Miya Pearson
Packing a pillow with a sleeping bag can be a tricky affair. While some people prefer to carry their pillows, others prefer to pack them in a suitcase or backpack. Vacuum-sealing, rolling, and compression bags are popular methods to save space when packing pillows. Some pillows are inflatable or made of memory foam, which makes them easier to pack. Pillow bags, such as SleepKeeper, are also available to compact pillows to a third of their size.
How to pack a pillow with a sleeping bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pillow type | Inflatable pillow |
| Pillow placement in the bag | Bottom of the backpack |
| Pillow packing method | Deflate, roll, fold, use compression sack or vacuum seal |
| Sleeping bag placement in the bag | Bottom of the backpack |
| Sleeping bag packing method | Roll, stuff into a sack or compression sack |
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What You'll Learn
Vacuum sealing a pillow
Firstly, choose the right pillow. Regular fibre-fill, down, and synthetic pillows can be vacuum-sealed without issue. Polyester fibre-fill pillows retain their shape well after compression, while down and feather pillows require fluffing after unsealing. Cotton pillows can be vacuum-sealed for short-term storage.
Secondly, select a high-quality vacuum storage bag with a strong seal. Ensure the bag size fits the pillow without excessive cramming. Clean the pillow before sealing to prevent trapping odours or moisture. Fluff the pillow to distribute the filling evenly and let it air dry completely to prevent mould or mildew growth.
Next, lay the pillow flat inside the vacuum bag, avoiding excessive folds. Leave some space around the pillow to allow air to escape evenly. Smooth out any creases in the bag to ensure an even vacuum seal.
Finally, close the bag securely. Zip the storage bag shut, ensuring no air gaps. Use a vacuum hose attachment to slowly and evenly remove the air from the bag. You can also insert the vacuum cleaner without any attachments and turn it on until the bag stops shrinking. Ensure that the bag has no holes and is completely sealed.
After opening a vacuum-sealed pillow, it is essential to fluff the pillow to restore its original shape and comfort. This can be done by hand or with the help of a dryer on low heat. Placing a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer with the pillow can also help fluff up the filling more effectively.
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Using a compression bag
Compression sacks are a great way to pack a pillow with a sleeping bag. They are stuff sacks with straps that can be pulled to squeeze a larger sack into a smaller compressed size. They come in many sizes, styles, and weights, and can squeeze down to half their original size or even less.
Firstly, it is important to flatten the sleeping bag to remove excess air. Spread the bag out and flatten it by firmly sweeping your arms across it before you attempt to stuff it. Then, grab one end of the sleeping bag and push it in as far as you can. Keep stuffing it in one handful at a time. It is important to stuff the gear inside instead of rolling or folding it, as this can create creases in the material, which will create cold spots and wear out the insulation faster.
Once you have stuffed the sleeping bag into the compression sack, you can add your pillow and any other soft gear, such as extra layers or clothes. Make sure to place the heaviest gear in the middle of the pack so that the weight goes to your hips. When choosing the size of your compression sack, it is recommended to get a bag with a looser fit. Most stuff sacks will have a fit guide on the packaging, but sometimes a test fit is the only way to know if it will work for your needs.
Finally, 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 push everything together and take the stress off the straps and stitching. Hold on until all the straps are evenly tight.
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Rolling the pillow
Rolling your pillow is a great way to save space when packing. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:
Firstly, deflate your pillow if it is inflatable. This will make it easier to roll and save even more space. If your pillow is not inflatable, consider using a vacuum bag to reduce its size. Place the pillow inside the bag and use a vacuum to remove the air, compressing the pillow. This method is especially useful for larger pillows.
Next, you can begin the rolling process. Place the pillow on a flat surface and start by folding one-third of the pillow over onto itself. This will create a more compact shape and make rolling easier. Ensure the pillow is smooth and free of any lumps or bumps.
