why sleeping bags [?] deteriorate

WHY SLEEPING BAGS DETERIORATE

The title of this article does not apply to Wiggy’s bags.

I was recently told that some major brands that make what they claim are sleeping bags are having quality problems. It has to do with the fabrics made from microfibers. I had no knowledge of these microfiber fabrics so I did some research.

Seems some of companies use very light weight fabrics made from microfibers. The weights I noted are 10 denier, 12 denier, 20 denier and 30 denier. These fabrics not made in the USA.

The following is an explanation of “denier” is.

Keep in mind that denier (D) is a unit of textile measurement that indicates the thickness of the fibers used in the fabric. Lower denier values correspond to lighter and thinner materials, while higher denier values indicate heavier and more robust fabrics.

The lower the denier such as 10 denier the finer the yarn produced the more threads per square inch and the tighter the weave. The end product is soft to the touch and extremely non-vapor permeable.

When you move to 12 denier nothing changes. The yarn is not noticeably thicker.

When you move to 20 denier the yarn is noticeably thicker and the number of threads per square is less. Vapor permeability does increase somewhat. The feel of the fabric can be noticed that it is heavier.

When you move to 30 denier the thickness of the fabric is noticeably greater, the thread count of yarns per square inch is lower and vapor permeability increases.

The weights of these fabrics on a square yard basis if very low. I expect all are less than 1 ounce each.

When you move to 70 denier nylon yarn it is what we use and have used since inception at Wiggy’s. as many of you know the feel of the fabric is soft to the touch and the fabric is more robust than those already described. The weight is 2 ounces per square yard and the weave is not so dense as to allow a greater vapor permeability.

Years ago, when I first started working in the outdoor industry with manufacturers [not a one exits in the USA any longer and the names of those companies that still exist, exist in name only] they all used the 2 ounce per square yard taffeta as I use today or a 1.9 ounce ripstop nylon. Please note that all of what these other companies used nylon fabrics as I do.

These brand names are using these microfiber fabrics made from either nylon, polyester or acrylic yarns. I have not done the research to see how many companies are using an acrylic yarn fabric. Not many I believe since the one brand I read using it is a very, very expensive maker.

These very light weight fabrics present a major manufacturing problem. Laying up fabric this light in weight that is slippery since I suspect it has been calendared [ a process that fuses the yarns to keep them from raveling] so it is slow. It is also a slow process to cut. Once done the cut parts go to sewing. I would be very surprised to find out they overlocked the individual components before joining them. Our heavier materials lay or spread smoothly and are easy to cut. We do overlock each component of our sleeping bags and then join them. I suspect they do not go through the first sewing operation before joining the parts. Less labor lower sewing cost.

However, the downside is that the single needle sewing operation means the pressure against the seams will eventually cause the seams to separate. If you took the time to look at the first video I made “ A tour of the factory” you will see our sewing process. I learned a long time ago from my first partner the importance of overlocking each part of the sleeping bag or clothing we make for that matter.

I am not knowledgeable of acrylic fiber other than its use for sweaters but I guess a fine denier fiber can be made into a yarn to make a flat fabric like polyester or nylon. What I do not know nor do I care about its cost. Synthetic fabrics this light have no long term durability.

I am also seeing more and more companies using polyester shell and lining materials, why because polyester fabric is much less costly than nylon. I think it is a mistake since nylon has proven far superior to all other fabrics used for sleeping bags.

I also keep getting back to polyester fabric being combustible. I would very much like to see a video made by any other company that sells sleeping bags demonstrating how they do not support combustion.

In general, these so called sleeping bags down filled or synthetic filled are a waste of money as well as being potentially dangerous.