Help with cleaning arctic bag

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I have just got an army arctic bag and want know if i can wash it in a normal washing machine without loosing the quality,

I would say that you should only wash it if it really needs it, and then only with soap flakes no conditioner
and drip dry. My arctic bag mentions somewhere about washing and loss of insulation properties. I have only washed mine once in the 2 years I've had it:eek: but I dont use it all the time and sponge off any marks as they happen, I store it open in an open bin bag and air it on the line before use and after.
I believe you could get it professionally cleaned but have no idea of the costs involved.

bodge:)
 

sandsnakes

Life Member
May 22, 2006
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West London
Any ideas on how to clean a pattern 58 down bag? When I got it as un-issued they suggested dry cleaning, any of you guys got any thoughts? My local eco-dry cleaners specialise in down duvets so I assume that it covers down bags just as well.

Sandsnakes

BTW its a great bit of kit if you are doing cold weather camping.
 

spamel

Banned
Feb 15, 2005
6,833
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Silkstone, Blighty!
Dry cleaning wa the order of the day when I was in the Mob before the poly fibre fill was used. Also, the od 58 bags should not be stowed rolled up long term. Shake it out and hang it up in your airing cupboard. Punch it up now and then to get the loft nice and springy, the bag will increase in size dramatically and do a much better job of keeping you warm. 58 bags are filled with chicken feathers as opposed to down, but they still work.
 
I have just got an army arctic bag and want know if i can wash it in a normal washing machine without loosing the quality,

What type of bag is this? Is it an 80's bag-full length zip, down filled, or is it a soldier 2000 bag, hollowfill type filling manufactured in the 2000's or is it a temperate 90's bag sold as arctic?

This will depend on how you clean them and how dirty they are...

Eg most bags are ok for dry cleaning and/or a light sponging with soapy sponge. NEVER stick a down bag in a washing machine.I'm not keen on sticking a synthetic in either as it eventually knackers the insulation, drycleaning doesn't. The weight of the wet down will rip the dividing side walls of the compartments inside the bag. Tumble drying is great for all bags as it fluffs the insulation up.
 

sandsnakes

Life Member
May 22, 2006
983
13
68
West London
Thanks Spam, dry clean it is.

I leave the bag hung up by the loops, also do the same for my sysnthetic bag, only compress them when they are going to be packed.

I also use that awful nylon liner that the 58 comes with. Gonna get a couple of silk copies made up when I go to Thailand in the new year.

Once again thanks.

Sandsnakes
 

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