Never loan out your sleeping bag.

J

jw2n

Joined
Sep 22, 2009
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At my previous job I had a story told to me that taught me a lesson. I was asked one day how to clean a down bag. I explained the common methods of cleaning them, since most of the people there knew I had been into the outdoors for decades. During the conversation I began to get the feeling that there was more behind this than just a cleaning so I asked why did it need cleaning and this is what I got. Two young couples decided to go camping for the weekend, with one of the men being my co-worker. Not owning a sleeping bag, he asked to borrow one from his friend. It turned out that it was was a new $800 expedition bag. His friend was hessitant to loan it to him but did so with the understanding that the bag was to be well cared for. They went out on their trip and set up for the first night. They were later sitting around a fire sipping on a bottle of Jack. It turned out that the young lady my co-worker was with did not drink, or rarely. After much urging by the other three members of their group, she bagan to drink and became extremely drunk. The nights activities ended with the girl sleeping in the same bag as my CW. He woke up the next morning due to feeling "uncomfortable". He unzipped the bag only to discover that he, and the bag, were covered with liquid human excrement. Apparently the girls consumption of Jack did not agree with her system. He was in a panic since the bag was to be returned to it's owner immediately. I had tears rolling down my cheeks as the true story unfolded. I simply told him he had better plan on buying a new bag and went back to work. I dont think I will loan any of my bags to anyone after this.
 
:eek:

This sounds like the beginning of an epic list of things a man should never, I mean NEVER loan out, even to a best friend or relative!
 
Uh, that is horrific. I try not to loan out damn near anything. People don't respect others' belongings. I lent out a tent once and when it was returned it was covered in sand/dirt. Was easy to clean, but it could have been worse. After a brief encounter of my friend using a hatchet, that was also immediately put on the do not loan list lol.

Now letting somebody use your things while you can see them use them is another story. Though even then things can get screwed up quicker than you can control. Need to make sure the person truly knows what they are doing.
 
When it comes to personal gear, "neither borrower nor lender be."
 
Maybe its my OCD. I don't want anyone to sweat in something that I use. I don't let people use my gloves, sleeping bag, hat, whatever. I'd rather keep my cooties mine and let you keep yours.
 
There are some things that I just wouldn't want to loan out and my expedition sleeping bag is right at the top of the list. When I do loan something out, I pretty much expect that it will not come back in the conditon I lent it out in. It justifies a certain amount of redundant gear and makes me feel good when I am able to help out someone new to the outdoors.
 
Since this isn't W&C I'll keep the inkling I have as to how exactly the liquid excrement got there.

Don't loan it unless you're ready to get rid of it.
 
i never loan gear, except to my well trusted Canadian hiking bros who have demostrated good gear handling and care.

when it comes to work tools....no one borrows.
 
and people wonder why i won't lend them my swag.......

edit:
Codger_64 said:
:eek:

This sounds like the beginning of an epic list of things a man should never, I mean NEVER loan out, even to a best friend or relative!
Click to expand...

done. see thread HERE
 
Last edited:
The cost of a bottle of Jack 1981 - $80

The cost of a new sleeping bag - $800

Explaining to your friend WHY you have to buy him a new bag - priceless!


Hope she was worth it! :D
 
There's an old saying in Brazil that says "you never loan your wife or your wristwatch". I guess they better add sleeping bag to that list... :D:D:D
 
Rupestris said:
Maybe its my OCD. I don't want anyone to sweat in something that I use. I don't let people use my gloves, sleeping bag, hat, whatever. I'd rather keep my cooties mine and let you keep yours.
Click to expand...

Double ditto on that!
 
I don't lend just so people don't feel bad when something goes wrong. If I do its "disposable" lend gear. Murphy will totally bite, things sometimes "just happen" and it's really no ones fault. that said, very few people use my sharp things, I hate cleaning up blood, its not that they are idiots, just no training.
As to the sleeping bag event though, there are easier ways to get your hands on a used high end sleeping bag!
 
Totally agree with all of you, never lend a sleeping bad come on if you have not so decent friends there will be human residue left in it.
 
gadgetgeek,

Agreed. If I loan something, it is something I can tolerate losing and it goes only to a good friend. Otherwise you are eventually going to have a problem.

DancesWithKnives
 
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