I got a 15 year old North Face Tundra -20 bag with climashield insulation. It’s getting pretty nasty after that many years of hunting. I can’t find washing instructions for it. How have you guys washed your bag?

Give it to a bum .....and buy new and improved

from the north face website

How do I wash my synthetic sleeping bag?
We recommend that you use a commercial sized, front loading washing machine to wash your synthetic sleeping bag. Wash in warm water with a mild powder detergent. Rinse several times to remove all the dirty, soapy water. An extra spin cycle will also remove excess water. Line dry, or tumble dry on very low, or no heat. Check the bag frequently to be sure the fabric is not getting too hot. Be sure your bag is completely dry before storing.

Midway USA has Browning-20 bags for $54 the last couple weeks check that out. I air mine out for a week when I get home.

mine goes to a laundry business time to time

Thanks greencounty

I Like AntiGov's and Law Dogs ideas

I have had a down for 30 years and I just hang it in the sun the UV does the job unless you made a real mess of it. As far as bag ratings being good to -20 or what ever dont go by that, there are no standard ratings they may keep you alive but not comfortable. I have an old Seattle Down company Ider down with 6 lbs of fill and its great the other bag is a Wiggys 2 part bag one for summer that fits inside a heavy bag and never been cold. look for sealed seams and good workmanship also type of fill and the amount. Sealed seams are the only way to go in a cold weather bag. If they are not sealed the heat loss is a killer.

I'm still using the same made in USA North Face Chamois goose down bag I bought in 1971. Quality lasts if you take care of it. There is better (higher loft) goose down available now but down is much more durable than any of the synthetics.

In the old days when I backpacked a lot more, I would also put a couple of tennis balls in the dryer. It seemed to help fluff the fill back up.

Agree on NO heat. I learned the hard way.

Bathe regularly and don't eat so many beans.
Just keep it as clean as you can.
By the time it gets all gacky, probably bet to just replace it.

Tennis balls in the dryer is the recommended practice for down bags because the down clumps when wet and the tennis balls help break up the clumps. I would not do that with a synthetic insulated bag. I think it will damage the insulation. If you Google Climashield you will find the following laundering instruction: "Wash with a mild detergent in cold or warm water (not to exceed140°F or60°C). Air or tumble dry on low heat. Do not dry clean."

Youi can buy a flannel bag liner to help keep it clean, and add extra warmth factor, tumble dry with NO HEAT, and toss in a couple of clean tennis shoes to break up clumps, and the static will help fluff up the material. If you keep your boots in the bag with you to dry and keep them from freezing, put them in a bag to contain any dirt.