Evie Summers
Camping is a fun outdoor activity, but it requires careful planning and packing. One of the bulkiest items you'll need to bring is a sleeping bag, and fitting it into your backpack can be a challenge. While some campers prefer to keep their sleeping bags inside their backpacks, others opt for attaching them to the outside. This guide will explore various methods for securing a sleeping bag to a backpack, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. From utilising compression straps to adding extra gear like carabiners, we will provide tips and tricks to help you pack like a pro.
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What You'll Learn
Use the backpack's lid
Using the backpack's lid is a great way to secure your sleeping bag. This method, also known as the 'brain' or 'hood', is a simple and effective way to carry your sleeping bag when there is no storage space inside your backpack. It is also a good option if you want to keep your bag dry and secure.
Firstly, make sure your sleeping bag is packed and zipped up. Then, open the top flap of your backpack and place the sleeping bag on top. Finally, fasten the flap over it, holding it securely in place. This method keeps the weight high and centred, making it easier to carry and helping you maintain your balance while hiking.
Using the lid is a good option if you want to free up external storage points for other items. It also leaves more room in the central well or sleeping bag compartment of your backpack. However, this method may not work if your backpack is already full or if you have items in the flap pocket.
It is important to note that attaching a sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack can alter the weight distribution, making it tricky to balance while hiking. Therefore, it is recommended to balance out the weight on the other side. Additionally, check that the straps are long enough to accommodate your sleeping bag and that they are tightened enough to hold the bag firmly in place without putting too much stress on the material.
To enhance security, consider adding mini-locks or zip ties to secure the zippers. These extra precautions will ensure that your sleeping bag stays in place and doesn't come loose during your adventures.
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Compression straps
Once your sleeping bag is compressed, place it across the loops at the bottom of your backpack. If your sleeping bag doesn't have loops, you'll need at least four pieces of twine to strap it down. Two pieces of twine are to loop around the sleeping bag, and the other two are to link the loops on your bag to the loops on your backpack.
If your backpack has compression straps at the top or bottom, use those to secure your sleeping bag. Loosen the buckles, slide your sleeping bag in, and tighten them to secure your bag in place. If your backpack only has side compression straps, be aware that your backpack may feel uneven on your back.
If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, you can attach these to your backpack's gear loops. Pull the straps tight so that the sleeping bag isn't swinging around behind you as you walk.
If you're using an internal-frame backpack, you can also use a bungee cord to attach your sleeping bag. Attach one of the hooks to one side of your pack, then crisscross your pack with the cord several times before attaching the second hook to the other side.
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Gear loops
If your backpack has gear loops, they are meant for attaching gear like sleeping bags. If you have any at the top of your pack, favour these ones. If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, attach these to your backpack's gear loops. If your bag’s stuff sack has loops, you can also attach these to gear loops with a carabiner or cord.
However, attaching a sleeping bag to gear loops will significantly alter the pack’s weight distribution by adding several pounds to one side, making it tricky to keep your balance while hiking. The bag will also swing around as you move, so you’ll need to use two carabiners or extra cord – both of which will add weight – to keep it stable.
If your backpack lacks built-in straps specifically for a sleeping bag, you can make use of alternative gear like carabiners, which can hook onto loops or zippers. Paracord and bungee cords can also be useful for creating a secure attachment point.
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Waterproof protection
The best place for your sleeping bag is inside your backpack, where it will be best protected from damage and from getting wet. However, if this is not an option, you can wrap your sleeping bag in something waterproof like a trash bag, dry bag, or rain cover.
Before waterproofing your backpack, you should allow it to dry completely. You can then apply one or two coats of waterproofing spray. A lot of moisture gets in through the seams, zips, and any holes from wear and tear, so it is important to reinforce these areas with a seam sealer. You should let the treatment dry completely before using your bag.
If you don't want to spray your bag, you can use a rain cover, which slips over your pack to keep everything dry. You can also use a pack liner, which is a sealable, waterproof liner that fits inside your backpack. If you are using a sleeping bag compression sack, be aware that these are often not waterproof, so you may want to replace it with a dry bag.
If you are carrying your sleeping bag outside your bag, you can use a poncho designed for backpacking to cover both yourself and your pack.
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Bungee cords
When using bungee cords, it is important to remember that they are stretchy. Therefore, you must secure them tightly to prevent your sleeping bag from bouncing off mid-hike. Additionally, avoid over-tightening the bungee cords, as this can lead to wear and tear on both the sleeping bag and the backpack over time.
It is also crucial to consider the elements when attaching your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack. Unless you plan to cover your backpack with a parka or tarp, your sleeping bag will be exposed to the weather. To protect your sleeping bag from getting wet, wrap it in something waterproof, such as a trash bag or rain cover.
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Frequently asked questions
The best place for your sleeping bag is inside your backpack, as this is where it will be best protected from damage and from getting wet. However, if this isn't an option, there are a few methods to attach your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack:
- Use the lid – fasten your backpack's lid over your sleeping bag, holding it securely in place.
- Use the compression straps – loosen your compression straps, slide your sleeping bag in and tighten them.
- Use the gear loops – if your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, attach these to your backpack's gear loops.
- Use bungee cords – if the straps on your pack aren't long enough, bungee cords can be used to secure your sleeping bag.
Before setting off, make sure all straps are tightened and the bag doesn’t wobble or shift. Balance the weight by distributing the weight evenly and adjust where the bag is attached if necessary. It is also recommended to wrap your sleeping bag in something waterproof like a trash bag or rain cover to protect it.
Attaching a sleeping bag to the top of a backpack frees up the other external storage points for other items and leaves more room in the pack's central well or sleeping bag compartment. It also helps to keep your dry sleeping bag dry if your carrying sack is not fully waterproof. Finally, having the added weight on the top of your pack as opposed to the rear helps to create a more centralized, stable load which makes it easier to maintain balance while hiking.
Attaching a sleeping bag to the bottom of a backpack is preferable for heavier sleeping bags as it helps to distribute weight more evenly.
