Herbie Murray
There are several methods for rolling a down sleeping bag, and the best method for you will depend on your bag type, available storage space, and personal preference. Some sources suggest that rolling a sleeping bag is unnecessary, and that stuffing is better for the insulation. However, if you need to save space, rolling your bag is the best way to compress it into its smallest shape. To roll your down sleeping bag, first lay it flat and zip it up. Then, fold it in half lengthwise, ensuring the edges are aligned. Smooth out the bag and push out any air bubbles. Starting from the bottom, roll the bag upwards, using your hands and knees to keep the roll tight and push out air. Finally, use the attached straps to keep the bag rolled, or store it in a loose, permeable bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to lay the bag | Lay the sleeping bag flat on the ground or floor |
| Flattening the bag | Flatten the bag by running your hands down its length to break down clumps and air bubbles |
| Folding the bag | Fold the bag in half lengthwise, then fold one side over so that it lines up with the zipper |
| Rolling the bag | Roll the bag upwards from the foot of the bag, using both hands to roll it up tightly and push out air |
| Securing the roll | Use attached straps to keep the bag rolled, or store it in a stuff sack |
| Storage | Keep the bag loose during storage to avoid damaging its lofting properties |
| Cleaning | Clean the bag regularly to remove dirt and grime; hand clean in a bathtub with warm water |
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What You'll Learn
How to lay out the sleeping bag
To lay out your sleeping bag, start by placing it on the ground or floor with the zipped side facing down. Smooth out any bumps or clumps by running your hands down the length of the bag, ensuring it is as flat as possible. This step is important as it helps to push out any air bubbles that may have been trapped inside.
Next, fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise, ensuring the two long sides are aligned. If your sleeping bag has a zipper, fold one side over so that it lines up with the zipper. Take your time to make sure the edges are lined up as closely as possible.
Once the sleeping bag is folded, you may need to run your hands along it again to remove any new air bubbles that may have formed during the folding process. Start from the bottom of the bag and work your way up towards the head area, pushing out any remaining air.
If you are preparing to roll up the sleeping bag, place a heavy object or use your knees on the head section to prevent it from unfolding as you begin to roll.
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Folding the bag
To roll a down sleeping bag, start by laying the bag flat on the ground or floor. Smooth out any bumps and try to flatten the bag as much as possible. If your bag has a zipper, make sure it is done up. Next, fold the bag in half lengthwise, lining up the two long sides. Run your hands down the length of the bag to push out any air bubbles that could have been trapped while folding.
Now you are ready to roll. Start at the bottom of the bag and roll upwards, towards the head area. This method will help to push out any remaining air bubbles inside. Place your knees on the rolled-up section of the bag to keep it tight and small as you go. If the bag starts to unfold, place a heavy object on the section that is unrolling.
Once the bag is rolled up, you can use the attached straps to keep it in place. If your bag does not have straps, you can purchase some separately.
Note that rolling a bag can damage the insulation, making it less effective at keeping you warm. It is also important to keep a modern down sleeping bag loose during storage. Keeping a modern down sleeping bag tightly rolled for too long will damage its lofting properties. Therefore, it is recommended to stuff your sleeping bag into its bag rather than rolling it.
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Rolling technique
Lay your zipped sleeping bag out flat on the ground in front of you. Smooth out any bumps or clumps by running your hands down the length of the bag. This will help ensure a tight roll. Next, fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise, lining up the two long sides. If your sleeping bag has a zipper, fold one side over so that it lines up with the zipper. Make sure the edges are aligned as closely as possible.
Starting from the bottom of the bag, roll it upwards firmly towards the head area. Use both hands to roll the bag up tightly, kneading it with your hands to push out any remaining air. If the bag starts to unfold, place a heavy object or your knees on the head section to keep it in place. You can also sit on the bag with your knees to keep it tight and use your hands to push out more air.
Once the bag is rolled up as tightly as possible, use the attached straps to secure it. Most sleeping bags that are meant to be rolled have straps that cinch around the bag and tighten to keep it rolled up. If your sleeping bag has straps at the bottom, roll it from head to toe instead.
