CARING FOR DOWN SLEEPING BAGS

IF YOU LOOK AFTER A DOWN BAG IT WILL GIVE YOU MANY YEARS OF SERVICE

Down bags should never be stored compressed and should ideally be stored loosely
in a breathable bag of cotton or mesh.

Always air your bag thoroughly before storing and each day during a trip
(if conditions allow).

Cleaning down bags is a very time consuming business. If you can, use a liner to
reduce the number of times your bag will need to be cleaned; this will increase it's
the life of the bag.

When you do notice a loss in performance of the bag you may find that it will need
washing, as oils from your skin and dirt will eventually contaminate the down and
affect its loft and subsequently the insulation of the bag.

Note that washing your bag will damage the fill to an extent and so washing should
be done only when absolutely necessary.

Always follow the instructions given on the bag.

For down bags only hand wash the bag in a bath with pure soap or a specialist down
cleaning product available from outdoor stores.

When the bag is wet you risk tearing the internal baffles that keep the down in place.

To minimise this risk lay the bag flat in the bath and press the water through the bag.

Always rinse the bag thoroughly, as any cleaning products left behind will affect the loft of the bag when it has dried.

When rinsed thoroughly carefully slide the bag out of the bath into a container to avoid straining the baffles.

Then spread the bag out in warm, well aired place to dry, turning it over regularly.

When the bag is nearly dry a cool tumble dry in a commercial dryer can help to break up any remaining clumps of down
and complete the drying process.

We would like to point out that cleaning bags at home is not an easy task and involves a great deal of time and effort.

If you are reluctant to clean your bag at home or fear damaging your bag we recommend
that you have it cleaned professionally by either of the following companies:

WL Franklin (Sheffield)
01142 686161

Mountaineering Designs
015395 36333