SLEEPING BAGS

Treat it well and a sleeping bag can last you many years. These simple care tips can help improve its lifespan.

■ Using a sleeping bag liner can add a season’s warmth to your bag, will protect it from body odour and is much easier to wash. Keep one with your bag and pack it as standard. Most will fit in the sleeping bag’s compression sack with it.

■ Air your bag out the morning after every use, if weather allows, and definitely when you get back from a trip.

■ Store it in a large, loose cotton or mesh sack to protect the filling and its ability to loft. Don’t store it in a compression sack, as this can damage the insulation.

■ Leaking down? That’s normal and doesn’t mean your bag is defective. Work the feather back inside the bag by pulling the quill from behind.

The hole should close up.