Evie Summers
Mummy sleeping bags are usually older military surplus bags available at surplus stores. They are often rather difficult to compress, and they tend to be stiffer than modern sleeping bags. When packing a mummy sleeping bag, it is important to consider the insulating material and protect the bag from water. Additionally, the sleeping bag should be placed at the bottom of your pack, as it won't be needed during the day.
Characteristics and Values of Repacking a Mummy Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rolling vs. Stuffing | Stuffing is generally better than rolling as you're creasing different parts of the fabric each time. However, storing the bag compressed for long periods is not recommended. |
| Storage | It is best to store the sleeping bag uncompressed, such as in a pillowcase or closet. |
| Compression Sacks | Compression sacks are useful for saving space but can be heavier than regular stuff sacks. They are not ideal for old military surplus "mummy" bags, which are usually difficult to compress and stiffer than modern bags. |
| Waterproofing | Waterproof stuff sacks and rucksacks are available but can be expensive and unreliable. Using a pack cover and lining the interior of the pack with a trash compactor bag provides extra protection. |
| Bag Placement | The sleeping bag should be packed at the bottom of the backpack, underneath everything else, to reduce strain on the back and knees. |
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What You'll Learn
Stuffing vs. rolling
When it comes to repacking a mummy sleeping bag, there are two main methods: rolling and stuffing. Both methods have their own advantages and are suitable for different situations.
Rolling a sleeping bag is a straightforward technique that involves folding and rolling the bag neatly before placing it into a compression bag. This method is often taught to beginners and is suitable for various bag types, especially thick, rectangular bags. Rolling ensures the bag is packed tightly and can be a good option if you want to save space. Additionally, it may be preferable if you want to avoid constantly compressing the insulation, which can impact its loft and insulating abilities over time.
However, stuffing a sleeping bag into its stuff sack is often considered faster and easier, especially for mummy bags designed to be compact and squished into small packs for backpacking. Stuffing also has the benefit of creasing different parts of the fabric each time, which can be advantageous compared to rolling, which stretches the same fibres repeatedly. Most mummy sleeping bags come with a stuff sack that includes compression straps or a drawstring to tighten the bag further. Additionally, a compression stuff sack can be used to remove excess air and shrink the packed size even more, which is beneficial for camping and backpacking trips where space is limited.
The decision between rolling and stuffing depends on personal preference and the type of sleeping bag. Testing both methods is recommended to determine which works best for your specific bag and packing needs. It is worth noting that regardless of the chosen method, it is essential to store the sleeping bag uncompressed whenever possible to preserve the loft of the insulation and maintain its insulating qualities.
Overall, both rolling and stuffing are viable options for repacking a mummy sleeping bag, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Choosing the most suitable method can ensure a more efficient and enjoyable camping experience.
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Using a compression sack
When packing a mummy sleeping bag, a compression sack can be a great way to save space. Compression sacks are stuff sacks with straps that you can pull to squeeze a larger sack into a smaller compressed size. They usually squeeze down to half their original size or even less. They come in many sizes, styles, and weights, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
To use a compression sack effectively, follow these steps:
- Start with the foot end of the sleeping bag and stuff it into the sack. Do not fold or roll the sleeping bag, as this can cause repeated stress on the same parts and create lumps in the stuffing or tears in the fabric. Simply grab one end and start stuffing it into the sack until it's all in.
- Once the sleeping bag is inside the compression sack, pull the cord on the stuff sack as tight as possible. The goal is to have an opening no larger than a quarter.
- If your compression sack has cinch straps, tighten them to compress the bag further. This will help reduce the volume of the sleeping bag and protect it from tears.
- To make it easier to pack and to protect the straps from stress, place the sack on the ground and press your knee into it as you pull the straps tight.
- Finally, ensure that all the straps are evenly tight. Your packed mummy sleeping bag is now ready to be placed into your backpack or stored away.
Keep in mind that while compression sacks are great for saving space, they might not work as well for mummy sleeping bags made from stiffer materials. Additionally, it is recommended not to store your sleeping bag in a compressed state for long periods, as it can break down the insulation.
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Waterproofing your bag
To ensure your mummy sleeping bag is waterproof, you should first check its product description. Some mummy sleeping bags are already treated with an invisible waterproof layer. If your bag is not already waterproof, you can purchase a waterproof sleeping bag liner or cover.
