Evie Summers
Repacking a sleeping bag can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to fitting it back into its original stuff sack. Whether your sleeping bag is made of down or synthetic fill, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind to ensure your bag is stored safely and compactly. The first step is to flatten the sleeping bag to remove excess air, as the air in the insulation creates loft, which keeps you warm but makes packing more difficult. From there, you have a few options: you can carefully ''stack' the bag, starting with the footbox, to prevent twisting or tearing, or you can fold the bag in half and roll it up tightly. For long-term storage, uncompressed storage in a large mesh or fabric sack is recommended, especially for down-filled bags. Additionally, consider using a compression sack or a waterproof liner to protect your bag from water damage and reduce its packed size.
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What You'll Learn
Flatten the sleeping bag to remove excess air
When packing a sleeping bag, it is important to remove excess air to reduce its volume. This is especially important if you are backpacking and need to save space in your bag.
To remove excess air, first, flatten the sleeping bag by spreading it out. You can do this by firmly sweeping your arms across it. Make sure the sleeping bag is flat and rectangular in shape. This will help remove any lumps in the stuffing and prepare the bag for further compression.
The next step is to fold the sleeping bag. Start with the part that is open and, as you roll it downward, press it to get all the air and fluff out. It is important to roll the bag from the head end to the foot end, ensuring that the footbox ends up at the bottom of the stuff sack. This will prevent air from getting trapped inside the sleeping bag.
If your sleeping bag has a hood, make sure it ends up at the top of the stuff sack. This will ensure that the bag does not get twisted or tightly wrapped around itself, reducing the risk of tears when you pull the bag out of the sack.
Finally, you can stuff the sleeping bag into the stuff sack. Most sleeping bags are designed to be stuffed, not rolled, as this helps remove more air and allows for a smaller packed size. Compression sacks are also available and can further reduce the volume of your sleeping bag.
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Stack the bag bottom-to-top to prevent damage
When packing your sleeping bag, it's important to consider how to stack it to prevent damage. The footbox section of many sleeping bags has added insulation to keep your feet warm. This means more air gets trapped in this section, so by stacking your bag bottom-to-top, you can prevent it from getting twisted or wrapped tightly around itself, reducing the risk of tears.
To do this, start with the footbox and stuff the bag from the bottom to the top. When stacked, the footbox should be at the bottom, and the hood at the top of the stuff sack. This method will help to protect the bag from damage when you next pull it out. It's also important to note that you should never roll your sleeping bag, as this can cause damage. Instead, stuff it without folding or rolling, taking one end and pushing it into the sack until it's all in.
If you're backpacking, you may want to consider using a compression stuff sack, which will reduce the volume of your sleeping bag and protect it from tears. However, these sacks can be heavier and are not always necessary, as some hikers simply stuff the bag into their pack to fill empty spaces. If you're storing your sleeping bag at home, uncompressed storage is best, so find a large mesh or fabric sack to protect your bag without compressing it.
Additionally, always dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting and check it frequently to avoid damage. Even if it's not mouldy, washing your bag every few years is a good idea to remove body oils, sweat and dirt. Keep your bag in a cool, dry place, and avoid damp basements and unheated spaces.
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Use a compression sack to save space
Using a compression sack is a great way to save space when packing your sleeping bag. These sacks are designed to reduce the volume of your sleeping bag, making it easier to carry and store. They are especially useful if you're planning to bring other gear, as they allow you to compress your sleeping bag and other soft items together.
Compression sacks usually come with cinch straps that help to compact your sleeping bag. This saves you the effort of having to stuff your sleeping bag into a regular stuff sack. The straps also help to protect your sleeping bag from tears and damage. While a compression sack might add a little extra weight to your pack, it's often worth it for the space you save.
If you're looking to save space, it's important to choose the right type of compression sack. There are various options available, including waterproof compression sacks and compression stuff sacks with straps. Waterproof compression sacks are ideal if you're concerned about keeping your sleeping bag dry, especially when hanging your bag from your backpack or camping in wet conditions.
However, keep in mind that waterproof sacks can be more expensive and may not always be necessary. As an alternative, you can use a regular compression sack and line it with a trash compactor bag or a regular garbage bag to keep your sleeping bag dry. Just be sure to fold the top of the garbage bag over to create a seal and prevent water from getting in.
When using a compression sack, it's important to follow the correct steps to effectively compress your sleeping bag. Start by flattening your sleeping bag to remove excess air. Then, carefully stack your sleeping bag with the footbox at the bottom and the hood at the top of the sack. Finally, use the straps of the compression sack to compact your sleeping bag, ensuring that it's securely fastened and ready for your outdoor adventures.
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Store long-term in a mesh or fabric sack
Storing a sleeping bag in a compressed state for a long time is not recommended. This is because the compression removes protective air from between the fibres, which can cause crushing and
Therefore, when storing a sleeping bag for the long term, it is best to use a mesh or fabric sack that does not compress the bag. This allows the bag to retain its shape and maintain a loft, protecting its delicate fibres and fabrics and keeping the bag warm.
Most modern sleeping bags are sold with a large cotton sleeping bag storage sack. This is ideal for long-term storage as it keeps the bag contained while also allowing air circulation. If your bag did not come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase or buy a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size).
When placing the bag into the storage bag, slowly feed the sleeping bag into the mesh bag and shake it out to allow it maximum loft. It is important to ensure that the bag is clean and dry before storing it.
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Protect the bag from water damage
To protect your sleeping bag from water damage, it is important to keep it dry. Waterproof stuff sacks and rucksacks are an option, but they can be expensive and not always reliable. For extra protection, use a quality pack cover and line the interior of your pack with a trash compactor bag. You can also use a large commercial dryer, although this is not usually needed unless you are washing your bag. If using a dryer, set it to a low heat setting and check frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting. If you don't have access to a dryer, hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled area and set up a fan to speed up the drying process.
If you are storing your sleeping bag in a damp room, place it in a dry, airtight tub to protect it from water damage. It is also important to store your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place. If you are hanging your bag to dry, do not leave it in direct sunlight as UV rays can weaken the fabric.
To prevent mould and mildew from growing on the surface and inside the insulation of your bag, fully unzip it and hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours. If your bag does get wet, a good-quality down sleeping bag with the proper construction will dry quickly. Simply go inside the bag and let the moisture evaporate under the influence of your body temperature.
If you are packing your sleeping bag for a trip, consider using a compression sack, which has cinch straps to further compress the bag. This will reduce the volume of your pack and provide protection against tears. However, some long-distance hikers prefer not to use a stuff sack, instead stuffing the bag into their pack to fill up empty spaces. If you are using a stuff sack, make sure it is waterproof or line it with a regular garbage bag, twisting the excess ends of the bag and sticking the twist under the edge of the drawstring to keep water out.
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Frequently asked questions
Pack the bag at the bottom of your backpack underneath everything else. If your backpack has two compartments, store it at the bottom of the top compartment. If your bag doesn't fit inside your backpack, strap it to the top of your backpack.
You can compress your sleeping bag by using a compression sack, which has cinch straps to further compress the bag. Alternatively, you can use a trash bag or a dry bag as a liner inside your backpack to compress your sleeping bag.
Use a waterproof stuff sack or rucksack, or use a quality pack cover and line the interior of your pack with a trash compactor bag. If you don't have a trash compactor bag, line the inside of the stuff sack with a regular garbage bag before you stuff the bag in.
Flatten the sleeping bag by firmly sweeping your arms across it before you attempt to stuff it. Grab the bottom of the sleeping bag, which is the footbox, and start stacking it bottom to top. Finish by placing the hood at the top of the stuff sack.
