Herbie Murray
Knowing how to roll up a backpacking sleeping bag is an essential skill for any outdoor enthusiast. Rolling a sleeping bag efficiently not only saves space but also protects the bag for future use. It is important to expel as much air as possible from the bag as you roll it up, and to secure it with straps or cords to keep it compact. Mummy sleeping bags, with their tapered design, require a specific approach to rolling, while standard rectangular bags can be folded in half lengthwise to make the rolling process more manageable. Sleeping bags with hoods also need extra attention to ensure the hood doesn't create bulk.
Characteristics of Rolling Up a Backpacking Sleeping Bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepare the sleeping bag | Lay the sleeping bag flat on the ground, ensuring it's fully zipped up. Flatten it out to remove any air pockets. |
| Fold in half lengthwise | Fold the sleeping bag in half lengthwise to make the rolling process more manageable. |
| Roll tightly from the bottom | Begin rolling the sleeping bag tightly from the bottom, periodically pausing to press down and expel trapped air. |
| Secure the roll | Use the sleeping bag's built-in straps or cords to secure it. Alternatively, use separate straps or a bungee cord. |
| Mummy sleeping bag technique | For mummy sleeping bags, ensure the bag is fully zipped and lay it flat, smoothing out from the hood to the narrow foot end. Roll tightly from the narrow end to create a snug roll. |
| Sleeping bag with a hood | Lay the bag flat and straighten the hood to prevent bulk. Follow the standard rolling procedure, folding in half if needed, and secure with straps or cords. |
| Stuffing the sleeping bag | Some sleeping bags are designed to be stuffed, not rolled, into their dedicated storage sacks. Stuffing can remove more air and allow for a smaller packed size. |
| Compression stuff sack | Using a compression stuff sack can further reduce the packed size of your sleeping bag and save space in your backpack. |
| Backpacking packing order | The sleeping bag should typically be placed at the bottom of the backpack, with the shelter and other gear packed on top. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the sleeping bag: zip up and lay flat to remove air pockets
Preparing your sleeping bag is the first step to rolling it up efficiently. Start by laying the sleeping bag on a flat, dry surface. If possible, use your ground tarp or the floor of your tent to roll up the bag. This will keep it clean and prevent moisture from seeping into the bag, which could lead to mildew. Make sure the bag is fully zipped up. If your sleeping bag has a hood, ensure that it is laid out flat and not bunched up, as this will affect how tightly you can roll the bag.
Next, you'll want to remove any air pockets. Smooth out the bag, removing any bumps or lumps, and flatten it by firmly sweeping your arms across it. Flattening the sleeping bag before rolling it up will help to expel excess air. The air in the sleeping bag's insulation keeps you warm while sleeping, but it's unnecessary when packing up.
If your sleeping bag is a standard rectangular shape, you can now fold it in half lengthwise to make the rolling process more manageable. However, if your sleeping bag has a tapered design, such as a mummy bag, you should focus on smoothing it out from the hood down to the narrow foot end. The unique shape of these bags means that as you progress, the width will increase, allowing for a more natural roll without trapping air.
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Fold in half lengthwise
When preparing to roll up a backpacking sleeping bag, it is important to first lay the bag on a flat, dry surface. Ensure the bag is fully zipped up, and flatten it out to remove any air pockets. This process is important as it ensures the bag is compact and protected for future use.
For standard rectangular sleeping bags, folding in half lengthwise is the next step. This makes the rolling process more manageable. To do this, fold one side of the bag over so that it lines up with the zipper. Take some time to make sure the edges are aligned. They don't have to align perfectly, but the closer they are, the better.
The next step is to begin rolling the bag tightly from the bottom. For mummy-shaped sleeping bags, this means starting at the narrow end, which will make it easier to keep the bag tight and ensure a snug roll. As you roll, periodically pause to press down on the bag and expel any trapped air.
Once fully rolled, use the sleeping bag's built-in straps or cords to secure it. If your sleeping bag doesn't have straps, you can use separate straps or a bungee cord to keep it tightly rolled.
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Roll tightly from the bottom
Rolling up a backpacking sleeping bag might seem straightforward, but doing it correctly can save you space and frustration. Rolling a sleeping bag efficiently conserves space and also protects the bag for future use.
