Miya Pearson
A wet down sleeping bag is a sorry sight—it won't keep you warm and is a breeding ground for mould. The best thing to do is make sure the sleeping bag doesn't get wet in the first place. But if it does, you'll need to act fast to prevent a miserable night's sleep. If you're within a day's hike of a town, your best bet is to hike out and dry your bag in a dryer at a laundromat, motel, or B&B. If you're in the wilderness, you'll need to wring out the sleeping bag, move to a dry location, and hang it up to drip dry. You can also build a fire and hang the bag so it can catch the heat.
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What You'll Learn
Hang up the bag and let it drip dry
If your sleeping bag gets wet, the best course of action is to hang it up and let it drip dry. This is a good method to use if you are within a day's hike of a town, where you can use a dryer to complete the drying process.
Firstly, wring out the sleeping bag to reduce the moisture, which will help to retain body heat. Then, move to a dry location and put on dry clothes and outerwear to increase comfort while you wait for your bag to dry. Hang the bag up and ensure that the dry parts do not become wet. You can also hang it near a fire, but be careful not to hang it directly over the flames, as this could damage the fabric. Alternatively, you could build a reflector to bounce the heat back onto the bag.
Be very careful when handling a wet sleeping bag, as it is easy to tear. If you are drying the bag outdoors, it will take a long time, so be prepared to wait until it is completely dry before packing it away. It may be necessary to air the bag out for several hours, and you should avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can damage the fabric.
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Use a dryer
If you have decided to use a dryer to dry your sleeping bag, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use a large, front-loading dryer with a low heat setting. If your home dryer is too small, you may need to transport your wet bag to a laundromat with large commercial dryers.
Before placing your sleeping bag in the dryer, ensure that you have carefully rinsed out all the detergent or soap. It is crucial to support the entire bag when moving it to the dryer to prevent the weight of the wet down from ripping the internal baffles. Check the dryer lint trap and ensure it is empty. Also, make sure there are no leftover items from previous loads that could damage your sleeping bag.
When drying, use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the bag. To prevent clumping and to speed up drying time, place two to three clean tennis balls or dryer balls inside the dryer with the sleeping bag. These help break up clumps of wet down inside the bag. If your dryer has a no-heat setting, you can use that to dry your sleeping bag.
Once the cycle is complete, your sleeping bag will likely still be damp. Carefully take it out and manually break up any remaining clumps of down inside the bag. If you think it is still damp, repeat the drying process. When your sleeping bag is completely dry, you can store it in a loose-fitting cotton or mesh bag.
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Prevent mould by drying quickly
If your down sleeping bag gets wet, it's important to act quickly to prevent mould and mildew growth, which can ruin the bag and pose health risks. Down sleeping bags are insulated with natural feathers, which provide excellent warmth but are susceptible to mould and bacteria if not dried properly. Here are some detailed instructions to prevent mould and ensure your bag is safely and quickly dried:
Firstly, remove the sleeping bag from its stuff sack as soon as possible. Unzip the bag entirely and lay it out flat, shaking it out to ensure maximum exposure to air. The goal is to create an environment where moisture can escape and air can circulate. If you're outdoors, find a well-ventilated area, ideally with a gentle breeze, and avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the down feathers. If you're indoors, a well-ventilated room with a fan can help speed up the drying process.
To further speed up the drying process and prevent mould, you can use a hairdryer on a cool setting. Ensure it's on cool as heat can damage the down feathers and compromise their insulating ability. Keep the hairdryer moving and maintain a distance of at least 15-20 cm from the bag to avoid concentrating heat in one area. Alternatively, you can use a space heater in a well-ventilated room, ensuring it's not too close to the bag and doesn't emit moisture, which could defeat the drying purpose.
Absorbent towels can also be handy. Roll up some towels and place them inside the sleeping bag, changing them out for dry ones as they become saturated. This will help draw out moisture and speed up the overall drying process. Ensure the towels are clean to avoid any potential transfer of dirt or bacteria. Additionally, consider using a dehumidifier in the room, which will help remove moisture from the air, creating a drier environment to speed up evaporation from your bag.
