Ashwin Lewis
Repacking a sleeping bag can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to fitting it back into its original stuff sack. Whether you're packing for a trip or storing it away for the long term, there are several methods and best practices to consider. The type of sleeping bag, the availability of a stuff sack, and the protection against water damage are all factors that can influence the way you choose to pack your sleeping bag.
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What You'll Learn
Flatten the sleeping bag to remove excess air
When packing a sleeping bag, it's important to remove excess air to reduce its packed size. This is especially important if you're using a compression sack, as air pockets can make your sleeping bag bulkier and more difficult to fit into the sack.
To flatten your sleeping bag and remove excess air, start by laying it out on a flat surface, ensuring it is fully zipped up. Use your arms to firmly sweep across the bag, applying pressure to push out any air pockets. You can also try folding the bag in half lengthwise, which will make it easier to manage and provide more surface area to flatten. As you fold and roll the bag, periodically pause to press down on it and expel any remaining air.
Removing air from your sleeping bag is crucial because the air in the insulation creates loft, trapping body heat to keep you warm while sleeping. However, when packing, this loft becomes unhelpful, making your sleeping bag bulkier and more difficult to manage. By flattening and sweeping your arms across the bag, you can effectively remove this excess air and create a tighter roll or stuff.
Additionally, if you're drying your sleeping bag after washing it, removing excess air is also important. You can do this by tossing two or three clean tennis balls into the dryer with the sleeping bag. The tennis balls help fluff up the fill and ensure that the bag dries uniformly. Whether you're packing or drying your sleeping bag, removing excess air is a crucial step in ensuring its compactness and functionality.
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Use a compression sack to reduce packed size
Compression sacks are a great way to reduce the packed size of your sleeping bag. They are designed to compress bulky items, such as sleeping bags, down to a third of their size. This makes them a handy tool when space is limited. When choosing a compression sack, it is important to get one that is the right size for your sleeping bag. Sleeping bags vary in packed volume depending on their type of insulation and the fabrics used, so you will need to determine your sleeping bag's volume in litres before choosing a sack. It is recommended to get a bag with a looser fit and, if your items are at the upper limit of the volume shown in the size column, choose a size larger.
There are a variety of compression sacks available, made from different materials and for different purposes. For example, the eVac compression dry bag HD is perfect for off-road motorcyclists, overlanders, snowmobilers, and whitewater users. It is made from tough fabric and has extra attachment loops. If you are looking for a lightweight, water-resistant option, the eVac compression dry bag LW is a good choice.
When packing your sleeping bag into the compression sack, it is recommended to stuff, rather than fold, the sleeping bag. This will keep the insulation lofty and warmer over time. It is also important to distribute the weight of your gear evenly. Place the heaviest gear in the middle of the pack so that the weight goes to your hips. You can also add other soft gear, such as a pillow or extra clothes, into the compression sack to save even more space.
To ensure even compression in your backpack, pull the compression straps evenly after placing the sleeping bag inside. This will help you avoid off-balance loads. It is also recommended to place the compressed sleeping bag at the bottom of your backpack to create a stable base for other gear.
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Pack the bag at the bottom of your backpack
When packing a sleeping bag at the bottom of your backpack, it's important to consider the type of bag and the material it's made of. Down sleeping bags, for example, can be placed at the bottom without much compression, while synthetic bags may require more effort to compress and will likely need a compression sack.
To pack your sleeping bag at the bottom of your backpack, start by laying your backpack flat on the ground, front side down, with all the straps unbuckled and untangled. If your sleeping bag is square or rectangular, fold it into a size that matches the width of your backpack. This will make it easier to secure and prevent it from swinging as you move. If you have a mummy-shaped bag, roll it tightly, starting from the foot end to remove trapped air, before securing it with built-in straps or additional paracord.
Next, you'll want to protect your sleeping bag from getting wet. Consider using a waterproof stuff sack or lining your backpack with a trash compactor bag, a heavy-duty trash bag, or a dry bag. If using a stuff sack, push your sleeping bag into it foot first, then tighten the straps. If you don't have a stuff sack, you can fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise and roll it up before placing it in a bag.
Finally, place the bag at the bottom of your backpack, as you won't need it during the day. This will also help with weight distribution, as heavier items should be packed towards the bottom.
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Protect the bag from water with a waterproof sack
Sleeping bags can get wet from rain, condensation, or contact with the wet ground. To protect your bag from water, you can use a waterproof sack, also known as a stuff sack.
Waterproof stuff sacks are designed to protect your sleeping bag from water. They are typically made of durable, water-resistant materials such as nylon or tarpaulin and feature a roll-top closure or waterproof zipper to keep water out. Some stuff sacks also have additional features such as compression straps or air valves to reduce the packed volume of your sleeping bag. When choosing a stuff sack, consider the size, shape, and features that best fit your sleeping bag and your specific needs.
It is important to note that while a waterproof stuff sack provides excellent protection against water, it may not be 100% waterproof in all conditions. Heavy rain or submersion in water may still lead to some moisture getting through. Additionally, using a waterproof sack can sometimes affect the breathability of the sleeping bag, especially in very warm or humid conditions.
To further enhance the water protection of your sleeping bag, consider using a pack cover or liner. A pack cover is placed over your backpack and protects it from rain and other elements. It ensures that your backpack and its contents, including your sleeping bag, stay dry. A liner, such as a trash compactor bag or a regular garbage bag, can be placed inside your backpack or stuff sack to provide an additional layer of protection. Using a combination of these methods will ensure that your sleeping bag remains dry and comfortable during your outdoor adventures.
Remember to consider the trade-offs between waterproofing and breathability, as well as the specific conditions you expect to encounter. By choosing the right combination of protection and ventilation, you can keep your sleeping bag dry and comfortable, even in challenging weather conditions.
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Store long-term in a mesh or fabric sack
When storing a sleeping bag for the long term, it is best to avoid keeping it in a compressed state. Compressing a sleeping bag into a stuff sack should be reserved for camping trips or hiking adventures. This is because compression removes protective air from between the fibres, which can cause crushing and breakage of the insulation fibres, reducing the bag's ability to keep you warm. It can also cause the outer fabric to deteriorate and tear, and zips to become bent and buckled.
Therefore, to store a sleeping bag long-term, you should use a mesh or fabric sack. Most modern sleeping bags are sold with a large cotton sleeping bag storage sack. If your bag did not come with one, you can use a king-size pillowcase, or buy a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size). A mesh bag is a good option as it is cheap and allows for a free flow of air.
When placing the bag into the storage sack, slowly feed the sleeping bag into the mesh bag and shake it out to allow it maximum loft. You can also use a laundry bag, which can be purchased cheaply, or a cardboard box, which is also breathable.
To ensure your sleeping bag stays in good condition, keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and windows, which can cause UV damage. Storage racks can help to prevent the bag from encountering any moisture that may accumulate on the floor.
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Frequently asked questions
For long-term storage, it is best to keep your sleeping bag uncompressed in a large mesh or fabric sack.
First, flatten the sleeping bag to remove excess air. Then, carefully stack the sleeping bag with the footbox at the bottom and the hood at the top. Finally, stuff the bag from bottom to top into the stuff sack.
Place the sleeping bag at the bottom of your backpack underneath everything else. If your bag has two compartments, store it at the bottom of the top compartment.
Use a waterproof stuff sack or rucksack, or line your backpack with a trash compactor bag or a regular garbage bag.
