Tips for the care of your sleeping bag

A sleeping bag can be your "best friend" on cold camping nights. Here are some tips to make your sleeping bag last for years to come.

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In the camp

It is important that your sleeping bag is kept clean and dry while camping, for the simple reason that it is our sleeping bag that will shelter us while we rest.

Even though you may be very tired at nightfall, avoid lying in the sack with dirty clothes. Also try to remove any sunscreen from your neck or face so that the bag doesn't get dirty.

Apart from the obvious hygiene reasons, body oils and dirt will strip the sleeping bag of its insulating properties over time.

It is also necessary that if you are going to place the bag directly on the ground, you should put something to protect it, such as a matThe bag may have a strong fabric on the outside, but the bag may have a strong fabric on the outside.

Take care of your coat

As you can see in this shopThe price of a good sleeping bag is quite high, so it's worth taking care of it to ensure it lasts for many years to come. Although it may seem silly, don't walk around in your sleeping bag, as you may damage it. Don't sit around the campfire in your sleeping bag, either, as a spark could strike it and blow a hole in it. Similarly, be careful with your sleeping bag if you have a candle or fire nearby.

Another detail to be taken care of is the zips or zips of the bag. It is best to familiarise yourself with them so that when camping you know how to use them even in the dark.

Each day that you wear your jacket you must also air it. Open it from the inside out so that any moisture it may contain can evaporate. Do not leave it in the sun for too long, as the sun's rays can degrade the fabric.

How to transport the sleeping bag

To avoid annoying air pockets when compressing the bag for transport when camping, you can roll the bag from the feet upwards.

Place the zip half closed and apply pressure from below, pushing to avoid air bubbles and to compress evenly and without exerting inappropriate pressure on the seams.

Depending on the type of bag - if it is made of down for example - you can put it in its bag without rolling it up, simply by producing it in its envelope with pressure.

The only thing to avoid is keeping the bag compressed for too long, as it may tend to deform.

After the excursion

After a few days of hiking, when you return home, it is necessary to take care of the items that have accompanied you on your journey. Of course, the sleeping bag is no exception.

The first thing will be unzipping and airing the sleeping bagto ensure that it is completely dry and free of moisture.

After that, simply fold the bag but do not squeeze it. You can store it in a bag, which is often included when you buy the bag, or in any cotton or mesh bag. It can even be stored in a large pillowcase. It should be stored more loosely than how you carry it on activity days, in its bag - especially if the bag is made of feathers.

In any case, the main thing is that the bag should not be stored neither compressed nor airtight. The latter is not recommended because condensation could accumulate in an airtight container, leading to moisture and consequently mould growth.

How to clean the sleeping bag?

Many people prefer to send their sleeping bag to a professional cleaner. However, by following these recommendations, you can keep it clean in a simple way.

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Remember that if washed too often, the sleeping bag is much more likely to wear out. It is therefore preferable to clean it without getting it completely wet.

To clean the cover, you can use a toothbrush and make a mixture of water and mild soap. The idea is to gently clean the hood and collarThe parts that tend to get dirty through contact with skin and hair are the most likely to be soiled.

In addition, by cleaning the sleeping bag in this way, the cover can be washed and rinsed without getting the inside of the sleeping bag wet.

By cleaning the bag in this way, you will most likely pass a long time without needing to wash it completely..

The first thing you should do, in case you really need to wash your sleeping bag, is to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't have them, here's how to wash it.

Use mild soap, especially for synthetic materials. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach and chlorine.

If you are going to wash it using a washing machine and dryer, keep in mind that you should dry it at a low temperature and check it constantly. Too high a temperature may deteriorate the fabric and even melt it.

Hand wash

If you plan to wash it by hand, fill the container with cold or lukewarm water and add the soap of your choice. Do not use too much soap, as it will be more difficult to rinse afterwards. Scrub the dirtiest areas.

Then drain all the water and fill the bucket - or bathtub - with water again to rinse and make sure you have removed all soap residue. If necessary, repeat the process.

Once the soap is completely removed, squeeze out as much water as possible. If you want to air dry it, you can place it on a clean surface in the sun or partial shade.

Machine washable

Unless specifically stated in the manufacturer's instructions, machine washing may be an option. If the jacket is down, we advise against it. Read the instructions beforehand.

To do this, you should avoid using strong detergents, bleach products and fabric softener. You should also make sure that the washing machine you will use has the capacity to spin the bag properly. If this is not the case, because the washing machine is too small, you could use an automatic laundry machine, which are usually larger.

In case of accident, breakage or tearing

Despite all the care you take, it is possible that your bag may tear while you are in the field. To prevent the tear from getting worse, you can sew it up temporarily and repair it when you get home in a more durable way.

You can also use a patch, but remember that you can't leave it on for too long because the glue from the patch will tend to make the area sticky and the tear may get worse.