Herbie Murray
A 45L pack is on the small side for multi-day backpacking trips, so it may be a challenge to fit all your gear inside the pack. If your sleeping bag is synthetic, it will be harder to compress and you may need a bigger backpack. However, if you have a down sleeping bag, it should compress down small enough to fit inside your 45L pack. To save space, you can try the jam it in the bottom technique, using a compression sack, or strapping the sleeping bag to the outside of your pack.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Pack a sleeping bag without a stuff sack
A 45L backpack is on the small side for multiday backpacking, and most people will struggle to fit all their backpacking gear in it. If your gear is bulkier, you may need to strap larger items, such as your tent or sleeping bag, to the outside of your backpack.
If you're packing your sleeping bag without a stuff sack, you can line your whole pack with a trash compactor bag. This will keep your gear dry, and it weighs almost nothing. You can also use a waterproof pack liner or a dry bag for this purpose.
To pack your sleeping bag into the pack, start by flattening the bag to remove excess air. Then, grab the footbox and 'stack' your sleeping bag by stuffing it from bottom to top. This will prevent the bag from getting twisted or wrapped tightly around itself, reducing the risk of tears.
When packing your bag, you can take advantage of void filling. This means packing hard, soft, hard, soft, so that your sleeping bag can fill the voids created by less flexible items.
Skipping Sleep: A Day Without Shut-Eye
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a compression sack
If you're packing a sleeping bag in a 45L backpack, you might want to consider using a compression sack. These space-saving bags can compress bulky items like sleeping bags to almost a third of their size, making more room in your pack. They come in many sizes, styles, and weights, so be sure to choose one that's slightly larger than your sleeping bag for a looser fit. Compression sacks with a slippery finish are also great for shoving into tight spaces in your pack.
When using a compression sack, it's best to stuff your sleeping bag inside instead of rolling or folding it. Grab the end of the sleeping bag and push it in as far as you can, then stuff the rest in one handful at a time. This will keep the insulation lofty and warmer over time, and prevent creases in the material that could create cold spots. You can also add pillows, pyjamas, or extra clothes inside the compression sack to pack down the size even more.
Once everything is inside, hold the drawstring tight and pull the loose straps evenly over the ends. It might be helpful to put the sack on the ground and press your knee into it as you pull the straps to take the stress off the stitching. Keep pulling until all the straps are evenly tight—the sack might look like a soccer ball at this point.
If you're backpacking in a warm climate and don't need much bulky gear, a 45L pack should be sufficient. However, if your gear is bulkier, you may need to strap your sleeping bag to the outside of your pack or opt for a larger backpack.
Dracula's Daytime Slumber: A Myth or Reality?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pack at the bottom of your bag
If your sleeping bag is bulky, you may need a bigger backpack or a smaller sleeping bag. However, if you want to make your 45L backpack work, you can try packing your sleeping bag at the bottom of your bag.
Firstly, consider getting a stuff sack to pack your sleeping bag in a smaller volume. A compression sack will allow you to compress your sleeping bag further after packing. However, compression sacks are heavier than regular stuff sacks, and many long-distance hikers simply stuff their sleeping bags into their packs without using a stuff sack. If you do use a stuff sack, make sure it's a breathable cotton or mesh sack to avoid compromising the insulation of your sleeping bag.
If you don't want to use a stuff sack, you can simply pack your sleeping bag at the bottom of your bag. Since you won't need the sleeping bag during the day, pack it underneath everything else. This will also reduce strain on your back and knees, as the bag is lighter than most other supplies. If your pack has two compartments, store the sleeping bag at the bottom of the top compartment.
If your sleeping bag is synthetic, it may compress well without a compression sack, as is the case with the user who posted on Reddit about fitting their sleeping bag into their 45L bag. They mentioned that their hiking partner has a synthetic bag that fits well in the sleeping bag compartment and is compressed by the pack's straps.
Finally, remember to protect your sleeping bag from water. Keeping your sleeping bag dry is crucial, especially for down bags, as sleeping in a wet bag can be extremely uncomfortable. Consider using a waterproof stuff sack or rucksack, or line your backpack with a trash compactor bag to keep your sleeping bag dry.
Stressed and Sleepless: Navigating the Stress-Sleep Cycle
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Waterproofing your sleeping bag
When packing a sleeping bag in a 45L pack, it is important to consider the bag's bulkiness and the presence of other items. If your gear is bulkier, you may need to strap your sleeping bag to the outside of the pack. Alternatively, you can try compressing the sleeping bag and placing it at the bottom of the pack.