Sleeping bag liners are available in a variety of materials, including fleece, Tyvek, and nylon. They are designed to fit inside your sleeping bag and provide an extra layer of protection from moisture and dirt. Sleeping bag covers, on the other hand, are typically made of lightweight, waterproof materials such as nylon ripstop. They are designed to fit over your sleeping bag, protecting it from the elements.
When choosing a waterproof liner or cover, it is important to consider the climate and your own body temperature. Some liners and covers can trap condensation and body heat, leading to a damp sleeping bag. To mitigate this, look for products that are breathable and moisture-wicking, and consider using a sleeping bag liner in warmer climates.
Additionally, pay attention to the size and weight of the liner or cover. It should be compact and lightweight, especially if you are backpacking or hiking. Finally, check the reviews for any issues with durability or strong odors.
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Where to pack it in your bag
Mummy sleeping bags are usually stiffer than other sleeping bags, making them difficult to compress. This means that a stuff sack is less than ideal for this type of sleeping bag. Instead, you can simply place the bag at the bottom of your backpack, underneath everything else. This will reduce the strain on your back and knees as the sleeping bag is lighter than your other gear. If your bag has two compartments, store the sleeping bag at the bottom of the top compartment.
If you are unable to fit all your gear inside your backpack, you may need to lash larger items like your sleeping bag and tent to the outside of your bag. In this case, it is preferable to strap the sleeping bag to the top of your pack and the tent to the bottom. This way, when you set your pack down on the ground, the tent will touch the ground instead of your sleeping bag, keeping your sleeping bag clean and dry. If you must strap your sleeping bag to the bottom of your pack, be sure to centre it as best as you can and cinch it tight to avoid snagging or dragging on the ground.
If you are concerned about keeping your sleeping bag dry, consider using a waterproof stuff sack or rucksack. However, these can be expensive and not always reliable. For extra protection, use a pack cover and line the interior of your pack with a trash compactor bag or a regular garbage bag. If using a garbage bag, twist the excess ends of the bag and stick the twist under the edge of the drawstring to ensure that nothing is sticking out.
If you do not want to use a stuff sack or compression bag, you can simply stuff your sleeping bag into your backpack and let it fill the empty spaces. This is a common practice among long-distance hikers. However, keep in mind that this method may damage your sleeping bag over time due to constant compression. To avoid this, try to store your sleeping bag uncompressed whenever possible.
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How to store it at home
Mummy sleeping bags are designed for efficiency and warmth in colder climates. They are tapered in shape, narrowing from the head to the foot, to reduce volume and maximise warmth. They are usually made with high-quality down or synthetic insulation.
When storing your mummy sleeping bag at home, it is important to remember not to store it in a stuff sack. While it is fine to stuff your sleeping bag into a sack for a camping trip, storing it like this long-term can damage the insulating material. Down insulation, in particular, can get compressed and matted if stored in a stuff sack, and synthetic insulation is also not recommended for long-term storage in this way.
Instead, you should store your mummy sleeping bag in a loose, permeable bag made of a material like canvas or cotton. These bags are often included with the purchase of a sleeping bag. You can also use a mesh laundry bag, or a large pillowcase, which can be cinched closed. If you do not have a bag, you can fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise and roll it up, before placing it in your storage space.
It is also important to make sure your sleeping bag is clean and dry before storing it. You can hang it in a closet or storage space, or place it at the bottom of your pack, underneath everything else.
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Frequently asked questions
Mummy sleeping bags are usually harder to compress, so rolling them up is not ideal. Instead, simply stuff the bag into your rucksack, letting it fill up empty spaces. If you want to use a stuff sack, randomly start from different points of the bag to prevent the down from migrating and bunching up.
Keeping your sleeping bag dry is crucial, especially for down bags. You can use a waterproof stuff sack or rucksack, but these can be expensive and unreliable. For extra protection, use a pack cover and line the interior of your pack with a trash compactor bag.
Place your sleeping bag at the bottom of your backpack since you won't need it during the day. This will also reduce strain on your back and knees. If your backpack has two compartments, store it at the bottom of the top compartment.
