Colin Snow
Sleeping bags are often the bulkiest item in a backpack, and sometimes attaching them to the outside of your bag is the only option. However, this can throw off your centre of balance and make you more prone to tripping and falling on uneven terrain. It also risks your sleeping bag getting wet, damp or ripped. If you do decide to attach your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, there are several ways to do so, including using the lid, compression straps, gear loops, bungee cords, or tie points at the bottom.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fastening a Sleeping Bag to a Backpack
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to place the sleeping bag | Inside the backpack at the bottom, using the designated sleeping bag compartment |
| Inside the backpack, using internal dividers to pack other gear above it | |
| Outside the backpack, using the lid to secure the bag | |
| Outside the backpack, using compression straps | |
| Outside the backpack, using gear loops and carabiners or cords | |
| Outside the backpack, using bungee cords | |
| Outside the backpack, using tie points at the bottom | |
| Inside a waterproof bag or dry bag to prevent the sleeping bag from getting wet | |
| Using a waterproof compression sack to pack the sleeping bag | |
| Using a built-in rain cover for the backpack | |
| Weight distribution | Heavier gear should be placed closer to the top and centre of the backpack |
| The sleeping bag can be used as a buffer layer at the bottom |
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What You'll Learn
Use the lid
Using the lid of your backpack is a great way to fasten your sleeping bag securely. The lid is the flap at the top of your backpack. After you've packed your bag and zipped it up, open the top flap and place your sleeping bag on top. Then, simply fasten the flap over the sleeping bag to hold it securely in place. This method keeps the sleeping bag safe and centred, making it easier to carry.
However, this method may not always be possible. Firstly, if your backpack is already packed to capacity, you may not have room in the flap pocket. Secondly, attaching a sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack can be risky. The sleeping bag is likely to be the bulkiest item you carry, and attaching it to the outside can throw off your centre of balance. This can make you more prone to tripping and falling, especially on uneven terrain.
If you do choose to use the lid to fasten your sleeping bag, consider using a dry bag or a waterproof compression sack to pack your sleeping bag. This will help to keep it dry in case of rain or condensation. You could also use mini padlocks or zip ties for an extra layer of fastening and peace of mind.
It is also important to consider the weight distribution of your backpack. Ideally, you want your heaviest gear closer to the top and centre of your backpack. However, the sleeping bag is likely to be one of your heaviest items, so attaching it to the outside of the backpack can make it tricky to keep your balance while hiking. Balancing out the weight on the other side can help with this issue.
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Use compression straps
Compression straps are designed to let you consolidate your backpack's load, but they can also be used to carry bulkier items like sleeping bags. If your backpack has compression straps, you can use them to secure your sleeping bag. Here's how to do it:
First, check if your sleeping bag has a stuff sack. A stuff sack is a bag that you can put your sleeping bag in to keep it compressed and protected. If your sleeping bag doesn't have a stuff sack, you can purchase one separately or use a compression sack to compress your sleeping bag.
Once you have your sleeping bag in a stuff sack or compression sack, make sure the straps are long enough to accommodate the sleeping bag when fully extended. If your sleeping bag is large, you may need to use a compression sack to reduce its size.
Now, loosen the compression straps on your backpack. If your backpack has compression straps at the top or bottom, favour these ones as it will help with weight distribution. Place your sleeping bag on top of the backpack and slide it under the compression straps. Tighten the straps securely around the sleeping bag.
To ensure stability, you may want to use additional cords or carabiners to attach the sleeping bag to the backpack. This will prevent the bag from swinging around as you move. Keep in mind that attaching a sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack will alter the weight distribution, so you may need to balance out the weight on the other side.
Using compression straps is a convenient way to carry your sleeping bag, but it's important to consider the potential downsides. Attaching a sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack may make it more prone to rips or tears from tree branches or rocks. Additionally, it can throw off your centre of balance, making it trickier to hike on uneven terrain.
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Use gear loops
If you're looking to attach your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, one option is to use the gear loops. Gear loops are common on hiking backpacks and are meant for attaching gear like sleeping bags. If your backpack has gear loops at the top, opt for using those.