Then, tightly roll the pillow from one end to the other. Apply even pressure as you roll to ensure a tight and compact final shape. If you are using a pillow bag, such as the SleepKeeper, place the pillow inside the bag first and then roll it up, securing it with the built-in Velcro. This will keep your pillow protected and compact during travel.
For larger pillows, you may need to use a strap to keep them rolled up. Elastic straps or compression straps can be wrapped around the pillow to keep it securely rolled. If you are packing a memory foam pillow, you can also try cutting it in half and sewing the ends, creating two mini-pillows that are easier to pack.
Finally, place your rolled-up pillow inside your sleeping bag. This will save space and keep your pillow protected during travel. If you are using a compression sack for your sleeping bag, simply place the rolled pillow inside the sack with your sleeping bag before compressing it. This will ensure your pillow stays with your sleeping bag and doesn't take up extra space.
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Folding and securing
When folding and securing your pillow, there are a few methods you can use to ensure it is compact and protected. Firstly, if your pillow is soft and flexible, rolling it up can save space. You can then use straps or rubber bands to keep it rolled up tightly. Alternatively, you can fold the pillow in half and use straps or bands to secure it. If you are backpacking, you might consider using your clothing to create a pillow, which saves space and weight. You can stuff a pant leg with a down jacket or other items to create a pillow that doesn't take up extra space.
Another option is to use a compression bag, which can be rolled up and fastened with Velcro to reduce the pillow to a third of its size. You can also place the pillow inside a jacket or sweater to save space and provide added protection. If you are travelling with a sleeping bag, you might consider using a stuff sack to store both the pillow and sleeping bag together. Deflate any inflatable pillows and store them flat, and always ensure your pillow is completely dry before packing it away to prevent mould and odour buildup.
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Using a travel pillow
A good travel pillow can make a huge difference when you're on a long trip. Here are some tips on using a travel pillow to get the best out of it:
Choose the Right Pillow
Select a pillow that suits your sleeping style. If you're a side sleeper, for instance, you may prefer a pillow that can be placed between your knees and under your head. Try out the pillow before buying it, if possible, to ensure it fits comfortably. The pillow should support your neck without forcing you to bend your neck uncomfortably.
Prepare the Pillow
If you have a spare T-shirt, sweater, or scarf, cover your pillow with it to make it softer. This is especially useful if your pillow is made of plastic or has an uncomfortable surface. You can also buy a removable cover for your pillow, ensuring it fits first.
Position the Pillow
Most neck pillows are U-shaped and are designed to support your head as it falls back or to the side. Place the pillow around your neck, with the opening over your throat. Some pillows have straps that can be tightened to keep the pillow in place. You can also hook the pillow on one shoulder to give you a higher pillow.
Recline Your Seat
Reclining your seat can make the neck pillow more comfortable, especially if your pillow supports your head as it falls back or to the side. Be careful not to move the seat too quickly or too far back to avoid disturbing the passengers behind you.
Other Tips
If you're using an inflatable pillow, blow it up before placing it around your neck. If you're a stomach sleeper, place the pillow on the table in front of you and lean forward to sleep. If your pillow doesn't have straps, you can also attach it to the headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on your preference and the type of pillow and sleeping bag you have. One option is to roll up your pillow and sleeping bag together, securing them with straps or rubber bands. Alternatively, you can place your pillow inside your sleeping bag stuff sack, along with any extra clothes, to save space.
Here are some tips for packing a pillow:
- Use a compression bag to flatten your pillow and save space.
- Roll up your pillow, especially if it's soft and flexible.
- Fold your pillow in half and secure it with straps or rubber bands.
- Place your pillow inside a jacket or sweater for added protection and space-saving.
- Consider using an inflatable or memory foam travel pillow.
- Vacuum-seal your pillow to save space.
Packing a pillow with a sleeping bag can provide extra comfort and support during your travels or outdoor activities like backpacking. It can also save space in your luggage or backpack by combining the two items. Additionally, if you use your pillow inside the sleeping bag as a headrest, it can help keep the pillow clean and off the ground.
