Author Topic: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?  (Read 4655 times)

Cudzoziemiec

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Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« on: 16 May, 2018, 08:22:39 pm »
Do sleeping bags (with synthetic fill) lose their insulating properties over time or use? What's the process, if so? Would this happen without visible wear and tear on the bag?

Reason for asking: I was cold at Long Itchington (and on the way up there and back again)! Thinking it might be a good idea to get a warmer sleeping bag, it seemed a good idea to start by checking what I had. It's a Snugpak Softie 6, which is rated down to zero for comfort with an absolute low of -5. Well it was definitely wasn't near zero on any of those nights. I think it might have gone down to 4 on one night. I was using the bag with a liner (also synthetic) and a decent mat, and it definitely wasn't the mat at fault; I felt cold on top warm underneath me. But I bought this sleeping bag back in 1996. It get used pretty intensively for the first year or so and sporadically since then. It doesn't look worn. But maybe the filling just loses insulating property by being bundled up in a stuff sack for many years? And/or maybe I just feel the cold more than I used to.

Obvious follower: what bags do people recommend? Had a look in Blacks, knowledgeable seeming(?) person reckoned a 3-season bag would be too warm. I'm not so sure!
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Kim

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #1 on: 16 May, 2018, 08:56:01 pm »
Being stored in the stuff sack probably doesn't help, though I think that's more of a problem for down than synthetic.

How much sleeping bag is enough is going to vary from person to person.  I wouldn't want less than a 3-season bag for BRITISH could-get-down-to-zero-with-a-couple-of-days-notice conditions, though I do sometimes sleep with my feet sticking out the bottom, or with the whole thing unfolded into an awkwardly-shaped quilt if it's warm.  It's much easier to let heat out of a warm sleeping bag than keep heat in a cold one!

I think comfort can vary with age.  I camped happily with a skinny synthetic bag and a closed-cell foam mat when I was a teen, but as an adult I feel the cold.  I also went from being borderline anorexic to the lardy side of healthy in my early 20s, so it's hard to say what had the most effect.

Basil

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #2 on: 16 May, 2018, 09:28:17 pm »
Being stored in the stuff sack probably doesn't help, though I think that's more of a problem for down than synthetic.

Yes.  I was taught that by the rather keen chappy who sold me my latest.  It now only lives in the stuff sack when actually travelling.  Between times it lives folded in a Ceredigion Council recycling bag on top of the wardrobe.
Sadly, it's been there rather a while recently.
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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #3 on: 16 May, 2018, 09:29:43 pm »
My understanding is that synthetic insulation is made up of long fibers which get broken up into shorter ones with use. This lowers the amount of loft you get, and thus the insulation value. This process can be quite fast - I recall an article on backpackinglight.com where they tested a synthetic puffy jacket and found the loft was considerably reduced after a week of hard use. I'm not sure if storing compressed was meant to be an issue for this as opposed to actual use but it is recommended that you store sleeping bags uncompressed.

Down is meant to be more resistant to this kind of degradation. I think the reason people are more careful storing down is that it's typically more expensive rather than because it's fragile.

You say you bought the bag in 1996. I have a vague feeling that at some point in time, probably after 1996,  those temperature ratings went from 'whatever the manufacturer could get away with' to a more realistic standardized test. You'd need to check, but if you were to buy a new bag you might not want to judge it based on the rating of your old one.

A few other things can have big effects on how cold you are sleeping. If you get in the bag cold it can take hours to warm up. Eating a high-fat meal for dinner helps. Being even very slightly damp has a huge effect. It's also a good idea to fluff up your bag before each use.

Kim

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #4 on: 16 May, 2018, 09:40:06 pm »
A few other things can have big effects on how cold you are sleeping. If you get in the bag cold it can take hours to warm up. Eating a high-fat meal for dinner helps. Being even very slightly damp has a huge effect. It's also a good idea to fluff up your bag before each use.

I've come round to barakta's way of thinking regarding hot water bottles.

If it's even vaguely cold, then I'll have a load of cold arse and hip lard to warm up before I reach equilibrium in my sleeping bag, and until that happens I'll be feeling cold.  My usual technique involves getting into the bag early after a brisk walk to and from the wash block and wriggling around doing Stuff (reading, spodding, plotting routes, whatever) for an hour or so before I do anything that might slow my metabolism like fall asleep or lie still listening to music.  A small hot water bottle (or other water container you trust not to leak) can achieve a similar effect in much less time.

quixoticgeek

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #5 on: 16 May, 2018, 10:42:58 pm »
But maybe the filling just loses insulating property by being bundled up in a stuff sack for many years? And/or maybe I just feel the cold more than I used to.

Obvious follower: what bags do people recommend? Had a look in Blacks, knowledgeable seeming(?) person reckoned a 3-season bag would be too warm. I'm not so sure!

