Insulation – Synthetic and down insulations are great, but they are only designed to trap warm air from your body and slow the movement of air. It is this trapped air that then insulates you and helps to keep you warm. It is important to remember that sleeping bags are not heaters; if you are cold when you get into a sleeping bag, chances are you will remain that way. Follow the tips provided to improve your chances of a warm night’s sleep.
Storage – You should store your sleeping bag loosely in a large breathable bag, or hang it in the closet. Another good tip is to unroll it on your sleeping pad and store it all under your bed. Storing your sleeping bag this way will help your insulation maintain its integrity, and give it longer life. *Do not store your sleeping bag in its stuff sack when you are not on an adventure!
Repacking into compression stuff sack - grab a handful of the sleeping bag at the bottom (foot) of the sleeping bag and start "stuffing" into the compression bag. Make sure to the first few handfulls are all the way to the bottom of the stuff sack - any dead space at the bottom of the stuff sack will mean spill over at the top and the sleeping bag may not fit. You can always upgrade to a larger compression stuff sack if you need to.
Cleaning – Use a front loading commercial washing machine on cold, delicate cycle, with mild detergent. Rinse well. Air dry or use a heavy duty dryer – low heat and delicate cycle. *A gentle tumble on low heat may restore some of the loft lost over the years.
Option – Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Flush and rinse thoroughly. Press water from bag…do not wring. Do not air dry your sleeping bag on a single rod or line. Use multiple rods or lay flat and towel dry. Do not handle the sleeping bag in a localized spot, especially when wet; the integrity of the insulation will be affected.
There are no North American standardized temperature testing criteria for sleeping bags. Most manufacturers agree that temperature ratings are merely a starting point for the discussion of comfort.
Temperature ratings are not absolutes; there are many factors contributing to how warm a person sleeps, such as environmental factors, clothing, food and water intake, body size, fitness level, sleeping pads, type of tent used, and whether the person is a warm or cold sleeper (metabolism). Hotcore™ encourages the use of a fleece or wool cap with Hotcore sleeping bags that do not have hoods.
*With all these variables the perception of warmth and comfort can vary.