Herbie Murray
Rolling a double sleeping bag is a useful skill for backpackers and campers. It is a space-saving method of packing your bag, but it can be challenging, especially for beginners. Rolling your bag is the best way to compress it into its smallest shape, but it is important to remove it from compression as soon as possible and not store it in this way. Modern sleeping bags are designed to be stuffed rather than rolled, and rolling can damage the insulation, making it less effective at keeping you warm. However, if you are looking to save space on your next trip, here is how to roll your double sleeping bag.
How to Roll a Double Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface | Flat, dry surface, preferably the ground tarp or floor of your tent |
| Zipper | Zipped up completely |
| Air pockets | Removed |
| Fold | Lengthwise, one side over the other |
| Rolling | From the foot of the bag upwards |
| Straps | Used to secure the roll, positioned 1/3 from each edge |
| Storage | In a waterproof bag |
| Down feathers | Pulled back into the bag |
| Rolling vs Stuffing | Rolling compresses the bag into its smallest shape but can damage the insulation. Stuffing is faster and better for the bag. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the bag: lay it flat, zip it up, and smooth it out
To prepare a double sleeping bag for rolling, start by laying it flat on a dry, clean surface. If you're outdoors, use a ground tarp or the floor of your tent to keep the bag clean and prevent moisture from getting into the bag, which could lead to mildew. Once you've found a suitable spot, zip the bag up completely. Zipping the bag ensures that you can roll it evenly. After zipping, use your hands to smooth out the bag, pushing out any large air pockets or bubbles. This step is important because air pockets can prevent a tight, even roll. Take your time with this step, running your hands down the length of the bag to ensure a smooth surface.
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Fold in half lengthwise, then flatten again
To roll up a double sleeping bag, start by laying it out flat and ensuring that it is zipped up completely. Then, fold the bag in half lengthwise. If your sleeping bag has a hood, make sure that it is folded neatly inside the bag. Once you've folded it in half, flatten the bag out again so that it is now half as long as it was originally. This step will make it easier to roll the bag tightly and evenly.
When folding lengthwise, try to keep the fold as straight and neat as possible. This will make it easier to roll the bag evenly later on. If your sleeping bag has a built-in pillow, make sure that it is also folded neatly within the bag before flattening it out.
After you've folded and flattened the bag, you can begin the process of rolling it up. Start by positioning yourself at one end of the bag and ensuring that the roll is even and tight from the beginning. Rolling the bag tightly will help to minimize the amount of space it takes up when stored.
As you roll, keep gentle tension on the bag to ensure that the roll stays tight and secure. Work your way down the length of the bag, continuing to apply gentle tension and checking occasionally to ensure that the roll is even and secure. Once you've reached the end, you should have a neatly rolled-up sleeping bag that is easy to transport and store.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your double sleeping bag is rolled up tightly and securely, making it more compact and convenient for travel or storage. These steps can be adapted and customized based on your specific sleeping bag model and your personal preferences for rolling and storing your gear.
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Align the two long sides
Aligning the two long sides of your double sleeping bag is a crucial step in the rolling process. It ensures that the bag rolls up evenly and tightly, without any unwanted air pockets or bumps. Here's a detailed guide to help you master this step:
Start by laying your sleeping bag flat on a dry, clean surface. A ground tarp or the floor of your tent is ideal. Make sure the bag is zipped up completely to facilitate the alignment process. Use your hands to smooth out the bag, running them down its length to eliminate any clumps or trapped air. This step is essential, as it creates an even base for aligning the sides.
Once the bag is flattened, focus on the two long sides. If your bag has a zipper, fold one side over so that it aligns with the zipper on the opposite side. Take your time with this step, ensuring that the edges match up perfectly. Use your hands to smooth out any creases or bumps along the way. The goal is to create a seamless line where the two sides meet.
If your sleeping bag doesn't have a zipper, carefully bring the two long sides together, ensuring they are flush against each other. You may need to adjust the positioning of the bag a few times to get an exact match. Remember, this step is crucial for achieving a tight and compact roll, so take your time to get it just right.
For thicker or bulkier sleeping bags, you may find that the sides don't align perfectly. In this case, focus on getting them as close together as possible. The goal is to minimize any gaps or overlaps that could affect the rolling process. Once you're satisfied with the alignment, you can proceed to the next step of rolling the bag from the bottom up.
If you're having trouble keeping the sides aligned, you can use a heavy object or even your knee to hold the bag in place. Place the object on the head section of the bag to prevent it from shifting or unfolding while you work on aligning the sides. Remember, a well-aligned sleeping bag will roll up more easily and efficiently, so take the time to master this important step.
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Roll from the bottom up, using your knee to keep it tight
Rolling a double sleeping bag is a handy skill for any camper. It's a simple process, but it can be tricky to get a tight roll. Here's a detailed guide to help you roll your sleeping bag neatly and effectively.
Step 1: Prepare the Sleeping Bag
Start by laying your sleeping bag flat on a clean, dry surface. Ensure the bag is zipped up completely, as an unzipped bag will make it difficult to roll evenly. Smooth out any bumps or clumps by running your hands down the length of the bag. This step is crucial to ensure a tight roll, as it removes any air pockets or bubbles that may have formed.
Step 2: Fold in Half
Once the bag is flat and smooth, fold it in half lengthwise, also known as "hot dog-style." Take your time with this step, ensuring the edges are carefully aligned. After folding, run your hands along the bag again to push out any air that may have become trapped during the folding process.
Step 3: Roll from the Bottom Up
Now, you're ready to start rolling! Begin at the bottom of the bag, where your feet go, and roll upwards towards the head area. This technique helps to push out any remaining air bubbles. As you roll, use your knee to apply pressure to the rolled-up section, keeping it tight and compact. You can also place a heavy object on the rolled-up section if needed, but your knee provides more flexibility and control.
Step 4: Secure with Straps
Once you've rolled the entire bag, use the attached straps to secure it. Most sleeping bags designed for rolling have straps that cinch around the rolled bag and tighten. If your bag doesn't have straps, you can use a belt, large rubber bands, or rope to keep it rolled up tightly.
Remember, rolling a sleeping bag frequently can damage the insulation, so avoid rolling it unless necessary for space-saving. When possible, simply stuff the bag into its appropriate carrying bag, and ensure the top is closed tightly to prevent moisture and dirt from getting in.
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Secure with straps or store in a bag
Once you've rolled your double sleeping bag, you'll want to secure it with straps or store it in a bag to keep it rolled up and tight.
If your sleeping bag has straps, use them to cinch the bag tightly. Most sleeping bags that are meant to be rolled have attached straps that wrap around the bag. If your bag doesn't have attached straps, you can purchase separate straps or improvise with a belt, large rubber bands, or rope. Ideally, you should have at least two straps, positioned roughly one-third of the way from each edge of the rolled-up bag.
If your bag doesn't have straps, or you don't have anything to use as a substitute, you can store the rolled-up bag in a carrying bag. Place the rolled-up bag inside the bag, and close the top tightly. You can also use a compression sack or stuff sack to store your sleeping bag. It is generally recommended to stuff, rather than roll, modern sleeping bags into these sacks. This helps to preserve the insulating loft of the bag. If you are storing your bag for a long time, consider hanging it in a closet or laying it flat on top of a storage box, rather than keeping it in a compression sack.
If you don't have a bag to store your sleeping bag, you can improvise with a waterproof bag, or even a garbage bag, to keep your sleeping bag dry and protected. You can also use a pillowcase, especially a king-sized one, and cinch it closed with paracord.
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