Evie Summers
The size of the stuff sack for a sleeping bag depends on the bag's size, shape, and fill. Down sleeping bags are more compressible than synthetic-filled bags, so they require smaller stuff sacks. Sleeping bags often have a recommended stuff sack size, which can be found on the manufacturer's website or product specifications page. The size of the stuff sack is usually given in dimensions or volume, such as 6 x 11 inches or 5 liters. For backpacking, it is recommended to compress the sleeping bag as much as possible to save space in the backpack. However, some people argue that compression sacks limit the ability to utilize the entire capacity of the backpack. For car camping, a regular stuff sack can be used instead of a compression sack.
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag type and material
Sleeping bags come in a variety of types and materials, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here is an overview of the key considerations:
Types of Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags are typically categorised based on their intended use, shape, and insulation type.
Intended Use:
- Camping Sleeping Bags: These bags usually offer more room to move around in and are designed to provide ample space for campers to stretch out and roll over. They tend to be bulkier and heavier, which is less of a concern for campers as they often don't need to carry their gear over long distances.
- Backpacking Sleeping Bags: These bags are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them ideal for hikers and backpackers who need to minimise weight and bulk. They tend to be more snug and may not offer the same level of roominess as camping bags.
- Ultralight Sleeping Bags: These are an even lighter version of backpacking bags, often sacrificing some features like a hood to reduce weight. They pack up smaller than traditional bags, saving valuable space in a backpack.
Shapes:
- Rectangular: These bags are the most common for camping as they provide ample room for legs and arms to stretch out. Some can be fully unzipped and used like a comforter.
- Mummy: Mummy bags are tapered towards the feet, providing less room for movement but optimising weight and thermal efficiency. They are often the preferred choice for backpacking and colder conditions.
- Double: Double sleeping bags are designed for two people and provide the experience closest to sleeping with an ordinary blanket.
Materials and Insulation
The shell, or outer fabric, of a sleeping bag is typically made from durable materials like polyester or nylon, often with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to protect the insulation from moisture. Lighter and more expensive insulation materials like goose down are often preferred for their superior warmth-to-weight ratio and comfort. Down sleeping bags are highly compressible and can be packed into smaller stuff sacks. However, down loses its insulating power when it gets wet, making it less suitable for damp conditions. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, offers better performance in wet conditions as it does not clump together when wet, maintaining its insulating ability. Synthetic bags are generally cheaper, but they don't compress as well as down bags and require larger stuff sacks.
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Compression sack size
The size of the compression sack you need for your sleeping bag depends on several factors. Sleeping bags vary in packed volume depending on the type of insulation, shell and liner fabrics used, and whether they are made of synthetic or natural fibres. Synthetic bags are bulkier and less compressible than down bags, so they need a higher volume stuff sack. Down bags are more compressible and will need a smaller stuff sack.
If you have bought a branded sleeping bag, the manufacturer's website may give the size of the stuff sack that comes with the bag. The capacity of the stuff sack is equal to the mildly compressed volume of the sleeping bag. You can also measure the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches, then multiply this figure by 3.14 and the height in inches, and divide the final number by 61 to give the volume in litres.
If you are backpacking, you will want to compress your sleeping bag as much as possible to save space in your backpack. However, compression sacks limit your ability to utilise the entire capacity of your pack, as they turn your sleeping bag into a solid item that requires a specific volume to fit in the pack. If you are car camping, it is not necessary to compress your sleeping bag to a very small size.
Some common compression sack sizes are 6L, 10L, 14L, and 20L. For down models, aim for somewhere between 1.5 to twice the volume of the sleeping bag. Synthetics need a bit more volume for the initial stuffing before compression. As long as it is not too hard to bunch the sleeping bag in the uncompressed stuff sack, it will compress just fine. With a too-large stuff sack, you will bottom out the straps before you're done compressing.
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Calculating the volume of the sleeping bag
The volume of a sleeping bag is important when considering the size of the stuff sack required for backpacking. The size of the stuff sack depends on the size and shape of the sleeping bag, as well as its fill. Down sleeping bags are more compressible than synthetic-filled bags and hence require smaller stuff sacks.
There are various methods to calculate the volume of a sleeping bag. One way is to measure the packed dimensions, multiply them to get the volume in cubic inches, and then convert that to litres. Another method is to measure the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches. Multiply the radius by itself, then multiply by 3.2 and the height, and finally divide by 61 to get the volume in litres.
