How to Wash and Care for a Down Sleeping Bag

How to care for your down sleeping bag
Between trips always store your bag in it’s storage sack to help maintain the loft & warmth of your bag.

We recommend using a Mont Inner Sheet with your bag; this will help keep it clean & maintain the loft & warmth of your bag.

Using a camping mat under your bag will help keep the bag clean & will provide thermal insulation from the ground.

Always air your bag after each use & store completely dry.

How to wash a down sleeping bag
Mont recommends hand washing your bag in a large tub with down-cleaner. Do not dry-clean. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Do not use a top loading washing machine.

1. Turn your bag inside out or unzip completely.
2. Fill the tub with lukewarm water enough to cover the bag, add down-cleaner as per the manufacturers instructions.
3. Gently knead the bag to work water & cleaner throughout taking care not to lift the bag out of the water.
4. Empty the tub & compress the bag to expel as much soiled water as possible.
5. Refill the tub with clean water & knead the bag to rinse out the soiled water; this step may need to be repeated.
6. Empty tub & compress bag until thoroughly drained.
7. Roll bag into a ball & lift with two hands. Lifting a wet bag loosely can cause the fabric to tear.

How to dry a down sleeping bag

1. Carefully carry with two hands to a tumble dryer.
2. Tumble dry on a delicate & low heat setting. Check the bag frequently to make sure it is not overheating. A few clean tennis balls in the dryer will help prevent the down clumping.
3. Intermittently massage the bag to break up any down clumps.
4. Carefully feel the down to ensure it is completely dry before storing. Mont recommends laying the bag out for several days after drying before storing.

The Do’s

• Do use a sleeping mat.
• Do use a Mont inner sheet.
• Do air your bag after use.
• Do store your bag in it’s storage sack.
• Do hand wash your bag as needed.
• Do use a down-cleaner solution.
• Do use your bag on wonderful adventures 
in the wild.

The Don’ts

• Do not dry-clean your bag.
• Do not wash with soap or detergent, only use a down-cleaning solution.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
• Do not use a top loading washing machine.
• Do not tumble dry on high heat or for extended periods.
• Do not lift your bag when it is very wet.
• Do not store your bag damp.
• Do not store your bag compressed.

“I arrived in Finland a few days ago and I have survived my second Russian winter, thanks in no small part to the Main Range. The sleeping bag has been brilliant!”
Benji Rogers-Wilson, Mont Ambassador, Earth Odyssey.

“”I have the new Mont Main Range sleeping bag and it was comfortable even at the high camp of 6000m. Temperatures got down to around minus 20-25 degrees at night but I often actually couldn’t zip the bag up as I was too warm in it when I wore my thermals inside!”
Allie Pepper, Mountaineer and Mont Ambassador.

“At the end of a 35 below day on the Antarctic plateau I always look forward to a few luxuries; a bowl of chicken curry, Sigur Rós on the iPod and my Mont sleeping bag. It doesn’t matter where I am in Antarctica, among the coastal mountains or at the South Pole, my Main Range is with me. It’s more than just a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
Eric Philips, Mont Ambassador, Icetrek Expeditions.

Where have you taken your Mont Sleeping Bag?

Want more? Sign up to the Mont Newsletter to get gear reviews, news, product releases, great photos and advice on all your outdoor needs.

Mont. Trusted in the Wild