Gina Johnson
Military sleeping bags are designed with functionality in mind, and they can be a little tricky to roll up and pack away. The US Army issues a four-component sleeping bag system, including a stuff sack, a bivy cover, a liner, and the sleeping bag itself. To roll this up, start by folding the bag in half lengthwise, then roll it up tightly from the foot end, ensuring it doesn't unravel. Place the rolled-up bag into the stuff sack and pull the drawstring closed. Compress the bag by pulling the adjustable straps. It's important to keep the bag dry and free from moisture, so it's a good idea to use a waterproof bag or stuff sack. Alternatively, some people suggest simply stuffing the sleeping bag into the sack without rolling it first.
How to roll a military sleeping bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rolling technique | Fold in half lengthwise, then roll upward from the foot of the bag |
| Storage | Use a stuff sack or compression sack, or store in a large bag/pillowcase if long-term storage |
| Space-saving | Rolling is best for compression, but stuffing can also work |
| Moisture prevention | Use a tarp or tent floor to keep the bag dry while rolling |
| Air pockets | Smooth out the bag and zip it completely to remove air pockets before rolling |
| Straps | Use attached straps or items like belts or rope to secure the roll |
| Bag material | Nylon |
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What You'll Learn
Fold in half lengthwise
To fold a military sleeping bag in half lengthwise, first lay the bag out flat on the ground. If you are outdoors, it is best to use your ground tarp or the floor of your tent to keep the bag clean and dry. Make sure that the bag is zipped up completely, as an unzipped bag will be difficult to fold and roll evenly. Smooth out the bag so that you can remove as much air as possible, as air pockets will prevent a tight roll.
Next, fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise. To do this, fold one side over so that it lines up with the zipper on the other side. Take your time to ensure that the edges are lined up evenly. You should now have a long, thin rectangle shape. This is the ideal shape for rolling the bag tightly.
If you are using a four-component sleeping bag system, such as the U.S. Army-issued sleeping bag, you may need to first place the sleeping bag liner inside the sleeping bag before folding it in half lengthwise. Make sure that the liner is zipped up and then place it inside the sleeping bag. You can then follow the same steps to fold the combined sleeping bag and liner in half lengthwise.
Once the sleeping bag is folded in half lengthwise, you are ready to start rolling it up from the foot of the bag. If your sleeping bag has attached straps, make sure to position them so that they can be easily reached and used to secure the roll when you are finished. For a military-style sleeping bag, it is important to roll it as tightly as possible to ensure it fits into the stuff sack.
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Roll from the foot
Rolling a military sleeping bag is a handy skill to have, especially if you want to save space. It is important to note that rolling a sleeping bag frequently can damage the insulation, so it may be better to stuff the bag into its sack if you are storing it for an extended period. However, if you need to roll your military sleeping bag, here is a step-by-step guide to doing it from the foot:
Step 1: Prepare the bag
Lay the sleeping bag flat on a dry surface. If you are outdoors, use a ground tarp or the floor of your tent to keep the bag clean and dry. Zip up the bag completely and smooth it out to remove any air pockets, as these will prevent a tight roll.
Step 2: Fold the bag
Fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise. This will make it easier to roll the bag tightly and evenly. Take your time to ensure the edges are lined up neatly.
Step 3: Start rolling
Begin rolling the bag firmly from the foot end. Continue rolling the bag over itself in a tight, upward motion. Make sure the roll is as tight as possible and hold it firmly to prevent it from unrolling.
Step 4: Secure the roll
Once you have rolled the bag completely, use the attached straps to secure it. Military sleeping bags typically have straps that cinch around the roll and tighten to keep it in place. If your bag does not have straps, you can use a belt, large rubber bands, or rope to secure it.
Step 5: Store the roll
If your military sleeping bag came with a storage bag, place the rolled-up bag inside it. Ensure that the storage bag is clean and dry before storing the sleeping bag. Close the top of the storage bag tightly to keep the sleeping bag compact and secure.
