Help - Sleeping Bag compression

[l0ngterm]

Stupid me. I am leaving in a week for a long section. Yesterday I was gathering my gear together and my sleeping bag is still stuffed tight into the bag I pack it in. I could have sworn I hung it up after my last trip.

How can I get the loft back in a week without damaging it?

thanks

l0ngterm

[JRiker]

take it out, fluff it, then put it in dryer with no heat for a little bit... then hang it for a week.

[white_russian]

If it is down then just throw it in the dryer. I do this right after every trip just to get any moisture out. If it is synthetic I think you are screwed.

[l0ngterm]

I am putting it in the dryer right now. It is down. Thanks for the info.

[Mountain Wildman]

I've read somewhere to put a tennis ball in the dryer with it if it is a down bag.

[Franco]

No need for tennis balls just to fluff it up. They work when drying a wet bag. I do it by hand in the sun but I am glad I don't pay myself by the hour...
BTW, when you buy a down bag it could have been stored in the stuff sack for a year or more. Not ideal but particularly if it is clean it isn't that much of a problem.
Franco

[ascientist]

I dry my down bags in an extra large dryer on low heat at the local laundromat. It's surprising how even a bag that is not wet can loft even more with a good run through the dryer.

[Rocketman]

http://www.idfl.com

They used to have a .PDF file called "FILL POWER QUESTIONS & ANSWERS"

I didn't find it the last time I was looking there, but here is a portion from the .PDF that I previously downloaded.


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FILL POWER QUESTIONS & ANSWERS


INTERNATIONAL DOWN AND FEATHER LABORATORY AND INSTITUTE
Page 1
7 January 2008

Salt Lake City, UT 84105 USA

When is fill power measured for finished product claims?

Fill Power is first tested immediately after the down is washed, dried, and sorted. This first test for fill power represents the real or “original” fill power for the down. This first or original test is the basis for all labels, advertising, and marketing claims.

Why do subsequent fill power measurements drop?

Compression, shipment, storage, and finished product assembly cause fill power to drop. Comforters,pillows, and even bulk down may drop 5-20%. Jackets and sleeping bags may drop 10-40%.


Will the fill power ever return to its original value?

Yes, consumer use of a product can return fill power to original value. Air circulation, and moisture all help return fill power to the original test value. Consumer use of products increases fill power:
1. Sleeping bag fill power will improve during use (sleeping in the bag).
2. Comforters show increased fill power after use (sleeping under the comforter).
3. Wearing jackets or vests will improve fill power.
Also, the regular care and cleaning of finished products help return fill power to original values:
1. Regular shaking and lofting of down products will help circulate air.
2. Placing a product in a home tumble dryer will help add warmth and air circulation to the down.
3. Washing down products in plain water or a mild down soap adds moisture and warmth.
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