sleeping bag compression

**Wa-Hangman** · 03-14-2010, 15:28

Does long term compression of sythetic bags apply like it does to down?

**pgibson** · 03-14-2010, 15:35

Yes, if anything even more so. Compressing for a trip is one thing but storing it compressed will have lasting effects on how warm the bag will be.

**Wa-Hangman** · 03-14-2010, 15:39

can the effects be reversed?

**OldnSlow** · 03-14-2010, 15:40

Good to know....No wonder my synthetic bags seemed to get cooler as I got older....nothing to do with decreased physical abilities, or anything

**gargoyle** · 03-14-2010, 16:05

To try to undo the effects of storing your bag stuffed, give it a wash and dry. When drying add a few new tennis balls to the dryer. The balls will help fluff the bag. Washing will also remove any body oils from the bag and insulation. Follow manufacturer's washing instructions.
Low heat or no heat on the dryer. You don't want to cook the bag. You can dry it hanging from the clothesline too, once dry, throw it in the dryer to fluff.

Store loose and hung up when not in backpack mode. Or store in a big pillowcase.

*caution, bags hold a lot of water. careful pulling it from the washer.

**pgibson** · 03-14-2010, 16:06

Originally Posted by Wa-Hangman

can the effects be reversed?

Sorry no. Almost all synthetics are ultra fine hollow fibers. Think of thousands and thousands of plastic straws, if you take a bundle of them and bend them, fold them, crinkle them then smash them into a tiny wad. Over time they will begin to breakdown. Just the nature of synthetic.

Originally Posted by OldnSlow

Good to know....No wonder my synthetic bags seemed to get cooler as I got older....nothing to do with decreased physical abilities, or anything

Yep, as the synthetic is used it will eventual breakdown and not hold heat as well as when new. Many of the newer synthetics will last far long than even the ones from a few years ago. But care and not compressing them long term is key.