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Use straps to secure
Once you have rolled your military sleeping bag, the next step is to secure it with straps. Most sleeping bags come with attached straps that can be used to keep the bag in its rolled form. These straps are usually positioned roughly one-third of the way from each edge of the rolled-up bag. If your bag does not have attached straps, you can use a belt, large rubber bands, or rope to secure it.
If you are using a stuff sack, you can pull the drawstring on the sack to close it, and then tighten the six adjustable straps to secure the bag inside. If you are using a compression sack, you may need to fold the bag in half first to get it to fit inside. However, some people recommend simply stuffing the bag into the sack, rather than folding or rolling it, as this can damage the insulation over time.
If you are not using a stuff sack, you can still use straps to secure your rolled-up sleeping bag. This will keep it compact and make it easier to carry. You can also place the rolled-up bag inside a carrying bag and close the top tightly to keep it secure.
It is important to keep your sleeping bag dry and free from moisture, as this can lead to the growth of mildew. In the backcountry, a wet sleeping bag can be dangerous, as it can wick heat away from your skin and lead to deadly cold temperatures. Always store your bag in a waterproof bag, or use a garbage bag if necessary.
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Keep the bag dry
Keeping your military sleeping bag dry is essential for its longevity and your warmth and comfort. Here are some tips to ensure your bag stays dry:
Firstly, always store your bag in a cool and dry place. Avoid damp basements, unheated or uncooled spaces, and car trunks, as moisture and temperature extremes can damage the bag. Instead, opt for a roomy corner in a closet. When storing, use a large cotton or mesh storage sack, a large pillowcase, or a cotton bag you've sewn yourself. The bag should be loose, allowing for air circulation, and never compressed, as this will damage the fill over time.
If you're drying your bag, it's crucial to avoid high temperatures, as these can melt the sleeping bag material. Air-drying is recommended, but ensure you lay the bag flat on a clean surface, and manually break up any clumps of insulation as it dries. If you live in a humid area, air-drying may not be practical, so ensure you check the bag for wetness before rolling and storing it.
When washing your bag, avoid dry cleaning, as the chemicals can harm the insulation and strip natural oils, affecting the bag's ability to retain heat. Machine washing is an option, but always use a low heat setting and check the bag frequently to prevent damage. If you're handwashing, ensure the bag is thoroughly rinsed, and gently roll and squeeze it to remove excess water before drying.
Finally, consider using a waterproof stuff sack when backpacking, especially if rain is likely. Alternatively, line your stuff sack or backpack with a plastic garbage bag before placing your sleeping bag inside.
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Store in a stuff sack
Storing your military sleeping bag in a stuff sack is a convenient way to transport it in your backpack or car, protecting it from dirt, mud, and spray. However, it is not recommended to keep your sleeping bag in a stuff sack for long-term storage. Prolonged compression will cause the bag to lose loft, compromising its ability to trap heat and keep you warm. Therefore, it is best to store your sleeping bag loosely in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack.
If your bag did not come with a large storage sack, you can purchase a cotton or mesh sack, with 90L being a good size. Alternatively, you can use a king-size pillowcase or a simple pillowcase for storage. It is important to ensure that the storage sack is made of breathable fabric to allow for air circulation and protect the insulation.
Before storing your military sleeping bag, it is crucial to clean and dry it thoroughly. Body oils, sweat, and dirt can accumulate in the insulation, compromising its performance. Wash your bag periodically, especially if you are an avid camper. Always dry your sleeping bag on a low heat setting and avoid direct sunlight as UV rays can weaken the fabric.
Once your bag is clean and dry, you can prepare it for storage in the stuff sack. First, unzip the bag and lay it out flat. Then, fold it in half lengthwise and roll it upward firmly from the foot, using the attached straps to secure the roll if necessary. Finally, place the rolled-up sleeping bag into the stuff sack, starting from the tail to allow air to escape through the top.
Remember, it is essential to take your sleeping bag out of the stuff sack when you reach your destination and give it a shake to loosen the filling. This will ensure that the insulation is evenly distributed and maintain the bag's ability to keep you warm. Proper care and storage of your military sleeping bag will ensure that it continues to serve you well on your adventures.
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