Sleeping bag storage

[buck]

I have a Lafuma Extreme 800 (http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/767275). Can these type bags remain stored in their stuff sack or do I need to "unstuff" and store?

[Uncle Wayne]

I have a Lafuma Extreme 800 (http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/767275). Can these type bags remain stored in their stuff sack or do I need to "unstuff" and store?

While I'm not familar with that bag, most manufactors recommend unstuffed storage.  My Western Mountaineering bag came with a pillow case type stroage bag with a draw string closure.  It is very similar to the cotton laundry bags sold at Wal-Mart.

[Lesley]

All sleeping bags (as far as I've read) require un-stuffed storage in a cotton sack. This preserves loft.  Don't use a plastic bag because moisture might get trapped in there and cause problems. To be honest I don't use a stuff sack on my bag at all. I just have a waterproof pack liner and the bag is the first thing that goes in. Then all my other soft/must be kept dry goods next. Close the liner and hard pointy things, food, quick need items go on top. This helps with my pack balance and since everything is "loose" it conforms to the shape of the pack and I can really cinch things down at the end of the pack job.

Sorry, veered off on a tangent. Laundry bags are a good idea. You might want to contact the manufacturer, all the sleeping bags I've gotten have come with both a stuff sack and storage bag. You may be able to get them to send you a storage bag for free.

[Cuffs]

If you are really OCD (and have several bags) you hang them up in a closet from the little loops that are usually found on the foot end of the bag.  No, I know nothing about this method or why I do it!!   

[Lesley]

I'll do that for a few days after a hike to let them air out really well. But I just don't have the closet space at the moment to do that all the time.

[auwesman]

If you are really OCD (and have several bags) you hang them up in a closet from the little loops that are usually found on the foot end of the bag.  No, I know nothing about this method or why I do it!!   

Well there's confirmation that I'm OCD!

One other technique I use with my 40 degree bag is lay it under your bed rolled out.  I also put my Aircore pad underneath it.  I don't have a ton of room under my bed but my 40 degree bag is pretty thin so it slides under there like a glove.  You should also keep your sleeping pad unstuffed with the valve open (if you have an inflateable pad)