A staple in everyone’s camping gear is a good quality sleeping bag. But choosing a suitable one is only half of it, you need to learn how to take care of it as well. After all, they aren’t cheap.
Sleep in clean clothes
Whilst you may be tired after a day of exploring and just want to crawl straight into bed, you should try not to. The oils, sweat and dirt from you and your outdoor clothes can deteriorate the insulation of the sleeping. Wearing clean clothes at night can help stop this from happening and prolong the insulating properties of your sleeping bag.
Use a liner
Sleeping bag liners are also a perfect way to protect your bag from any dirt that can damage it. Usually made from cotton, silk, wool, or polyester, a sleeping bag liner is lightweight and not only protects your bag against dirt, but also acts as an extra layer of insulation. They are also really easy to clean. Just stick them in the washing machine when you get home, and they are good to go.
Treat it with care
The better you treat your sleeping bag, the longer it will last. So, if you wear it around the campfire, leave it on the grass, or use it outside in the rain, your sleeping bag will lose its insulating properties and become damaged quickly. But, if you leave it in your tent, and keep it as dry as possible, it will keep your warm and cosy for longer than the camping season.
Air it out
When out on a campsite, your sleeping bag might start to smell or get damp and you may struggle to find somewhere to clean and dry it ready for the following night. Instead, you should try to dry and air out your sleeping bag every day if the weather permits it. This will help to dry out any moisture, shake off any dirt, and keep it smelling as fresh as possible whilst away on your camping trip.
With the help of these four tips, you can help keeping your sleeping bags in the best condition so you can stay warm and cosy, and not have to keep forking out for a new one.
