Gina Johnson
When going on a canoe trip, it is important to know how to transport your gear and choose the right sleeping bag to ensure a good night's sleep. Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the right one for you will depend on factors such as temperature range, moisture and humidity levels, and available space in the canoe. In addition, you should consider whether to get a down or synthetic sleeping bag, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Finally, knowing how to properly dry and store your sleeping bag will help ensure a comfortable and safe canoe trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drying a sleeping bag | Open it up and lay it out on a flat surface in the sun, fluffing periodically to allow even drying |
| Transporting a canoe | By truck, minivan or other vehicle with a hitch in a canoe trailer |
| Transporting gear | Store in the middle, front or back of the canoe, with the heaviest gear kept in the middle to balance the canoe |
| Sleeping bag type | Down or synthetic fill. Down is lighter, maintains loft, lasts longer, wicks moisture, is more comfortable and compact, but is more expensive, slower to dry and not warm when wet. Synthetic is cheaper, dries quicker, easier to clean and insulates when wet, but loses loft with use and is bulkier and heavier |
| Sleeping bag shape | Rectangular, semi-rectangular or Mummy. Rectangular is cheaper, heavier and bulkier, with more foot room. Semi-rectangular is tapered toward the foot to increase warmth and reduce weight. Mummy bags are tapered toward the footbox, have a hood and are warmer due to reduced empty space |
| Sleeping bag temperature range | Summer, Three-Season, Winter, or specific temperature ranges e.g. 20°F, 40°F, 10°F-35°F, -10°F-10°F |
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What You'll Learn
Using a stuff sack
When using a stuff sack, it is generally advised to stuff your sleeping bag rather than roll it. Rolling a sleeping bag can damage the insulation, making it less effective at keeping you warm. Stuffing is also faster and easier, as you can compress more of the bag at once with your hand.
If your sleeping bag came with a stuff sack, it is likely meant to be stuffed rather than rolled. However, if you need to save space, rolling your bag is an option, but try to remove your bag from compression as soon as possible. If you are storing your bag at home, it is best to extract it from its stuff sack and dry it thoroughly before placing it in a large breathable cotton or mesh sack for storage. This will help to maintain the insulation loft, which is key to keeping you warm.
To stuff your sleeping bag into its stuff sack, start with the footbox and 'stack' your sleeping bag by grabbing and stuffing the bag from bottom to top. When stacked, the footbox should be at the bottom and the hood at the top of the stuff sack. This will prevent the bag from getting twisted or wrapped tightly around itself, reducing the risk of tears.
If you are using a compression stuff sack, you can compress your sleeping bag further by stuffing and rotating 90 degrees, then compressing the bag with your hand vertically and repeating until the entire bag is inside. This method may be better for short-term storage or when space is limited, but prolonged compression will cause the bag to lose its loft, making it less effective at trapping hot air to keep you warm.
It is important to note that you should never store your sleeping bag in a compressed state for long periods. Always allow your bag to rest outside on a dry day for several hours and brush out any debris after returning from a trip. If your bag is wet, hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours to dry, but avoid direct sunlight as UV rays can damage the fabric.
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Compression sacks
When choosing a compression sack, it is recommended to get one with a looser fit. You can start by considering the size of the stuff sack that came with your sleeping bag. If you have a synthetic and rectangular sleeping bag, it might be challenging to reduce its bulk even with a compression sack. In such cases, you might need a larger compression sack, which can be up to 20 or 30 litres in volume. If you are unsure between two sizes, it is generally better to size up, as you can fill the extra space with other items.
To pack your sleeping bag into a compression sack, start by stuffing the end of the sleeping bag into the sack. Instead of rolling or folding, it is recommended to stuff the bag inside to avoid creating creases that can lead to cold spots and wear out the insulation over time. Once you have stuffed as much as you can, hold the drawstring tight and pull the loose straps evenly. You can place the sack on the ground and press your knee into it as you pull the straps to make it easier.
Some sleeping bags come with a compression sack when purchased, but you might need to buy one separately. Compression sacks are especially useful if you have a lot of gear to pack, such as extra clothes, cooking pots, or a tent. They can compress bulky items like sleeping bags to almost a third of their original size, making more room in your pack for other essentials.
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Waterproofing your bag
Waterproofing your sleeping bag is an important consideration when canoeing, as you may encounter water or damp conditions. There are several methods you can use to achieve this.
Firstly, you can use a waterproofing spray, such as Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On, which is designed to be sprayed onto the bag after washing and before drying. These sprays are typically used on boots and other outdoor gear, and they can add a layer of water repellency to your sleeping bag. However, it's important to note that they may not make the bag completely waterproof, especially if there are needle holes in the fabric. Additionally, waterproofing sprays can sometimes affect the breathability of the bag, leading to condensation build-up inside.
