Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags are essential for backpackers and campers, but they can be tricky to pack away. When it comes to storing your sleeping bag, it's important to first extract it from its stuff sack, dry it thoroughly, and then stow it inside a large breathable cotton or mesh sack. This process is critical for maintaining the insulation loft that keeps you warm. While it may seem counterintuitive, stuffing your sleeping bag without a sack is often the best method, as it allows the bag to fill the voids created by other items in your pack. This guide will teach you how to cram your sleeping bag into its bag efficiently and effectively, ensuring a cozy night's sleep on your next outdoor adventure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Before cramming the sleeping bag | Flatten the sleeping bag to remove excess air |
| Cramming technique | Start with the footbox, 'stack' the sleeping bag bottom and stuff the bag from bottom to top |
| Roll the bag as tightly as possible | |
| Use straps, rope or a belt to keep the bag in place | |
| Use a compression stuff sack to further compress the bag | |
| Place the sleeping bag in a large mesh or fabric storage sack to protect it without compressing it | |
| Use a trash compactor bag as a pack liner and stuff the bag into that along with dry items |
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What You'll Learn
Flatten the sleeping bag to remove excess air
To cram a sleeping bag into its bag, it is important to remove excess air. This is because the air in the sleeping bag's insulation creates loft, which keeps you warm while you sleep, but it takes up unnecessary space when you are packing.
To flatten the sleeping bag and remove excess air, first, unzip it completely. Then, lay the sleeping bag flat on the ground, ensuring it is fully zipped up. Flatten it out to remove any air pockets by firmly sweeping your arms across it. The flatter the sleeping bag, the less air there will be, and the less space it will take up when rolled up. For standard rectangular sleeping bags, fold them in half lengthwise to make the rolling process more manageable.
Next, begin rolling the sleeping bag tightly from the bottom. The tighter you roll, the less space the bag will take up. As you roll, pause periodically to press down on the bag to expel any trapped air. Once rolled, use the sleeping bag's built-in straps or cords to secure it. If your sleeping bag doesn’t have straps, you can use separate straps or a bungee cord to keep it tightly rolled.
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Stack the bag bottom-up
Stacking your sleeping bag bottom-up is a great way to prevent the bag from getting twisted or wrapped tightly around itself, reducing the risk of tears when you pull it out of the sack.
To start, lay your sleeping bag out flat, preferably on a dry surface, and ensure it is zipped up completely. If possible, use your ground tarp or the floor of your tent to keep the bag clean and prevent moisture from getting into the bag.
Next, grab the footbox end of the sleeping bag and begin to stack the bag bottom-up. This process involves grabbing and stuffing the bag from bottom to top. The footbox will be at the bottom of the stuff sack, and the hood will be located at the top when stacked correctly.
As you stack the bag, be sure to firmly sweep your arms across it to flatten and remove excess air. The air in the insulation of the sleeping bag creates loft to keep you warm, but it is unnecessary when packing the bag.
Once you have stacked the sleeping bag into the stuff sack, you can use the attached straps to secure the roll and store it in its bag. If your sleeping bag does not have attached straps, you can use a belt, large rubber bands, or rope to keep it rolled up tightly.
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Use a compression sack
Compression sacks are a great way to cram your sleeping bag into a small package. They are stuff sacks with straps that you can pull to squeeze a larger sack into a smaller compressed size. They are usually available in many sizes, styles, and weights. When choosing the size of your compression sack, opt for a bag with a looser fit.
To use a compression sack, start by grabbing the end of the sleeping bag and pushing it in as far as you can. Keep stuffing the bag one handful at a time. As you put the bag in the sack, turn the sack slightly after each stuff to fill it evenly. Once you have stuffed the entire bag, pull the drawstring to keep it closed and tuck the round protective flap into the hole to protect the bag.
To further compress your sleeping bag, tighten the side straps one at a time, working your way around the compression sack. You can place the sack on the ground and press your knee into it as you pull the straps to make things easier. Hold on until all the straps are evenly tight.
Along with your sleeping bag, you can also add pillows, pyjamas, or extra clothes inside the compression sack to save even more space.
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Roll the bag tightly
To cram your sleeping bag into its bag, you need to roll it up tightly. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Start by laying your sleeping bag out flat on a dry surface. If you're outdoors, use your ground tarp or the floor of your tent to keep the bag clean and dry.
- Zip up the bag completely. An unzipped bag will be challenging to roll evenly.
- Smooth out the bag to remove any large air pockets. Push out as much air as possible, as air pockets will prevent a tight roll.
- Fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise. Take your time to ensure the edges are lined up. They don't have to be perfect, but the closer they are, the better.
- Begin rolling the bag from the foot end upwards. Use both hands to roll it up firmly and tightly.
- As you roll, continue to push out any remaining air. You can kneel on the roll occasionally to help get it as tight as possible.
- Once fully rolled, use the attached straps to secure the roll. If your bag doesn't have straps, you can use a belt, rope, or large rubber bands to keep it together.
Remember, rolling your sleeping bag tightly can be space-efficient, especially if you need to carry it in your backpack. However, frequent rolling may damage the insulation over time, affecting its ability to keep you warm. If your sleeping bag came with a storage bag, check the instructions, as some bags are designed to be stuffed rather than rolled.
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Store in a cool, dry place
Storing your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place is critical to maintaining its condition. The best place to store your sleeping bag is in a cool, dry room or cupboard where it has plenty of space to fully loft and air out. Avoid storing your bag in places where temperatures are likely to fluctuate or damp environments. Both the attic and cellar/basement are likely to be damp and humid, which can cause mould to form on the sleeping bag over time. The same goes for storing your bag in the garage or shed, where the temperature cannot be regulated.
If you absolutely must store your sleeping bag in an attic, basement, or garage, there are a few guidelines to follow. Garages can be damp, and non-insulated garages can have wild temperature fluctuations depending on the season. If you're storing your bag in the attic, try to keep it close to the attic hatch or eaves, where the temperatures are slightly cooler due to the passing air. Basements can be very damp, so mould may start to build up on your sleeping bag if it's not stored properly. If your basement is insulated and well-ventilated, you may be able to avoid any serious damage to your bag.
If you don't have access to a dry room or cupboard, you can hang your bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. Set up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. Avoid damp basements and unheated spaces like garages and attics.
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Frequently asked questions
Flatten the sleeping bag to remove excess air before stuffing it. Start with the footbox and 'stack' your sleeping bag by grabbing and stuffing the bag from bottom to top.
No, you can use a large mesh or fabric storage sack to protect your sleeping bag without compressing it. You can also use a king-size pillowcase or a trash compactor bag.
If your sleeping bag has a stuff sack, do not fold or roll it. Simply grab one end and start stuffing it into the bag until it's all in.
Lay the sleeping bag on a flat, dry surface. Zip up the bag and push out any large air pockets. Smooth out the bag so you get out as much air as possible. Then, fold the bag in half lengthwise and roll it up from the foot end.
Keep your bag in a waterproof bag or improvise one out of garbage bags.
