No gear care

[murphymarrk]

I still have my sleeping bag stuffed in its sack from an April trip.I've always treated my gear like this.I've got 14 months of woods stuff w/this bag and its fine.I've washed it 5 times in a washer and dryer.Anyone else not worried about stuff like this?

[stripperguy]

On my last trip, the night times temps dropped to around 25 F.
I brought my carefully stored down winter bag and was more than toasty warm.
My son and my nephew both have the exact same 20 F rated synthetic bags.
My son stores his bag loose and open, my nephew stores his bag in his compression stuff sack. When these guys unfurled their bags, there was quite a difference in the lofted shape, and, more importantly, my son was warm enough while my nephew was uncomfortably cold both nights.
It seems to me it does make a difference...BTW, my bags are stored open and my self inflating pads are also stored open.
But, somehow, I don't treat my boats with the same sort of respect. Those get put away wet, dirty and damaged, usually.

[redhawk]

I too find that the way the bag is stored makes a difference in the loft and therefore the efficiency of the bag.

Plus I guess it's just habit that makes me keep all my gear well maintained. It's just possible that my life may depend on it someday so I treat it with the respect it deserves.

Hawk

[crkmeup]

I too find that the way the bag is stored makes a difference in the loft and therefore the efficiency of the bag.

Plus I guess it's just habit that makes me keep all my gear well maintained. It's just possible that my life may depend on it sopmeday so i treat it with the respect it deserves.

Hawk

Agreed. It seems to me you get away with being unprepared and 'lazy' intil ya don't.

[Dick]

There's enough evidence of loss of loft in a down bag if stored while stuffed. Same goes for an inflatable pad. I think it might be possible to "get away with it" for a while, but over the long haul, it will effect the efficiency and ultimately the life of the bag.

Dick

http://www.sierradesigns.com/t-SleepingBagCare.aspx
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/arti...eping+bag.html
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/in...egoryId=400039
http://www.outdoorplaces.com/gear/care/bags/
http://www.bigskyfishing.com/camping...g-bag-care.php
http://www.overstock.com/guides/sleeping-bag-care
http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/sleeping-bag-care

[murphymarrk]

Its still stuffed.Maybe,the difference btw a stuffed bag and abag kept loft isnt so great.I mean that I usually have a pair of warm pants to sleep in if i need them.

[yellowcanoe]

What sort of fill does it have? Polyester does not care as much as down.

I have a down bag is a shining example of a bag that remains useful and warm after being hung loose after every outing.

Its a Gerry bag circa 1963. It still has all its feathers full and fluffy.
I am of the school that taking care of your gear is a good investment unless you don't mind buying more frequently. The trouble is that new gear is often not as good quality as the old.

[murphymarrk]

Its a Big Agnes Zerkel 20 F.I cut the unlofted bottom out and resowed it tighter a few years ago,but it still seems close to 20 after some hard use.Theres a feather here and there,but the bags gonna be around for some time.Im only in the Dacks twice a year usually,but the trips are 2 or 6 week trips.Maybe the bag rebounds after being lofted and slept in for 11 hours a night.

[vtflyfish]

Plus I guess it's just habit that makes me keep all my gear well maintained. It's just possible that my life may depend on it someday so I treat it with the respect it deserves.

Hawk

Well said, Hawk! I still have a Holubar Mountaineering zero degree bag that's still a zero degree bag after 35 years of service. Maintenance is everything.