Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags are essential for a good night's rest during outdoor adventures. However, they require proper care and storage to maintain their functionality and longevity. The way you store your sleeping bag when not in use can significantly impact its condition, determining whether it remains a cosy companion or becomes a flat, fluff-less mess. This guide will provide essential tips and tricks for storing your sleeping bag correctly, ensuring it's always ready for your next adventure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Cool, dry room, cupboard, or closet |
| Container | Large cotton or mesh bag, pillowcase, suitcase, or plastic container |
| State | Clean, uncompressed, aired out, and dry |
| Position | Hung up or lying flat |
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What You'll Learn
Keep it uncompressed
When storing a sleeping bag, it is best to keep it uncompressed. Compressing a sleeping bag is great for portability, but not for long-term storage. If a sleeping bag is stored in a compressed state for several months, it will lose its loft and its ability to fluff up, compromising its ability to keep you warm.
To keep a sleeping bag uncompressed, it should be stored in a large bag that contains it without compressing it. Many modern sleeping bags come with their own large, breathable cotton or mesh storage sack, which is ideal for this purpose. If your sleeping bag did not come with its own storage sack, you can purchase a cotton laundry bag or a mesh bag. A king-sized bed pillowcase can also be used.
When placing the sleeping bag into the storage bag, slowly feed the sleeping bag into the mesh bag and shake it out to allow for maximum loft. The bag should then be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a closet or a cupboard. Basements, attics, and garages are not ideal storage locations due to temperature extremes and the potential for moisture. If you must store your sleeping bag in a garage, it should be placed on an elevated shelf about halfway between the floor and ceiling to avoid the worst temperature extremes.
If you are short on space, you can hang your sleeping bag from a hook in a cool, dry room or cupboard. You can easily hang your sleeping bag using a standard clothes hanger. If you are hanging your sleeping bag, it is important to ensure that it is completely dry before storing it, as moisture can lead to mould growth.
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Store in a cool, dry place
When storing a sleeping bag, it's important to keep it in a cool, dry place. This is because moisture and temperature extremes can damage the bag. Avoid storing your bag in places where temperatures are likely to fluctuate or damp environments, such as attics, basements, garages, and sheds. These locations can cause mould to form on the sleeping bag over time.
If possible, store your sleeping bag in a dry and well-ventilated area, such as a walk-in wardrobe or closet. If you must store your bag in an attic, basement, or garage, make sure the area is insulated and has plenty of ventilation. In a basement, it is best to store the bag on a high shelf, as the air is drier and warmer higher up.
To prevent mould and mildew from growing on the surface and inside the insulation of your sleeping bag, it is important to dry it thoroughly before storing it. You can hang your bag over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. If hanging it outside, be mindful of the weather and avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. Alternatively, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area and use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
Once the bag is completely dry, it is important to air it out to prevent unpleasant odours and maintain the loft of the insulation. Unzip the bag completely and let it hang in a cool, dry place for at least 4 to 6 hours. You can also turn the bag inside out for even drying. When placing the bag into the storage bag, slowly feed it into a mesh bag and shake it out to allow maximum loft.
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Avoid attics and basements
Attics, basements, and other similar spaces are not ideal for storing sleeping bags. These spaces are susceptible to temperature extremes and fluctuations, which can damage the sleeping bag. Garages, sheds, and uninsulated basements are also often damp and non-ventilated, providing the perfect environment for mould to grow on the bag.
If you must store your sleeping bag in an attic, choose a spot close to the attic hatch or eaves, where temperatures are slightly cooler due to the airflow. If you must use a basement, ensure it is well-insulated and ventilated. Store the bag on a high shelf, as hot and dry air rises, while cool, damp air falls to the floor.
Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry place, with good ventilation and airflow. A closet in the main part of the house is a better option than an attic or basement, as long as it is roomy enough for the bag to loft and air out properly.
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Wash and dry it first
To prepare your sleeping bag for storage, it's important to wash and dry it first. This will ensure that your bag is clean and free from body oils, sweat, dirt, and cooking odours, all of which can compromise the performance and insulating power of your sleeping bag over time.
Washing your sleeping bag will subject it to some wear and tear, so it's recommended to spot clean when possible. If a deeper clean is required, hand washing is preferable to machine washing, as machine washing can strain and rip seams. If you do opt for machine washing, use a front-loading machine without an agitator and a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items. Avoid dry cleaning, fabric softeners, bleach, and alternative bleach products.
To hand wash your sleeping bag, fill a tub with cool or warm water and add an appropriate cleaner for your bag's material. Down-specific soaps, such as Nikwax, are ideal for down-filled bags. Agitate the water to get most of the air out, leave the bag to soak for about 10 minutes, then agitate the water again. Dump out the dirty water and rinse the bag several times in the tub. Repeat the process with clean water if necessary, then run the bag through the spin cycle in the machine a couple of times to remove excess water.
After washing, thoroughly dry your sleeping bag. Drying will take at least two to three hours, and down-filled bags may take longer than synthetic ones. Avoid drying your sleeping bag in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric. Instead, dry your bag in a well-ventilated, covered outdoor space or a cool, dry room or cupboard. You can also use a dryer on low heat, tossing in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the fill and ensure even drying. Check on your sleeping bag frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting.
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Use a cotton or mesh bag
Using a cotton or mesh bag is a great option to store your sleeping bag. This is because it allows for a free flow of air, keeping the bag well-ventilated and preventing mould growth. The breathability of cotton or mesh bags also allows sleeping bags to retain their fluffiness, or "loft", which is key to keeping you warm.
Cotton or mesh bags are also spacious, allowing your sleeping bag to retain its natural shape without being compressed. This is especially important if you are storing your sleeping bag for a long time. Compressing a sleeping bag for months can damage the insulation fibres, making the bag less effective at trapping air and providing warmth.
If your sleeping bag did not come with its own cotton bag, you can purchase a cotton laundry bag, which is a great substitute. A king-sized bed pillowcase is another option if you do not have a tall closet.
When placing the bag into the storage bag, slowly feed the sleeping bag into the mesh bag and shake it out to allow it maximum loft. Make sure to store the cotton or mesh bag on a high shelf in a cool, dry room or cupboard.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to store a sleeping bag is in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a wardrobe. It should be stored outside of its stuff sack, in a larger cotton or mesh sack that allows it to stay lofted.
Before storing your sleeping bag, it's important to dry and air it out. You should also consider washing it periodically, as body oils, sweat, and dirt in the insulation can compromise performance. When packing your sleeping bag away, start by grabbing the bottom of the sleeping bag and stuffing it into its sack in handfuls.
Sleeping bags should not be stored in damp basements, unheated spaces, or car trunks, as moisture and temperature extremes can damage the insulation. It's also best not to store your sleeping bag in its stuff sack for long periods, as prolonged compression can damage the bag and cause it to lose thickness and insulation capacity.
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