Ashwin Lewis
There are various ways to pack a sleeping bag, with some methods being more suitable for certain types of bags than others. Using a compression sack is a simple process: first, push the end of the sleeping bag into the sack and keep stuffing it in one handful at a time. Stuffing is generally better than rolling or folding, as folding can create creases in the material, which will create cold spots and wear out the insulation faster. It is also important to never store your sleeping bag compressed, as this will break down the insulation. Some sleeping bags come with a compression sack when purchased, but they often need to be bought separately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to pack a sleeping bag in a compression sack | Grab the end of the sleeping bag and push it in as far as you can, one handful at a time |
| How to choose a compression sack | Compression sacks come in many sizes, styles, and weights. Choose a bag with a looser fit, and consider using a compression sack only for sleeping bags made of down, as synthetic bags do not compress much |
| Benefits of using a compression sack | Using a compression sack is a simple process, and can squeeze a larger sack into a smaller compressed size, sometimes to half its original size. It can also protect your sleeping bag from damage and save space in your backpack |
| Downsides of using a compression sack | Compression sacks can take up more space than necessary, as sleeping bags can no longer fill the voids created by less flexible items in your backpack. Sleeping bags should also never be stored compressed, as this will break down the insulation |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right compression sack size
The right compression sack size for your sleeping bag depends on several factors, including the type of sleeping bag, the fill, and the volume of the bag.
Firstly, consider the type of sleeping bag you have. Sleeping bags with down fillings are more compressible than those with synthetic fillings, so they require lower-volume stuff sacks. If you have a synthetic sleeping bag, opt for a higher-volume compression sack. Additionally, winter weather sleeping bags typically require more complex compression sacks to reduce the volume they take up in your backpack.
Secondly, take into account the volume of your sleeping bag. Sleeping bags vary in their packed volume, depending on factors such as insulation type, shell fabric, and liner fabric. To determine the required compression sack size, you need to calculate the volume of your sleeping bag in litres. You can do this by measuring the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches. Multiply 3.2 by the radius squared and then by the height. Finally, divide this number by 61 to get the volume in litres.
It is recommended to get the smallest compression sack possible that fits your sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags can compress to a surprisingly small size. However, be cautious not to over-compress your sleeping bag, as it can ruin the bag over time. Instead of using a compression sack, some people prefer to stuff their sleeping bags into gaps between other items in their pack. This method may limit your ability to utilise the entire capacity of your pack, but it avoids the need for a separate compression sack.
Additionally, consider the durability of the compression sack. Synthetic materials may not offer the same level of compressibility and durability as other materials. Choose a material that is durable, waterproof, and lightweight, such as a cuben drybag.
Finally, some sleeping bags come with a manufacturer-provided compression sack specifically designed for that bag. Check if your sleeping bag includes one or if the manufacturer recommends a particular size or type of compression sack.
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Prepare the sleeping bag
Preparing your sleeping bag for packing is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and efficient packing process. Here are the steps you can follow to prepare your sleeping bag:
Choose the Right Compression Sack: Select a compression sack that is slightly larger than your sleeping bag. It should have a loose fit to accommodate the sleeping bag without compressing it too tightly. Some sleeping bags come with a dedicated storage sack, but you can also purchase one separately. Compression sacks come in various sizes, styles, and weights, so choose one that suits your needs.
Consider the Material: Sleeping bags are typically made of synthetic or down materials. Down bags are highly compressible and can be packed tightly, while synthetic bags may not compress as much. If you have a synthetic bag, consider using a compression sack designed specifically for synthetic bags or opt for a larger sack.
Protect Your Sleeping Bag: Use a large mesh or fabric storage sack to protect your sleeping bag from damage. A breathable fabric sack will help keep your sleeping bag aired out and prevent it from getting damp. You can also line your compression sack with a plastic bag to ensure the sleeping bag stays dry.
