Sleeping Bags

[Blackhawk2001]

Some of the more modern synthetic fiber bags, while quite as warm as down/feather bags, are not quite as sensitive to "insulation crush" as down or some of the older synthetics.

 

[Regionnus Rattis]

If I know that my conditions are going to be subzero, which they have been while backpacking...it's a North Face Tundra for me...just under 4 pounds for -20 deg F protection.

 

[Woodsman]

One other issue is the detergent you wash the bag with. I've had very good luck with Woolite and a front-loading washer set on hand wash cycle. Then throw it in the dryer at the lowest heat setting. Seems to do just fine with the Wiggy's bags. That Climashield insulation is good stuff!

 

[grunt soldier]

if you dry your bags in the dryer do yourself a favor and throw in 4-5 tennis balls. they break up the clumps and allow it to dry faster and more even.

 

[E5RANGER375]

I personally have found over the years the best way to clean a bag is a reputable dry cleaners...

Currently costs me $18 for a 24 hour turn around on a bag. Money well spent to me...

i love dry cleaners!! wish i could find someone to come and wash my dishes for me too

 

[Woodsman]

if you dry your bags in the dryer do yourself a favor and throw in 4-5 tennis balls. they break up the clumps and allow it to dry faster and more even.

That's probably a real good idea on almost all bags. I think a lot of the problem with clumping is how the bag is made and the insulation that is used. I have not had any problem with clumping with the Climashield insulation, which is continuous fiber, not chopped up as I understand some of the synthetic insulation is.

I have had some serious clumping when washing down jackets and the tennis balls would take care of that.

Another issue for cold weather use is to let your sleeping bags air/dry out in the sun. They can pick up a lot of moisture in the insulation from the body over night. Depending on where the dewpoint temperature is in the bag they will start to collect frost in the insulation. For this reason some people use a VBL (vapor barrier liner) inside of their bags. It's essentially a liner for the bag that's vapor proof. The moisture is trapped in the VBL next to your body. The body sense the increase in moisture and begins to shut/slow down the moisture generation as everything reaches equilibrium.

 

[rideac]

I went with the Teton XL - 25 off of Ebay 138.00 for both shipped.

i went ahead and bought 2 off of ebay as well, same price. really really awesome deal saved me 60 from buying on amazon at least. thanks! got them in the mail already and they're quality bags.

 

[car53]

Would it stink like down after washing and drying?

 

[Woodsman]

Would it stink like down after washing and drying?

The synthetic insulation does not smell when wet, if it's just water. I have not noticed much of an odor from wet down.

Wet merino wool is however a different story. Smells like wet dog until it dries.