To use gear loops, check if your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps. If it does, simply attach these straps to the gear loops on your backpack. Pull the straps tight to ensure the sleeping bag doesn't swing around as you move. If you're worried about the bag swinging, you can use two carabiners or extra cord to keep it stable, although this will add some weight.
If your sleeping bag stuff sack doesn't have adjustable straps, you can use a bungee cord or paracord to attach it to the gear loops. Bungee cords are stretchy, so be sure to secure them tightly to avoid any mid-hike surprises! Paracord is another option—loop it through your bag and tie sturdy knots to secure your sleeping bag.
While using gear loops is a convenient way to attach your sleeping bag, keep in mind that it will add weight to your backpacking kit. Additionally, consider the risk of your bag getting damaged, wet, or dirty while attached to the outside of your pack.
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Use bungee cords
Bungee cords are a great option for attaching your sleeping bag to your backpack when you run out of space inside it. They are elasticated cords with hooks at both ends. They are primarily used to provide extra storage space outside the main compartments of your backpack. They are ideal for securing bulky yet lightweight items with enough surface area for the elastic cord to grip.
Bungee cords can be used to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack in the following ways:
- Hook one end of the bungee cord into a loop on one side of your backpack, wind it tightly around your backpack several times, and then hook the other end into a loop on the other side of your backpack.
- If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, attach these to the backpack's gear loops using the bungee cord.
- If your backpack has an external frame, you can simply attach the hooks of the bungee cord to the frame. If the cord feels loose, wrap it around the frame a few times until it holds your sleeping bag tightly.
It is important to note that attaching your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack comes with some concerns. You need to be careful while hiking under trees, attach your sleeping bag carefully, and stow it in a waterproof bag to protect it from damage, falling off, or getting soaked in the rain.
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Use tie points at the bottom
Sleeping bags are usually the bulkiest item in a backpack, and while it's best to keep them inside the backpack, there are times when it's necessary to attach them to the outside. If you're going to attach your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, it's important to use the correct method to ensure it doesn't get damaged or cause you to lose your balance. One way to do this is to use the tie points at the bottom of your backpack.
Many backpacks come with tie points at the base, which are intended for sleeping pads. If the straps are long enough, they can be used to secure your sleeping bag. This method is ideal if you're using an inflatable pad, as the pad will likely be small enough to fit inside the backpack, leaving the straps free for your sleeping bag. Before using this method, make sure the straps are long enough to accommodate your sleeping bag when fully extended. Attaching a sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack will alter the weight distribution, so you'll need to balance out the weight on the other side.
To use the tie points at the bottom of your backpack to secure your sleeping bag, start by attaching one end of the strap to one side of your backpack. Then, crisscross the strap over the sleeping bag several times before attaching the other end to the opposite side of the backpack. For added security, you can loop the strap through the sleeping bag's stuff sack straps. If you're using an external-frame backpack, simply attach the hooks to the frame. If the strap feels loose, wrap it around the frame a few times until your sleeping bag is held tightly in place.
Using the tie points at the bottom of your backpack is a secure way to attach your sleeping bag, but it does have some drawbacks. Attaching your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack will expose it to potential damage from tree branches, rocks, and other hazards. It will also change the centre of balance, making you more prone to tripping and falling on uneven terrain. Additionally, this method will add extra weight to your backpacking kit.
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Frequently asked questions
Open the top flap of your backpack, place your sleeping bag on top, and fasten the flap over it. This method keeps the sleeping bag secure and centred, making it easier to carry.
Loosen your backpack's compression straps, slide your sleeping bag in, and tighten them. Make sure your compression buckles are secure before using this method.
If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, attach them to your backpack's gear loops. You can also use a carabiner or cord to attach loops to gear loops, but this will cause the bag to swing around as you move.
Hook your cords into the loops on your backpack and wind them around both the backpack and sleeping bag. If using an internal-frame backpack, attach one hook to one side, crisscross the cord over the backpack, and attach the second hook to the other side.
Many backpacks come with tie points at the bottom, which can be used to secure your sleeping bag. If your backpack has designated sleeping bag straps that are long enough, you can use them instead.
