Question about my old sleeping bag lasting 15 years

I just pulled my old synthetic sleeping bag out of storage for a car camping trip. I looked at the tag and realized I bought this thing 15 years ago for maybe 60 bucks. It's been through everything, from a wet weekend in the Adirondacks to dusty desert trips, and it still keeps me warm down to about 40 degrees like it says. The zipper is a bit sticky and the stuff sack is frayed, but the insulation hasn't clumped up at all. I never expected a budget bag to hold up this long with just basic care. It made me think about how we chase the newest gear when sometimes the old stuff just works. Has anyone else had a piece of gear last way longer than you ever thought it would?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_viola3d ago

That's impressive, but I'm a little skeptical about the 40 degree rating still being accurate after 15 years. Synthetic insulation loses loft over time, even if it isn't visibly clumped. It might feel fine on a dry, calm night, but you'd probably feel a chill in damp, windy conditions at that same temperature now. The sticky zipper is a classic sign of general fabric breakdown. Still, getting 15 seasons out of a sixty dollar bag is a major win.

violag803d agoRising Star

Yeah, that's a solid point.

stella222d ago

Totally feel that, @violag80. It's wild how gear just slowly gives up on you even when it looks fine. My old sleeping bag is basically a warm weather only thing now, the loft is completely gone. You don't realize how much it's changed until you get a cold night and you're just laying there shivering. Makes you wonder about all the other old stuff in the closet that's not doing its job anymore.