Colin Snow
Sleeping bags are a must-have for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. They are bulky and take up a lot of space, so a compression sack is a great way to reduce their volume and make them easier to carry. The size of the compression sack depends on several factors, including the type of insulation, shell and liner fabrics, and the fill of the sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags, for example, are more compressible than synthetic ones and require smaller compression sacks. To determine the right size, you can measure the volume of your sleeping bag and add a few extra litres to ensure it fits comfortably in the sack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag material | Down or Synthetic |
| Sleeping bag volume | Measure in cubic inches or litres |
| Sleeping bag shape and size | Varies bag to bag |
| Compression sack size | Smallest possible fit for the sleeping bag |
| Compression sack weight | Heavy, several oz |
| Compression sack type | Regular, dry, compression |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping bag material: Down bags are more compressible than synthetic ones
- Bag volume: Measure the bag's volume and add 5 litres to get the compression sack size
- Bag shape: Compression sacks turn bags into solid items, limiting pack capacity
- Bag weight: Compression sacks are heavy and can damage bags over time
- Bag size: Get the smallest sack that fits your bag, but avoid over-compressing
Sleeping bag material: Down bags are more compressible than synthetic ones
When choosing a compression sack for your sleeping bag, it's important to consider the bag's size, shape, and fill. Sleeping bags with different fills will vary in compressibility, so it's crucial to select the right compression sack to minimise the space taken up by your sleeping bag in your backpack.
Down sleeping bags are known for their superior compressibility compared to synthetic bags. Down is the soft and fluffy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. It consists of fine, branched filaments that allow down bags to be highly compressible. Additionally, down bags are lighter than synthetic ones because they require less insulation material to fill the same area, thanks to their ability to loft more.
The compressibility of down sleeping bags can be further enhanced by using a higher fill power down. Fill power ratings, typically ranging from 600 to 800, indicate the quality of the down. A higher rating signifies better insulation, loft, and compressibility. For example, a down sleeping bag with a fill power of 850 will be lighter and more compact than one with a lower fill power of 550.
However, it's important to consider the limitations of down. Down loses its insulating properties when it gets wet, which can be a significant drawback for some campers, especially in wet environments. On the other hand, synthetic bags are more reliable in these conditions as they can still provide some insulation when wet. Nevertheless, wet down bags can be treated with water-repellent applications to improve their performance in damp conditions.
When choosing between a down or synthetic sleeping bag, it's essential to consider factors such as compressibility, weight, warmth, water resistance, and price. While down bags excel in compressibility and warmth-to-weight ratio, synthetic bags offer advantages in terms of affordability, reliability in various conditions, and better performance when wet. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual preferences and the specific requirements of your camping or backpacking trips.
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Bag volume: Measure the bag's volume and add 5 litres to get the compression sack size
The volume of your sleeping bag is an important factor in choosing the right compression sack. Sleeping bags vary in their packed volume, depending on the type of insulation and the shell and liner fabrics used.
To determine the volume of your sleeping bag, you can use the following formula:
- Measure the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches.
- Multiply by 3.2, then multiply by the radius, and then by the height.
- Now divide by 61 to get the volume in litres.
Alternatively, you can measure in centimetres and then divide the total by 1,000 to get the volume in litres.
Once you have the volume of your sleeping bag, you can choose a compression sack that is slightly larger. As a rule of thumb, add 5 litres to the volume of your sleeping bag to get the minimum size of the compression sack.
For example, if your sleeping bag has a volume of 20 litres, you should choose a compression sack that is at least 25 litres. This will ensure that your sleeping bag fits comfortably in the sack and can be compressed to a smaller size.
You may also want to consider the shape and fill of your sleeping bag when choosing a compression sack. Sleeping bags with different fills, such as down or synthetic, will compress to different degrees and may require different volumes of stuff sacks. It's always a good idea to choose the smallest compression sack that can fit your sleeping bag to optimise space and weight savings.
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Bag shape: Compression sacks turn bags into solid items, limiting pack capacity
The use of compression sacks for sleeping bags is a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to note that they can limit your ability to utilise the entire capacity of your pack. Compression sacks turn sleeping bags into solid items, which then require a specific volume to fit into your pack. This means that you may not be able to fill in small gaps between other solid items in your pack, as you would be able to with a sleeping bag that is not compressed.
To determine the size of the compression sack you need, you must first determine the volume of your sleeping bag. This can be done by measuring the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches, and then multiplying and dividing by specific values to get the volume in litres. Alternatively, you can fill a box with your items, measure the volume of the box, and find a compression sack that is slightly larger.
