If you are just going on your first trip, then we advise you to read the article "How to choose a sleeping bag: the main rules and recommendations". It is convenient to sort models by prices, brands, seasonality and other criteria in the general catalog.

The main principles of proper operation of the sleeping bag

The primary purpose of a sleeping bag is to provide insulation and protect the user from the cold while sleeping outdoors. This is achieved through various types of insulation found in modern sleeping bags, such as synthetic, natural (down), or occasionally a combination of both.

The filling material between the outer and inner layers of a sleeping bag requires careful attention and adherence to proper usage guidelines. If not handled correctly, the thermal insulation properties of the sleeping bag can decrease after each trip, especially if it is not properly cared for. However, by following proper practices such as packing, drying, storing, and protecting the sleeping bag from dirt, the declared temperature ratings can remain effective for many years. This is particularly true for down-filled models, as the thermal insulation of natural down material degrades more slowly compared to synthetic insulation.

The main thing in a sleeping bag is insulation, and it needs proper care.

Most of the rules for using a sleeping bag one way or another come down to protecting the insulation. Even a potential rupture of the lining or outer layer along the seam is primarily a threat to the heat-insulating material. Plus, the filler itself is sensitive to moisture and mechanical influence: it is recommended to protect it from shock, excessive squeezing and twisting effects. And all this is relevant for three periods of operation:

  • forays into nature;
  • time immediately upon returning home;
  • long-term storage.

We will tell you more about the proper using of the sleeping bag at each of these stages below.

Down sleeping bags

Basic rules for caring for a sleeping bag on a hike

For novice hikers, the importance of giving special attention to their sleeping bag during outings might not be immediately apparent. However, it is crucial to realize that even in challenging outdoor conditions, following some simple rules can significantly extend the life of the sleeping bag. While specialized equipment is designed for rugged conditions, taking care of the sleeping bag through easy practices can make a substantial difference in its longevity.

Tip №1: Keep your sleeping bag out of the water

It is crucial to shield the insulation of a sleeping bag from moisture and water. Natural down loses its heat-insulating properties when wet, and although synthetic fillers are more resilient, a wet sleeping bag can still negatively impact the comfort of your overnight stay. While summer conditions may prevent freezing, contact with wet areas can disturb your sleep and prevent proper rest. Moreover, drying a wet sleeping bag properly becomes even more critical when it has been exposed to moisture.

Synthetic Padded Sleeping Bags

Following essential guidelines for using outdoor equipment is crucial. While experienced hikers are familiar with these rules, beginners may encounter challenges. For instance, in rainy weather, it's vital to shield the sleeping bag from precipitation, even during tent setup. The simplest approach is to keep the sleeping bag inside the backpack until the temporary shelter is fully assembled. Additionally, even when rain isn't expected, it's essential to remain cautious, as the sleeping bag could still get wet due to various factors:

  • spilling liquid from a bottle or flask, which was not tightly closed and was in a backpack next to the sleeping bag;
  • dew that can drip from the awning of single-layer tents or end up on a sleeping bag when sleeping in the open;
  • inaccurate drinking of tea / water before going to bed or immediately after waking up;
  • prolonged contact of the sleeping bag with the wall of the inner tent and the transfer of condensate by the capillary principle.

Tip №2: the sleeping bag should be regularly ventilated (dry)

Even if the user has protected the product from direct contact with liquid (precipitation, drinking, etc.), moisture accumulation still occurs. What are we talking about? About natural processes, including sweating, and even breathing.

It is better to fold the sleeping bag arbitrarily than according to any one rule (system).

In hot summer conditions, using a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of +7°C without unzipping it can lead to excessive sweating and discomfort, similar to spilling water on it. While this scenario may be extreme, it highlights the importance of airing the sleeping bag after sleep. Proper ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup and ensures a more comfortable experience during overnight stays. Key tips for this:

  • if possible, aily short-term drying is recommended;
  • in most cases, it is enough to set aside 25-30 minutes (for example, before breakfast) — for downy models, it is recommended to increase the ventilation period, and for synthetic ones, it is permissible to slightly reduce;
  • the zipper must be completely unzipped;
  • for the most effective moisture removal, it's beneficial to turn the sleeping bag over and gently shake it to straighten the insulation.;
  • many modern sleeping bag models come with special loops, allowing them to be hung on ropes or branches for drying. In winter hikes, when trees are covered in snow, the sleeping bag can be placed directly on the dry tent for drying purposes.

