How you store a jacket over spring and summer affects how it performs next winter. A few simple steps prevent damaged insulation, odors and mildew.
Start with a clean, completely dry jacket. Storing a damp or dirty jacket invites mold and smells that are difficult to remove.
Keep insulated jackets loosely hung or in a large breathable bag, not compressed in a stuff sack. Long-term compression flattens the fill and reduces its ability to trap warm air.
Choose a cool, dry, dark place and avoid plastic covers that trap moisture. When autumn returns, give your jacket a quick shake and check the zips, and it will be ready to wear.
