Herbie Murray
When packing for a trip that involves sleeping outdoors, space is a premium. One way to save space is to use a compression sack for your sleeping bag. However, not all sleeping bags are created equal, and some may not fit into a compression sack. This is where knowing how to measure your sleeping bag's volume comes in handy, as it will help you determine if a compression sack is suitable for your needs. Even if your sleeping bag came with a stuff sack, you may find that an accessory compression sack can further reduce its packed size. Ultimately, the decision to use a compression sack depends on your priorities for space and convenience, as some users find that a sleeping bag can be compressed more tightly without a stuff sack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to use a compression sack | When backpacking or trying to save space in your pack |
| When not to use a compression sack | When car camping or storing your sleeping bag at home |
| How to determine the size of the compression sack | Measure the volume of your sleeping bag and add 5 litres |
| How to measure the volume of a sleeping bag | Measure the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches. Multiply 3.2 x the radius x the radius x the height and then divide by 61 to get the volume in litres |
| Types of sleeping bags | Down sleeping bags are more compressible than synthetic sleeping bags |
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What You'll Learn
Backpacking: Compressing a sleeping bag for more space
When backpacking, it is essential to compress your sleeping bag to make more room in your backpack. The first step is to determine the volume of your sleeping bag. This can be done by measuring the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches, and then multiplying and dividing by specific values to get the volume in litres.
Sleeping bags vary in their packed volume, depending on the type of insulation and the shell and liner fabrics used. Down sleeping bags are more compressible than synthetic bags and require lesser volume stuff sacks. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, require higher volume stuff sacks and may need a compression stuff sack to reduce the space taken up in your backpack.
If your sleeping bag came with a stuff sack, you can use that as a starting point. However, if you're looking to minimise space, you may need to purchase a smaller compression sack separately. The rule of thumb is to take the compressed volume of your sleeping bag and add 5 litres to determine the minimum size of the compression sack.
Some backpackers prefer to pack their sleeping bags without a stuff sack, as it allows the bag to fill the voids created by other items in the backpack. This method can result in a tighter and more compressed pack. However, it is important to consider the flexibility of your sleeping bag and other items, as well as the need to keep certain items dry or protected.
In summary, when backpacking, compressing your sleeping bag is crucial to maximise space. You can determine the required stuff sack size by calculating the volume of your sleeping bag and considering the type of insulation. Additionally, you may need to purchase a separate compression sack to minimise space. Alternatively, you can pack your sleeping bag without a stuff sack, taking into account the flexibility and protection of your items.
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Car camping: Regular stuff sack vs compression sack
When car camping, you don't need to compress your sleeping bag to a very small size, unlike when backpacking. Therefore, a regular stuff sack is sufficient for car camping, and there is no need for a compression sack. A stuff sack is a simple carrying bag used for storing and transporting a sleeping bag and other small items. It has a clean and normal design without any straps.
On the other hand, a compression sack is a type of bag with straps that can be tightened to compress the contents into a smaller volume. They are useful when space is limited and you need to fit large items into a small space. The presence of straps is the main difference between a stuff sack and a compression sack. Compression sacks are ideal for backpacking as they help reduce the volume of bulky items such as sleeping bags, making more room available in your backpack.
However, compression sacks are not necessary for car camping as there are no significant space constraints. A regular stuff sack will suffice for transporting your sleeping bag from your home to the campsite. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of sleeping bag when choosing a sack. Synthetic bags, for example, don't compress as much as goose down bags.
When selecting a compression sack, it is recommended to choose the smallest size possible that can fit your bag. You can determine the required volume by measuring the dimensions of your sleeping bag and performing some calculations to obtain the volume in litres.
In summary, for car camping, a regular stuff sack is adequate, while a compression sack is more suitable for backpacking or situations where space optimisation is crucial.
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Synthetic vs down sleeping bags
When choosing a sleeping bag, one of the most important decisions you'll have to make is between down and synthetic insulation. Sleeping bags with different types of insulation vary in warmth, weight, water resistance, compressibility, and price.
Down insulation is made from the soft, fluffy, wispy filaments found underneath the exterior feathers on waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Down has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic insulation, meaning sleeping bags with down insulation are lighter than those with synthetic insulation. Down is also more compressible than synthetic insulation, so down sleeping bags can be compressed into smaller spaces. However, down insulation tends to clump up and lose loft when it gets wet, causing it to lose its insulation properties. While proprietary technologies have been developed to treat down with a water-resistant application, even treated down will get wet if submerged in water or exposed to heavy rain.
