How to wash your sleeping bag
Great sleeping bags aren’t a small investment, and once you’ve got one you love, you’ll want to keep it in play for as long as possible. Keeping your bag clean means it’ll last longer and insulate more efficiently. Luckily, Macpac sleeping bags are durable and easy to care for.
Please note: we recommend only washing your sleeping bag when necessary. It’s better for the environment and for your sleeping bag! Once a year might be a good starting point, depending on how frequently you use it. If you wait too long, dirt and oils may already be making their way down to the feathers, sticking them together and reducing loft. But always check the bag’s care label before washing. To wash your bag, follow the steps below.
To wash your sleeping bag
If possible, try spot cleaning any marks with a clean damp cloth first. If your bag needs a more thorough wash, we recommend hand-washing your sleeping bag in a bath or a tub, using cold water and a non-detergent soap.
If your bag is down, we recommend using a down appropriate soap such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct®, or one that specifically states it’s safe for use on down items. (Standard laundry detergent can lead to clumping or reduced loft, and strip essential oils). For synthetic bags, a product like Nikwax Tech Wash® (a high performance cleaner for wet weather clothing and equipment) will be appropriate.
Rinse your bag several times, then gently press out excess water.
Please note: Washing your sleeping bag in a machine has a higher risk of damaging it. With a down sleeping bag, it could damage the internal baffling and with synthetic bags, there is a higher risk of the insulation pulling apart, so we recommend hand-washing only.
Sleeping bag care tips
Caring for your bag properly during use and between adventures will go a long way to extending your sleeping bag’s life and reduce the frequency with which you need to wash it — a win for your sleeping bag and the environment.
Here are our top tips for taking care of your sleeping bag:
Wear clean clothes when getting in
After a long and tiring hike, sometimes all you want to do is crawl into your sleeping bag and call it a day. Over time dirt and oils from your skin and hair can build up. To minimise this, change into a fresh pair of clothes before you get all snuggly!
Grab a liner
We could write a whole post extolling the virtues of the humble sleeping bag liner, but suffice it to say, it’s a good idea to use one! Sleeping bag liners will protect your bag from dirt, and create a barrier between your body and inside of your bag. A good liner also provides added insulation and warmth to your bag. Soft and smooth on skin, Macpac’s silk sleeping bag liners make sleeping away from home easy.
Air your bag after use
Airing your sleeping bag after use is a good idea to prevent the growth of mould within the insulation fill. Your body creates moisture vapour during the night, and it could get trapped in the insulation of the bag. Moisture could accumulate on the outside of your sleeping bag for a couple of reasons, for example, condensation from your breath and sweat, or the temperature (e.g. a cold night after a hot and humid day). A good airing will allow that moisture to evaporate. As soon as you get the chance, we recommend unzipping your sleeping bag, turning it inside out and hanging it over something (a clothes line or clothes horse) for a short period of time to dry out, before storing.
Finally, storing your bag properly when in use (as we’ve mentioned earlier) will also help extend its life.
Here’s to many more cosy adventures.
How to Dry Your Sleeping Bag
Drying your sleeping bag properly is crucial for maintaining its loft and insulation properties.
Air Drying
- Lay your bag flat over a clothes horse in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
- If you need to line dry, ensure the weight is evenly distributed and avoid hanging it while soaking wet.
Tumble Drying
- You can tumble-dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting.
- Add a few clean tennis or dryer balls to the dryer to break up any insulation clumps.
- Do not dry when soaking wet, as the bag will be very heavy and could damage the internal baffles
- Never iron or dry clean your sleeping bag.
How to Repair Your Sleeping Bag
Outdoor adventures can be rough on your gear. Sleeping bags often avoid the worst of it as they’re usually tucked away, safe in your bag. If your sleeping bag does get a tear, it’s best to act fast to prevent any down from escaping.
Sleeping Bag Care Tips
Taking care of your sleeping bag during and between trips will extend its lifespan and reduce how often you need to wash it. A win for both your gear and the environment.
Wear Clean Clothes to Bed
After a long day on the trail, it’s tempting to crawl straight into your sleeping bag, but dirt and oils can build up over time. Change into a fresh pair of clothes before getting in to help keep your bag cleaner for longer.
Use a Sleeping Bag Liner
A sleeping bag liner adds a layer of protection between your body and the bag’s interior. It helps keep dirt out and provides extra warmth. Macpac’s sleeping bag liners are lightweight, soft on the skin, and easy to pack.
Air Out Your Bag After Use
Moisture can accumulate inside your bag from sweat and condensation. To prevent mould and mildew growth, unzip your sleeping bag, turn it inside out, and hang it over a clothesline or clothes horse to air and dry as soon as you can.
Store it Properly
To maintain loft, store your sleeping bag uncompressed in a large mesh bag. All Macpac down sleeping bags come with a separate mesh storage sack. Avoid keeping your bag stuffed in its compression sack for long periods, as this can crush the insulation.
Need advice? Visit your local Macpac store or contact our team online—we’re here to help keep your gear in top condition!