Storing a sleeping bag in a stuff sack is a really good way to shorten it's life. If you want to make a bag last longer, store it uncompressed. A good bag will come with a storage sack. If not, use a large pillow case.

As for recommendations, I like the Mountain equipment Lamina series of bags. I have the Lamina 35 and a Laminina 20. (5°, -7°) bags. I also have an As Tucas Sestrels Quilt for racing.

If you're feeling flush, then Tundra Sleeping bags are lovely, big and warm and down, and light. But you pay for what you get.

J
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nicknack

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #6 on: 16 May, 2018, 11:11:49 pm »
I still have the one I had in the Scouts - 50 years ago. Blacks Icelandic I think. Can't remember when I last used it though.
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Cudzoziemiec

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #7 on: 17 May, 2018, 08:41:50 am »
Thanks everyone. It seems likely that my sleeping bag is in fact degraded and it's not just me being 22 years older; I guess this is a good thing! And I reckon I'll ignore the recommendation of the woman in Blacks, who probably is 22 years younger than me (and likely wants to get rid of stock I've since found out is specifically made for them despite the Berghaus name) and go for 3-season not 2.5. As for those ratings:
You say you bought the bag in 1996. I have a vague feeling that at some point in time, probably after 1996,  those temperature ratings went from 'whatever the manufacturer could get away with' to a more realistic standardized test. You'd need to check, but if you were to buy a new bag you might not want to judge it based on the rating of your old one.
That's an odd one. The 0C comfort rating is what the manufacturer gives for the same model now, so presumably to ENwhateveritis, though they don't specifically state this so maybe not. Given that I was buying it for a year's "backpacking" in the "Big OE" sense in NZ, I find it curious that I'd have bought something rated down to 0. But I guess I might have reckoned warmer can be made cooler easier than cold can be made warmer, and might have been thinking of Kiwi Alps and things.
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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #8 on: 17 May, 2018, 09:34:02 am »
The last synthetic bag I had went from being comfortable at -5° outdoors to not warm enough at +5° to +7° indoors over 2 years of frequent use (every weekend, pretty much, in the stuff sack during the weekend, but not otherwise).
Down generally lasts better, but it's still best stored loose.

EN temperature ratings started in 2005, but it took a while before most bags were tested against it.

Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #9 on: 19 May, 2018, 08:41:47 pm »
  My usual technique involves getting into the bag early after a brisk walk to and from the wash block and wriggling around doing Stuff (reading, spodding, plotting routes, whatever) for an hour or so before I do anything that might slow my metabolism

Got to ask, what's spodding?

Interesting thread - just bought a factory second Snugpak Softie 9 hawk in fetching black. Functionally fine I think. Have heard some reports that they overstate their bags' temperature abilities. No idea if true. Also bought a softie lite jacket/extra layer and fetching softie hat just in case. Oh and softie tent bootees :)

Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #10 on: 24 May, 2018, 09:10:45 am »
Fitness has a huge impact on this. When you are very fit, you tend to have a faster metabolism, you are burning more fuel and stay warmer.

I have a summer buffalo bag (rated down to +5C) that I was using to sleep in outside in hammocks and on the ground. I was quite comfortable down to 0C (wearing a jacket inside the bag), back when I was 12 years younger and very fit.

Tried it in a tent last year at 5c and I was cold. The bag hasn't degraded (it is fibrepile). It is the person inside the bag.
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quixoticgeek

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #11 on: 24 May, 2018, 09:14:48 am »
Fitness has a huge impact on this. When you are very fit, you tend to have a faster metabolism, you are burning more fuel and stay warmer.

I have a summer buffalo bag (rated down to +5C) that I was using to sleep in outside in hammocks and on the ground. I was quite comfortable down to 0C (wearing a jacket inside the bag), back when I was 12 years younger and very fit.

Tried it in a tent last year at 5c and I was cold. The bag hasn't degraded (it is fibrepile). It is the person inside the bag.

As does being warm and well fed before getting in a bag. If you're already cold and get in a sleeping bag, it's not going to do all that much to warm you up.

My personal trick here is to use a couple of 0.5L HDPE Nalgene bottles. I boil water, fill the bottles, put the bottle in a small dry bag (the one I took some of my sleep kit out of), put that in a sock, place in bottom of sleeping bag. One at the foot area, one around the spine. Really helps. Don't do it with the polycarbonate ones tho, as the water cools, a vacuum forms and the bottle starts to suck in, the polycarbonate doesn't have the flex that the HDPE ones do, so it tends to crack, making for a wet sleeping bag.

J
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Cudzoziemiec

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #12 on: 24 May, 2018, 09:30:29 am »
I had been thinking that maybe warmer, packable clothing would be a better investment instead of or as well as a warmer sleeping bag. Then again it sounds like an excuse to spend more money on infrequently used items.

