CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF SLEEPING BAGS
Washing
- At 30°C on a delicate cycle with a product for down or synthetic fill (Nikwax Down Wash or Tech Wash) – depending on how dirty the bag is (rule of thumb: wash after about 20 overnights).
- Only partially spin dry!
- Never use fabric softener!
- For bags that weigh more than 1500 grams, check to make sure that the washing machine is large enough.
Drying
In a dryer: Best dried at low temperatures around 30°C, along with two to three tennis balls that help to unclump the insulation and restore its loft. Dry the bag thoroughly and hang up to air out at least a day or two before storing it away.
Without a dryer: Best dried in direct sunlight on a washstand. Turn the sleeping bag often and shake it out to restore its loft. Repeat the procedure until the sleeping bag is completely dry.
Note: Down sleeping bags should never be hung up to dry because the down in the separate chambers can shift. Make sure that the sleeping bag lies flat on a drying rack.
Storage
At home
Always store the sleeping bag in a cool, dry place by hanging it up loosely or inside a larger storage sack (for example, an old duvet cover). Do not store it compressed in a stuff sack or under damp conditions as this will damage the insulation.
Away from home
It’s a good idea to turn your sleeping bag inside out and allow it to lie open and dry while you’re having breakfast or packing up the tent. Because: a certain amount of moisture always ends up condensing inside the sleeping bag while you sleep.
If you do end up packing it up while it’s still damp or wet, you should unpack it as soon as possible, such as during your lunch break. Dampness doesn’t affect synthetic bags as much as down, but they still shouldn’t be packed away wet for more than a day or two.