I have run into countless friends that have worn the same down or synthetically insulated jacket for years but have never washed them in fear of “ruining the insulation”. First off, purchasing high-quality gear is an investment, and it should last for many years. The best way to extend the life of your jackets and sleeping bags is by WASHING them regularly. It is also just a healthy thing to do, as no one likes to crawl into a down sleeping bag that smells like bratwurst or chili for the camping trip last summer…
Now, the fear of ruining your favorite down jacket is valid if it is not washed in the correct way. However, washing your down and synthetic gear is really quite easy, so don’t let it intimidate you.
Here are a few simple steps:
- Wash it a couple of times a season. There is no rule to how often you should wash your gear, so use your best judgment. If you wear or use it daily, wash it every few weeks. This ensures that the down and synthetics do not lose their ability to loft from all of the sweat, dirt, and grime.
- Use a front load washer or a mesh wash bag if all you have is a top-loading washer. A front load washer is much more gentle on your gear and is the recommended washing method. However, a top-loader works great too if you put your gear in a mesh bag beforehand. These can be purchased at a grocery store or online and prevent any rips from the agitator.
- Set the wash to a delicate cycle and use cold water!
- Use a down & synthetic specific gear wash. Brands like Nikwax and Grangers make great washes that can be ordered online and are fairly inexpensive. Check the back of the bottle for specific measurements and directions!
- Throw your gear in the dryer on a low-heat cycle & add dryer balls! Yes, not only can you wash your down, but you can also dry it! In fact, drying is one of the best things you can do, as it re-lofts the down feathers, ensuring it will keep you warm. Make sure to add dryer balls, as they help fluff the jacket or sleeping bag back up. Don’t have dryer balls? Ball up some thick socks or toss some tennis balls in!
- Look for any down leaks! Now, I know it’s fun to pull out the down feathers when they are poking out of the seams of your jacket but do your best not to. The best thing to do is to work them back into your jacket from the opposite side of the leak. Some leaking down is totally normal and should not be a cause for alarm (unless its more of a steady flow from one spot and less of a slow leak).
Myth: You can’t wash your down sleeping bag.
FALSE – You CAN wash your sleeping bags, and you SHOULD! Whether it is down or synthetic, washing your sleeping bag is encouraged and should be done a few times a year, depending on how frequently you sleep in it. Use the same steps listed above, but just wash it by itself!
Our friends over at Outdoor Research have also written some helpful tips on how to take care of your gear! Check it out HERE.
Got any questions? Reach out and ask away! We also love hearing from our members and seeing your gear in action. Send us your stories and let us know how you adventure!
