Miya Pearson
Knowing how to store a sleeping bag is essential to keeping it in good condition and prolonging its life. Storing your bag properly will ensure that it keeps you warm and comfortable for many years. The best way to store a sleeping bag is to hang it from a hook in a cool, dry place. If you don't have the space to hang it, you can store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh sack on a shelf in a closet. It's important to keep the bag uncompressed and aired out, and to avoid damp spaces such as basements and garages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight, damp basements, unheated spaces, garages, and attics |
| Container | Large cotton or mesh sack, cardboard box, pillowcase, laundry bag, plastic tote with cedar chips and desiccant packets, or storage racks |
| State | Clean, uncompressed, aired out, and dry |
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What You'll Learn
Hanging vs. storing in a large cotton sack
Hanging a sleeping bag is a good way to store it, especially if you don't have much space. Hanging allows the bag to decompress and dry out, and it also means it won't get stepped on or abused. If you're hanging your bag, make sure it's in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials.
If you do have the space, storing a sleeping bag in a large cotton sack is ideal. This keeps the bag contained without compressing the fill, and allows for air circulation. If your bag didn't come with a large cotton sack, you can buy a cotton or
It's important to keep your sleeping bag in good condition to prolong its life and ensure you get a comfortable night's sleep. Before storing your bag, it's a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning, as natural body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up over time and compromise performance.
Whether you hang your bag or store it in a large cotton sack, always make sure it's in a cool, dry place. Moisture and temperature extremes are hard on sleeping bags, so avoid damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics.
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Keep it dry
Keeping your sleeping bag dry is essential for its longevity and performance. When storing your sleeping bag, make sure it is completely dry before placing it in its storage bag. Hang it up by its toe loops or lay it out on a bed overnight to ensure it is thoroughly dry.
It is best to avoid damp and humid environments, such as basements, attics, garages, and car trunks. Instead, opt for a cool, dry, and well-ventilated storage space. If you use a closet, ensure it is not a hot water closet, as the warm air can damage the bag over time. A temperature-controlled indoor area is ideal.
If you are an avid backpacker or camper, it is recommended to wash your sleeping bag once a season. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate in the insulation, compromising its performance and reducing its warmth. Even if you don't camp frequently, consider washing your bag every few years to keep it in good condition.
When washing your sleeping bag, always dry it on a low heat setting and check it frequently to prevent damage from heat or twisting. Avoid using dryers unless they are large commercial ones, as home dryers are typically too small and can damage the bag. If you must use a dryer, toss in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the fill and ensure even drying.
To maintain the water-repellent properties of your sleeping bag, consider reapplying a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to its shell fabric. This will help keep your bag dry and protect it from moisture.
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Avoid compression
When storing a sleeping bag, it is important to avoid compressing it. Compression removes protective air from between the fibres in your sleeping bag, which can cause crushing and breakage of the insulation fibres. This will ultimately affect its ability to keep you warm at night.
Sleeping bags should be stored in a large bag that contains them without compressing them. Alternatively, they can be hung by the loop in a closet or laid out on a shelf. It is important to find a storage option that gives the bag enough room to loft, as this is key to keeping the sleeper warm.
Stuff sacks are great for portability when camping or hiking, but they are not designed for long-term storage. If a sleeping bag is stored in a stuff sack for months on end, it will eventually be damaged.
To avoid damage, it is recommended that sleeping bags are stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Basements, attics, garages, and sheds are not ideal for storage, as temperature and humidity cannot be regulated, which can lead to mould.
It is also important to ensure that sleeping bags are clean and dry before storing them. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate on the insulation fibres, compromising performance and leading to unpleasant smells.
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Air circulation
To ensure proper air circulation, it is recommended to store sleeping bags in a breathable cotton or mesh sack. These sacks allow air to circulate freely, preventing the buildup of odours and moisture. The jumbo cotton storage bag that most sleeping bags are sold with is ideal for this purpose, as it keeps the 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 or purchase a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size) for storage.
It is also important to avoid tightly packing or compressing your sleeping bag, as this can contribute to unnecessary compression and wear on the insulation. Instead, loosely pack your sleeping bag into its storage sack, allowing it to breathe and maintain its shape. Hanging the sleeping bag in a dry and well-ventilated area is another option for ensuring proper air circulation. This can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on the available space. If hanging the bag indoors, it is recommended to set up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process and ensure adequate air circulation.
Additionally, it is crucial to keep your sleeping bag dry to prevent mould growth. Even if you do not have a mould or mildew problem, washing your bag periodically is recommended to remove natural body oils, sweat, and dirt that can accumulate on the insulation fibres. Always dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting and check it frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting. By following these steps, you can ensure that your sleeping bag remains in good condition and provides a comfortable night's sleep.
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Location options
Sleeping bags should be stored in a cool, dry place, and there are several options for this. If you have outdoor space, you can hang the bag outside. If not, you can hang it in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area, such as a storage room or a closet. If you don't have space to hang your sleeping bag, you can store it loosely in a breathable cotton or mesh sack, or a cardboard box, in a cool, dry place.
If you are hanging your sleeping bag, make sure it is out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the exterior coating and materials. If you are hanging the bag inside, ensure the room is not too hot or humid. You can use a fan to keep the air moving and speed up the drying process.
If you don't have a lot of space, you can store your sleeping bag on a shelf in a closet, or under a bed. If you are storing your bag in a container, it should be a breathable cotton or mesh bag, or a cardboard box. Plastic containers can be used, but only if the bag is completely dry, as moisture can accumulate inside.
Sleeping bags should not be stored in stuff sacks, as these are designed for transportation rather than long-term storage. Compression can damage the bag's fibres, reducing its efficacy and resulting in a cold night's sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. It should be stored loosely, either hung up or laid out, to avoid compressing the fill.
It is not recommended to store your sleeping bag in its stuff sack for long periods. This is because the compression can damage the insulation. It is better to use a large cotton or mesh sack, or a pillowcase.
If your sleeping bag is damp, it should be dried with a low heat setting and checked frequently. You can also use tennis balls to help break up clumps in the insulation.
To clean your sleeping bag, first wipe away any dirt or debris with a soft toothbrush or damp cloth. Then, turn the bag inside out and use a dedicated technical soap to spot clean any stains.
You can use a variety of containers to store your sleeping bag, such as a cardboard box, plastic tote, or laundry bag. Just make sure the container is large enough that the bag can be stored loosely.
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