By following such care practices, you can effectively ventilate the sleeping bag, eliminate unpleasant odors, and prevent salts from sweat from penetrating into the insulation, which could otherwise reduce its thermal efficiency. As a result, the need for subsequent cleaning or washing of the sleeping bag will be minimized, which is another advantage worth discussing.

It's essential to consider that in predominantly wet and rainy weather, providing proper care for down sleeping bags can be more challenging compared to synthetic ones. While down sleeping bags are lighter and more compact, they struggle to retain heat when wet and take longer to dry out. On the other hand, synthetic sleeping bags offer better performance in such damp conditions.

Sleeping bags with drying loops

Tip №3: almost arbitrary packaging in a complete case is better than a system one

During hiking and cycling trips, tourists often face the task of daily packing their sleeping bags into compression bags. Some users devise specific packaging systems, such as cross-folding or multiple simple folds, to fit the sleeping bag into the case efficiently.

While a systematic approach to packing the sleeping bag can save time and become automatic, it may not be the best method. Repeated folding of the insulation in the same way can lead to increased wear and a loss of thermal insulation properties over time. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid repetitive bending loads on the same sections of the sleeping bag to maintain its longevity and performance.

Regular airing should be taken as a rule and do not forget about it every day.

A more favorable approach is to lay the sleeping bag in a compression bag in an arbitrary, unsystematic manner, resembling a rammer, without applying excessive force. This method ensures that the filler experiences more balanced loads and wear across different areas. However, even with this method, it's essential to follow two simple recommendations:

  • start laying the sleeping bag from the foot part and slightly fasten the zipper at the bottom. This allows air to escape freely during packing, reducing the risk of tearing or stretching the seams;
  • if the sleeping bag has a waterproof outer material, it is advisable to turn the product inside out before compressing it.
Compression Sleeping Bags

To wash or not to wash the sleeping bag after the trip: that is the question

By following the basic care rules during a hike, the main wear of the sleeping bag typically occurs after returning home. Upon returning, the first step is to assess whether the sleeping bag requires cleaning and, if so, determine the appropriate level of cleaning needed – either spot cleaning or a full wash. It's worth noting that even the cleanest of tourists should not overlook these maintenance procedures, especially a complete wash. The less frequently a full wash is performed, the longer the insulation can retain its effectiveness in providing warmth and comfort during outdoor use.

The preferred method for removing dirt from a sleeping bag is spot cleaning, focusing on the more heavily soiled areas, such as the head and leg sections of the inner lining. The following steps outline the algorithm for spot cleaning:

  • Attempt to remove the lining or outer material from the insulation beforehand to prevent or minimize wetting;
  • Gently apply a slightly dampened soap and water solution to the problem area;
  • If any traces of contamination persist, use a special cleaning agent or a toothbrush with soft bristles for more targeted cleaning;
  • After cleaning, wipe the area with a damp sponge;
  • Allow the treated area to dry completely before storing the sleeping bag.
Local washing (cleaning) is preferable to a full wash.

To minimize the need for a full wash, it's essential to perform timely spot cleaning and adhere to the following guidelines:

  • maintain a collection of several sleeping bags suitable for different weather conditions;
  • use special liners, which are easier to wash and replace with a new one cheaper than the bag itself;
  • if possible,wash the sleeping bag during the hike, using ponds or organized showers for cleaning;
  • sleep in clean socks and thermal underwear.

Experienced hikers adhere to the mentioned recommendations and opt for a full wash of their sleeping bag only when it becomes visibly dirty or when its thermal insulation properties begin to diminish. They understand that dirt and contaminants can penetrate through the outer and inner layers, affecting the insulation's effectiveness.

