Ashwin Lewis
Choosing the right stuff sack for your sleeping bag is important for keeping your bag dry and for maximising space in your backpack. The size of the stuff sack depends on the size and shape of the sleeping bag, as well as the type of insulation and shell and liner fabrics used. Down sleeping bags are more compressible than synthetic bags and require a smaller stuff sack. If you're backpacking, you'll want to compress your sleeping bag as much as possible to save space in your bag. However, if you're car camping, a regular stuff sack will do the job. It's also important to note that you shouldn't store your sleeping bag in its stuff sack, as this can reduce the loftiness of the bag and affect its warmth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag material | Down or Synthetic |
| Sleeping bag size | Large or Small |
| Sleeping bag shape | |
| Compression sack size | 4L, 10L, 13L, 15L, 17L, 20L |
| Compression sack type | Regular or Compression |
| Storage | Box, pillowcase, old hockey bag, large canvas, cotton or nylon net bag |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag type and material
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the type and material of the bag, as this will impact your comfort and warmth during your adventures. Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and insulation types, and the right choice for you will depend on factors such as the climate, your budget, and the type of activity you'll be doing.
Types of Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags come in a few different shapes, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. The three most common shapes are rectangular, barrel, and mummy. Rectangular sleeping bags are popular for camping as they offer ample room for legs and arms to stretch out and can sometimes be fully unzipped to be used as a comforter. Mummy bags, on the other hand, are designed to maximise warmth by closely following the contours of the body, often including an integrated hood. The name comes from the shape's resemblance to the Egyptian mummy coffins. Mummy bags can feel claustrophobic to some users, but they are highly effective for managing thermal efficiency while reducing weight, making them popular for backpacking. Quilts are another option, designed to be draped loosely over the body or secured to a sleeping pad, offering a less restricted sleep.
Sleeping Bag Materials
The two main types of filling used in sleeping bags are man-made (synthetic) and natural (down). Synthetic sleeping bags are typically made from materials such as polyester, nylon, or taffeta, and offer a more affordable option. Synthetic bags have superior performance when wet, as they do not clump together and lose their insulating power like down feathers tend to do when exposed to moisture. This makes them a preferred choice for serious backcountry travellers. However, synthetic bags have not yet achieved the same warmth as down feathers for an equal weight of material. Down sleeping bags, made from duck or goose feathers, are excellent insulators that pack down small and light. They are generally more expensive and require careful storage, such as being hung up to maintain their loft and insulating properties. The quality of down is indicated by its fill power, with higher fill powers requiring less down to achieve the desired level of warmth.
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Compression sacks vs. stuff sacks
Compression sacks and stuff sacks are both used to store sleeping bags, but they serve different purposes and are used in different situations.
Compression sacks are designed to reduce the volume of soft items, such as sleeping bags, clothing, and down jackets, making them ideal for backpacking trips or other activities where space is limited. They are typically made of durable, water-resistant fabric and feature compression straps that allow you to squeeze the air out of the bag, compressing its contents. Some compression sacks also have a purge valve that releases trapped air when compressed, or they may be made with permeable fabrics that allow air to escape while keeping water out. The size of the compression sack depends on the volume of items you intend to pack, and it's recommended to choose a larger size for very cold weather gear. Compression sacks are also useful for keeping your gear organised and can be used in conjunction with stuff sacks to protect your sleeping bag from getting wet.
Stuff sacks, on the other hand, are primarily used to contain a sleeping bag and prevent it from expanding into the spaces between other items in your pack. They are often included with the purchase of a sleeping bag and come in various sizes depending on the bag's size, shape, and fill. Down sleeping bags, for example, require smaller volume stuff sacks than synthetic-filled bags because they are more compressible. Stuff sacks can also be used for other items like food and clothing, and they can be lined with plastic bags to keep their contents dry. While a stuff sack can help compress a sleeping bag to a certain extent, it may not reduce its volume as effectively as a compression sack.
When choosing between a compression sack and a stuff sack, consider your space constraints and the level of compression needed. Compression sacks are ideal for maximising space and reducing the volume of bulky items, especially in cold weather when gear tends to be larger and more extensive. Stuff sacks are useful for containing your sleeping bag and preventing it from expanding into the nooks and crannies of your pack, but they may not offer the same level of compression as a compression sack. Additionally, consider the durability and water resistance of the sack, especially if you intend to use it for activities like kayaking, canoeing, or winter expeditions.
It's worth noting that sleeping bags should not be stored long-term in a compression sack, as it may damage the bag's resiliency and lofting ability over time. Instead, it's recommended to drape sleeping bags over a hanger for long-term storage to maintain their condition.
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Calculating the volume of your sleeping bag
The volume of a sleeping bag depends on several factors, including the type of insulation, shell and liner fabrics, and the fill. Sleeping bags with synthetic insulation are more bulky and don't compress as well as those with down filling, so they require larger volume stuff sacks. Down sleeping bags are more compressible and need smaller volume stuff sacks.
To calculate the volume of your sleeping bag, you can follow these steps:
- Measure the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches.
- Multiply by 3.2, then by the radius, and then by the height.