The general fitness point is also sorely pertinent.  :(
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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #13 on: 24 May, 2018, 10:52:22 am »
I had been thinking that maybe warmer, packable clothing would be a better investment instead of or as well as a warmer sleeping bag.
Clothes (like down jackets) are heavier and bulkier than sleeping bags for equivalent warmth (like mittens are warmer than gloves), so it's not worth buying clothing for sleeping in. If you'd take the clothing anyway for use when not sleeping, that's different.

Cudzoziemiec

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #14 on: 24 May, 2018, 11:08:58 am »
No, I was thinking clothes for wearing during the day on the campsite, in the pub, at the shop, etc; all those things that come in between riding and sleeping! So as to be warm already when going to sleep.
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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #15 on: 24 May, 2018, 01:10:05 pm »
+1 to the points about things other than your sleeping bag affecting comfort. I'd add that a decent sleeping pad is a worthwhile upgrade if you don't already have one - Exped and Thermarest NeoAir are the usual recommendations when balancing weight/bulk/comfort.

Remember that you are the heat source, given the same environmental conditions you'll feel colder if you are tired or damp/wet or hungry. I carry some lightweight thermals and a micro-fibre towel. Get to where I'm camping/bivvying; put up shelter and get sleeping pad and bag ready; change out of wet/damp clothes; dry myself and deal with any "ahem" issues; put on the thermals; eat something that's high in fat, cheese or similar. If I'm still a bit cold then if the weather allows I'll go for a short brisk walk then get into the bag ASAP.

My summer touring kit is an Exped Synmat Winterlite mat and a Cumulus 150 down quilt. With thermals (which also help keep the quilt clean) I'm fine down to 5C and it's just bearable down to 2C.

Kim

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #16 on: 24 May, 2018, 01:29:03 pm »
Got to ask, what's spodding?

It's what we used to call "pissing about on the internet" in the 1990s.

Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #17 on: 24 May, 2018, 06:45:49 pm »
eat something that's high in fat, cheese or similar.

straight question, out of interest. I understand why having some pre-existing fat on your bones might help, but why does eating fatty food help? Something to do with a body process when digesting it?

quixoticgeek

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #18 on: 25 May, 2018, 12:45:11 am »
Remember that you are the heat source, given the same environmental conditions you'll feel colder if you are tired or damp/wet or hungry. I carry some lightweight thermals and a micro-fibre towel. Get to where I'm camping/bivvying; put up shelter and get sleeping pad and bag ready; change out of wet/damp clothes; dry myself and deal with any "ahem" issues; put on the thermals; eat something that's high in fat, cheese or similar. If I'm still a bit cold then if the weather allows I'll go for a short brisk walk then get into the bag ASAP.

I like to make camp, then sit in my sleeping bag, under my tarp, and drink a hot chocolate while making up the hot water bottles to heat my sleeping bag. Also helps relax.

Just remember that it's a law universally accepted, that no matter how recently you watered a tree, the act of crawling into a sleeping bag will cause your bladder to completely fill up, as such you will invariably then have to go for another nocturnal arboreal irrigation trip before you can actually try to sleep...

J
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Cudzoziemiec

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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #19 on: 25 May, 2018, 03:18:24 pm »
I've just read this about the EN temperature ratings:
Quote
The EN13537 is the independent standard is used by nearly all reputable sleeping bag manufacturers and it produces two key ratings, the first is the 'Comfort Rating' which is the lowest outside air temperature at which a standard Woman can sleep comfortably in the bag. The second is the 'Lower Comfort Limit' and is the lowest outside air temperature at which a standard Man can sleep comfortably in the bag.

Both these ratings assume the sleeper wears a baselayer, hat, socks and insulating pad. In theory  Men should be interested in the Lower Comfort Limit, and Women the Comfort rating but there are other factors that will affect how warm a bag we need such as... <snip>
The first line of the second paragraph is interesting. The ratings are based on you wearing, from the PoV of a cycle camper, the kind of clothes you'd ride in in winter. Certainly more than "winter pjs"!
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Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #20 on: 26 May, 2018, 11:41:50 am »
Interesting thread, I recently tried my 20+ yr old softie 9 & found it really quite cold - assumed I was getting old, but now i’m Happy to blame the bag again ;)

Re: Sleeping bags: how do they wear out, how long?
« Reply #21 on: 01 June, 2018, 10:14:31 am »
eat something that's high in fat, cheese or similar.

straight question, out of interest. I understand why having some pre-existing fat on your bones might help, but why does eating fatty food help? Something to do with a body process when digesting it?

I think it is (no "proof" one way or another) - anecdotally if I eat something fatty like cheese shortly before going to bed then my wife complains about me lying there like a furnace - hot stuff me ;) But equally it might be something else within the cheese or whatever that causes body temperature to rise.