When buying a sleeping bag, it is important to know how to take care of it so that it will serve as a resource for a long time.
Sleeping bags last at least five years if it has been maintained and stored properly. Sleeping bags are made of durable materials made to last a while. If they are considered top end sleeping bags, they will last around 15 years. Keeping the sleeping bag clean and packaging it right will prolong its life.
20 Examples
1: Type of materials.
Depending on the materials used for the sleeping bag, determines on how well the stiches and seams were sewed on. This is a determining factor of how long it will actually last. Poorly made sleeping bags will not last long, because of tears in the fabric.
2: Factory produced or custom cut fabric of zippers.
Zippers are known to be the make it or break it for sleeping bags. If the zipper breaks easily, the person in the sleeping bag won’t be warm, and they will have to get rid of the sleeping bag, even when the rest of it was still in good condition. Seams sewed into the fabric instead of being cut from the fabric will last longer.
3: Weight.
This is an important factor of how long a sleeping bag will end up lasting. Lighter sleeping bags tend to get ruined faster than well-made kinds because poorly made materials will not be able to handle too much before the fabric starts to shred, tear, and break easily.
4: Where the Sleeping bag is stored matters.
Keeping a sleeping bag in a dry environment is crucial in order for a sleeping bag to last. Humid environments are not good for sleeping bags. Even if the sleeping bag was used properly, it has the same effect of deliberately ruining it by the where and how it was placed. Make sure, if it is stored in the garage, that it won’t get ruined.
5: Don’t roll or fold the sleeping bag tightly after using it.
Rolling up the sleeping bag needs to be done in a proper way or it will be damaged. Store it in a way that it will keep its shape.
6: Use the right wash when cleaning.
When cleaning a sleeping bag, the soap should be hypoallergenic. Washing the sleeping bag thoroughly helps prevent the residue from staying in the fabric. The sleeping bag should be put in a tumble dryer or laid out to dry outside.
7: Bring a sleeping bag liner while camping.
Bringing a liner for your sleeping bag while camping plays an essential part of extending its lifespan. Liners protect the fabric of the sleeping bag from dirt, and it keeps the sleeping bag clean.
8: Avoid getting the sleeping bag wet.
Preventing the sleeping bag from becoming wet in the first place will prevent the sleeping bag from losing its insulation.
9: Price
Buy a cheap sleeping bag and expect the worst outcome, buy an expensive sleeping bag and expect the best to come from it. It is not worth it to buy a cheap sleeping bag and end up having to buy a new one soon. The higher quality sleeping bags will last longer and there will be less money spent in the long run. Sleeping bags with a low temperature rating will not last the cold weather. Buying a warmer rated sleeping bag will help with its ability to last a while.
10: Be clean before sleeping.
A Sleeping bag will last longer when the person sleeping inside it is clean. This means that before going to bed, make sure your hands and face have been washed, along with a clean outfit is put on. This will it only help you to feel cleaner, but the sleeping bag will have the same affect.
11: Repair holes.
Holes can develop spreading on a sleeping bag if it was near the fire, or the way it was packaged or handled. It is simple to repair the holes before the holes become larger. If there isn’t a sewing kit available, then you can use duct tape or bandages from a first aid kit to keep the hole small until returning home to sew it.
12: Make sure it stays in good hands.
If the sleeping bag is being borrowed by someone, you need to make sure this is a person you can trust with your belongings. Make sure that they won’t purposely ruin the sleeping bag when used.
13: Temperature Ratings.
- Upper Limit – The highest temperature-rated sleeping bag that will give maximum protection without the feeling of becoming too hot.
- Comfort Rating – This will determine how comfortable someone will sleep in the sleeping bag based on the amount of insulation.
- Lower Limit – Determines the level of comfort the person receives before they start to feel uncomfortable in their sleep.
- Extreme Rating – The lowest standard of temperature ratings. This level is not recommended for sleep outdoors. The limited insulation added to the sleeping bag makes it not able to withstand the outdoor weather.
14: Let it air out before packing.
Letting the bag air out before packing it up to go home will help the bag to not develop mold while it is packed up.
15: Store it outside of its sack when not using.
If the sleeping bag is stored lying flat out, and not rolled up, will prevent any damage.
16: Keep the sleeping bag away from open flames.
When a sleeping bag is placed near the fire, it is more subject to damage.
17: Don’t wash the sleeping bag too often.
Just like clothes, they last longer when they aren’t washed every single time something was used.
18: Minimize use of chemicals.
The use of chemicals would damage the sleeping bag if something ended up spilling. Stay away from chemicals or use chemicals far away from the sleeping bag.
19: Buy one from a well-recognized store.
If there is a store you are looking to buy a sleeping bag, and you’ve never heard of the company, probably don’t purchase it. It could also be a scam.
20: Use it to its full potential.
Last but not least, the sleeping bag should be used frequently. Sleeping bags are made to be used, but in the correct form.