Storing DAMS

Doug,
I was going to ask that same thing once I got my DAMs from Bender.

You would want to store them partly or mostly filled with dry air. Moist air can possibly start a moldy condition. You could store them with open valve, but then you have little control over the air quality. You probably would not want to store them tightly inflated, because that might possibly lead to a leak. OTOH, if you did store them inflated, and then if you checked on them later and found it to be only partly inflated, you would know that a leak had been developed. It would be better to discover those things at home and not out on the trail.
–B.G.–

Bob, that's what my gut feeling is also, since it would allow the down to loft as much as possible.

Doug, was there any self-inflating effect caused by the lofting down?

Sorry, you got questions coming from all angles from me!

"Doug, was there any self-inflating effect caused by the lofting down?"

I wouldn't really notice. I blow it up pretty fully when I get to camp. I wouldn't think so, though.

I've always stored mine flat with the valves open. My gut feeling is that mould is more likely in stale, enclosed air. I haven't had any problems yet. Just my gut feeling though.

We partially fill our (~50%) with warm dry air using a hair dryer.

I store mine flat, about 1/3 of the way filled up. (with valve closed)

I have stored mine by inflating them, placing under the bed and then opening the valves so the down can "breathe" and still be somewhat uncompressed. I felt that leaving the valves closed all the time might compromise the seal over time but that may be unfounded.

I have had exped downmats that have down treated with an anti fungal/mold treatment so that may not be an issue. I have a pad from Bender being made and will continue to store it the same way.