To roll up a backpacking sleeping bag, start by laying the sleeping bag on a flat, dry surface. If possible, use your ground tarp or the floor of your tent to roll up the bag. This will keep it clean and prevent moisture from getting rolled into the bag, where mildew might grow. Ensure the bag is fully zipped up and flatten it out to remove any air pockets. For standard rectangular sleeping bags, fold them in half lengthwise to make the rolling process more manageable.
Now, let's focus on the step of "Roll tightly from the bottom":
Begin rolling the sleeping bag tightly from the bottom. The tighter you roll, the less space the bag will take up. Mummy sleeping bags, with their tapered design, should also be rolled from the narrow end. This will make it easier to keep the bag tight and ensure a snug roll. As you roll, pause periodically to press down on the bag and expel any trapped air. If you are having trouble getting the bag tight enough, you can crouch down and use your knees to keep the roll tight while pushing out the air. Then, roll up another 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm), using your fingers to maintain the tightness of the roll, and continue to push out air with your knees.
By following these steps and paying extra attention to rolling tightly from the bottom, you will be able to efficiently roll up your backpacking sleeping bag, saving space and ensuring it is well-prepared for your next adventure.
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Use straps to secure the roll
Rolling up a backpacking sleeping bag is an essential skill for any outdoor enthusiast. It ensures your gear is compact and ready for your next adventure. Once you have finished rolling up your sleeping bag, it is important to secure the roll. This will ensure the bag stays tightly rolled and does not unroll during transport or storage.
If your sleeping bag has built-in straps, use them to secure the roll. These straps are typically positioned roughly one-third of the way from each edge of the rolled-up bag. Cinch the straps around the bag and tighten them to keep the bag rolled up. Mummy sleeping bags, with their tapered design, often have built-in straps. If your bag has a hood, make sure it is laid out flat and not bunched up before securing the roll. This will ensure the hood doesn't create bulk and affect how tightly the bag is rolled.
If your sleeping bag does not have built-in straps, you can use separate straps or a bungee cord to secure the roll. You can also use a belt, large rubber bands, or rope to keep the bag rolled up. Another option is to use a compression stuff sack, which uses straps to compact your sleeping bag. This can be especially useful for mummy bags. With a compression stuff sack, you can also compress other soft gear, like your pillow or extra layers, along with your sleeping bag to save space in your pack.
If your sleeping bag came with a bag but no straps, store the rolled-up sleeping bag in the appropriate carrying bag and close the top tightly. Make sure to keep the bag dry and free from moisture to prevent mildew growth. Rolling your sleeping bag frequently can damage the insulation, so it is important to remove your bag from compression as soon as possible.
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Store in a bag or sack
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to keep it loose. Modern sleeping bags should not be kept tightly rolled for long periods, as this can damage their lofting properties, which are key to keeping you warm.
First, lay the sleeping bag out on a flat, dry surface, preferably on a ground tarp or the floor of your tent to keep it clean and dry. Zip the bag up completely and smooth it out to remove any air pockets. Fold the bag in half lengthwise, then start rolling it up firmly from the foot of the bag. If your bag has attached straps, you can use these to secure the roll. If not, you can use an elastic band.
Once your bag is rolled, you can store it in a bag or sack. Many sleeping bags come with dedicated storage sacks, but any large sack made of breathable fabric, such as cotton or mesh, will work. The sack should be roomy enough that it does not compress the sleeping bag. If you are storing multiple items in the same sack, it is a good idea to line it with a trash bag first, to keep the sleeping bag clean and dry.
If you are storing your sleeping bag for a long period, it is important to follow a few extra steps. Before placing the bag in storage, make sure it is thoroughly dry, and consider washing it with a mild detergent to remove any body oils, sweat, or dirt that could compromise its performance. Store the bag in a cool, dry place, such as a closet, and avoid damp basements or unheated spaces like garages and attics.
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Frequently asked questions
Lay the sleeping bag flat on the ground, ensuring it is fully zipped up. Flatten it out to remove any air pockets.
For standard rectangular sleeping bags, fold them in half lengthwise. Then, start rolling the bag tightly from the bottom. As you roll, pause periodically to press down on the bag to expel any trapped air.
Once rolled, use the sleeping bag's built-in straps or cords to secure it. If your sleeping bag doesn't have straps, you can use separate straps, a bungee cord, or even a belt to keep it tightly rolled.
Yes, some sleeping bags are designed to be stuffed, not rolled. You can use a compression stuff sack to compact your sleeping bag and reduce its packed size. Alternatively, you can use a large mesh or fabric storage sack to protect your sleeping bag without compressing it.
