Wash Your Down Sleeping Bag
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Restore Loft & Warmth to Down Bags
Down sleeping bags should be washed when dirt and grime begin to interfere with loft. Most manufacturers recommend washing your spleeping bag after 20 nights of use. This is also a good rule for synthetic sleeping bags. In general: if it’s dirty, losing loft or smells – wash it!
To wash your sleeping bag, head to your local laundromat and use a large front loading washing machine.
Step 1:
Add ReviveX® Down Cleaner to the empty washer.
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Step 2:
Close zippers. Pull bag out of its stuff sack directly into washer to minimize loft. Bags with waterproof-breathable shells should be turned inside-out. Use warm water and the gentle cycle. Before drying, run an extra spin cycle to remove excess water.
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Step 3:
Now is a good time to apply a fresh water repellent treatment. Hang wet bag and spray with ReviveX Spray-On Water Repellent on the bag’s exterior. Carefully move the wet sleeping bag into the dryer. NOTE: the bag will be very water logged and the down plumes will be clumped together – this is normal! The loft will be restored in the dryer.
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Step 4:
Dry bag in a large commercial dryer on the permanent press (medium) heat setting. Clean tennis balls may be added to break up down clumps.
NOTE: Home dryers aren’t big enough to let sleeping bags tumble freely. The bag needs to be lifted and then free-fall to dry properly. High heat or small home dryers can melt synthetic fabrics. Always use a commercial dryer!
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Step 5:
Check progress periodically. Feel the insulation—if there are clumps, the down plumes are still wet. Be patient, it’s essential that the down is dried thoroughly. When completely dry, bring your sleeping bag home, unzip and allow to air overnight.
Find more great tips like these in our Repair Guide
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Seam GripĀ® is ideal for attaching burlap or jute thread to the netting of your ghillie suit. When attached with Seam Grip, the camouflage pieces will be permanently attached to the netting.
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TRUE OR FALSE?
Heavy duty mountain boots are obsolete for backpacking.
True. But while the ultralight backpacking crowd (carrying 20 lb. packs) get by on trails using trail running shoes or even good sport sandals, most folks carrying heavier loads should have some ankle support. Well-made light hikers with a 3/4 or full-height ankle collar are usually enough for moderate loads on most trails.