Gina Johnson
When packing for a hike, it's important to consider how to fit all your gear into your backpack. Two essential items that can be tricky to pack are a sleeping bag and a water reservoir. To pack a sleeping bag, you can roll it up tightly and place it in a compression sack or stuff sack, which will reduce its volume. The sleeping bag should be packed at the bottom of your backpack, as you won't need it during the day. Alternatively, you can fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise, then roll it up and place it directly into the backpack without using a sack. As for the water reservoir, it's recommended to fill it and put it in your pack first, as it's difficult to fit a full reservoir into a full pack. Additionally, carrying water on the outside of your pack is preferable to using a reservoir pocket.
How to fit a sleeping bag and reservoir in a pack
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag type | Down sleeping bags are more compressible than synthetic bags. |
| Sleeping bag storage | Place the sleeping bag at the bottom of the pack. |
| Compression sacks | Use a compression sack to reduce the volume of the sleeping bag. |
| Waterproof liners | Use a waterproof pack liner or dry bag to protect the sleeping bag from getting wet. |
| Bear canisters | Bulky items such as bear canisters should be packed at the bottom of the pack to create a stable center of gravity. |
| Reservoirs | Fill the reservoir first and place it in the pack. |
| Tent placement | Strap the tent to the top of the pack. |
| Gear attachment | Attach gear to the outside of the pack using compression straps or lash patches. |
| Gear duplication | Share gear with a partner and eliminate any unnecessary items to save space. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a compression sack to minimise volume
Using a compression sack is a great way to minimise the volume of your sleeping bag and is a good option if you want to save space. Compression sacks are heavier than regular stuff sacks, but they are a good way to protect your sleeping bag from tears and damage. They are also useful if you have a sleeping bag with synthetic fill, as they can provide a lot of compression.
To use a compression sack, first, roll up your sleeping bag as tightly as possible, starting at the end without straps. Then, push the sleeping bag into the compression sack, foot first, and tighten the sack with the cinch straps. You can also use a belt or a piece of string to keep the bag together if you don't have a stuff sack.
If you are using a down sleeping bag, be aware that a compression sack might not be the best option, as it could affect the bag's insulating properties. In this case, you might want to consider storing your down bag uncompressed or using a regular waterproof stuff sack for slight compression.
When choosing a compression sack, it's important to get the right size. Sleeping bags vary in volume depending on the type of insulation and the shell and liner fabrics used. To determine the size of the compression sack you need, you can measure the volume of your sleeping bag and then select a sack with a capacity that matches that volume. You can measure the volume of your sleeping bag by pressing it down into a box and measuring the depth, or by stuffing it into a bucket and measuring the volume of the bucket that is occupied.
Using a compression sack can help you fit your sleeping bag and reservoir in your pack more easily, but remember that it is just one option. Some people prefer to pack their sleeping bags loose, without using a sack at all, especially if their backpack has a dedicated sleeping bag compartment. Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific gear you are using.
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Pack the sleeping bag at the bottom of your backpack
When packing for a hike, it's important to consider how you're going to fit all your gear into your backpack. You'll want to pack efficiently and effectively, ensuring that you're not carrying any unnecessary weight, and that you can easily access the items you need.
One of the bulkiest items you'll need to pack is your sleeping bag. The best way to pack a sleeping bag is to place it at the bottom of your backpack. This is because you won't need the sleeping bag during the day, so it makes sense to pack it underneath everything else. Additionally, as the sleeping bag is relatively lightweight, placing it at the bottom of your backpack will reduce strain on your back and knees. If your backpack has two compartments, store the sleeping bag at the bottom of the top compartment.
If your sleeping bag is too big to fit in your backpack, you may want to consider using a compression sack. Compression sacks can significantly reduce the volume of your sleeping bag, making it easier to fit into your backpack. However, they can be a little heavier and may not always be waterproof, so it's worth bearing that in mind. If you don't want to use a compression sack, you can try rolling your sleeping bag as tightly as possible and securing it with straps, a belt, or even a piece of string.
If you're still struggling to fit your sleeping bag into your backpack, it may be worth considering a larger backpack or a smaller sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags are generally more compressible than synthetic bags, so switching to a down bag could help you save space. Additionally, the cheaper and warmer the sleeping bag, the bulkier it will be.
Finally, if you're attaching gear to the outside of your backpack, try to strap it as close to your back as possible to prevent it from pulling you backwards. This is especially important for heavy items like a tent, which should be strapped to the bottom of your backpack if it can't fit inside.
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Pack the reservoir first
When packing a backpack, it is important to consider the order in which you place your gear. If you are carrying a water reservoir, it is advisable to pack this into your bag first. This is because it can be tricky to fit a full reservoir into a full pack, even if your backpack has a dedicated compartment.
