Sleeping Bag

[Altaskibum]

Hey all, I bought a backpacking sleeping bag from LL Bean about 15 years ago, I used to winter camp with it on a regular basis. However I used it this last weekend and the temps were only in the low 30's and I got cold. I haven't used it in ages and I do recall storing it in a stuff sack for a while. Do sleeping bags loose thier warmth? And if so is there anyway to get it back? I really can't afford a new bag right now so any suggestions would be welcome.

[cbcbd]

What kind of insulation does it use: Synthetic or down?

Bags will lose their loft over time. Synthetics lose it quicker than down, especially if stored inside the stuff sack.
If a synthetic bag has been exposed to heat (like storing in a hot attic) while compressed, the fibers can fuse together and lose loft.


Washing is probably the only way of salvaging lost loft.
Wash the bag by hand or in a front loading machine on gentle cycle (use non-detergent soap, use down wash if down). Rinse it thoroughly. Put it in the drier in low heat with a few tennis balls.

If that doesn't help... I don't think there's anything else you could do.

Good luck!
-Doug

[Altaskibum]

Hey Thanks Doug. I am affraid that the tag is currently unreadable so is there another way to tell if it is down or synthetic?

[cbcbd]

Hmm... what's the model and make of the bag?

Usually down bags will tend to lose some feathers through stitching and sometimes fabric - that's a tell-tale sign of down. Other than that sometimes you can feel if it's a synthetic or down bag depending on the type of synthetic used. Down is pretty compressable too, so that's another way of telling without having to cut the bag open

[Altaskibum]

There is no model listed anywhere on the bag but it is an LL bean. I think it is synthetic from what I can tell. I have never lost any stuffing out of it but it is wicked compressable too. So I don't know. I may just try to take it back to LL bean and exchange it if washing it doesn't work.

[cbcbd]

That's cool, you can still wash regular down with a non-detergent soap. I'd just try washing the bag and see how it comes out... or just get a brand new one from bean if they'll give it to ya

[smitty77]

Originally Posted by Altaskibum

There is no model listed anywhere on the bag but it is an LL bean. I think it is synthetic from what I can tell. I have never lost any stuffing out of it but it is wicked compressable too. So I don't know. I may just try to take it back to LL bean and exchange it if washing it doesn't work.

LL Bean stands behind their stuff 100%. I'd bring it back and get a new one. No sense in wondering if your wash/dry tricks worked, and finding out the hard way that the bag is still junk.

Smitty

[Altaskibum]

Thanks, I think that is what I'll do, however I'll have to wait untill I am back up north later on this summer. I suppose that I won't need a real warm sleeping bag throught the summer in dallas anyway.

[David Metsky]

Originally Posted by smitty77

LL Bean stands behind their stuff 100%. I'd bring it back and get a new one.

If the bag failed because of defect or poor design, that's one thing. But 15 years from a synthetic bag is beyond it's natural life. IMO, returning that bag for a replacement is an abuse of their excellent return policy. They'll exchange it, no questions asked, but it's still a poor idea.

Your best bet at this point is to wash it following the proper directions and store it properly. You can also look at getting a liner or overbag to extend the range of comfortable sleeping.

-dave-

[cbcbd]

I take my last comment back about getting a new one. I agree with Dave.
-Doug