Preparing for washing

To avoid any inconvenience during a hike, it's advisable to wash the sleeping bag when you have at least a 10-day gap before the next outing, as it requires sufficient time for thorough drying. If the outer layer is treated with waterproof impregnation or has a protective shell, it's essential to turn the sleeping bag inside out before washing. During the preparation phase, ensure that all zippers, fasteners, and buttons are closed, with the exception of the hood, which does not require any additional tightening.

For a down sleeping bag, you can find special cleaning products.

For sleeping bags with synthetic insulation, regular laundry soap or mild detergents for delicate fabrics (avoiding conditioners and bleaches) are suitable for washing. On the other hand, down sleeping bags should be washed using household soap or specialized cleaning agents designed for down (often labeled with a down sign or feather icon on the package).

What kind of washing is right for you?

Modern sleeping bags have a label on the inside seams or pockets (like on clothes ((you can read more about their meanings here), which suggests recommended care. With the help of the available symbols, it is easy to find out if automatic washing is acceptable, what should be the water temperature, spin speed, etc. It is this instruction that the user should be guided by.

If suddenly there is no such label in your model, then either hand washing or the most gentle, delicate automatic mode will do.

You need to hand wash carefully, and definitely not with your feet.

Basic rules for hand washing a sleeping bag

There is a common belief that a full-fledged hand wash is preferable to automatic washing. Hand washing can be more gentle and delicate, though it may not be as effective in thoroughly removing contaminants. However, some recommendations found online can be impractical or even absurd. In such cases, opting for automatic washing on the most delicate cycle can be a safer choice, especially for those with limited time to research the best washing method. This way, the risk of making critical mistakes while washing the sleeping bag is minimized, and the owner can still take good care of their sleeping bag.

It is definitely impossible to immerse the product in the bathroom and walk on it with your feet. Also, do not wring or twist the sleeping bag after washing — only light squeezing is allowed to remove liquid. In addition, hand washing should involve low water temperatures (usually 30 ° C or even colder), minimal shock and twisting effects.

For down sleeping bags, hand washing is often the recommended method, and the bathroom is a convenient place to do it at home. The process involves filling the bathtub with water and adding a special detergent. The sleeping bag is completely immersed in the water and soaked for up to 15 minutes. Using a soft sponge, stains and dirt are gently removed from the outer layer and lining. The water is then drained, and several rinsing cycles are performed with fresh water until the foam disappears. It's essential to avoid twisting the sleeping bag and only perform a gentle squeeze to remove residual water from the insulation.

Popular mid-season sleeping bags

Recommendations for automatic washing

Many synthetic sleeping bags can be cleaned in the washing machine. Individual down models are also ready for automatic washing. The bag itself will not exactly cause an overload in terms of weight of most modern washing machines, but it is a very voluminous product. Ideally, it should be placed in washing machines with a drum of 7+ kg. For even more delicate care, you can contact the laundries, where industrial units with large tanks are used.

There will be more space for a sleeping bag in a large industrial washer.

Choose the most gentle mode for washing a sleeping bag. Its typical characteristics include the following:

  • minimum water temperature (maximum 40 ° C, but less is better);
  • lack of spin or its low speed (500 or even 400, but definitely not higher than 800);
  • short spin time, if configurable. And if not, then it is better to interrupt it a few minutes after the start of this stage;
  • the presence of an additional rinse option (welcome for better washing out of the detergent) or the inclusion of a separate corresponding cycle after washing.

Indirect confirmation of the delicate mode also includes an abundance of water in the drum (which reduces the friction of the fabric against its walls) and smooth low-frequency movements during washing.

Tennis balls are not required when washing down products, especially at the stage of removing contaminants. The delicate mode is specifically chosen to minimize impact and squeezing effects during washing, and adding tennis balls would undermine this purpose. Therefore, using tennis balls is not necessary and should be avoided when washing down products.

Drying after washing

The washed sleeping bag is very wet, so the final mandatory step in removing dirt is high-quality drying. This process should be as long as possible, which is also due to the fact that the user cannot “feel” the filler itself: a perfectly dry shell does not mean the same state of the heat-insulating material.

With balls, you can dry the sleeping bag, but do not wash it.