If you are hiking or camping, you will likely need to carry a lot of gear, and it is important to pack efficiently and effectively. You should consider the size and weight of each item and pack them in a way that ensures your comfort and stability. Heavy, dense gear that you won't need to access during your hike should be packed at the bottom of your bag. This will reduce strain on your back and knees and create a stable centre of gravity.
The reservoir is one of the heaviest items in your pack, so it makes sense to place it in first. This will also ensure that it is stored safely and securely and won't get knocked or damaged when you are on the move. It is also a good idea to pack soft items around bulky gear to prevent shifting and create a buffer between the reservoir and other items.
If you are packing a sleeping bag, this can be placed in the bottom compartment of your pack, underneath everything else. If your bag does not have a dedicated sleeping bag compartment, you can roll up the sleeping bag and place it at the bottom of your pack. If you are using a compression sack, it is a good idea to fill this first, before placing it in your backpack.
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Use a waterproof pack liner
Waterproof pack liners are essential for keeping your gear dry, especially if your backpack is not entirely waterproof. They are also useful if your pack's material starts to break down, leak, or fail. Even if your backpack is waterproof, a liner can be useful for keeping wet gear and clothing separate from dry items. This is especially important for sleeping bags, which can become wet, heavy lumps if they get damp.
There are several options for pack liners. Some people use a waterproof compression sack, such as the Sea to Summit range, which guarantees a dry night's sleep. These can be quite heavy, however, and some people prefer to use a simple plastic trash compactor bag as a liner. These are lighter and can be useful if you are expecting rain, but not deep river crossings. For more extreme conditions, you might use two trash compactor bags inside your pack.
If you are using a stuff sack for your sleeping bag, you can place this inside the pack liner. One hiker recommends using a waterproof compression sack for their sleeping bag, then placing this inside a garbage bag, and finally packing it in the sleeping bag compartment of their backpack.
Another hiker recommends using a stuff sack that is not waterproof, and then packing this inside a waterproof pack liner. This is because the stuff sack is easier to pack into a small space in their tent in the morning, and the small package then fits neatly across the bottom of their pack.
The Gossamer Gear pack liner is also recommended as it fits packs perfectly and is transparent.
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Attach gear to the outside of your pack
When attaching gear to the outside of your pack, it is important to consider the weight and bulkiness of the items. Bulky items that are not needed until you make camp, such as a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or extra layers, can be attached to the bottom of your pack. Closed-cell foam pads are a good option for the bottom of your pack as they are indestructible, virtually weightless, and will not throw you off balance.
If you are attaching heavy gear to your pack, it is best to keep it as close to your back as possible to maintain a stable centre of gravity. Attaching heavy items to the top of your backpack can put a lot of weight away from the centre of your body, causing strain on your shoulder and back muscles. Therefore, it is recommended to place heavier items in the middle of your backpack.
When attaching gear to the outside of your pack, it is common to use compression straps to secure the items and bring the load closer to your core muscles. Most backpacking and climbing packs designed for weekend or expedition trips have side compression straps, which can be used to attach bulky gear like sleeping pads, snowshoes, or cylindrical tent bags. When using compression straps, balance the load so that you carry an equivalent weight on the left and right sides of your pack. Some larger packs may have three tiers of compression straps, while some smaller packs have reversible side compression straps that can be used to attach gear to the front of the pack.
Another option for attaching gear to the outside of your pack is to use daisy chains sewn on the front of the shoulder pads. This makes it easy to attach extra pockets or navigation instruments, such as a GPS or satellite messenger. It is also helpful to have a plastic or metal ring that you can clip heavier gear onto, such as a GPS on a retractable cord.
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Frequently asked questions
Firstly, roll up the sleeping bag tightly, starting at the end without straps attached. Then, fit the bag into a compression sack and pull the cord tight. Finally, place the bag at the bottom of your backpack.
You can fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise and roll it up. Then, fit the bag into its sack and pull the cord tight. Alternatively, you can use a belt, string, or rope to cinch the bag together.
If your sleeping bag is too large to fit into your backpack, consider purchasing a compression sack to reduce its volume. If this is not an option, try stuffing the bag directly into the sleeping bag compartment of your backpack.
It is best to fill the reservoir and put it in your pack first. If your pack has a separate compartment for the reservoir, use it. Otherwise, consider carrying the reservoir on the outside of your pack.
If you are unable to fit your tent inside your pack, it is best to strap it to the top of your backpack. This will prevent the tent from getting dirty or wet when you set your pack on the ground.