If you don't have the sleeping bag yet, you can try stuffing your bag into something like a bucket and then measuring the volume of the used part of the bucket. You can also try using a daypack, as they usually provide the capacity in litres. If you're car camping, a regular stuff sack will do, and you don't need to compress your sleeping bag too much.
It's worth noting that the volume of a sleeping bag can be affected by how it's packed. For example, if you place a rigid piece of gear inside your pack that is wider than the prescribed width, it will reduce the depth and, consequently, the overall volume. Similarly, the stuffed shape of a sleeping bag can vary depending on how it is packed, which will result in different volume estimates.
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Backpacking considerations
When backpacking, you'll want to consider a few things when deciding on the size of your sleeping bag's stuff sack. Firstly, the size and shape of your sleeping bag, as well as its fill, will determine the volume of the stuff sack you need. Sleeping bags filled with down are more compressible and require smaller stuff sacks than synthetic-filled bags. Synthetic bags will need a higher-volume stuff sack, and you may need a compression sack to reduce the space they take up in your backpack.
Secondly, consider the amount of space you want your sleeping bag to take up in your backpack. Compression sacks can help reduce the volume of your sleeping bag, leaving more room in your backpack for other items. However, they can also create unusable space due to their shape. One way to avoid this is to place compressible items at the bottom of your backpack and let gravity do the compression for you.
Thirdly, it's important to note that sleeping bags should not be stored long-term in compression sacks as this can damage the insulation. Instead, they should be stored in a large cotton or canvas bag that allows them to breathe. So, if you're using a compression sack for backpacking, make sure to store your sleeping bag separately at home.
Finally, personal preference plays a role in choosing whether or not to use a stuff sack while backpacking. Some people prefer to stuff everything directly into their backpack, while others like the organisation and protection that stuff sacks provide. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what works best for your backpacking setup.
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Storage and maintenance
The size of a stuff sack depends on the size and shape of the sleeping bag, as well as its fill. Sleeping bags filled with down are more compressible than synthetic-filled ones and hence require lesser volume stuff sacks. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, do not compress as small as down bags, and therefore require higher-volume stuff sacks.
When storing your sleeping bag at home, it is important to first extract it from its stuff sack. Dry it thoroughly and then loosely stow it inside a large breathable cotton or mesh sack. You can also use a king-size pillowcase, although this may be a little small. A 90L cotton or mesh sack is a good size to store your sleeping bag in. The bag should be stored in a place that is cool and dry. This is important as moisture and temperature extremes are hard on your bag. Therefore, avoid storing your sleeping bag in damp basements, garages, attics, or other unheated or uncontrolled spaces. If you are tight on space, you can hang your sleeping bag in a dry, temperature-controlled area. Alternatively, if you have the space, you can store your sleeping bag under your bed, fully unrolled.
To maintain the quality of your sleeping bag, it is important to keep it clean, dry, and protected. This is particularly important for down sleeping bags, but synthetic bags can also benefit from these tips. When sleeping in your bag, try to wear clean clothes and avoid getting sunscreen, dirt, or cooking odors on the bag. Consider using a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag clean and add extra warmth. When storing your bag for a long period of time, ensure it is thoroughly dried before packing it away, as mold and mildew can grow on the surface and inside the insulation. Although it is not usually necessary, you can use a large commercial dryer to dry your bag. If you do, remember to dry it on a low heat setting and check it frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting. Even if you do not have a mold problem, it is a good idea to wash your bag periodically to remove body oils, sweat, and dirt, which can compromise performance.
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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 fill. Sleeping bags with down fill are more compressible and require smaller stuff sacks. Synthetic bags require larger sacks.
Measure the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack. Multiply the radius by itself, then multiply by 3.2 and the height. Now divide by 61 to get the volume in liters.
Compression sacks are useful if you want to compress your sleeping bag to a small size, maximizing space in your backpack. However, some sources note that compression sacks limit your ability to utilize the entire capacity of your pack.
Recommended stuff sack sizes for sleeping bags range from 5 liters to 20 liters or more, depending on the bag's compressed volume. For example, a -12°C Western Mountaineering model sleeping bag recommends a 20L compression sack for an 8.1L compressed bag.
Yes, some people prefer to use dry sacks or regular bags to store their sleeping bags. Dry sacks are useful for keeping the sleeping bag dry. Regular bags at home can be made of canvas, cotton, or nylon to allow the sleeping bag to breathe.