Synthetic insulation, typically made of polyester, is quick-drying and insulates even when wet, making it ideal for wet conditions. Synthetic insulation is also less expensive, durable, and hypoallergenic. There are two types of synthetic insulators: short-staple and continuous filament. Short-staple insulations feature densely packed short strands of fine-denier filaments to minimize heat loss, resulting in sleeping bags that feel soft and flexible, much like down-filled products. However, they are less durable than continuous filament insulations and the insulation can move around, creating cold spots. Continuous-filament insulations, on the other hand, use thicker continuous filaments that are lofty, strong, and durable.
Some manufacturers offer sleeping bags with a combination of water-resistant down and synthetic insulation, providing the benefits of both materials while limiting their imperfections. For example, a sleeping bag may use durable synthetic insulation on the bottom and lofty down on top.
When choosing between down and synthetic insulation, consider factors such as the weather conditions you'll encounter, your budget, and your desired level of compressibility and weight. If you opt for a down sleeping bag, a compression sack can help compress the bag into a smaller size for backpacking trips. The rule of thumb is to take the compressed volume of your sleeping bag and add 5 litres to determine the minimum size of the compression sack. For synthetic sleeping bags, which don't compress as much as down bags, you may need a larger compression sack to accommodate the bulkier size.
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Calculating the volume of your sleeping bag
The volume of a sleeping bag is important when determining the size of the compression sack you will need. Sleeping bags vary in their packed volume, depending on the type of insulation and the shell and liner fabrics used.
If you have bought a sleeping bag that did not come with a compression sack, or you want to upgrade to a dry bag, you can calculate the volume of your sleeping bag to determine the size of the compression sack you will need.
First, you will need to mildly compress your sleeping bag. You can do this by placing your sleeping bag in a cardboard box and pressing it down firmly until the upper surface is roughly level with the box. Then, measure the average depth that the bag occupies in inches.
Next, you will need to calculate the volume of your sleeping bag. If your sleeping bag has a circular base, you can calculate the volume in litres by multiplying 3.2 by the radius of the base by the height of the stuff sack, and then dividing that number by 61. Alternatively, you can measure in centimetres and divide the total by 1,000 to calculate the volume in litres. If your sleeping bag has a different base shape, you can calculate the volume in cubic inches by multiplying the length, width, and depth of the compressed sleeping bag.
Once you have calculated the volume of your sleeping bag, you can add 5 litres to determine the size of the compression sack you will need. For example, if your sleeping bag has a volume of 5.3 litres, you will need a compression sack of at least 10.3 litres. It is important to note that many compression sacks on the market do not come in half-litre sizes, so you may need to round up to the nearest litre.
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Waterproof compression sacks
If you're planning an outdoor adventure, you may be wondering whether you need a compression sack for your sleeping bag, and if so, what type. The short answer is that it depends on your trip and your sleeping bag.
Benefits of a Compression Sack
Firstly, compression sacks help to maximise space in your backpack. They are especially useful for backpacking trips, where space is at a premium. By compressing your sleeping bag, you can free up room in your pack for other essentials.
Choosing the Right Compression Sack
When choosing a compression sack, it's important to consider the type of sleeping bag you have. Sleeping bags vary in packed volume depending on their insulation and the shell and liner fabrics used. Down sleeping bags, for example, can be compressed into smaller spaces than synthetic bags. Check the manufacturer's website for the volume of your sleeping bag, and choose a compression sack that is slightly larger to allow for easy packing. A good rule of thumb is to take the compressed volume of your sleeping bag and add 5 litres.
If you're expecting wet weather, you may want to consider a waterproof compression sack to keep your sleeping bag dry. Look for taped seams to prevent leaks, and a roll-top closure for added protection. Some waterproof compression sacks feature welded seams for added durability and to ensure watertight integrity.
When choosing a waterproof compression sack, consider the level of compression you need. If you're backpacking and space is limited, opt for a sack that offers high compression without compromising on waterproofing. For car camping or other trips where space isn't a concern, a regular waterproof stuff sack may suffice.
Examples of Waterproof Compression Sacks
Some recommended waterproof compression sacks include the Sea to Summit Compression Dry Sack and the Zenbivy Dry Sack. The Sea to Summit sack features taped seams and a roll-top closure, while the Zenbivy sack features welded seams and a mechanical valve for quick compression.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you're backpacking, a compression sack is a valuable tool to help reduce the volume of your sleeping bag, saving space in your pack. If you're car camping, a regular stuff sack will do.
The size of the compression sack depends on the compressed volume of your sleeping bag. A rule of thumb is to take the compressed volume of your sleeping bag and add 5 litres.
If your sleeping bag comes with a stuff sack, it may not be a compression sack, so you might want to upgrade to a compression sack to save space. However, some people find that using no stuff sack at all allows them to compress their sleeping bag more tightly.
