Touring Equipment

@tricitybendix

Alpkit have a good guide.

https://www.alpkit.com/support/stickies/cleaning-down-sleeping-bags

They're REALLY stinky. I don't think that's going to cut it.

cheers - they do say down wash too though :/

Get some!? I'd think any decent outdoor store in central would have some.

^^^ was supposed to be a reply to Andy. How do you delete posts on here? Everything is hard when you have to think about stuff beyond supermarkets and campsites :/

Yeah, I was just wondering if I could get away with using normal detergent because I'm lazy and can't remember how to steer, and I can't imagine it's that easy to get hold of in Catford. I should probably do it properly though.

If it's down do it properly. Otherwise you'll ruin it's ability and down isn't cheap!

I figured, I don't think you can delete or retrospectively direct a reply.

My counter would be air them out longer, but I think it might be best to get some down-wash and spend time agitating the bag as it dries...

Stick em in freezer overnight to kill stuff and them air em out.

But if indeed REALLY stinky it's probably best to get some down wash...

I use soap flakes for down jackets if I don't have down wash. I think modern detergents can make the down clump more.... Also, dry them in the big dryers at a laundrette and chuck a few old tennis balls in to help break up the down clumps.....

Down in dryer? Sounds scary!

Read the alpkit guide. It's good!

There's a video on the RAB website too, and the PHD guide is good. Thanks all, will go on a hunt for down wash tomorrow and give it a go.

also, doing a kit write up on our blog for anyone interested - will post when it's done.

@tricitybendix
Can you tell me that all you can data simcard and where you got it? Need one. Thanks.

It's http://www.joemobile.fr/home - you're supposed to have a French address but these guys will send you a sim for free and you can just register it under their address: http://jmsim.eu/

When do you need it for? Mine's still got loads of data left and I think it's still good until 9th September if it's imminent.

Thanks @tricitybendix but I'd need it for longer than that. Will be out there after 9th. And not a huge amount before.

The site says you need a card that from most places but the UK. How did you order it?

I think that's just an oversight; I paid with a Visa Debit card with no trouble.

thanks

On my route I'm likely to enter the border tomorrow evening, might camp before that.

I think its because the soap clumps the strands so it looses a lot of thermal, maybe hand wast the bag using minimal soap so it doesn't penetrate too much then wash (without detergent)... but that's just a guess

Bathtub wash for down sleeping bags is usually the best, and worst if you're lazy...

Put off going out to find down wash by writing (some of) the world's longest kit report instead.

Holy shit