If you are an enthusiastic camper like us, you must have thought about how to store sleeping bags more than once. But, if this is the first time you have thought about this important question, you might be one of the individuals who have been shortening your sleeping bag’s lifespan because of improper storage techniques.
Throwing away your expensive sleeping bags puts a hole not only in your pockets but also in your sleeping bags; hence, you throw them out, adversely affecting the environment, too. So, there isn’t one nice thing associated with improper sleeping bag storage.
However, we have some good news for you: if you read our article and follow the steps we recommend to store your sleeping bags, it can increase their lifespan. This article has everything you need to know about the proper storing techniques you need to follow to keep your sleeping bags young.
Remember, these steps can add years to your sleeping bag’s lifespan and be light to your pockets and the environment.
Take It Out Of Its Compression
The number one thing you must do to your sleeping bag after coming from any trip is to take it out of its compression.
How you have attached your sleeping bag to your backpack can compress your sleeping bag for a certain amount. Keeping it inside the dry bag and tying it can reduce the loftiness of your sleeping bag and its insulation level, too.
Although sleeping bags will return to their natural position, the level of loftiness is bound to reduce over time. These conditions worsen if your sleeping bag is filled with synthetic materials.
So, after returning from your trip, remove any compression that has tied your sleeping bag.
Cleaning The Bag
Cleaning is a no-brainer when it comes to storing your sleeping bag. Your sleeping bag is placed in places with grass, mud, and debris and may collect your sweat and moisture along the way, so it is dirty. If you do not clean your sleeping bag and dry it directly, that can cause the bag to reduce its efficacy and, eventually, its insulation capacity.
It would help if you cleaned your sleeping bag continuously every time you pack and while you are finally going to store it. A spot-clean will often do the trick. Make sure to remove any dirt, grime, or debris with the help of a soft brush or a damp cloth.
Also, clean the inside of the sleeping bag using a spot-cleaning technique. You can use a soap and water mixture and a soft brush.
Finally, these are only for the temporary cleaning of your sleeping bag. Once every few years, you might need to clean your sleeping bag thoroughly. Then, after cleaning, make sure to properly dry your sleeping bag, which is our next step, too.
Dry, Dry, and Dry Some More
We get it. You have come from a long trek that has sucked up all your energy, and now you just want to crash on your bed like a big bear.
But please don’t do this, especially to your dear sleeping bags that must be dried out first to remain in top-notch condition every time you use them. Seeing how important it is to dry your sleeping bag is the number two step in our How to Store Sleeping Bags article.
Now, you may be reasoning that your trek was completely moisture-free, or your sleeping bag is made of one of the best moisture-wicking fabrics you have ever found. However, one or the other, some moisture in the form of condensation or sweat has made your sleeping bag wet to some level.
First, let us look at some disadvantages of storing sleeping bags while it is still damp. Damp conditions equal an amazing ecosystem for mold to form, which damages your sleeping bag but might make you sick, too. Symptoms like sneezing, coughing, breathlessness, wheezing, and some very serious symptoms may also arise if you are allergic to molds.
Also, damp sleeping bags reduce the insulating characteristic and the loftiness of the sleeping over time. So, do you still want to omit drying your sleeping bag before storing it?
Always hang up your sleeping bag for it to dry properly as soon as you return from your trip.
Remember to hang up your sleeping bag on a line with its zipper open in a place where corrosive elements like bird extra, oil, tree straps, etc., don’t fall and contaminate your sleeping bag. Also, dry for at least six to eight hours and never under direct sunlight where the harmful UV ray may further damage your precious sleeping bag.
Airing Is Important
Okay, now that you have cleaned and dried your sleeping bag, your next step should be airing it out. Airing is not only important before storing your sleeping bag but also when you use it in between your multi-day journey. Therefore, it has made it to our how to store sleeping bag list.
Airing is important because it helps get rid of any kind of smell in your sleeping bag. It also helps the feathers regain their original position and makes your sleeping bag lofty.
The steps of airing out your sleeping bag are to open the zippers and hang them in an appropriate place. You can also use a designated spray like Febreeze to freshen the fabric of your sleeping bag even more.
Storing, The Correct Way
Finally, the next step in our how to store sleeping bags article is to store them. The number one thing to remember while storing your sleeping bag is to store it in a loose condition to maintain its loftiness and insulation and also to completely dry your sleeping bag. Now, let us look at some ways in which you can properly store your sleeping bags.
Use A Shelf
For this, you might want to fold your sleeping bag. But remember to do it loosely. Then, please keep it on a shelf in a dry and cool place. Of course, you might require a closet or shelf with lots of space for this. The space can be either on top, bottom, or anywhere with enough space to store your sleeping bag. But remember not to stuff your sleeping bag on a shelf. Rather, store it in an open space where air can flow easily.
Use A Plastic Tub
If you are a rustic individual who uses bins to store anything, we have good news for you. Because for storing your beloved sleeping bag, you can also use a plastic tub. Sounds strange, doesn’t it?
Don’t be surprised because we also use a plastic tub while storing our sleeping bag.
Sometimes, we might not have the space to store our sleeping bags the “correct way.” So, there is no shame in storing your sleeping bag inside a plastic tub in your basement or attic.
Furthermore, you can use a plastic tub, like a large Rubbermaid tub, to store your sleeping bag. But, ensure that before using a tub to store your sleeping bag, both are completely dry with not even a speck of moisture.
Also, you can store your other camping necessities, equipment, and gear inside your plastic tub. So, these tubs are often multi-purpose.
Hang It Up
Have you wondered about the loops’ purpose in your sleeping bags? Well, we will explain in this article titled: how to store sleeping bags. The answer is pretty simple, as we use the loops on the sleeping bags to hook your sleeping bag to a hanger while you store and dry it.
Hanging your sleeping bag when you store it has many advantages because it can ensure that air flows all over it while hanging. Also, your sleeping bag won’t be compressed unnecessarily, ensuring your level of loftiness.
Also, you can hang your sleeping bag as soon as you return from your trip, which is another big advantage.
Stick It Inside A Cotton Sack
Cotton clothes are breathable, light, and airy, making them perfect for storing sleeping bags. If you don’t have a place to hang, don’t have a plastic tub or shelf space to store your sleeping bags, then you can always use a cotton sack for storing your sleeping bag.
This ensures your sleeping bag is breathable and allows you to store it almost anywhere. Again, ensure that the place you store in is completely dry; the sack and the sleeping bag are also dry.
So, these are the steps you can follow to store your sleeping bag while you are in between your trip or when you arrive home.
Happy Adventure!
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