All photos courtesy of the author
Choosing the perfect sleeping bag is an important gear decision and represents a significant investment. Keeping that bag in great shape is an ongoing process. Whether your bag contains down, feathers or synthetic filling, whatever its loft, and regardless of the shape and brand of your sleeping bag, your actions during and after each camping trip will determine its lifetime. Treat it well and this sleeping bag may provide comfortable outdoor sleeping for a decade or more.
Tips & Warnings
When you're camping, sleep with a bag liner between yourself and your bag. The liner adds sleeping warmth, and an added benefit is that you will seldom need to launder your sleeping bag. At home, wash the liner as you would a bed sheet. You can make an inexpensive liner from a used sheet. Just fold the sheet lengthwise, and sew a seam in a large "L" along the bottom and up one side. Stop within 18 to 24 inches of the top, leaving an opening through which to enter.
Frequently shake out and fluff your sleeping bag--every day, if you can.
Keep your bag dry. If it gets wet, dry it as best you can.
When you're packing your bag in its stuff sack, don't roll it or fold it; stuff it. This method helps you avoid developing areas in the bag that have thinner stuffing.
Revitalize a flattened down sleeping bag by tumbling in an electric dryer, no heat, with a few tennis balls.
When you're camping, sleep with a bag liner between yourself and your bag. The liner adds sleeping warmth, and an added benefit is that you will seldom need to launder your sleeping bag. At home, wash the liner as you would a bed sheet. You can make an inexpensive liner from a used sheet. Just fold the sheet lengthwise, and sew a seam in a large "L" along the bottom and up one side. Stop within 18 to 24 inches of the top, leaving an opening through which to enter.
Frequently shake out and fluff your sleeping bag--every day, if you can.
Keep your bag dry. If it gets wet, dry it as best you can.
When you're packing your bag in its stuff sack, don't roll it or fold it; stuff it. This method helps you avoid developing areas in the bag that have thinner stuffing.
Revitalize a flattened down sleeping bag by tumbling in an electric dryer, no heat, with a few tennis balls.
The best authority for how to clean or launder a sleeping bag is its manufacturer.
Mend tears immediately. While camping, use duct tape. Later, use patch material for sleeping bags.
Keep your sleeping bag out of plastic bags. Let it breathe so you can.
The best authority for how to clean or launder a sleeping bag is its manufacturer.
Mend tears immediately. While camping, use duct tape. Later, use patch material for sleeping bags.
Keep your sleeping bag out of plastic bags. Let it breathe so you can.
