Last week we wrote about how to choose a sleeping bag for backpacking. Maybe you have just found the perfect sleeping bag, or you have one already and want to keep it for many seasons. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep it in great shape.

Take care in how you stuff and store your sleeping bag. Most backpacking sleeping bags come with two stuff sacks: a large drawstring bag made of mesh or nylon (or a combination of the two), and a small compression sack. Avoid the urge to save space in your gear closet by leaving your sleeping bag in the compression sack. This will very quickly destroy the loftiness of the bag. Instead, store the bag (along with the small compression sack) in the large nylon/mesh storage bag. Only use the compression sack during a backpacking trip.
Tip: When stuffing your bag into the compression sack, start with the foot first. This will prevent air from getting trapped inside the bag and making stuffing difficult.

Keep your bag clean and dry while on the trail. Wear clean clothes to bed or use a bag liner to keep dirt, body oils, and sweat that are accumulated during a hike away from the bag materials. Over time, these can build up and affect the loftiness and insulation of your sleeping bag.
Tip: Never sleep in the clothes you cooked or ate in—this is especially important in bear country.

Keep your bag out of direct sunlight. Sometimes, even with lots of careful effort to avoid it, a sleeping bag will still get damp. If you need to let it air dry, do so in a breezy location away from direct sunlight. UV rays from the sun will degrade the fabric and any remaining water resistance at a much faster rate than if the bag is kept in the shade.

Avoid washing your sleeping bag. Laundering a sleeping bag puts unnecessary stress on a bag and reduces the loftiness. If cleaning is absolutely necessary, spot clean it using a damp rag with mild detergent and holding the shell away from the insulation. However, if your bag is extremely dirty from many hikes and seems beyond hope, washing it might be the only option. Refer to the manufacturers instructions for washing. Also, some outdoor retailers offer sleeping bag laundering services (or can refer you to someone who does), if you are unsure about washing it yourself.

With the proper care and following just a few of these tips, you’ll be able to keep your sleeping bag in good condition for many seasons to come!