Stuff sacks vary from bag to bag, depending on the size and shape of the sleeping bag, as well as on the fill. Sleeping bags filled with down are more compressible than synthetic filled ones, and need lesser volume stuff sacks. You can use a regular dry sack for a down sleeping bag, except for winter weather sleeping bags where a more complex compression sack is needed to reduce volume that the sleeping bag takes up in your backpack. Here are the following size recommendations:
Compression sacks are one of the camping gears that could make your packing either a breeze or a challenge. These sacks compress and reduce the volume of your sleeping bag, so you could easily stuff it in your backpack without eating up too much space.
Backpacks, no matter how they are advertised as super durable; the daily wear and tear would eventually take a toll on them. Regularly wiping them down with a non-abrasive cleaning cloth could minimize dirt accumulation, and add up to its longevity, but if your backpack starts to smell or appear really dirty, it’s time to give them a good old spin in the washer or wash them by hand.
Down soaps are cleaning agents specifically manufactured for items with down filling. These specially formulated cleaning chemicals will help to preserve and maintain the natural oils and fiber in the down while still getting your item clean and restoring the loft of your sleeping bag.
It is advisable to wash and clean your tent after a long backpacking trip, especially if it has been exposed to sand, dirt, tree saps, and/or bird droppings. However, if you only use it for short trips, it could go on with a cleaning once every season.
After washing the bag, yes, you could put it through a dryer; most sleeping bags are designed to withstand industrial dryers. Dry in a front load industrial dryer at the Laundromat, since a lot of home dryers are too small for your sleeping bag.
Yes, fortunately, a lot of sleeping bags in the market could take a few spins in the washing machine. However, it is best to use a front-loading washer (or top-loading machine without an agitator) instead of a regular top-loading washing machine. Please be advised, though, that some home front-loader machines are usually small and would not give your sleeping bag enough space to tumble and clean properly.
Whether you have a new spanking sleeping bag, or you rely on an old trusty bag to keep you warm on your backpacking trips, we have some tips on how to help your sleeping bag keep you warm and toasty:
Avoid Major Causes of Heat Loss – You can add to the warmth and defend against heat loss by using a sleeping liner, an insulating pad, a good tent, and finding the right campsite.
Comfort temperature in sleeping bags refers to the lowest temperature a bag is intended to keep the user warm and comfortable, without the need for any additional blankets.