What does long drying mean? For downy models after washing — at least 7 days, and preferably from 10, for synthetic analogues — you can limit yourself to a few days. If drying is done in natural conditions, then it is better to adhere to the following recommendations:

  • the bag should dry in a horizontal position, which reduces the risk of displacement of the filler;
  • the best option is to place the product in the open air, but not in direct sunlight — it can be a house adjoining area or a balcony;
  • if it is not possible to dry outdoor, then the sleeping bag should be placed horizontally on the drying rack, and first in the bathroom (while water is still draining), and then — in a drier place — in the living room;
  • the zipper of the sleeping bag must be unzipped;
  • when water no longer drips from the bag, at least twice a day it is worth turning over and shaking it slightly so that the filler does not clump.

Using a dryer can help shorten the total drying time for the sleeping bag. Equipment that is no longer wet can be placed in the dryer, ideally a couple of days after washing, using the most gentle and low-temperature cycle. Dryer balls, which are allowed in the dryer, serve as an alternative to manual shaking, preventing clumping of the down filling. However, it is not necessary to use dryer balls for synthetic sleeping bags.

After a trip, it is essential to thoroughly dry the sleeping bag, especially if a full wash was not conducted. If the sleeping bag is not damp, it can be directly placed in a tumble dryer at home or in a similar device at a laundromat. Alternatively, it can be left in a horizontal position on a household clothes dryer for several days, periodically shaking and flipping it to ensure even drying.

How and where to store your sleeping bag between hikes

After thoroughly drying the sleeping bag, it's important to store it properly until the next trip. Before storing it (or on the eve of a new trip), it's advisable to check the zippers and other accessories for proper functioning and assess the product for any seam breaks or defects.

It is impossible to store a sleeping bag in a complete compression cover. A compressed state is acceptable for a hike when compactness in a backpack is important, but on an ongoing basis it is fraught with damage to the insulation and complicates the natural removal of residual moisture. That is why some manufacturers complete models with two covers at once — compression and large mesh. The latter serves specifically for long-term storage of a sleeping bag at home.

This is how the dimensions of one sleeping bag in a compression case and a bag for long-term storage differ.

If there is no special complete accessory, then even a large pillowcase 70x70 cm or another mesh (air-permeable) bag can play its role. The main requirement for it is an increased capacity (approximately 4 times more than the existing compression cover).

To properly store the sleeping bag, it should be kept in a dry and well-ventilated area with a stable air temperature. Suitable storage spaces include regular closets, pantries, warm loggias, or balconies, but not the trunk of a car or an unheated garage. If a closed niche, like a relatively small box, is the only option for storage, the importance of thorough pre-drying becomes even more significant.

A few more sleeping bag care tips:

  • Use a sleeping bag less for its intended purpose — not for an overnight stay. It is better not to eat in it (so as not to get dirty), not to move around the tent camp (not to scratch textiles on branches or stones), not to sit near the fire (not to accidentally burn it).
Photos with tea in a sleeping bag look cute, but you should not forget about stains.
  • To combat bad odors in a sleeping bag, washing is not the only option; special sprays can also be used. However, regular drying and airing are effective in addressing this issue, delaying the need for a full wash and extended drying.
  • If uncertain about caring for the sleeping bag, it can be given to a laundry service. However, it's crucial to ensure that the laundry has experience working with this type of tourist equipment and can handle it properly.
  • When choosing a detergent, ordinary soap is a safer option than strong chemicals with solvents, which can harm the insulation by removing natural oils from down or synthetic materials, leading to accelerated wear.
  • When handling a wet sleeping bag, it's essential to be cautious and hold it from both ends to avoid excessive tension and fabric tearing due to the increased weight.
  • Do not try to speed up the drying of the sleeping bag by blowing hot air or using an iron. This is fraught with damage to both the outer shell and the filler.

By following the proper care and maintenance practices, a sleeping bag can bring joy to many tourist seasons. Regular drying, appropriate cleaning, and careful storage are key to prolonging its lifespan. These recommendations are particularly important for down models, as they are valuable and durable equipment that can potentially last for several decades.