Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags are a must-have for backpackers and campers, but they can be bulky and take up a lot of space. Knowing how to properly compress a sleeping bag can save valuable space in your backpack and make your outdoor adventure more manageable. In this article, we will discuss the different techniques for compressing a sleeping bag, the benefits of stuffing over rolling, and how to properly store your sleeping bag to maintain its longevity and performance. We will also address common challenges faced when trying to shrink a sleeping bag, such as the type of fabric and filling, and provide tips and tricks to overcome them.
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What You'll Learn
Choose a compression sack
When choosing a compression sack for your sleeping bag, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, understand the uncompressed size of your sleeping bag and the level of compression you need. Manufacturers often list the compressed and uncompressed volume of sleeping bags, which can be used as a guide. If this information is not readily available, you can calculate the volume of your sleeping bag by measuring its dimensions and performing some simple calculations.
Secondly, consider the type of insulation your sleeping bag has. Down sleeping bags generally compress more than synthetic ones, so you may require a smaller sack for down bags. As a rule of thumb, small (6L to 10L) compression sacks are suitable for ultralight down summer bags, medium (10L to 20L) sacks are ideal for most 3-season down sleeping bags, and large (20L to 30L) sacks are recommended for synthetic bags or winter-grade down sleeping bags.
Thirdly, decide whether you need a waterproof compression sack. If you anticipate camping in wet conditions, a waterproof sack will provide added protection, ensuring your sleeping bag stays dry. Waterproof compression sacks are typically made from materials like nylon with a polyurethane coating and feature sealed seams and a roll-top closure to prevent water ingress. When selecting a waterproof sack, pay attention to the material's durability and choose one with a reliable closure system to keep your sleeping bag protected from moisture.
Lastly, consider the ease of use and your personal preferences. Some compression sacks come with compression straps that help squeeze out air and reduce the overall volume of the sleeping bag. Additionally, opt for a colour or design that appeals to you and aligns with your outdoor gear setup.
Remember, the goal is to choose a compression sack that optimises space while also providing adequate protection for your sleeping bag during your adventures.
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Prepare the sleeping bag
Preparing your sleeping bag for storage or transport is a simple process, but it must be done correctly to avoid damaging the bag. Firstly, ensure the bag is fully unzipped. If you've been using the bag, it's important to let it dry out before storing it. Hang the bag outdoors, in a covered space, for 6 to 8 hours. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can weaken the fabric. If you don't have access to an outdoor space, hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. You can use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
Once the bag is dry, lay it out flat, ensuring it is fully zipped. If your bag has vents, open them to allow air to escape more easily. For mummy sleeping bags, start at the foot end to maximise air removal. Gently roll or fold the bag from the bottom towards the top, pressing down to expel air as you go. You can also try laying on top of the bag to gently squeeze the air out.
If you're using a compression sack, ensure it's a lightweight, durable one that's designed for backpacking and can withstand the rigours of travel. Place the rolled or folded bag inside the compression sack and tighten the straps evenly. This will ensure the bag compresses uniformly and will prevent lumps or uneven pressure points that could damage the insulation over time.
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Remove air
To remove air from your sleeping bag, start by laying it flat on a clean surface. Next, gently roll it up, starting from the foot end and working towards the head opening. This technique will allow air to escape from the top of the bag more easily. As you roll, you can also gently squeeze the bag to help remove any remaining air.
Once you've removed the air, you can then stuff the bag into a stuff sack. It's recommended to use a slightly larger stuff sack than necessary, as this will make the process easier and prevent you from compressing the bag too much. Start by pushing the foot of the bag firmly into the bottom of the stuff sack, and then continue to stuff the bag evenly as you work your way up. This method will help to release any remaining air out of the top of the bag and ensure even stress on the stitching.
If you're planning to store your sleeping bag for an extended period, it's best to avoid keeping it in a compressed state inside the stuff sack, as this can reduce the bag's loft over time. Instead, consider using a jumbo cotton storage bag or a king-size pillowcase, which will keep the bag contained without compressing the fill and allow for air circulation.
Additionally, it's important to ensure your sleeping bag is thoroughly dry before storing it away. Moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, compromising the performance of your bag. To dry your sleeping bag, hang it in a dry, temperature-controlled area, or use a large commercial dryer on a low heat setting.
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Place in sack
When preparing to place your sleeping bag in a sack, it's important to select the right bag and compression sack. Choose a lightweight, backpacking-specific sleeping bag designed to be compressible. The compression sack should be lightweight and durable, withstanding the rigours of backpacking while further reducing the packed size of your sleeping bag.
Before placing your sleeping bag in the sack, it's essential to remove the air. Start by laying the sleeping bag flat and fully zipping it up. Then, open any vents to facilitate air escape. For mummy sleeping bags, begin at the foot end to maximise air removal. Gently roll or fold the sleeping bag towards the top, pressing down to expel air as you go.
Now, you can place your sleeping bag in the compression sack. If you're using a larger compression sack, lay on top of the sleeping bag or roll it up to gently squeeze out the air and decrease the loft. Then, quickly and gently stuff the sleeping bag into the sack, starting at the foot end and working towards the opening for the head. This technique allows air to escape more easily.
Once the sleeping bag is in the sack, it's time to compress it further. Pull the compression straps evenly to ensure uniform compression and avoid lumps or uneven pressure points that could damage the insulation. Tightening the straps evenly will also help create a stable base for other gear in your backpack.
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Store in a cool, dry place
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place. This is crucial for maintaining the bag's condition and ensuring it remains usable for future trips.
Firstly, it is important to free your sleeping bag from its stuff sack confinement. Sleeping bags should be stored in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. This allows the bag to remain uncompressed and promotes air circulation, which is vital for the insulation loft that keeps you warm. A cotton storage bag or a king-size pillowcase can be used if you don't have a large storage sack.
The chosen storage location should be cool and dry. Avoid damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics. These areas can be subject to moisture and temperature extremes, which are detrimental to your sleeping bag.
If you have access to a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area, you can hang your bag there. Alternatively, you can set up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. If you're an avid backpacker or use your sleeping bag frequently, it's recommended to wash it once a season.
By following these steps and storing your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place, you can maintain its condition and ensure it's ready for your next adventure.
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Frequently asked questions
Compressing a sleeping bag is a great way to save space when packing for outdoor adventures. To compress your sleeping bag, first lay it flat and fully zip it up. Then, starting from the bottom, roll or fold it tightly towards the top, pushing down to remove air as you go. Finally, place the rolled-up sleeping bag inside a compression sack and tighten the straps evenly.
Compressing a sleeping bag saves valuable space in your backpack and makes your outdoor adventure more manageable. It is also much easier to stuff a sleeping bag into a compression sack than to roll it up tightly, and there is little risk of damaging the fabric or filling.
Choose a lightweight, durable compression sack that can withstand the rigors of backpacking and further reduce the packed size of your sleeping bag. Ensure that the compression sack is large enough to fit your sleeping bag without compressing it smaller than the original stuff sack size, as this can damage the insulation.
To store your sleeping bag properly, extract it from its stuff sack, dry it thoroughly, and then loosely store it in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. Keep it in a cool, dry place, avoiding damp basements and unheated spaces like garages and attics.