Another option is to use a sleeping bag liner, such as a garbage bag or a dry bag, which can provide an extra layer of protection against moisture. Place your sleeping bag inside the liner, remove excess air, seal the liner, and then pack it inside your canoe or kayak. This method helps keep your sleeping bag dry without affecting its breathability.
Some sleeping bags also come with a water-resistant coating on the outside of the bag's shell. To protect this coating, you can wrap it tightly in a heavy bag when not in use.
Finally, consider choosing a synthetic-fill sleeping bag instead of a down-fill bag. Synthetic bags are inherently more water-resistant than down bags, as they can partially insulate even when wet and dry more quickly. They are also less expensive and easier to clean. However, synthetic bags have their drawbacks; they are bulkier and heavier, and their insulation may lose loft over time.
In conclusion, while it may not be possible to make your sleeping bag completely waterproof, you can take several measures to increase its water resistance and keep it dry while canoeing. These include using waterproofing sprays, liners, or choosing a synthetic-fill bag, each with their own advantages and considerations.
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Packing at the bottom
When packing a sleeping bag, the method you use depends on the insulating material. For down sleeping bags, manufacturers recommend simply shoving the bag into the stuff sack. Start with the foot box of the bag and push it into the sack. Grab the collar of the stuff sack and rotate it 90 degrees, then stuff and rotate again. Compress the bag with your hand vertically and continue to stuff and rotate until the whole bag is in the sack.
If your bag has a stuff sack, it's generally better to stuff it rather than roll it. Rolling a bag can damage the insulation, making it less effective at keeping you warm. However, if space is an issue, rolling a bag is the best way to compress it into its smallest shape.
If you're storing your sleeping bag, it's best to avoid keeping it in a stuff sack, as this can compress the insulating loft. Instead, you can store it in a loose, permeable bag made of a material like canvas, or even a pillowcase. Alternatively, you can simply place it at the bottom of your bag and pile other items on top.
If your sleeping bag has attached straps, it's likely meant to be rolled. To do this, lay the sleeping bag on a flat, dry surface and zip it up completely, smoothing out any large air pockets. Fold the bag in half lengthwise, then start rolling it up firmly from the foot of the bag. Use the attached straps to secure the roll.
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Long-term storage
The longevity of your sleeping bag depends on how well you store it. Here are some tips for long-term storage:
Avoid compression sacks
While compression sacks are great for saving space when you're out camping or hiking, they are not ideal for long-term storage. Compressing a sleeping bag can cause the outer fabric to deteriorate and tear, and zips can become bent and buckled. It also removes protective air from between the fibres, which can cause crushing and breakage of the insulation fibres, reducing the amount of loft available in your sleeping bag. This will ultimately affect its ability to keep you warm.
Find a cool, dry place
Store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Basements, garages, attics and sheds are not ideal for storage as they are prone to dampness and humidity, which can cause mould to form on the sleeping bag over time. A temperature-controlled indoor area is best.
Use a breathable storage sack
Instead of a compression sack, store your sleeping bag in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. This will keep the bag contained without compressing the fill, allowing air circulation. Most sleeping bags come with a large storage bag, but if yours didn't, you can use a king-size pillowcase or buy a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size).
Wash and dry your sleeping bag
Before storing your sleeping bag, it's a good idea to wash it, especially if it's been used a lot. Body oils, sweat and dirt in the insulation can compromise performance. Wash your bag according to the instructions on the label and dry it thoroughly on a low heat setting. You can also hang it up to air dry in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area.
Hang it up
If you don't have space for a large storage sack, you can hang your sleeping bag in a closet or on a coat hanger. This will prevent it from getting compressed and damaged. Make sure it has plenty of space to fully loft and air out.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but for a canoe trip, you will need a bag that is compact enough to fit in the canoe. Mummy-shaped bags are tapered towards the foot, which helps to save weight and pack space. Synthetic sleeping bags are also a good option as they are water-resistant, dry quickly, and are usually cheaper.
To save space, it is recommended to stuff your sleeping bag rather than roll it. You can also use a dry bag to compress the sleeping bag further. Place the sleeping bag inside a garbage bag, push down to remove excess air, twist the top, fold it over, and seal the dry bag.
To dry your sleeping bag, open it up and lay it out on a flat surface in the sun. Fluff it up periodically to allow air to circulate and for the bag to dry evenly. You can also use a bivy bag to keep condensation in and prevent dew from condensing on the outside of the sleeping bag.