Now, let's discuss waterproofing your sleeping bag. Here are some detailed instructions:
Choose the Right Sleeping Bag
Select a good-quality down bag with a water-repellent coating on the shell. This will help to repel water and prevent your bag from becoming soaked. Keep in mind that a sleeping bag with a water-repellent coating is not the same as a waterproof bag, and it will not be effective against heavy rain or complete submersion.
Use a Waterproofing Spray
If you want to enhance the water-repellency of your sleeping bag, you can use a waterproofing spray specifically designed for this purpose. Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On is a product that can be applied to down sleeping bags. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and test on a small area first. Be aware that waterproofing sprays may affect the breathability of the bag, so consider using a slight sleeping bag cover instead, such as the Mountain Hardwear Conduit SL Bivy.
Utilise a Dry Bag or Waterproof Stuff Sack
Keep your sleeping bag inside a dry bag or waterproof stuff sack while it's in your pack. This will help to keep it dry and protect it from the elements. Choose one that is roughly the same volume as your sleeping bag when fully compressed to minimise bulk. Premium sleeping bags often come with these, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase one separately.
Combine with a Bivvy Bag
If you're sleeping without a tent or other shelter, it's recommended to use a bivvy bag. A bivvy bag is a waterproof and breathable outer shell that goes over your sleeping bag, providing an extra layer of protection from moisture. It's lightweight and compact, making it a convenient option for backpacking.
Keep Your Tent Well-Maintained
Ensure that your tent is in good condition and all stakes are secure. A well-maintained tent will help to prevent water from getting into your sleeping bag in the first place. Regularly check for any holes or tears that could let water in, and consider re-waterproofing your tent if necessary.
Avoid Sleeping in Wet Clothes
When sleeping in your sleeping bag, avoid wearing damp clothes. Sleeping in wet clothing will transfer moisture to your bag, making it damp and reducing its thermal performance. It's best to change into dry clothes before getting into your sleeping bag to stay warm and comfortable.
Sleepers, Mark Your Calendars: World Sleep Day in March
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Strapping the bag to the outside of your backpack
If your sleeping bag doesn't fit inside your 45L backpack, you can try strapping it to the outside. This is a good option if you have bulkier gear, or if you're taking a tent as well as a sleeping bag.
If you're going to strap your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, it's a good idea to centre it on the pack and cinch it as tight as you can. This will reduce the amount of swaying, which can sap your energy as you walk. You should also be aware that hanging items from your bag can cause them to get caught on branches.
If you strap your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, you'll need to take extra care to keep it dry. Sleeping bags can get wet not only from rain, but also from setting your bag down on wet ground or when crossing streams. One way to protect your sleeping bag from water is to use a waterproof stuff sack or rucksack. However, these can be expensive and not always reliable. A more affordable option is to line the interior of your backpack with a trash compactor bag. You can also use a regular garbage bag, but be sure to twist the excess ends of the bag and stick the twist under the edge of the drawstring so nothing sticks out.
If you don't want to use a stuff sack, another option is to use a compression sack. These have cinch straps to further compress the bag after packing, but they are a little heavier than regular stuff sacks. Some people prefer to simply stuff the sleeping bag into their pack and let it fill the empty spaces. This method may waste some space, but you can sometimes change your packing to account for it.
Sleep Techs: Do They Work Solo?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best way to pack a sleeping bag in a 45L pack is to use a compression sack. This will reduce the volume of the bag and protect it from tears. If you don't want to use a compression sack, you can try the 'jam it in the bottom' technique, which involves packing the bag at the bottom of your pack, underneath everything else. This will also reduce strain on your back and knees.
When using a compression sack, make sure to get one with cinch straps so you can tighten the sack and further compress the bag. Compression sacks are a little heavier than regular stuff sacks, so if you're concerned about weight, you might want to consider a different option.
To protect your sleeping bag from getting wet, you can line your backpack with a trash compactor bag or a waterproof pack liner. If you're using a stuff sack, you can also line the inside with a regular garbage bag before putting in your sleeping bag. Make sure to fold or twist the top of the bag so that it's sealed and no water can get in.
If your gear is particularly bulky, you may need to strap your sleeping bag to the outside of your pack. If you do this, try to centre it on the pack and cinch it as tight as you can. It's also important to make sure your sleeping bag is thoroughly dried after each use and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent mould and mildew.
