Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping bags are essential for camping and hiking trips, but fitting them into your backpack can be a challenge. While it's always best to carry your sleeping bag inside your backpack, sometimes this isn't possible, especially when packing for an extended trip with lots of gear. This guide will show you how to expand your backpack straps to accommodate a sleeping bag, ensuring a hassle-free outdoor adventure. By utilising the bottom straps, lid, compression straps, gear loops, bungee cords, and tie points, you can securely attach your sleeping bag and make the most of your outdoor adventures.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to attach the sleeping bag | Lid/top flap, compression straps, gear loops, bottom loops, bottom/side straps, bungee cords |
| Sleeping bag placement | Inside or outside the backpack |
| Waterproofing | Use a stuff sack, dry bag, or rubble sacks for extra waterproofing |
| Weight distribution | Attaching a sleeping bag to the outside of a backpack can alter weight distribution and balance |
| Compression | Compression sacks, rolling, and folding can reduce the volume of a sleeping bag |
| Attachment methods | Straps, twine, bungee cords, carabiners, paracord |
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What You'll Learn
Use the lid of your backpack
The lid of your backpack, also known as the 'brain' or the flap at the top, is considered the best place to attach your sleeping bag. This is because it keeps the sleeping bag secure and the weight high and centred, making it easier to carry.
To attach your sleeping bag to the lid of your backpack, follow these steps:
- Pack your bag and zip it up.
- Open the top flap of your backpack.
- Place your sleeping bag on top.
- Fasten the flap over your sleeping bag.
If your backpack is already packed or you have items in the flap pocket, this option may not be possible. In that case, you can consider using compression straps, gear loops, bungee cords, or tie points at the bottom of your backpack.
It is worth noting that the sleeping bag is typically the bulkiest item you will be carrying, so it is recommended to keep it inside your backpack if possible. If you choose to attach it externally, ensure that it is stored in a strong, waterproof stuff sack with loops for straps to protect it from getting wet or lost.
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Use compression straps
Compression straps are a great way to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack. They are often located on the sides of your backpack, but some bags have them at the top or bottom. If your bag has compression straps, you can use them to secure your sleeping bag. First, loosen the buckles, then slide your sleeping bag in, and finally, tighten the straps to secure your bag in place.
If your backpack doesn't have built-in compression straps, you can purchase a compression sack for your sleeping bag. These sacks have straps that you can pull to squeeze a larger sack into a smaller compressed size. They usually compress to half their original size or even less. When choosing a compression sack, opt for one with a looser fit to avoid damaging the insulation of your sleeping bag. Compression sacks come in various sizes, styles, and weights, so select one that best suits your needs.
When using a compression sack, start by grabbing the end of your sleeping bag and pushing it into the sack as far as it will go. Then, stuff the bag in one handful at a time. Once your sleeping bag is inside, hold the drawstring tight and pull the loose straps evenly over the ends. You can place the sack on the ground and press your knee into it as you pull the straps to make it easier. Ensure that all the straps are evenly tight.
Using compression straps or a compression sack for your sleeping bag is a great way to save space in your backpack. By compressing your sleeping bag, you'll have more room for other gear and supplies. Just be mindful of the weight distribution when attaching your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack.
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Use gear loops
If your backpack has gear loops, these can be used to attach your sleeping bag. Gear loops are meant for attaching gear like sleeping bags. If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, you can attach them to the gear loops on your backpack.
If your bag’s stuff sack has loops, you can attach these to gear loops with a carabiner or cord. However, the bag will swing around as you move, so you’ll need to use two carabiners or extra cord to keep it stable. This will, however, add weight to your backpacking kit.
If your sleeping bag stuff sack doesn't have any straps, you can use a bungee cord to attach it to the loops on your backpack. You can also use bungee cords with internal-frame backpacks by attaching one of the hooks to one side of your pack and then crisscrossing your pack with the cord several times before attaching the second hook to the other side.
When using gear loops, make sure to keep the backpack balanced and comfortable to carry. Avoid attaching heavy items directly to the loops.
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Use bungee cords
Bungee cords are a great way to expand your backpack's capacity and attach your sleeping bag. They are designed to help grasp bulky, soft items that may not fit inside your backpack. Bungee cords are elasticated with a hook on each end. They are also known as shock cords.
Firstly, if your backpack has gear loops or tie points at the bottom, you can hook the bungee cord into these loops and wind it around your backpack. This will provide a secure base for your sleeping bag.
Next, you can attach your sleeping bag to the bungee cords. If your sleeping bag has a stuff sack with straps, you can loop the bungee cord through these. If not, you can use two smaller bungee cords and put them through the hole or loop on your bag, then tie the cord around and cinch it.
If you are using an internal-frame backpack, you can attach one hook to one side of your backpack and crisscross the cord several times before attaching the second hook to the other side. If you are using an external-frame backpack, simply attach the hooks to the frame. If the cord feels loose, wrap it around the frame a few times until your sleeping bag is secure.
Remember that bungee cords are designed for bulky yet lightweight items. They may not be suitable for heavy items, and overburdening them may cause them to snap. They are also stretchy, so your sleeping bag may bounce around as you move.
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Use the tie points at the bottom
If your backpack has tie points at the bottom, use them to secure your sleeping bag. Many backpacks come with external straps at the bottom or sides specifically designed for larger items like sleeping bags. These straps can be threaded through the loops of the compression sack or directly around the sleeping bag if it's not in a sack.
If your sleeping bag is in a stuff sack with loops, you can attach these to the tie points at the bottom of your backpack with a carabiner or cord. However, this may cause the bag to swing around as you move, so you may need to use two carabiners or extra cord to keep it stable.
If your backpack doesn't have tie points at the bottom, you can use bungee cords to attach your sleeping bag. With an internal-frame backpack, attach one of the hooks to one side of your pack, then crisscross the cord over the pack several times before attaching the second hook to the other side. With external-frame backpacks, simply attach the hooks to the frame.
It is generally recommended that you carry your sleeping bag inside your backpack if possible, as this keeps it secure and centred, making it easier to carry. However, this may not always be feasible, especially for extended trips where you need more gear and food. In that case, using the tie points at the bottom of your backpack is a good option for attaching your sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
If your backpack straps are not long enough, you can use bungee cords. Attach one hook to one side of your backpack, crisscross the cord over the sleeping bag, and attach the other hook to the other side. You can also use twine or paracord to strap down your sleeping bag.
If your backpack has compression straps at the top or bottom, loosen them, slide your sleeping bag in, and tighten them to secure the bag in place. If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, you can attach these to the gear loops on your backpack.
Before setting off, ensure your sleeping bag is stable and secure. If you are using straps, make sure they are centred to maintain balance. If your sleeping bag is on the outside of your backpack, consider swapping your sleeping bag's stuff sack for a dry bag to prevent it from getting wet.