Finally, once your bag feels dry to the touch, give it a good shake to ensure any remaining down clumps are broken up, restoring the bag to its original, lofty state. At this point, you can also hand-fluff the bag, gently pulling apart any down clumps and ensuring the insulation is evenly distributed. This will help restore the bag's warmth and ensure it's ready for your next adventure. Remember, the key to preventing mould is to act quickly and create a dry, well-ventilated environment to effectively evaporate moisture from your down sleeping bag.
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Store in a dry closet
If your down sleeping bag gets wet, the best course of action is to get it dry as soon as possible. If you are within a day's hike of a town, you can hike out and dry your bag in a dryer at a laundromat, motel, or B&B. It will take at least three hours to dry in a commercial dryer, so it is not advisable to dry it over a campfire as this could melt or destroy the fabric.
If you are unable to get to a town, you can try to dry your bag by hanging it up and letting it drip dry, being careful not to tear the wet fabric. You can also try to build a fire and hang your bag so it can catch the heat, being sure not to hang it directly over the flames.
Once your bag is dry, it is important to store it properly to prevent it from getting wet again. The best way to store a sleeping bag is to hang it up on a hook in a dry closet. This will help prevent the bag from getting deformed. If you cannot hang it safely, you can store it in a large mesh bag or a large cotton or mesh storage sack. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will damage the fill over time. Watertight storage bags are also not recommended.
Additionally, it is important to air out your sleeping bag regularly, especially after a camping trip. Unzip the bag and let it air out to ensure it is completely dry before storing it away.
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Wear dry clothes and rain gear
If your sleeping bag gets wet, it's important to take immediate action to prevent damage and ensure your comfort and safety. One crucial step is to wear dry clothes and rain gear. Here are some detailed instructions to help you stay dry and protect your sleeping bag:
Change into dry clothes: If your clothes are wet, change into a dry set as soon as possible. This will help you stay warm and prevent further moisture from transferring to your sleeping bag. Carry a set of dry clothes in a waterproof bag to use in case your other clothes get wet.
Wear rain gear: If it's raining, put on rain gear such as a waterproof jacket, pants, and a hat. Make sure your rain gear is durable and will provide adequate protection from the rain. If you're in a particularly wet environment, consider using a rain poncho or a rain suit that covers your body and legs.
Keep your feet dry: Wear waterproof shoes or boots, and if your feet get wet, change into dry socks as soon as possible. Dry feet are essential for maintaining body warmth, so pay close attention to your footwear and socks.
Protect your head and hands: In cold and wet conditions, wear a dry hat or headband to prevent heat loss from your head. Also, keep a pair of dry gloves or mittens handy to protect your hands from the rain and cold.
Stay away from the wet sleeping bag: While wearing dry clothes and rain gear, avoid contact with the wet sleeping bag as much as possible. This will help prevent moisture from transferring to your dry layers. If you need to adjust the sleeping bag, do so carefully without letting it touch your dry clothing.
Prioritize warmth: In extremely cold and wet conditions, focus on retaining body warmth. Wear additional layers under your rain gear if necessary. Down jackets and pants can provide excellent insulation, but make sure they are dry before putting them on.
Remember, these instructions are meant to help you stay dry and minimize the impact of a wet sleeping bag. Depending on the situation, you may need to take additional steps to dry your sleeping bag or seek shelter. Your safety and comfort are the top priorities.
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Frequently asked questions
First, prevent yourself from getting any wetter. Get into dry clothes, put on your rain gear, and stay active to keep warm. If you can, wring out the sleeping bag to reduce the moisture. If you are within a day's hike of a town, hike out and dry your bag in a dryer at a laundromat, motel, or B&B. If you are camping, hang your bag up to drip dry, being careful not to tear the fabric.
You can let your sleeping bag air dry, but this may take a long time. You can also put it in a dryer, but be sure to read and follow the instructions. If you have a waterproof stuff sack, you can store your sleeping bag in that when not in use.
To prevent your down sleeping bag from getting wet in the first place, carry it in a waterproof sack, don't sleep outside in the rain or snow, and don't sleep in a place where a puddle could form. You can also use a vapor barrier inside the sleeping bag to prevent humidity from your body from escaping into the down.
