How to properly store your sleeping bag before your Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro, Mout Meru and Rwenzori Trek

Storing your sleeping bag before your Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai or even the Rwenzori Mountains requires great care because you have to make sure it is dry first of all, before storing it. So how do you properly store a sleeping bag? Hanging your sleeping bag by the loop or placing it in a large bag that holds it without compressing it are the best ways to store it. You may assist your bag in maintaining its loft by storing it uncompressed.
If you’re an avid camper, you’ve likely considered how to store your sleeping bag. However, improper storage can significantly shorten its lifespan and harm the environment. We have good news for you: by following our recommended steps, you can increase your sleeping bag’s longevity. This article contains all you need to know about proper storage techniques to keep your sleeping bag in top condition.

Remember, these steps not only preserve your sleeping bag but also save you money and reduce your environmental impact.

How to keep your sleeping bag dry while camping in the wet weather

When camping in damp weather, it’s critical to keep your sleeping bag dry to ensure that you stay warm and cozy all night. To assist you keep your sleeping bag dry, consider the following advice:

Use a waterproof stuff sack: To kEmploy aour sleeping bag dry and protected from moisture and rain, place it inside a waterproof stuff sack.
Make sure your tent is erected on high ground and that the rainfly is firmly fastened to keep precipitation out when setting up your tent.
Employ a groundsheet: To stop moisture from leaking through the bottom of your tent, place a groundsheet underneath it.
Store damp gear outside: To stop moisture from getting into your sleeping bag, store any wet stuff outside of your tent or in a different vestibule.
Use a bivy sack: To provide your sleeping bag an additional layer of protection, think about utilizing a bivy sack.

You can make sure that your sleeping bag stays dry and comfy even in rainy weather by paying attention to these suggestions.

1. Release It from Compression

The first step after returning from a trip is to free your sleeping bag from any compression. Compressing your sleeping bag for extended periods, such as when attached to your backpack, can reduce its loftiness and insulation. To maintain your sleeping bag’s quality, release any compression that may have bound it.

2. Clean Your Bag

Cleaning is crucial when storing your sleeping bag. After a camping trip like a trek to Africa’s major mountains e.g Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Mount Rwenzori, Ol Doinyo Lengai and Mount Meru, your sleeping bag may accumulate dirt, sweat, and moisture. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain its effectiveness and insulation. Clean your sleeping bag each time you use it and before storing it. A spot clean with a soft brush or a damp cloth should suffice. Be sure to remove any dirt, grime, or debris.

For a more thorough cleaning, follow these steps:

Clean the interior of the sleeping bag using a soap and water mixture and a soft brush.
Spot-clean any stains on the exterior of the bag.
Ensure that your sleeping bag is completely dry, which is the next critical step.

Maintaining the loft requires washing the bag. Similar to filthy hair, oils and dirt from your skin adhere to the feathers, making them heavier. It’s crucial since the loft’s volume is what keeps you warm.

Make use of an industrial front-loading machine and a down-specific wash.

3. Thorough Drying Is Key

Your sleeping bag may have absorbed moisture, whether from sweat or condensation, during your trip. Storing a damp sleeping bag can create ideal conditions for mold growth, not to mention it reduces insulation over time. Properly drying your sleeping bag is crucial.

Hang your sleeping bag with the zipper open as soon as you return from your trip. Ensure it hangs in a place free from corrosive elements like bird droppings, oils, or tree sap. Allow it to air out for at least six to eight hours, but avoid direct sunlight as it can harm the fabric. Put some clean tennis balls in and let it dry on a very low setting. Every twenty minutes, remove the bag and manually break up any clumps as it dries. It may take you four or five hours, maybe more.

4. Airing It Out

Airing out your sleeping bag is essential before storage and between multi-day journeys. It helps eliminate odors and restores the loftiness of the filling. Open the zippers and hang your bag in a suitable location. You can also use a fabric freshener like Febreze for added freshness.

5. Proper Storage

The final step is storing your sleeping bag correctly. The key here is to store it loosely to maintain loftiness and insulation while ensuring it’s completely dry. Here are some recommended storage methods:

Use a Shelf: Fold your sleeping bag loosely and place it on a shelf in a dry, cool place. Be sure the shelf has ample space for your sleeping bag to avoid compression. It should be stored in an open area where air can flow freely.
Use a Plastic Tub: If space is limited, you can store your sleeping bag in a dry, plastic tub in your basement or attic. Ensure both the sleeping bag and the tub are completely dry.
Hang It Up: Make use of the loops on your sleeping bag to hang it on a hanger for storage. This allows for optimal airflow and prevents unnecessary compression.
Stick It Inside a Cotton Sack: If you lack hanging space or tubs, a breathable cotton sack can be a good option. Ensure both the sack and the sleeping bag are thoroughly dry.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your sleeping bag stays in excellent condition and remains ready for your next camping adventure. Proper storage can add years to your sleeping bag’s lifespan while being kind to both your budget and the environment.

Why Too Much Compression is Bad for Your Bag

You need insulation in your loft to stay warm. The purpose of both synthetic and down fills is to produce tiny air holes inside the insulation by fluffing up, or lofting. After that, these assist you keep warm while you sleep by trapping body heat.

The bottom of your sleeping bag would feel chilly if you were to lay it down without a sleeping pad below it and then slip inside. This is because your weight compresses the insulation, preventing it from lofting correctly.

Although compressed down and synthetic bag insulations both perform well at fluffing up, their resistance is limited. Your bag will lose its resilience and lofting capabilities if you store it compressed for several months—within its stuff sack. While synthetics typically perform worse than down in this area, both kinds of fillings will be jeopardized.

How to Dry Out Your Bag

Mold and mildew can develop on the outside of your bag as well as within the insulation if you don’t dry it off in between uses. Unzip it all the way first. Then, for six to eight hours, hang your luggage in a protected outside area over a line or on a large hanger. However, because UV rays might degrade the fabric, avoid leaving your bag in the sun.

Turning the bag inside out for the first four or so hours and then back right-side out for a further four hours will help speed up the drying process. This is particularly crucial to do if the exterior shell of your bag is waterproof, as those kinds of shells prevent moisture from dissipating.

If your home isn’t equipped with an outdoor place, you can hang the bag inside in a dry, climate-controlled space. Using a dehumidifier or fan will expedite the drying process. Home dryers aren’t big enough, so you can also use a huge commercial drier, but that’s normally not necessary unless you wash your luggage. To ensure that everything dries evenly and fluffs up the fill, toss two or three clean tennis balls into the dryer. To prevent heat or twisting damage, always dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting and inspect it often.