Have you ever made a purchase of a product that you wished would last forever? I have! Unfortunately, I have also made purchases that didn’t last quite as long I wanted. Before making significant purchases, it is important to understand what the expected time frame is before having to replace. Sleeping bags are no different.
There are several factors that can affect this outcome which we’ll touch on below.
How Long Do Sleeping Bags Last?
The short answer, the amount of time a sleeping bag lasts depends on the user. Sleeping bags don’t expire. Down will typically last longer than synthetic, but for a quality sleeping bag you’re looking at 7-10 years if taken care of.
- Proper Care and Storage
- Washing Correctly
- Keep Your Bag Dry
- Use a Sleeping Bag Liner
Care and Maintenance
According to The Dyrt, a major factor in the life of a sleeping bag is preventing the inner material from remaining compressed. It is extremely important that when not in use, it is stored in a large stuff sack or left hanging to allow the inner material to breathe and expand.
If you notice that the material remains compressed, you can always follow manufacturer recommended washing directions to revive the material to its previous state. You will want to minimize the amount of times that it is washed. Again, be sure to follow manufacturers recommendations for your specific sleeping bag.
Keep an eye on the zippers as well. This can be a really troublesome area if not kept in check. Most only think of the material that needs to be cared for, but having dirt and debris in the zipper can also cause failures.
Frequency of Use
According to Big Outdoor Adventure, an average for a synthetic sleeping bag is seven years, while the average for a down sleeping bag is 10. In addition to the proper care and storage of your gear, how often it is used is a major factor. The more that you use your gear, the more wear the fibers will receive.
Obviously, the more wear and tear it has, the less likely it will reach those maximum time frames. That’s really when it’s just getting broken in though, right?
Sleeping Bag Liners
According to Terry Cralle, a decent sleeping bag that’s taken care would last approximately 5 years. If it;s high end, upwards of 10 years. Last, but certainly not least, if its high end and taken care of approximately 15 years. Among the various other items mentioned such as proper care, storage and cleaning, they also mention sleeping bag liners.
This is a really great idea to prolong the life of your sleeping bag. This will prevent damage to the interior while getting in and out or simply moving around.
When you’re caught up on the life expectancy of a sleeping bag, check out our post on Big Agnes Sleeping Bags.
Conclusion
In looking at the information available, you can see that taking care of your sleeping bag is the most important factor in determining the life of one. Yes, there are decisions that can be made prior to purchase to extend those times.
Do you want synthetic or down? What type of zippers are on there and are they durable? Are you looking for lighter weight material? All of these may impact the life of your sleeping bag, but ultimately it is up to you!
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Keep Winning Outdoors!