bag and hang it for 6 to 24 hours, avoiding direct sunlight. You can also use a commercial dryer on a low heat setting, with clean tennis balls to fluff up the fill.
There are differing opinions on this. Some sources recommend storing the bag zipped to protect the zipper teeth. Others suggest storing it unzipped to allow for better airflow and to prevent mould or mildew.
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