Storing sleeping bags.

**Silverlion** · 10-08-2010, 13:20

I have a question about the apparent need to store a sleeping bag out of the stuff sack due to ruining it's loft. Since I can remember, everyone I have known stores them in the stuff sack including me. They seem to be fine and some that I have are several years old.
When bags are manufactured, they are rolled up into their stuff sack and stored in a warehouse until they need to be shipped to the retailer. Once at the retailer, they are sitting on shelves piled on top of each other...still in the stuff sack until they are purchased.
My question is, why is the bag not already ruined from all of this sitting(some for a couple of years), temp changes, piled up, etc. when the consumer buys them?

**pgibson** · 10-08-2010, 13:43

It depends on the manufacture and the retailer but a good one of each will ship the bags in a storage sack rather than the stuff sack and in turn they should be at the shop in the storage sack. Storing a big compressed will break down the insulation, no matter what that insulation is. The less compressed the bag is stored and packed the better for the long term life of the bag. All my bags and quilts are laid out flat on the floor in our upstairs, even better than the storage bags.

**Raul Perez** · 10-08-2010, 14:11

Agreed Marmot and Mountain Hardwear shipped me their bags in their storage sacks.

I keep my bags hung up on a hanger to preserve the loft.

**turnerminator** · 10-08-2010, 14:27

My Montbell came in a storage bag. I keep mine in a wardrobe on a coat hanger.

**thekalimist** · 10-08-2010, 15:03

i keep mine in a cotton wash bag thats pretty much a large diameter pillow case with a drawstring. I keep that hung up in my closet

**^shane^** · 10-08-2010, 16:21

I've two North Face and two Sierra Designs down bags. All four came in storage bags with stuff sacks included for packing. All four hang up unstuffed in my closet (my wife HATES them there, but they sure do keep her warm when we are out).

Find some space, get a couple of hooks and make your bags a home. They will last forever.

**AScott** · 10-08-2010, 16:39

If I've had a synthetic bag stuffed for a few years, is there any hope for it? I know, I know, but I just never got it hung up and then life got in the way for about 5 years and it's been in a big tub with all my other old gear.

I really don't want to have to replace it (I'm replacing a lot of other stuff and it's adding up quickly), but if it's shot, it won't do me much good.

**itsandy** · 10-08-2010, 16:46

Most bags do deteriorate if stored compressed. I have made the mistake (more than once) and ruined a few good bags. I now have three Wiggy's bags and have never had a problem with them. They can be stored compressed, even washed and dried in home laundry machines.

**Ramblinrev** · 10-08-2010, 16:52

You can try the electric dryer no-heat tumble roll with a couple of sneakers. Might do something. IMO synth is more forgiving that way than down, but that also depends on the synth. I've had old batting bags that didn't fluff for beans. But then they needed replaced anyway. My down bag was always stored in a loose pillow case. I don't stuff any thing now long term. I just leave in the container or in my pack.