A sleeping bag is an investment that every camper will have to make at some point.
We’re referring to it as an investment because generally, high-quality sleeping bags are fairly expensive.
And the last thing you want to do with your investment is ruin it and have to purchase another one.
That’s why we put together this sleeping bag care guide.
So you’ll be informed on how to protect your investment and keep your sleeping bag as good as new for years to come.
How To Care for Your Sleeping Bag While Camping
The number one place your bag can get ruined or damaged is while camping (go figure).
With the stray sticks and stones lying around, there’s potential to rip your bag.
Sleeping under the stars makes you subject to elements such as rain, which is no good for a sleeping bag.
And unfortunately, our bodies create oils that can seep into the insulation and hurt the overall performance of the sleeping bag.
So how can we prevent all of this?
Tip #1: Protect Your Bag From The Ground
The ground is not a very safe place for your sleeping bag.
Any stray sticks or stones lying around coupled with you lying in the bag could cause a rip.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to bring a sleeping pad with you.
Simply place the pad on the ground and your sleeping bag on top and voila, you’ve got yourself a safer sleeping bag.
Don’t have a sleeping pad?
At the very least, do your due diligence and check where you’ll be placing your sleeping bag.
Moving any sticks that might cause you problems could prevent you from having to repair a rip in your bag.
Tip #2: Sleep In Clean Clothes
Excess oils and dirt seep into the insulation of sleeping bags, causing them to lose loft (traps less heat).
When insulation gets oily it also tends to clump, creating cold spots in your sleeping bag.
Neither of these are good for the lifespan of your bag.
To help prevent these issues, try to sleep in clean clothes.
If possible, bring a fresh pair of clothes that you can change into right before bed.
It would also help to rinse off your face/neck region as any excess sunscreen, bug spray, sweat, etc. can be absorbed by the insulation.
A bandana or similar can be used to add a layer in between your bag and your hair, protecting it from any oils.
Don’t forget a fresh pair of socks too if possible!
Tip #3: Air Out Your Bag Every Morning
It’s all too easy to wake up and just roll up your sleeping bag to get moving.
The problem with this is that overnight your sleeping bag could’ve gained moisture in the form of sweat, rain, moisture from the ground/humidity, etc.
And if you don’t give your bag time to air out then all of that moisture gets trapped.
Any moisture in your sleeping bag will reduce its effectiveness of trapping heat.
Do yourself a favor and hang your bag up somewhere (on the top of your tent is a great place) off the ground to air out.
Tip #4: Use A Sleeping Bag Liner
Using a sleeping bag liner can help protect your bag from any excess oils or dirt previously mentioned.
A liner will encase your sleeping and act as a protective layer.
While it’s not ideal to have to purchase something extra, a liner could end up saving you money in the long run by prolonging the lifespan of your sleeping bag.
If you use your sleeping bag frequently or want to protect your investment, consider looking at purchasing a sleeping bag liner.
When you’re back home just give the liner a simple wash and you’re good to go!
Tip #5: Treat Your Bag Gently
This tip might seem like a little bit of common sense, but it’s still a good one to keep in mind.
Knowing the limits of a sleeping bag in general is a good way to prevent any rips, tears, or other damages.
For example, if you plan to use your bag by a campfire, keep in mind that embers can potentially land on your sleeping bag and burn it.
In that case, it’s best to keep a little more distance or consider bringing an older or less expensive bag specifically for that occasion.
Walking or jumping around in your sleeping bag can ruin the bag’s toe box, and potentially rip the bottom of the bag.
And finally, be careful with your bag’s zippers.
They might not always be as smooth as you’d like, so keep this in mind to make sure you don’t rip the fabric trying to yank a stuck zipper loose.
Stuffing Your Sleeping Bag Using A Stuff Sack
A stuff sack is a compressible sack that you put your sleeping bag inside of while you’re camping.
While it isn’t the best idea to use a stuff sack to store your bag at home as it ruins loft, having a way to compress your sleeping bag to make it easier to carry is essential.
Use these steps to properly stuff your sleeping bag into a stuff sack:
- Be sure to air your sleeping bag out beforehand.
- Start stuffing your sleeping bag with the foot of the bag, keeping the zipper slightly open. This will help air to release and put even pressure on your seams as you stuff the bag into the sack.
- If your sleeping bag has a waterproof shell, flip it inside out before stuffing. This will prevent any moisture and air from remaining in the bag.
- Slowly scrunch the rest of the sleeping bag into the stuff sack, making sure that the zippers aren’t getting caught on the sack.
- If you have a compressible stuff sack, tighten the straps.
And that’s all there is to using a stuff sack!
Just be sure not to keep your sleeping bag in the stuff sack for too long (especially if it’s compressed using straps) as it can reduce its loftiness.
Pro Tip: Using a slightly larger stuff sack with compression straps will still allow you to compress the sleeping bag down to a small, manageable size while making it easier to stuff the sack.
Pro Tip #2: Using a waterproof stuff sack can really help keep your bag safe from the rain should you run into any.
While synthetic bags still hold heat even if they’re damp, down bags do not do the same.
And regardless if they hold heat or not, sleeping in a wet sleeping bag is not comfortable.
Do yourself a favor and purchase a waterproof stuff sack just to be safe!
What To Do With Your Sleeping Bag When You Get Home
Once you and your sleeping bag haven’t returned home, there are a few things you can do to prolong the bag’s lifespan.
First, inspect the sleeping bag.
Is it extremely dirty or does it feel like it is oily?
If it has been a while since you’ve last washed your bag, chances are now is a good time to do so.
Typically if you use your sleeping bag casually, washing it once a year or less frequently will be enough.
If the bag doesn’t look super dirty a spot clean will probably do.
Check out our sleeping bag washing guide to learn how to wash or spot clean your sleeping bag.
You’ll also want to check to see if your bag got any rips or tears in it (be sure to inspect the zippers as well).
Once your bag has been cleaned (if necessary) and checked for any damages, hang it up somewhere and allow it to air out.
The longer the better.
Since you’ll be storing your bag until your next trip, any moisture that is trapped in the bag can damage the fill.
So it’s very important to let your bag air out to remove that chance of getting damaged.
How To Store Your Sleeping Bag
Now that your bag is cleaned and aired out, it’s time to store it.
Most manufacturers provide a storage bag, but if your sleeping bag didn’t come with one you’ll want to find a large, airy storage bag.
Storing a sleeping bag in your stuff sack can damage the insulation and potentially trap moisture, so it’s highly recommended to find a large mesh or cotton storage bag to allow your sleeping bag to breathe.
It’s best to use the same technique for storing your sleeping bag in a stuff sack when storing it in the off-season.
When storing, place the foot of the bag in first, and gently start stuffing the storage bag.
If your sleeping bag has a waterproof shell be sure to flip it inside out to prevent it from trapping moisture.
Unfortunately, extreme temperatures and humidity can compromise the effectiveness of your bag, so places such as basements, garages, or car trunks aren’t recommended.
Be sure to store your sleeping bag in a low-humidity, air-conditioned area (up in a closet in your house will do) for the best results.
We Hope This Guide Helps!
With this guide, we hope that you are able to keep your sleeping bag in top shape.
If you follow the tips found in this guide, your sleeping bag should last you for quite a long time.
And if your bag happens to get damaged, check out our sleeping bag repair guide, complete with repair tips to prolong your sleeping bag’s lifespan.