How to wash a sleeping bag?

There are two types of sleeping bags in our range. Down-filled sleeping bags and Synthetic sleeping bags.

Check what insulation your sleeping bag has

DOWN

• Ascent
• Alpine Pro
• Neutrino & Neutrino Pro
• Mythic & Mythic Ultra
• Andes
• Expedition
• Wilderness & Neutrino Quilts

SYNTHETIC

• Solar
• Ignition

Washing Down Sleeping bags

Want a stress free option? We'll wash your down sleeping bag for you. Click here for Rab Wash.

1. Make sure your washing machine is clean. A short rinse cycle helps clear and residue.
2. Wash on a gentle 30ºC cycle. Use a washing agent like Nikwax Down Wash Direct.
3. Rinse to make sure there is no soap leftover. Be careful when taking sleeping bags out the washing machine. They can be heavy with water and being too rough can rip internal compartments. Support it by ‘cradling’ it in a bath towel or similar whilst taking it out the machine.
4. Very gently squeeze out any excess water.
5. Immediately tumble dry in a front-loading dryer. Make sure you choose a cool (or synthetic) setting.
6. Every 20-30 minutes, remove it from the dryer. Give it a shake, slap and tap to encourage the down into place. Adding (clean) tennis balls or tumble dryer balls really helps with this.
7. Don't remove your bag from the dryer too soon. It is tempting, we know. The outer fabric might feel dry, but the down inside may still be damp.
8. Drying can take anywhere from 4 - 8 hours. The bigger the item, the longer it takes. When your sleeping bag is nice and puffy again, it's time to take it out.

TOP TIP: Keep your down sleeping bag uncompressed when storing it. Use the cotton storage sack                          included. Always in a cool, dry space.

Click here to get a replacement cotton storage sack.

Washing a synthetic sleeping bag

Washing your synthetic sleeping bag is nice and easy. Check the care label for exact instructions. But remember, with synthetic fabrics, it's generally a cool, gentle wash.

Step-by-step:

1. Ideally, rinse your washing machine out to clear any residual detergent and softeners.
2. Use a non-biological liquid detergent, pure soap or a technical cleaner such as Nikwax Tech Wash.
3. Machine Wash on a gentle, cool setting. 30ºC is ideal both for your sleeping bag and the environment.
4. Tumble dry on a low heat, or synthetic, setting to help restore the loft.

Don't:

• Avoid biological detergent and fabric softeners.
• Do not dry clean or iron the garment.

Washing a sleeping bag liner

We use two fabrics for our sleeping bag liners: cotton and silk. On our silk liners only natural dyes have been used, so it is not colourfast. Therefore you might consider using a dry-cleaner.

For advice on washing your silk sleeping bag liner yourself, read on.

Hand Washing

Silk can be easily hand-washed.

• Use lukewarm water and mild, non-alkaline soap.
• Be gentle on the fabric and don't soak for any more than a few minutes.
• Do not use harsh detergents that have bleaches or brighteners in them.
• Don't wring or twist. Roll in a towel to dry.

Machine Washing

• Choose a delicate cycle and use a mild detergent such as Woolite®.
• Pick the shortest spin cycle option available. Remember to separate your colours.
• Don't use any detergents with enzymes or brighteners in them.
• If you've got a top-loading machine, use a mesh bag to protect the silk liner.