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August 27, 2008
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How do I keep my sleeping bag from getting damp around the feet?
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Couloir Sleeping Bag (courtesy, Marmot)
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I just returned from Mt. Rainier where we experienced rainy, cold weather (not
unexpected). I noticed my Marmot Couloir sleeping bag felt damp around the feet
in the morning. Is there anything I can do to prevent this in the future?
— Julie
Portland, Oregon
Do you have a question of your own?
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 What!?! Rainy and cold at Mount Rainier in early summer? I am shocked,
shocked to hear such a thing!
No, you’re right; it’s not surprising at all.
So, the Marmot Couloir. It’s a
serious zero-degree, 800-fill down bag ($400) with a water-repellent coating, so
I shouldn’t think that a little moisture will cause it much difficulty. If I hear
you correctly, the outside of the bag is what got damp. If so, what is happening
is that there’s a little condensation forming on the interior of the tent, and
some of that is transferring to the surface of the bag. The simplest fix would be
to carry a small plastic garbage sack, and just slip that over the bag. That
might in turn cause a little condensation from moisture given off by your feet,
but not much.
If the bag is damp in the inside, then just put the garbage sack inside the bag
and stick your feet inside. That will create a sort of mini vapor barrier liner.
Your bag will stay drier, and your feet will be warmer, too. But carry spare
socks as your socks will be damp in the morning.
Sometimes, though, damp just happens.
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Outside Buyer’s Guide is now online. From riding to trail-running to
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