How to Store a Sleeping Bag

Naomi Judd

Sleeping bags are a great comfort in the backcountry, like a home away from home. When taking them on a trip, small compression size is important for packing them in a backpack, but in between trips, sleeping bags should not be left in their tiny stuff sacks. Proper storage will help to extend the life of your sleeping bag.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Large mesh or fabric sack with draw cord
Large mesh or fabric sack with draw cord

Step 1

Take your sleeping bag out of its stuff sack when you return from a trip in the backcountry, and let it air out and dry. Even if it is barely damp, you must let it dry out completely before storing. Lay it out flat in a dry place out of the sun.

Step 2

Spot-clean any stains with a sponge and warm water while it is air drying. A tiny amount of detergent may be used on a tough stain.

Step 3

Stuff the bag into your large mesh or fabric storage sack. Sometimes sleeping bags come with one of these; if not, you can use a mesh laundry bag or large trash bag. Label it so someone doesn't take it out with the trash. Whatever you use, a draw cord is helpful to keep it inside the sack. It should be seven to eight times the size of the compression sack you use while backpacking. It is especially important to store down sleeping bags like this to maintain their loft and fluffiness.

Step 4

Store in a cool dry place, preferably up on a shelf in a utility closet where pets can't make their mark on it.

Tips & Warnings

Keep the stuff sack inside the sleeping bag so that you don't lose it in between trips.

Article Written By Naomi Judd

Naomi M. Judd is a naturalist, artist and writer. Her work has been published in various literary journals, newspapers and websites. Judd holds a self-designed Bachelor of Arts in adventure writing from Plymouth State University and is earning a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.

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