Are you planning to get a sleeping bag but wonder how to store it? Look no further than this guide!
Did you know that backpackers often acquire a secret obsession: a comfy, plush sleeping bag. Every camping adventure is incomplete without the perfect a sleeping bag.
Whether it becomes your fluffy long-term buddy or a flattened pancake depends on how you maintain it. It is straightforward but necessary to store your sleeping bag properly at home.
We have prepared this synopsis of the necessary things for maintaining a sleeping bag in pristine condition.
Things to Note Before You Store Your Sleeping Bag
Before you put away your sleeping bags until the camping season arrives, here are a few crucial things to remember:
Wash Your Sleeping Bag in Regular Intervals
Cleaning your sleeping bag extends its life.
Your body oils might cause the early deterioration of your sleeping bag. Beds/bags that have been neglected and are unclean are prone to deformation. It is said that the fatty acids in bodily fluids cause the film under the mattresses’ fabric to become sticky.
Wash your bag only when it stinks, becomes filthy, or loses a considerable quantity of loft, but not after every trip. This implies once a year for most individuals.
Dry-cleaning your sleeping bag is not recommended. We recommend dry washing as the last choice since the chemicals used in dry cleaning might cause a decrease in the loft of the pillow and are not beneficial to the environment either.
Visit your local cleaners or utilize a large, front-loading washing machine for a safe and effective clean. In most household washing machines, the rotors that churn the clothing may twist and break insulation fibers and damage the material.
Although most modern sleeping bags are built to withstand the rigors of numerous drying cycles, please read the instructions carefully before placing them in the washing machine or dryer, as your bags might have some specific do’s and don’ts.
Make Sure That You Have Dried It Thoroughly
Whether or not you clean your sleeping bag, you need to make sure it’s entirely dry before storing it since any remaining wetness might lead to the development of mold or fungus when your bag is out of action.
You may either blow dry your sleeping bag on low or lay it outdoors for an afternoon to guarantee that it is entirely dry.
Note that sleeping bags with a waterproof coating will take a little while to dry compared to normal ones. Nevertheless, it should dry up within 6 hours on a sunny afternoon.
Store It in A Spacious Container Or Compression Bag
It’s time to put your sleeping bag in a spacious container for storage after it’s entirely dry.
It’s crucial to avoid keeping your sleeping kit in a compression bag for extended periods. However, carrying it in a stuff sack on your way to hiking or camping is alright.
But doing so for weeks or months would soon degrade the natural elevation and insulation properties of your bag. So instead, use the big mesh/fabric carrying case that comes with your sleeping bag rather than a compression sack.
The best storage sack is the giant cotton storage bag, which is included with most sleeping bags nowadays. That sack keeps items enclosed without squashing the contents and allows air to circulate.
Give your bag a thorough shake before stuffing it into its compression sack to equally distribute the insulative contents across its length. After shaking it and spreading the contents out, flatten it to remove some of the air.
Wrapping, packing, and squeezing the insulation will help it contract uniformly. Consequently, the stuffing will expand uniformly and quickly recover its elevation whenever you open the sleeping bag.
Scout for An Appropriate Storage Location
You’ll need to locate a spacious corner in your closet. Avoid wet and cold places like garages and attics since temperature and moisture imbalances are terrible for your luggage.
Vehicle trunks are likewise a no-no due to their sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. Instead, choose a designated spot in the corner of one of your cupboards.
Leave the sleeping bag for at least two days before storing it when you come home after an expedition. If you’re going to hang it outdoors, keep in mind how the weather is.
A sleeping bag should be stored in a cabinet or laid out someplace in your house where it will not be walked on or otherwise damaged.
It Can Be Hanged In A Closet
Hanging your sleeping bag might be a good alternative for those with limited closet space and mummy-style sleeping bags. If feasible, use a big crescent-style coat hanger or a specially designed sleeping bag hanger to effectively spread your sleeping bag’s load.
Hanging a sleeping bag causes loft distortion around the hanger, so keep that in mind. As a result, hanging your luggage is more of a temporary alternative rather than a long-term solution.
Although sleeping bags take up a lot of room in a closet when they’re not in use, they’re pricey pieces of equipment that should be handled with care if you want them to survive for years.
Keep It Under Your Bed
You can stow your sleeping bag beneath your bed in its protective packing pouch. You may save up space in your closet for your clothes and other valuables by doing so.
However, dust likes to build beneath mattresses, so air out your sleeping bag properly before your next journey.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to store your luggage. However, it is critical that you store it for its long-term viability. Preserve your investment and your comfortable night’s slumber by keeping the bag fresh, dried, vented, and aired out.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that you keep your bag in mint condition. We hope that this comprehensive guide helps you preserve your sleeping bag without any hassles.
