Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are often stored in stuff sacks, which are small and convenient for travel. However, this can damage the sleeping bag over time, especially if left for several months, as the compression causes the bag to lose its loft, which is essential for trapping body heat and keeping you warm. Synthetic bags are more prone to degradation from stuffing than down bags, but both types will be compromised. Therefore, it is recommended to store sleeping bags in a large breathable cotton or mesh sack, which keeps the bag contained without compressing the fill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to store a sleeping bag | Dry it thoroughly, then loosely stow it inside a large breathable cotton or mesh sack. |
| Where to store a sleeping bag | Store it in a place that's both cool and dry. |
| Why not to store a sleeping bag in a stuff sack | If left in a compressed state for several months, it will lose its loft and resiliency. |
| How to dry a sleeping bag | Fully unzip it and hang it over a line or a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. |
| How to wash a sleeping bag | Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations. Never dry clean or use a top-loading washing machine. |
| How to fluff a sleeping bag | Dry it with two or three tennis balls. |
| How to transport a sleeping bag | Use a stuff sack to compress the bag and make it more portable. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bags should be stored uncompressed
Additionally, 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 recommended to 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. If there is no outdoor space available, the bag can be hung in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. A fan or dehumidifier can be used to speed up the drying process.
Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry place. The best storage sack is a jumbo cotton storage bag that most bags are sold with. This bag keeps things contained without compressing the fill, while also allowing air circulation. If your bag did not come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase or buy a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size) to store it in.
While it may seem convenient to store a sleeping bag in its stuff sack, especially when travelling, it is not recommended to keep it compressed for longer than a week. When packing for a trip, it is better to use the stuff sack for containing the sleeping bag and keeping it dry rather than for compressing it.
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A dry bag is a priority
It is important to keep your sleeping bag dry, as moisture can cause mould and mildew to grow on the surface and inside the insulation. Before storing your sleeping bag, you should always ensure that it is thoroughly dry. To dry your sleeping bag, fully unzip it and hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric.
Once dry, you can store your sleeping bag in a breathable cotton or mesh sack. A cotton or mesh sack will allow your sleeping bag to breathe and remain dry while stored. If your bag did not come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase or purchase a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size).
It is also important to store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics. Instead, find a roomy corner in one of your closets.
If you are storing your sleeping bag for a long period, consider adding some clean tennis balls to the storage bag. The tennis balls will help to fluff up the fill and keep your sleeping bag uniformly dry.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your sleeping bag remains dry and in good condition while stored.
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Avoid damp, unventilated spaces
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to avoid damp, unventilated spaces. Moisture and temperature extremes are hard on your bag, so it is best to avoid damp basements, unheated spaces, and areas prone to temperature fluctuations, such as garages, attics, and sheds. These environments can promote the growth of mould and mildew, compromising the performance and longevity of your sleeping bag.
If you must store your sleeping bag in a basement, choose a high shelf. Hotter and drier air rises, while cool and damp air falls to the floor. Additionally, avoid storing your bag in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric.
To prevent moisture buildup, ensure your sleeping bag is thoroughly dry before storage. Hang your bag in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours, turning it inside out for the first half of the drying time. If hanging outdoors is not possible, find a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area.
Proper ventilation is key. Store your sleeping bag in a breathable cotton or mesh sack, or hang it by the loop in a closet or on a rack. Avoid containers that create an airtight seal, as temperature changes can cause condensation and mould growth.
By following these steps and avoiding damp, unventilated spaces, you can maintain the resiliency and lofting ability of your sleeping bag, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance during your outdoor adventures.
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Dry with tennis balls to prevent clumping
When storing a sleeping bag, it is important to dry it thoroughly before placing it in storage. This is because moisture can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, compromising the performance of the bag.
To dry a sleeping bag, it is recommended to use a dryer on a low heat setting. To preserve the loft of the sleeping bag and prevent clumping, two to three tennis balls can be added to the dryer. This method is supported by several sources, including Western Mountaineering, which states that the tennis balls help to prevent the down from clumping. However, it is important to note that some manufacturers, such as MontBell, recommend against using tennis balls as they can tear the outer fabric. Instead, they suggest drying at the lowest possible temperature and breaking up any clumps by hand.
Other methods to dry a sleeping bag include using "dryer balls", which are similar in size and weight to tennis balls but have spikes that help break up clumps. Alternatively, some people choose to air dry their sleeping bags. This process can take a full day in the sun, followed by an overnight period to ensure complete dryness.
Regardless of the drying method chosen, it is important to ensure that the sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it. This helps to maintain the longevity of the bag and prevent the growth of mould or mildew.
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Use a breathable cotton or mesh sack
When storing a sleeping bag, it is important to use a breathable cotton or mesh sack. This is because 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 body heat to keep you warm while you sleep. When you compress your sleeping bag, you compress the insulator, making it less effective. Therefore, a breathable cotton or mesh sack is ideal as it keeps the sleeping bag contained without compressing the fill, while also allowing for 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 recommended to buy a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size) to store your sleeping bag in. Cotton is strong, durable, and absorbent, but not the lightest or most compact. Mesh sacks, on the other hand, are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for storage.
It is also important to note that you should never store your sleeping bag compressed. If you leave your bag in a compressed state inside its stuff sack for several months, it will lose its resiliency and lofting ability. Therefore, it is recommended to store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place, such as a shelf in a closet or hanging over a rack.
Additionally, always make sure your sleeping bag is dry before storing it. If you don't dry out your bag between trips, mould and mildew can grow on the surface and inside the insulation. To dry your sleeping bag, fully unzip it and hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid direct sunlight as UV rays can weaken the fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
Storing your sleeping bag in a stuff sack can damage the fibres, causing it to lose thickness and insulation capacity. It can also damage the zip.
It is recommended to wash your sleeping bag as seldom as possible but as often as necessary. If you are an avid backpacker, it is recommended to wash it once a season.
Always dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting and check it frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting.
Dry your sleeping bag thoroughly, then loosely stow it inside a large breathable cotton or mesh sack. Store it in a place that's cool and dry, such as a wardrobe.
Leaving your sleeping bag in a compressed state for several months will cause it to lose its lofting ability and resiliency.
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