What you should know about sleeping bags.

With the next long weekend just around the corner and my camping plans progressing nicely, I decided it was time to start prepping and getting things ready.

I started by trying to find my sleeping bag and my fleece blankets. You never know how cold the nights will be.

It took me a while to find my sleeping bag only to discover that I had not followed some basic storing instructions and my sleeping bag was now good for the garbage. Now I have to go and buy a new sleeping bag. Hopefully I will follow the cleaning and storing instructions after my trip.

Do – Have your sleeping bag cleaned after every use. Storing a dirty sleeping bag can damage the insulation and the nylon shell can absorb body odours.

Do – Air and spread out your sleeping bag frequently.

Do – Have your down sleeping bag cleaned by a professional. Dry cleaning will redistribute the down feathers effectively and evenly.

Do Not – Roll a sleeping bag up tightly and stuff into the carrying bag. Rolling tightly can compress the insulation over time reducing its effectiveness.  It is best to stuff your sleeping bag into a breathable storage bag like those used at Parkers Cleaners.

Do Not – Leave a sleeping bag stored in the trunk on a hot day. The heat can cause the material to bind together.

Do Not – Try to clean a sleeping bag on your own. Down sleeping bags should be left to the experts who deal with down items such as parkas, duvets and pillows. Synthetic sleeping bags may be damaged in the dryer due to high temperatures.