When the majority of us invest in a sleeping bag, we do so with the intention of keeping that same one for a sustained period of time. But, that can sometimes be easier said than done – especially if we do not keep it as clean and dry as possible, which can sometimes be difficult!

It is important to try and keep your sleeping bag as clean as possible. Try to avoid placing your sleeping bag on the unprotected ground and don’t eat or drink whilst you’re in your sleeping bag to avoid the risk of food in your bag as well as spillages.

When you’ve been out on the trail for a sustained amount of time, you’ll most likely be both dirty and sweaty, so to try and prevent that dirt and sweat on your body from transferring onto your bag, wear clean clothes – maybe even a hat! Another way to try and prevent this from happening is to use a sleeping bag liner, which depending on the material, might even help to increase the temperature of your sleeping bag too!

After every use, it is also well worth airing out your bag to try and rid it of all of the moisture which has been collected in your bag and tent during the time you’ve been in there – keeping it as dry as possible.

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Make sure that when you’re not using your sleeping bag, it is carefully folded into the stuff sack that it came with, or at least one where it fits nicely. If you have to squash it into a less than desirable sized sack, it will put stress on the stitching which if done repeatedly, will affect the bag. After your sleeping bag is fitted nicely, you need to ensure that it remains dry while it’s in there. If you’re expecting rain, cover your stuff sack with a plastic bag – or maybe carry an umbrella!

One of the most important steps is to ensure that when you have finished using your sleeping bag, you do not just leave it in its stuff sack where it won’t be touched until you next need it. A damp or dirty bag may result in mildew which will reduce both the loft and the warmth of your bag. Ideally, leaving your bag hanging outside (as long as it’s not raining!), unzipped, is the best way to rid it of any unwanted moisture. This may take a couple of days, but if it is left for periods of time both inside out and right side out, then that should do the trick!

Another reason why you shouldn’t leaving your sleeping bag in a stuff sack is that if it is compressed for long periods of time, it will decrease loft. Leaving your sleeping bag in an alternate bag, made of cotton or mesh, is much preferable – as long as it is still not compressed. Some sleeping bags have hooks which they can be hung up with, but you can also just lay it out (maybe under your bed?) if you have a large enough flat surface.

Our full range of sleeping bags, as well as all of our other items, are available on our website now at discounted prices. Orders over the cost of £50 receive free shipping. If you have any questions, please do leave a comment below or message us on Facebook or Twitter!