How to Replace a Zipper on a Sleeping Bag

You’re getting ready to head off on that exciting camping adventure and packing your gear. Everything is looking good until you grab your sleeping bag and there it is — a broken zipper. Forgot keeping out the cold air and curious mosquitos. You need a solution fast!

But before you jump in the car and head off to buy a new sleeping bag, consider the much more simple fix of replacing the zipper slider (or the entire zipper) with a repair kit. This is where Clip&Zip really shines.

After all, if you’re ready to head out on an adventure, chances are you’re more than capable of tackling a little repair project as well. Just think of it as the first step on your journey!

Why It’s Worth Repairing Instead of Replacing

Especially in cases where you may have invested money in a good sleeping bag, it’s a much more economical approach to just replace the zipper instead of the entire product.

Because why throw out a product that is 95% good when the 5% repair job can be done quickly and easily?

Most sleeping-bag zipper failures come from worn-out sliders (not busted teeth) — and those can often be replaced quickly. So with the right tools and a little patience, you can do the repair at home and save both money and waste.

What You’ll Need

If your sleeping bag has a faulty zipper, these are some products — including those compatible with Clip&Zip — that work well:

Clip&Zip Replacement Slider for Plastic Zippers — A clip-on slider that attaches to many plastic-toothed zippers (common in sleeping bags, tents, jackets). No sewing needed.

Link: https://www.clip-zip.ca/en/zipper-replacements/Clip-Zip-slider-plastic-zip

ZlideOn Narrow Replacement Zipper — Handy for lighter-weight or narrow zippers, ideal if your sleeping bag uses a smaller spiral/coil zipper track.

Link: https://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com/zlideon-narrow-zipper-replacement-zipper.html?sku=10401

ZlideOn Plastic Zipper Replacement Zipper — A good “all-around” replacement for zipper failures on sleeping bags, backpacks, and other gear.

Link: http://canadianoutdoorequipment.com/zlideon-plastic-zipper-replacement-zipper.html?sku=10531

ZlideOn Metal Zipper Replacement Slider — If your sleeping bag uses a metal-tooth zipper, this slider can give it new life without removing or resewing the zipper

Link: https://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com/zlideon-replacement-metal-zipper.html?sku=10301

Step-by-Step: How to Replace a Sleeping Bag Zipper

Here’s a simple step by step guide that will help you fix or replace that zipper in no time at all!

1. Inspect and Diagnose

• Fully unzip the sleeping bag and examine the zipper teeth, slider, and stops. If the slider doesn’t close the teeth properly (or fell off), replacing the slider is often enough.
• If the teeth are damaged or missing, you might need a full zipper replacement.

2. Clean & Prepare

• Brush away any dirt, sand, or grit from the zipper teeth (especially important for camping gear). A toothbrush works fine.
• Make sure the zipper track is straight and free of debris.

3. Remove the Old Slider (if applicable)

• Slide the existing slider to the bottom. Use pliers (needle-nose or end nippers) to gently remove the “top stop” — the small metal or plastic piece at the top end of the zipper that keeps the slider from coming off.
• Carefully pull off the old slider. Take note of its orientation (so you install the new one the same way).

4. Install the New Slider

• Choose the correct replacement slider: for most sleeping bags, that’s a nylon/spiral zipper. Clip-on sliders from Clip&Zip (like the plastic or nylon ones above) make this easy — no sewing required.
• Slide the new slider onto the zipper track, matching the side and orientation of the old slider.

5. Replace the Top Stop

• After installing, you need a “stop” at the top so the slider doesn’t just slide off. Your zipper kit will include stopper pieces for this.
• Use pliers to gently press the stop in place (don’t crush it — just enough to secure it).

6. Test the Zipper

• Zip and unzip several times. Check that the teeth close properly the entire length of the zipper, and that the slider moves smoothly.

7. (If needed) Replace the Entire Zipper

• If the zipper teeth are damaged beyond repair, you may need to sew in a full-length replacement zipper (especially for older or worn-out sleeping bags). This is more advanced but doable if you have basic sewing skills.
• Use a heavy-duty zipper (as long as or longer than the original) to ensure durability — just as people have done when converting sleeping bags or ducts for DIY.

Tips & Things to Watch Out For

• Most sleeping bag zippers are nylon / spiral. Take the time to verify the type of zipper before ordering a replacement slider as there are also metal, plastic, and waterproof zippers as well, and you don’t want to accidentally order the wrong one!
• If your sleeping bag uses a “double-opening” (two-way) zipper (common on longer bags), make sure to get a slider (or pair of sliders) appropriate for double zips. Clip&Zip even has double-slider packs for camping gear.
• Lubrication helps if the zipper is just sticky — but avoid greasy substances (like plain oil or Vaseline) that attract dirt. Use a zipper-specific lubricant or zipper-cleaning tool if possible.
• Always test before heading out camping — make sure the zipper doesn’t snag, and closes securely to avoid heat loss overnight.

A Job Well Done!

Repairing your sleeping bag zipper is a very straightforward, practical and surprisingly satisfying way to extend the life of your gear.

With a clip-on slider from Clip&Zip, you can replace a broken zipper in minutes — no sewing, no special skills, and no wasted sleeping bag.