Anyone re-fill a sleeping bag

[Robatman]

I've had a paddy Pallin bag which is used just for snow camping- and when temp is expected below 5'. It seems that the down in particular is gone from around my knees- but in general it is not as warm as it used to be. It's in good cond with no rips or even much apparent down escape through pin pricks etc. and has a pertex box round the feet. I think it's a gingera? and prob about 15 years old.

Has anyone experience with getting their bag re-filled? Dont want to/can't spend $500 on replacement so wondering if refill was an option.

Also, any idea on cost or where- googled it and found one place (Venus repairs) but like to hear from experience. I'm in Sydney,

Thanks
Robert

[cams]

Probably a silly question, but have you tried washing it? What are the baffles like has the down simply moved to another baffle area?

[forest]

Probably a silly question, but have you tried washing it?

That's exactly what I thought first up.

Down will loose loft if it's all clogged up with body oils and gunk. Works best when it's clean.
I've seen old bags brought back to life with a good clean and a run in a larger drier filled with tenis balls to bust up the clumps.

[Mountain Rocket]

Alternatively you could try contacting One Planet. I know they have filled bags (other than their own) for people, so they might re-fill yours for a price.

Just to be clear, I would certainly give washing a go first. Be aware that down is a funny substance that requires proper care.
The following web-pages has some good info: http://www.westernmountaineering.com/in ... s-and-care & http://www.oneplanet.com.au/care-and-us ... -care.html

[roysta]

Venus Repairs are excellent, try them.

[casey79]

Remote in Melbourne and Venus in Sydney will solve the problem. Both charge a premium but do a great job.

Macpac has latitude sleeping bags on clearance which may make sense depending in how old the Paddys bag is and what you are quoted for a refill.

[Youngie]

Remote Equipment Repairs in Melbourne washed an old down sleeping bag and then topped up the down about 10 years ago.

27 year old sleeping bag is still warm as toast although it only gets used about 10 to 15 nights a year over last couple of years.

Remote did a great job. It wasn't cheap, but much more economical than buying a new sleeping bag.

[Robatman]

Thanks guys,
I washed it prob two seasons ago and have had maybe 8 nights in it since then- i store it in a pillow case not too compressessed. There are regions that have good loft still- maybe the internal baffles have gone around the legs but wanted to get more life from it. The other factor could be that having just turned 40 i am not as warm as i once was! did a quick overnighter in April where it was around 2 to -2 and even with my WM down pants on inside the bag wasnt as toasty as I'd like.

Will wash again as dont have a sonwshoe trip planned till end of July and still have time to do something about it.

I saw Macpac had a sale but there is big jump from $386 for the Escapde 700 to the Sanctuary 600 $760 with nothing i saw in between.

Ideally i want a bag that is rated comfortable for -5'

Robert

[Moondog55]

Robert I found that when I turned 50 I needed a bag about 8 to 10 degrees warmer than I did when I was 25, I think that's reasonably normal.
Go the warmer bag and you may be better off in the long run.
Not unusual for down to migrate out of its baffled space, happened to me a couple of times, Remote fixed it but for a cost.

[casey79]

I saw Macpac had a sale but there is big jump from $386 for the Escapde 700 to the Sanctuary 600 $760 with nothing i saw in between.
Ideally i want a bag that is rated comfortable for -5'

Hi Robert

Macpac has a latitude 700xp that is good to around -10 and is on clearance for $399 http://www.macpac-outlet.com.au/en_au/g ... 10822.html

Cheers