While rolling is a convenient way to transport your sleeping bag, frequent rolling can damage the insulation. It is generally recommended to stuff sleeping bags into their sack, especially those with down or synthetic fill, as it removes more air and allows for a smaller packed size. Additionally, keeping a modern down sleeping bag tightly rolled for too long can damage its lofting properties. Therefore, it is best to roll your sleeping bag only when necessary and store it loosely during long-term storage.
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Using straps
Rolling a down sleeping bag with straps is a convenient and effective way to compress it into a compact shape. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Lay the Sleeping Bag Flat:
Start by laying your sleeping bag flat on the ground or floor, with the zipped side facing down. Make sure the bag is fully zipped and smooth out any creases or bumps to create an even surface. This initial flattening step is crucial to ensure a tight and even roll later on.
Fold the Sleeping Bag:
Next, fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise, like a hot dog. Take your time to ensure the edges are aligned and run your hands along the length of the bag to remove any air bubbles or creases. This step helps to further reduce the size of the bag and creates a more uniform shape for rolling.
Roll the Sleeping Bag Tightly:
Begin rolling the bag from the bottom, where your feet go, towards the top, where your head goes. Roll it as tightly and firmly as possible, using both hands to compress it into a compact cylinder. As you roll, periodically pause to press down and expel any trapped air. You can use your knees or place a heavy object on the rolled-up section to keep the bag tight and small while rolling.
Secure with Straps:
Once you've rolled the entire sleeping bag, it's time to secure it with straps. Most sleeping bags come with built-in straps attached near the head area. Grab these straps and wrap them tightly around the rolled-up bag. If your bag doesn't have built-in straps, you can use separate straps, a bungee cord, or even improvise with a belt, large rubber bands, or rope. Ensure the straps are wrapped securely and tightly to keep the bag from unravelling.
Place in a Stuff Sack (Optional):
After securing the roll with straps, you can optionally place the sleeping bag into a stuff sack or compression sack. This additional step can further compress the bag and make it even more compact. Compression sacks are especially useful if you want to save space in your backpack and can also protect your sleeping bag from the elements.
Remember that rolling a sleeping bag too tightly or storing it compressed for long periods can damage the insulation, making it less effective at retaining heat. Always allow your sleeping bag to return to its loose, natural state when you get home from your trip.
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Storing the bag
When storing a down sleeping bag, it is best to keep it loose. Modern sleeping bags are designed to be stuffed, not rolled, and keeping them compressed for too long can damage their lofting properties. Therefore, it is recommended to use a large mesh or fabric storage sack that will protect the bag without compressing it. Many sleeping bags come with dedicated storage sacks, but any large sack made of breathable fabric will work. For example, a mesh laundry bag is a cheap and breathable option.
If you are using a stuff sack, it is important not to over-compress the sleeping bag. Compressing the bag too much can damage the insulation, making it less effective at keeping you warm. Instead, gently stuff the bag into the sack, starting with the foot box and squishing out as much air as possible. You can then fold the tops of the stuff sack down and squish some more. When the sleeping bag is small enough, simply close the sack.
If your sleeping bag has attached straps, it is likely meant to be rolled. In this case, you can use the straps to keep the bag rolled up tightly. However, try to remove the bag from compression as soon as possible and do not store it in a compressed state for long periods of time.
It is also important to regularly clean your sleeping bag to remove sweat, dirt, and camping grime. Down-filled bags must be hand-cleaned in a bathtub with warm water.
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Frequently asked questions
Lay the sleeping bag flat on the ground or floor. Smooth out any bumps and ensure it is fully unzipped.
Fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise. If your bag has a zipper, fold one side over so that it lines up with the zipper. Make sure the edges are aligned.
Start at the bottom of the bag and roll it upwards towards the head area. This will allow air to escape. Roll it as tightly as you can.
Use the attached straps to keep the bag rolled. If there are no straps, use a separate piece of fabric to wrap around the bag.
