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Outdoor sleeping bag by Alpin Loacker in blue - Outdoor Camping
Managing Director Alpin Loacker
Felix Loacker loves the mountains and has several years of experience in mountain sports. He has been fascinated by peaks and untouched nature for as long as he can remember. He feels free and alive in the mountains. They are his home and a place where he leaves his comfort zone, hikes, ski tours, climbs & rides his mountain bike.
Contents

For many outdoor enthusiasts, a down sleeping bag is the epitome of coziness. No wonder. After all, our ultra-light down sleeping bag and our 3-season sleeping bag(Down Pro 3 Season) offer maximum comfort. But what about cleaning the sleeping bag? What do you need to consider when washing? We will answer these questions in the following blog post. 

How do I prepare my sleeping bag for washing? 

Sometimes every sleeping bag needs a wash. But as with many things in life, the guiding principle here is: less is more. If you want to freshen up your outdoor sleeping bag, there are a few things you should consider BEFORE washing it. Carefully go through the following checklist to prolong the life of your sleeping bag:

  1. Can you recognize any damage?

  2. Close all fasteners carefully. (Except for laces, which should remain open).

  3. Turn your sleeping bag inside out so that the inner part is facing outwards. This allows water to penetrate inside without being held back by the membrane.

    This protects you from moisture in the wild. When washing, however, we also need the water in the inner core. This is the only way to get everything nice and clean.

Down sleeping bag: Warm & cozy

What is the best way to wash my sleeping bag? 

Even if the most curious rumors circulate on the internet about the right way to wash your sleeping bag, you should not wash it in the washing machine if possible.

This primarily applies to models with down filling. These clump together in the machine and make your down sleeping bag look old in the truest sense of the word.

Expert tip: The good news for all fans of synthetic fibers - these models can also be cleaned in the washing machine. 

Washing a down sleeping bag 

As you know, a down sleeping bag has no place in the washing machine. If you want to clean your equipment, we recommend hand washing. And this is how it works: 

1. fill the bathtub or a large wash bowl with lukewarm water.

2. add a little mild detergent or special detergent for functional textiles. 

3. put your down sleeping bag in the tub and submerge it.

4 Gently massage in the wash water and leave it on for up to 60 minutes.

5. rinse your down sleeping bag under running water. 

6 Then squeeze it out carefully. Do not wring out the down sleeping bag to avoid damaging it.

7. lay it out to dry. In good weather, you can spread out your sleeping bag outside in the shade (!) on a clothes horse. 

Washing a synthetic fiber sleeping bag 

You can also hand wash your synthetic fiber sleeping bag as described above. 

However, sleeping bags can also be cleaned in the washing machine:

Step 1:

Put your (!) synthetic fiber sleeping bag in the washing machine without any other items.

Washing a down sleeping bag Step 1

Step 2:

Place four additional tennis balls in the drum.

Washing a down sleeping bag Step 2

Step 3: 

Pour mild detergent or outdoor detergent into the appropriate dispensing compartment. Please do not use fabric softener. Your sleeping bag doesn't like it at all. 

Washing a down sleeping bag Step 3

Step 4:

Unless otherwise stated (see label), wash the synthetic fiber sleeping bag at 30 degrees on a gentle or delicate cycle.

Washing the down sleeping bag Step 4

Step 5:

Then select the rinse program again to carefully remove all detergent residues.

Washing the down sleeping bag Step 5

How often do I have to wash my sleeping bag? 

To avoid putting too much strain on your sleeping bag, you should wash it as rarely as possible. This is because the material and the bulking power suffer with every wash. 

Expert tip: A sleeping bag should only be washed after at least 50 uses. 

To prevent odors from forming, you should air out your outdoor sleeping area properly after each use.

Incidentally, light soiling can also be removed in the tried and tested way with a damp cloth

How do I dry my sleeping bag after washing? 

The material of your sleeping bag also plays a decisive role when it comes to drying. A synthetic fiber sleeping bag must NOT be put in the dryer. These models should be spread out on a clothes horse after washing.

As a wet sleeping bag adds a lot of weight, it takes a relatively long time to dry in the open air. Depending on the weather, this can take several days.

A down sleeping bag, on the other hand, is suitable for tumble drying. However, it should first be left outside to dry for a few hours so that as much water as possible can escape.

The sleeping bag can and should then be put in the dryer. This allows the down to be optimally distributed. However, make sure the temperature is as low as possible to avoid damage.

What distinguishes the sleeping bag models?

Our popular sleeping bag models are characterized by their low weight and optimum warmth. Especially our ultralight down sleeping bag with its 490 g is an absolute lightweight.

However, its comfort range is also higher as a result - i.e. 10-14 °C. This makes the down sleeping bag perfect for mild summer nights and outdoor enthusiasts who quickly get too warm.

Our three-season sleeping bag is the ideal companion for the whole year. The comfort zone for this sleeping bag is 4°, the limit is 0°. It is also characterized by its low weight of 900 g compared to other sleeping bags.

  • Both models are lightweight, warm and have a small pack size.
  • The down fillings of both sleeping bags are certified with the RDS (Responsible Down Standard).

Sleeping bag care after washing 

Every model requires careful treatment not only after cleaning the sleeping bag, but also after use. We therefore recommend that you air your sleeping bag regularly after use.

To prevent mold growth, you should never store your sleeping bag when it is damp

All our models also come with a compact pack sack. Here you can store your sleeping bag in a cool and dry place. It is best to choose a cool but dry place, such as your storage room or closet. 

Your sleeping bag is not in good hands in a damp cellar. 

Conclusion

Regardless of the model, you should wash your sleeping bag as rarely as possible. If you air it regularly and remove light soiling by hand, you will extend the life of your sleeping bag. 

If your equipment does need to be washed, we recommend hand washing down sleeping bags. Synthetic fiber models can be cleaned in the washing machine. However, please follow the care instructions on the label to be on the safe side.

FAQ

Which detergent is suitable for a synthetic fiber sleeping bag?

It is best to use special outdoor or mild detergent for a synthetic fiber sleeping bag. 

Do I have to wash a new sleeping bag before using it for the first time? 

No. We only use high-quality raw materials and fibers for the production of our outdoor equipment. Therefore, no washing is necessary before first use. 

How much does a sleeping bag cleaning cost?

Of course, you can also have your sleeping bag professionally cleaned. Prices here vary between €40 and €70. The higher price applies if you opt for the luxury option. The shell and down are cleaned separately. 

It remains interesting - read on :)