Evie Summers
Rolling a sleeping bag might seem straightforward, but there are several ways to do it efficiently and compactly. The method you choose will depend on the type of sleeping bag you have, whether it's a standard rectangular bag or a mummy bag, and whether it has a hood. The key to a tight roll is to eliminate air pockets and use straps or a compression sack to secure the bag. While it's important to roll your bag tightly for travel, it's best not to store it in a compressed state for long periods as this can damage the insulating loft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface to roll on | Flat, dry surface |
| Zipper | Zipped up completely |
| Air pockets | Push out through the head |
| Folding | In half, lengthwise |
| Rolling | Start from the bottom, roll upwards |
| Knees | Use to press down and keep the roll tight |
| Straps | Built-in or improvised |
| Storage | Avoid prolonged compression, keep dry |
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What You'll Learn
Fold in half lengthwise
To fold a sleeping bag in half lengthwise, first lay it flat on a clean, dry surface. If you are outdoors, you can lay it on the ground, but make sure to shake it out first to remove any dirt or debris. You can also use the floor of your tent or a ground tarp to keep the bag clean. Zip up the bag all the way to the top, then fold it in half, like you are closing a book. Make sure the zipper side is on the outside, as this will prevent snagging. Smooth out the bag, ensuring the edges and corners are aligned. The closer the edges are, the neater the roll will be.
Once you have folded the bag in half, you can start rolling it up tightly from the foot end towards the head end. As you roll, pause every few rolls to press out any trapped air. You can also use your knees to press down on the bag as you roll to keep it tight. When you reach the end, secure the roll with the attached straps or place it in a storage sack.
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Roll tightly from the bottom
To roll a sleeping bag tightly from the bottom, start by laying the bag on a flat, dry surface. Zip up the bag and push out any large air pockets through the head. Smooth out the bag, removing as much air as possible, as air pockets will prevent an even, tight roll.
Next, fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise, ensuring the edges are aligned. Then, start rolling the bag upwards from the feet, using both hands to roll it up tightly. As you roll, use your knees to press down on the bag, keeping the roll tight and pushing out any remaining air.
Once fully rolled, secure the sleeping bag using the bag's straps or a compression sack. If your bag does not have straps, you can use a belt, large rubber bands, or rope to keep it rolled up.
It is important to note that prolonged compression will make your bag less effective. Therefore, while you want to roll it tightly for travel, you should avoid storing your bag compressed for extended periods.
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Secure the roll
Once you've rolled your sleeping bag tightly, you'll want to secure it in place to prevent it from unfurling. Here are some ways to do that:
Use Straps
Most sleeping bags come with built-in straps that you can use to cinch the bag and keep it rolled up. These straps are usually positioned roughly one-third of the way from each edge of the rolled-up bag. If your bag doesn't have straps, you can improvise by using a belt, large rubber bands, or rope. Make sure to wrap the straps securely around the bag, and if they have a buckle or Velcro, fasten them tightly to maintain tension and keep the bag compact.
Use Cords
Some sleeping bags come with cords or elasticated straps attached to the bottom edge. If your bag has these, keep one knee pressed into the centre of the bag to hold the roll in place while you pull the straps or cords evenly over the rolled bag. You can tie the cords in a basic knot, similar to tying shoelaces.
Use a Stick or Tent Pole
Another trick is to place a tent pole or a straight stick across the top end of the sleeping bag and roll the bag around it instead of around itself. This provides a rigid structure that helps keep the bag rolled up.
Storage Tips
If your sleeping bag came with a storage bag, place the rolled-up sleeping bag inside and close the top tightly. Keep the bag dry and free from water to prevent the growth of mildew. Additionally, avoid storing your bag in a tightly compressed state for prolonged periods, as this will cause it to lose loft, impacting its ability to trap hot air and keep you warm.
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Lay the bag flat and straighten the hood
Laying your sleeping bag flat on a clean, dry surface is the first step to preparing your bag for rolling. This could be the ground tarp of your tent or the floor of your tent, which will help to keep the bag clean. If you are outdoors, you can also lay the bag on grass or a beach towel. This is an important step to ensure your bag stays dry and clean, as moisture can cause mildew to grow.
Once you have laid the bag flat, you should straighten the hood. Sleeping bags with hoods need extra attention to ensure the hood doesn't create bulk when you roll it up. Make sure the hood is laid out flat and is not bunched up, as this will affect how tightly the bag can be rolled. If your bag has a collar, you may also want to straighten this out, as hair and skin oils can accumulate here.
After addressing the hood, you can move on to the standard rolling procedure. If your bag has a zip, make sure it is completely zipped up before you begin rolling, as an unzipped bag will be harder to roll evenly. You should also smooth out the bag to remove any large air pockets, as air pockets will prevent an even, tight roll.
Now your bag is ready to be rolled up tightly and compactly, with the hood neatly tucked inside.
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Sit on the bag with your knees to keep it tight
Rolling a sleeping bag can be a tricky task, but there are a few tips and tricks to make it easier. One of the most important steps to ensure a tight roll is to sit on the bag with your knees. This technique is especially useful if you are having trouble getting the bag tight enough.
To begin, lay the sleeping bag on a flat, dry surface. Smooth out any bumps and make sure there are no air pockets, as these will prevent an even, tight roll. Once the bag is flat, fold it in half lengthwise, ensuring the edges are lined up. Then, start rolling the bag upwards from the feet, using both hands to roll it up tightly. As you roll, knead the bag with your hands to push out any air through the hole at the top for your head.
Now comes the key step of using your knees to keep the roll tight. Place your knees on the rolled-up section of the bag and push down to keep it small and compact. You can also use your knees to push out any remaining air in the bag. If needed, crouch down to apply more pressure and create an even tighter roll. Continue rolling the bag upwards, using your knees to maintain pressure and tightness with each roll.
By sitting on the bag with your knees, you can effectively compress the sleeping bag, removing excess air and creating a neat, tight roll. This technique is a simple yet effective way to ensure your sleeping bag is rolled up tightly and securely.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by laying the sleeping bag on a flat, dry surface. If it has a hood, make sure it is laid out flat and not bunched up. Then, fold the bag in half lengthwise.
Zip up the bag and push out any air pockets. Then, start rolling from the bottom or feet end, as this will make it easier to keep the bag tight. Use your fingers and knees to keep the roll tight and push out air as you go.
Use the sleeping bag's built-in straps or cords to secure it. If your sleeping bag doesn't have straps, you can use a separate strap, belt, large rubber bands, rope, or a compression sack.
