The sleeping bag is perhaps the most important piece of camping gear; even the most minimalist of campers still need a place to tuck into for the night. As such, your sleeping bag deserves as much attention and care as you’d give to any other piece of outdoor gear to keep it in good working order for years to come. Here are just a few tips that can help you extend the life of your sleeping bag.
Normal Usage
This should go without saying, but the best way to keep the interior of your sleeping bag in great shape is to never wear your day clothes to bed. Frolicking in the outdoors all day is sure to pick up plenty of dirt, pollen, and even insects that might see your bedding as a delicious banquet. Not only that, but sweating in your clothes throughout the day can cool you down at night, further emphasizing the need to ditch the day clothes. Strip down to your undies, or put on clothing that you’ll only wear in bed.
If you can’t be bothered to bring more than one set of clothing, invest in a sleeping bag liner. Liners are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to clean, and create an effective barrier between grime and your sleeping bag. Just throw it in the washer when you get home and it’s ready to protect your sleeping bag another day.
Once you’ve gotten up for the day, fling your sleeping bag over a clothesline or a fence — in the shade if at all possible — to evaporate any accumulated moisture from sweating in your sleep or early morning condensation. You’ll avoid mildew and a constant clammy feeling easily if you do this every morning.
Washing and Cleaning
If you spilled something on one isolated area of your sleeping bag, it’s not necessary to wash the whole thing. Since total washing can actually decrease the loft of your bag’s insulation and wear out the fabric over time, make a paste with some laundry detergent and work on just the stain alone. Never have your sleeping bag dry cleaned, as the chemicals used in the process are harmful to both natural and synthetic fillers.
The best way to wash your sleeping bag, regardless of the type of filler, is in a tub of warm water with an actual sleeping bag shampoo. Gently work the shampoo throughout the sleeping bag, and then let it soak for the time prescribed by the bottle. Rinse in cold water, soak, and rinse again until all the soap is gone. Hanging your bag outdoors in the shade is the best way to let it dry, but if you must tumble dry, make sure your dryer is on the lowest heat setting, and check it regularly to make sure the heat isn’t causing any damage.
After Care
To ensure your sleeping bag resists moisture for multiple camping trips, treat it with a durable water repellent. There are several types of repellent that can be applied in different ways; choose one that is made for your specific materials.
Whether you wash your bag or not, if you use a compression stuff sack for storage, try to avoid leaving your sleeping bag in it for long periods, like over the entire winter. The filler can be damaged by this practice, reducing the efficacy of your bag. Store your bag in a cool, well ventilated area to keep the optimum loft and get the most out of this crucial piece of outdoor gear.
Images via NCSphotography, robinsonsmay
