Tricks for re-fluffing a sleeping bag?

[Tim K]

I bought some mid grade bags years ago. I didn't know they shouldn't be stored in their stuff sacks. 15 years later, they're pretty flat.

Anything I can do?

[ray1970]

Get the old lady and you two wrestle around in them naked for a bit.



(Sorry, no idea. Maybe run them through the clothes dryer on low heat?)

[Rucker61]

Run them through the dryer with a few tennis balls to break up the insulation clumps.

[rbeau30]

..... mmmm.... fluffer.....

[BPTactical]

Down or Hollofill?
If they are down give them a rinse with clear water and toss them in the dryer on low or no heat with a couple of clean tennis shoes(they work much better than the t balls). The rinse helps renew the feathers and break up the clumps.
Make sure the zippers are fully closed.
Hollofill just give them the dryer/shoe treatment.

Never roll up a sleeping bag and as you discovered, don't store them long term in their stuff sacks. King sized pillow cases or the really big stuff sacks you get at the surplus store work well.

[thvigil11]

Down or Hollofill?
If they are down give them a rinse with clear water and toss them in the dryer on low or no heat with a couple of clean tennis shoes(they work much better than the t balls). The rinse helps renew the feathers and break up the clumps.
Make sure the zippers are fully closed.
Hollofill just give them the dryer/shoe treatment.

Never roll up a sleeping bag and as you discovered, don't store them long term in their stuff sacks. King sized pillow cases or the really big stuff sacks you get at the surplus store work well.

^^^^ This +1

I hang my bags on a heavy duty coat hanger in a spare closet.