'58 Bag

[Big Geordie]

Hi can you help? The time has come to wash my bag. Do you know how to do it?
Its getting whiffy from the generations of squaddies who used it before me.

The missus has a duvet setting on the washing machine but I'm not convinced. I don't want to lose the backing sheet. Any ideas?
Many thanks
George

 

[paul.e]

i believe it washes best in a commercial washer because it has a bigger drum thus bashing it about less, just make sure you dry it thoroughly otherwise it will stink worse than before

 

[shadow57]

What about dry cleaning it?? b

 

[scanker]

This is just of the top of my head, so it might pay to research it first - I seem to recall something about washing feather duvets at the launderette and tumble drying them with tennis balls in the machine to separate all the feathers. I've no idea where I heard it, mind!

 

[Doc]

I think the usual advice with washing down bags is 'don't unless you have to.'

Unfortunately it sounds like you do have to. Nikwax sell a product for this purpose. For an expensive down bag you can get it professionally cleaned. However, it may be more economical to buy a brand new unissued '58 bag for £45 (and that's for the long - the regular length are cheaper).

 

[Goose]

I used to have an issue arcticbag and I shampooed mine in the bath, seemed to work ok. Takes an age to dry though, shook it regularly and the loft came back.
The arctic bag doesnt have the groundsheet, but my french issue one does I have had that about 15 years and treated that the same, the groundsheet could probably do with reproofing now but it has lasted well considering.

 

[Batfink]

I seem to recall something about washing feather duvets at the launderette and tumble drying them with tennis balls in the machine to separate all the feathers. I've no idea where I heard it, mind!

That's how I always washed mine! I also gave the bag a good dose of Nikiwax/similar product afterwards for good measure... and then reproofed the base of it with a high density water proof wax/tar stuff my old man got me from a shoe maker he knows!

Works a treat and ket me dry and snug, although reproofing the bottom did make it a bit stiff for a while!!!

Gotta love the old '58!

 

[Big Geordie]

Thanks guys. Great ideas. Just love my old bag.
See you :You_Rock_
George

 

[mattouthere]

Wah the bag in the machine at the launderette with Nikwax Down Wash (or Tech wash if no down wash available) and then put through another cycle with Nikwax Down proofer if you want to put some water repellancy on the face fabric and the down. Tumble dry for at least 60 mins on a low heat. You can use some old clean tennis balls to break up the clumps but you might get some dye leakage if they are new.

Take the bag home, hang it somewhere warm and then re tumble dry for about 30 minutes to fully loft it. Do not store it compressed and do not store it in a plastic bag as this get condensation. put it in a large pillow case or something similar.

If you do not want to buy a new one this is the best way of looking after it. This methoed has been tried on RAB, TNF, ME,Berghaus down bags with excellent results.