Herbie Murray
There are several ways to attach a sleeping bag to your backpack, and the best method for you will depend on factors such as the size and shape of your sleeping bag, the design of your backpack, and the conditions you will be hiking in. It is important to consider the potential downsides of each method, such as the risk of your sleeping bag getting wet or damaged, or the bag throwing off your centre of balance.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Folding | Easier for square or rectangular sleeping bags. Fold to match backpack width for easier attachment and to prevent swinging. |
| Rolling | Best for mummy-shaped bags. Minimizes profile and makes it easier to attach to the backpack's bottom or sides. Start from the foot end to remove trapped air. |
| Compression Straps | Loosen, slide the sleeping bag in, and tighten. Use top or bottom straps for better balance. |
| Gear Loops | Use gear loops for sleeping bag attachment if the bag's stuff sack has adjustable straps. Pull straps tight to prevent swinging. |
| Bungee Cords | Hook into loops and wind around the backpack and sleeping bag. |
| Tie Points | Use tie points at the bottom of the backpack to secure the sleeping bag. |
| Waterproofing | Use a dry bag to prevent the sleeping bag from getting wet. |
| Plastic Strap Patches | Sew plastic strap patches to the backpack, but be aware that stitches may leak. |
| Twine | Use four pieces of twine to strap down the sleeping bag if there are no built-in straps. |
| Lid | Fasten the backpack's lid over the sleeping bag to hold it in place. |
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Using the lid
Firstly, make sure your sleeping bag is folded or rolled up tightly. Then, open the top flap of your backpack and place the sleeping bag on top of your packed bag. Finally, fasten the flap over the sleeping bag to hold it in place.
This method works best if your backpack has an adjustable hood with long, extendable straps. If your backpack is already full, or you have items in the flap pocket, this method may not work. It is also worth noting that attaching a sleeping bag to the top of your backpack will alter the weight distribution, which may affect your balance while hiking.
If you are concerned about the weight distribution, you can try to balance it out by attaching other gear to the bottom of your backpack. You could also try using bungee cords to attach your sleeping bag to the bottom of your backpack, if it has tie points there.
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Compression straps
Firstly, lay your backpack flat on the ground, front side down, with all the straps unbuckled and untangled. Place your compressed or rolled-up sleeping bag across the loops at the bottom of the backpack. Then, thread the bottom straps through the loops on your sleeping bag or its compression sack. After threading, buckle the straps securely, making sure they are tight but not too tight—you don't want to damage your sleeping bag.
If your backpack does not have built-in compression straps, you can purchase heavy-duty utility straps separately. These straps are typically 48 inches long and can be used for backpacking, sleeping bag compression, luggage, and bundling.
It is important to note that using compression straps to carry your sleeping bag will alter the pack's weight distribution, making it tricky to keep your balance while hiking. Additionally, compression buckles on many packs have a tendency to pop open under strain, so ensure yours can handle the weight before trusting them with your sleeping bag.
If you are using an internal-frame backpack, attach one of the hooks to one side of your pack (on the daisy chain or compression straps), then crisscross your pack with the cord several times before attaching the second hook to the other side. For external-frame backpacks, simply attach the hooks to the frame, and wrap the cord around the frame if it feels loose.
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Gear loops
If your backpack has gear loops, you can use them to attach your sleeping bag. Gear loops are meant for attaching gear like sleeping bags. If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, attach these to the gear loops on your backpack. Pull the straps tight so that the sleeping bag doesn't swing around behind you as you walk.
If your sleeping bag stuff sack does not have adjustable straps, you can use a carabiner or cord to attach it to the gear loops. You can also use paracord or bungee cords to create a secure attachment point. However, this will add extra weight to your backpack. Make sure to tighten the straps enough to hold the sleeping bag firmly in place, but not so much that they deform the bag or put undue stress on the straps. Over-tightening can lead to wear and tear on both the sleeping bag and the backpack over time.
