Sleeping bag care
Modern, high-performance sleeping bags rely on advanced materials and refined construction to deliver maximum insulation and comfort with minimal weight and pack size. Proper care ensures you continue to get the best possible performance. Any experienced outdoor enthusiast will confirm that good sleep is essential on multi-day trips; you need to wake up warm, rested and ready for the next stage. That is why it pays to invest in a quality sleeping bag and mat - and why it is just as important to look after them. The following guidance will help you extend the lifespan and warmth of your gear.
When travelling
Moisture is the biggest enemy of insulation.
Air your sleeping bag as early as possible each day to remove humidity from sweat and condensation, which gradually reduces warmth and can degrade fabrics over time.
When packing up, always stuff the sleeping bag into its compression sack rather than folding or rolling it. Stuffing protects the loft and prevents repeated stress on the same fabric lines, making it easier to unpack later. After pitching camp in the evening, take the sleeping bag out of its stuff sack early so it has time to regain loft.
Down fill recovers quickly from compression, while some synthetic fills require more time to expand fully and create an insulating layer of warm, trapped air. Always use an appropriate sleeping mat underneath your bag to insulate you from cold ground and protect the shell fabric from abrasion or dirt.
A sleeping bag liner is an effective way to keep the interior clean and can add a small amount of thermal performance. Liners are easy to wash and dry in the field and can be used alone on warm nights.
Airing
Daily airing is one of the simplest and most effective habits. Fresh air helps remove moisture that otherwise diminishes warmth, accelerates wear and encourages mould and bacterial growth. Even a short airing period makes a noticeable difference on multi-day trips.
Cleaning
Surface dirt can be removed with warm water and a soft cloth, but after extended use - typically around forty to fifty nights - a full wash restores loft and hygiene. Dry-cleaning is never recommended for sleeping bags, as solvents can damage both shell materials and insulation.
Machine washing
If you cannot obtain a specialised sleeping-bag cleaner, use a mild liquid detergent and reduce the amount to roughly one third of a normal dose. Avoid fabric softeners entirely. Wash the sleeping bag in a sufficiently large front-loading machine; a 7 kg drum size generally works best because it allows the insulation to move freely. Unless your manufacturer specifies otherwise, use a gentle cycle at around 30 °C. Rinse repeatedly until no detergent remains, then spin only briefly. When removing the wet bag, lift it carefully without pulling, as wet insulation - particularly down - becomes heavy and can stress seams or internal baffles.
Hand washing
A hand wash in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water is equally effective. Use a liquid detergent suitable for sleeping bags, close all zips and immerse the bag fully. Allow it to soak for about an hour, occasionally pressing the bag gently to release dirt. Rinse several times with clean water until all soap is removed. Never wring or twist a sleeping bag, as this can damage fibres and internal structure. To move the wet bag to the drying area, support its weight by placing it in a laundry basket or similar container.
Drying synthetic sleeping bags
Ensure the zip is fully closed and dry the bag in a tumble dryer on a low setting of 30–40 °C if possible. If you do not have access to a dryer, lay the bag over a clothes rack and allow it to air-dry indoors or in shade. Air-drying typically takes around twenty-four hours. The bag must be completely dry before storage to prevent mildew, odour and loss of insulation.
Drying down sleeping bags
Down bags dry best in a large tumble dryer at low heat, again ideally around 30 °C. Adding a few dryer balls, clean tennis balls or a lightweight shoe helps break up damp clumps and encourages even loft recovery. If you choose to air-dry, place the bag flat over a drying rack rather than hanging it, as wet down can pool and strain the baffles. During drying, gently break up clumps every thirty minutes and shake the bag occasionally. Full drying can take several days, and it is essential to ensure the bag is completely dry before packing it away.
Quick checklist
- Air the sleeping bag after each use to release moisture and maintain loft
- Use a liner and a proper sleeping mat to keep the bag clean and improve insulation
- Wash the sleeping bag only when needed and always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions
- Use mild detergents, gentle wash cycles and avoid fabric softeners
- Rinse thoroughly and ensure the bag is fully dry before packing or storing it
- Dry down and synthetic bags carefully, using low heat and dryer balls when tumble drying
- After the trip, store the bag loosely in a large storage sack, never compressed for long-term storage