The type of insulation and fabric of your sleeping bag will also determine the size of the compression sack you need. Sleeping bags with synthetic insulation do not compress as well as those with down insulation, so they require larger volume stuff sacks. Additionally, consider the durability of the compression sack, as synthetic materials may not offer both high compressibility and high durability.
It is recommended to get the smallest compression sack possible that fits your sleeping bag, especially if it is a down sleeping bag, as these can compress to very small sizes. However, be cautious not to over-compress your sleeping bag, as this can ruin the bag over time. If you are car camping, a regular stuff sack may be sufficient, as compressing your sleeping bag to a very small size may be unnecessary.
Overall, while compression sacks can help reduce the volume of your sleeping bag, they may limit your packing capacity by turning your sleeping bag into a solid item.
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Bag weight: Compression sacks are heavy and can damage bags over time
When choosing a compression sack for your sleeping bag, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as added weight and the risk of damage to the bag over time. Compression sacks are heavier than simple stuff sacks, and this extra weight can add up quickly when you're carrying multiple sacks for different items.
The weight of the compression sack itself is not the only factor to consider. The compression of the sleeping bag can also impact its weight. Over-compressing a sleeping bag, whether it's down or synthetic, can lead to loft degradation, reducing its insulating properties and increasing its weight. This is because the filling becomes more densely packed, which can make the bag heavier overall.
Additionally, compression sacks can limit your ability to utilise the full capacity of your backpack. A compressed sleeping bag becomes a solid item that requires a specific volume to fit into your pack. In contrast, a sleeping bag that is stuffed loosely can fill in the gaps between other items, allowing you to make better use of the available space.
To minimise the potential for damage and weight increase, it's recommended to use the smallest compression sack possible that still fits your sleeping bag. Sleeping bags, especially those with down filling, can compress more than you might expect. However, it's important to note that synthetic bags may not compress as much as down bags, so the volume of the compression sack may need to be larger for synthetic bags.
Lastly, it's worth considering alternative options to compression sacks, such as using a waterproof pack liner or a dry bag specifically designed for your sleeping bag. These alternatives can help keep your sleeping bag dry and clean while reducing the overall weight of your gear.
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Bag size: Get the smallest sack that fits your bag, but avoid over-compressing
When choosing a compression sack for your sleeping bag, the general rule of thumb is to get the smallest sack that fits your bag. Sleeping bags can compress quite a bit, especially those made of goose down. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, don't compress as much as goose down bags, so they require larger volume stuff sacks.
To determine the right size, you need to measure the volume of your sleeping bag and then select a compression sack with a slightly larger capacity. You can calculate the volume of your sleeping bag by measuring its radius, height, and depth, and then multiplying these dimensions by specific factors to get the volume in litres. This calculation method is outlined on the Sea to Summit website.
It's important to avoid over-compressing your sleeping bag, as this can damage the bag over time. Additionally, a compression sack may limit your ability to utilise the full capacity of your backpack. Instead of a compression sack, you can simply stuff your sleeping bag into your backpack, allowing it to fill in the gaps between more rigid items. This approach can provide shape and support for your backpack while minimising the need for a dedicated compression sack.
If you're car camping, a regular stuff sack is usually sufficient, and there's no need to compress your sleeping bag to a very small size. For long-term storage, it's recommended to use a large canvas, cotton, or nylon net bag to allow your sleeping bag to breathe, which is crucial for maintaining the condition of goose down sleeping bags.
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Frequently asked questions
The size of the compression sack depends on the volume of your sleeping bag. You can measure this by compressing your sleeping bag in a box and measuring the average depth it occupies in inches (length x width x depth). Then, convert this number into litres. The general rule of thumb is to take the compressed volume and add 5 litres.
Compression sacks can limit your ability to utilise the entire capacity of your pack. Sleeping bags can be stuffed into gaps between other items in your pack, whereas a compression sack turns your sleeping bag into a solid item that requires a specific volume to fit in your pack.
Sleeping bags filled with down are more compressible than synthetic-filled ones and need less volume. Synthetic bags are not known for being highly compressible, so a compression sack may be necessary. Down sleeping bags can be compressed by other gear, whereas a synthetic bag may require a larger compression sack to avoid damaging the fibres.
Synthetic sleeping bags do not compress as well as down sleeping bags, so they need higher-volume stuff sacks. If your sleeping bag does not come with a compression sack, take the compressed volume of your sleeping bag and add 5 litres to get the compression sack size.
A dry sack can be used for a down sleeping bag, but a more complex compression sack is needed for winter weather to reduce the volume.