Stack the Sleeping Bag: Starting with the footbox, 'stack' your sleeping bag by grabbing and stuffing it from bottom to top. This technique will prevent the bag from getting twisted or wrapped tightly around itself, reducing the risk of tears when you remove it from the sack.
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Stuff the bag
When packing a sleeping bag into a compression sack, it's best to stuff the bag rather than roll or fold it. This is because folding a sleeping bag can create creases in the material, which will create cold spots and wear out the insulation faster.
To begin, grab the end of the sleeping bag and push it into the compression sack as far as it will go. Then, one handful at a time, continue to stuff the bag into the sack. It is recommended to stack the bag, starting with the footbox at the bottom and the hood at the top of the stuff sack. This will prevent the bag from getting twisted or wrapped tightly around itself, reducing the risk of tears.
If you are struggling to fit the sleeping bag into the sack, it may be because the sack is too small. Compression sacks come in various sizes, styles, and weights, so choosing one with a looser fit may be more suitable. Additionally, some sleeping bags are more compressible than others, with down bags being more compressible than synthetic.
It is important to note that a sleeping bag should not be stored long-term in a compressed state as this can break down the insulation.
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Compress the sack
Compressing a sleeping bag in a compression sack is a simple process. First, grab the end of the sleeping bag and push it in as far as you can. Keep stuffing it in one handful at a time. Stuff sacks are designed for stuffing, so instead of rolling or folding, it is best to stuff the gear inside. Over time, folding a sleeping bag can create creases in the material, which will create cold spots and wear out the sleeping bag installation faster.
When packing, it is important to distribute your gear weight. Place the heaviest gear in the middle of the pack so that the weight of the pack goes to your hips while not sinking too low. You can also add pillows, pyjamas, or extra clothes inside the compression sack so that everything packs down as small as possible.
When choosing the size of your compression sack, it is good to get a bag with a looser fit. Be sure to never store your sleeping bag compressed as it will break down the insulation. Compression sacks can be very handy for reducing the packed size of your sleeping bag and other gear. They come in many sizes, styles, and weights, and some sleeping bags will come with a compression sack when purchased.
It is worth noting that some people prefer to pack their sleeping bags without a stuff sack, as this allows the sleeping bag to fill the voids created by less flexible items in the pack. However, a compression sack can be useful for reducing the size of your sleeping bag and other gear, especially if you are using a down bag, as down is more compressible than synthetic.
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Store the sack
It is important to note that you should never store your sleeping bag in a compressed state as this will break down the insulation. Instead, you should store your sleeping bag in a large mesh or fabric sack that will protect the bag without compressing it. Many sleeping bags come with dedicated storage sacks, but any large sack made of breathable fabric will work.
If you are packing for a trip, you can use a compression sack to reduce the size of your sleeping bag and save space in your backpack. Compression sacks are stuff sacks with straps that you can pull to squeeze a larger sack into a smaller compressed size. They come in many sizes, styles, and weights, and can usually be purchased separately if your sleeping bag does not come with one.
When packing a sleeping bag into a compression sack, it is best to stuff the bag inside rather than rolling or folding it. Over time, folding a sleeping bag can create creases in the material, which will create cold spots and wear out the insulation faster. Start with the footbox and 'stack' your sleeping bag by grabbing and stuffing the bag from bottom to top. When stacked, the footbox should be at the bottom and the hood at the top of the stuff sack. This packing method will prevent the bag from getting twisted or wrapped tightly around itself, reducing the risk of tears.
Along with your sleeping bag, you can add pillows, pyjamas, or extra clothes inside the compression sack to save even more space in your backpack.
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Frequently asked questions
Grab the 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 recommended to stuff the bag instead of rolling or folding it.
Compression sacks can help squeeze more into your pack. They can also be used to store other soft gear, like pillows or extra clothes, along with the sleeping bag.
Compression sacks come in many sizes, styles, and weights. It is recommended to get a bag with a looser fit. Sleeping bags often include dedicated storage sacks, but any large sack made of breathable fabric will work.