- Now divide by 61 to get the volume in liters.
- Alternatively, you can measure in centimeters and divide the total by 1,000 to calculate the volume in liters.
Another method to calculate the volume is to use a container like a bucket or a box:
- Place your sleeping bag in a cardboard box or a bucket that is larger than the bag.
- Press the sleeping bag down firmly until the upper surface is roughly level in the container.
- Measure the average depth that the bag occupies in inches.
- Multiply the length, width, and depth to get the volume in cubic inches.
You can also use a cylinder with a known volume to calculate the volume of your sleeping bag. For example, a cylinder with a diameter of 23 cm and a height of 41 cm has a volume of approximately 17 liters. If your sleeping bag fits inside this cylinder, then you know the volume of your sleeping bag is around 17 liters.
It's important to note that sleeping bag manufacturers may provide the recommended stuff sack size, which can be used as a guide. However, it's always a good idea to test the stuffing yourself, as the listed volume may be uncompressed, representing the maximum volume.
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Weather conditions
When choosing a stuff sack for your sleeping bag, it's important to consider the weather conditions you'll be using it in. Sleeping bags are designed to provide warmth and comfort in different types of weather, and the size and type of stuff sack you choose can impact the effectiveness of your sleeping bag. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
For Cold Weather:
In cold weather conditions, you'll likely be using a sleeping bag with a higher insulation rating to keep you warm. These bags tend to be bulkier and require larger stuff sacks. If you're backpacking, you'll need to balance warmth with pack space. Choose a compression sack that can reduce the volume of your sleeping bag while still allowing it to retain its insulating properties. Look for high-quality compression sacks that evenly distribute the compression to prevent cold spots in your sleeping bag.
For Mild Weather:
In milder weather conditions, you may opt for a lighter and less insulated sleeping bag. These bags are generally more compressible and can fit into smaller stuff sacks. A simple compression sack or a regular dry sack may be sufficient to keep your sleeping bag compact and portable. You may not need to focus as much on maximizing space, so a slightly larger stuff sack can provide more breathing room for your sleeping bag.
For Wet Weather:
If you anticipate wet weather conditions, consider using a waterproof stuff sack to keep your sleeping bag dry. Dry sacks are designed to protect their contents from moisture and can provide peace of mind when hiking or camping in rainy or snowy environments. Some compression sacks also offer water-resistant features, ensuring that your sleeping bag stays dry and maintains its insulating properties.
For Extreme Weather:
In extreme weather conditions, such as high altitudes or winter camping, you'll need a specialized sleeping bag and stuff sack combination. Winter sleeping bags tend to be larger and heavier, requiring larger compression sacks. Consider using a more complex compression sack that can significantly reduce the volume of your sleeping bag while maximizing warmth. Ensure that your stuff sack is designed to handle the extreme conditions without compromising the performance of your sleeping bag.
It's important to note that the type of insulation in your sleeping bag also affects the choice of stuff sack. Down sleeping bags are more compressible and require smaller stuff sacks compared to synthetic bags. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the ideal stuff sack size and consider the specific weather conditions you'll be facing.
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Storage
When it comes to storing your sleeping bag, it's important to remember that it should not be stored in a stuff sack. Sleeping bags need to breathe when stored, so it's best to use a large canvas, cotton, or nylon net bag. This is especially important for down sleeping bags, as they need to be stored uncompressed to maintain their loft, which keeps them warm.
If you're storing your sleeping bag at home, you can repurpose a box, a pillowcase, or an old hockey bag. The bag should have close to its full loft when stored, so it's ready for your next trip.
For down sleeping bags, it's recommended to get a stuff sack that's somewhere between 1.5 to twice the volume of the bag. Synthetic sleeping bags need a bit more volume for initial stuffing before compression. The key is to ensure that the uncompressed bag fits comfortably in the stuff sack without having to force it, as this can damage the bag and reduce its loft.
When backpacking, you'll want to compress your sleeping bag as small as possible to save space in your backpack. Compression sacks are great for this, and they usually come in various sizes. Get the smallest size possible that fits your bag, and you'll be surprised at how much it can compress, especially with down sleeping bags. Synthetic bags don't compress as much, so you may need a larger compression sack.
If you're car camping, a regular stuff sack will suffice, and you won't need to compress your sleeping bag as much.
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Frequently asked questions
The size of the stuff sack depends on the size and shape of the sleeping bag, as well as the type of filling. Sleeping bags with synthetic fillings don't compress as well as those with down fillings, so they need a larger stuff sack. If you're backpacking, you'll want to get the smallest stuff sack possible to save space.
Sleeping bags are often given a recommended stuff sack size in litres or inches (e.g. 5 litres or 6 x 11 inches). To calculate the volume of your sleeping bag, you can multiply the radius of the circular base by itself, then multiply by the height of the stuff sack in inches. Now divide by 61 to get the volume in litres.
It depends on your use case. If you're backpacking, a compression sack will help save space in your backpack. However, if you're car camping, a regular stuff sack will suffice. Compression sacks can also reduce the loftiness of the bag, thereby reducing its warmth.
