The Year Round Down Bag

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Now, simply remove all the pins, turn the cover right side out, and stuff the rolled-up sleeping bag inside it! Two strips of Velcro fastener along the open edge will hold the cover closed.

That doesn't sound hard, does it? You can stitch up both sleeping bag covers in a couple of hours, and the results will warm your bones on a winter's eve ... or cradle your head under the summer sun!

TREAT YOUR BAG -WITH CARE

The down bag accessories described in the accompanying article are, of course, of lit tle value if the actual sleeping sack itself spews fluff every time it's snuggled into. Since a down-filled bag is one of the most delicate items of camping gear, it must be treated with respect if it's to give you years of use.

OUTSIDE...

The nylon shell of a typical down bag is sturdy but thin, so it should be protected from wet weather and snags. When you camp outdoors, always place a waterproof layer (such as a groundsheet or foam pad) between the sack and the earth to prevent the bag from soaking up moisture or ripping on a stick. (If a snag does occur, don't be caught unprepared ... always include a roll of ripstop tape in your hiking kit)

Be leery as well, of snuggling too close to the campfire. And if your bag gets wet, don't tryto steam the dampness out. Down does take an inconveniently long time to dry ... but if you move closer to the blaze to speed the process, you'll likely scorch the covering fabric, and ruin your bag.

. . . AND IN

Besides keeping an eye on the outer sur- face, you'll want to give your sleeping bag's innards some attention. The warmth of down is a result of its lofting ability. Air trapped by the fluff provides insulation. Therefore, be sure to shake your bag out and place it under shelter immediately

after making camp...to allow the down to attain its maximum loft. (This rule holds true at home as well...never store the snugsack in its small carrying bag, as this can cause the tiny feathers to break and mat together.)

It's also a good practice-on the morning after the sleepout-to let the bag air-dry be fore you pack it up. (If you're unable to dry the sack when you first get up, do take a moment later in the day to stop and shakeout the bedding. You'll thank yourself when you crawl into a dry, well-lofted down sleeper in the evening!)

THE CLEANINGCONTROVERSY

By far the biggest controversy concerning sleeping bag care involves how best to clean the feather-filled sacks. Some enthusiasts vow that the sleepers should never be washed...and when the bag becomes too dirty for comfort, such folks just discard it!

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