If your backpack does not have built-in gear loops, you may need to improvise with additional gear like carabiners or bungee cords. You can loop these through your backpack's frame or available straps and clip your bag in place. If you use a bungee cord, make sure to secure it well, or your sleeping bag might bounce off mid-hike.
It's important to note that attaching a sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack can alter the pack's weight distribution and make it tricky to keep your balance while hiking. It also increases the risk of your gear getting damaged, dropped, or soaked. If possible, the best place for your sleeping bag is inside your backpack.
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Bungee cords
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use bungee cords to attach your sleeping bag:
- Identify the loops or tie points on your backpack. Hiking backpacks usually come with dedicated loops or tie points at the bottom, specifically designed for securing extra gear.
- Prepare your sleeping bag: If your sleeping bag has adjustable straps, attach these to the backpack's gear loops first.
- Hook one end of the bungee cord into the loops on your backpack.
- Wind the bungee cord around both the backpack and the sleeping bag. Ensure that the cord is wrapped securely, but not too tightly as to distort the shape of the sleeping bag or put stress on the straps.
- Attach the other hook of the bungee cord to the loops or compression straps on the other side of the backpack.
- Check that the sleeping bag is securely attached and isn't in danger of falling off. It is important to periodically check your attachments, especially during challenging hikes.
Some things to keep in mind when using bungee cords:
- Bungee cords are stretchy and designed to grip onto belongings, but be cautious as they can be less secure if not fastened properly.
- Avoid overburdening your bungee cords with heavy items. If in doubt, use the backpack's non-elastic accessory straps instead.
- Rubber elastics tend to get brittle when subjected to cold temperatures, so be mindful of this when hiking in cold weather.
- Consider using a dry bag or waterproof bag for your sleeping bag to protect it from getting wet during your adventures.
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Tying techniques
There are several ways to strap a sleeping bag to a backpack, and the best method for you will depend on the type of bag and backpack you have.
If your sleeping bag is inside a stuff sack, you can attach it to the gear loops on your backpack using a carabiner or cord. However, this will cause the bag to swing around as you move, so you may want to use two carabiners or extra cord to keep it stable. Alternatively, you can use bungee cords, which have a hook on each end. Attach one hook to one side of your backpack, crisscross the cord over the backpack, and attach the other hook to the other side. You can also loop the cord through your bag's stuffing sack straps for added security.
If your backpack has built-in straps designed for attaching gear, you can use these to secure your sleeping bag. First, lay your backpack flat on the ground, front side down, with all the straps unbuckled and untangled. Place your compressed or rolled-up sleeping bag across the loops at the bottom of the backpack, then thread the bottom straps through the loops on your sleeping bag or its compression sack. Pull the straps tight, but not so tight that you squash the sleeping bag.
If your sleeping bag is inside a compression sack, you can place it at the bottom of your backpack and use the weight of the rest of your gear to compress it further. If your backpack has compression straps, you can also loosen them, slide your sleeping bag in, and tighten them again.
If your sleeping bag is rectangular or square, you may find it easier to fold it to match the width of your backpack before securing it with straps or placing it inside. If your sleeping bag is mummy-shaped, it is better to roll it up, as this minimises the profile and makes it easier to attach to the bottom or sides of your backpack. Rolling can also help to avoid cold spots, but it may reduce the insulation's loft.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack, depending on the type of bag and backpack you have. If your backpack has built-in straps, simply lay your backpack flat, place your sleeping bag across the loops at the bottom, and thread the straps through the loops on your sleeping bag. If your sleeping bag doesn't have loops, you can use a carabiner or paracord to secure it to the backpack. Alternatively, you can use compression straps, bungee cords, or gear loops to attach your sleeping bag.
When attaching a sleeping bag to a backpack, it is important to consider the weight distribution and balance. Make sure the straps are tight enough to hold the sleeping bag securely, but not so tight that they damage the bag. If your sleeping bag doesn't have straps, consider using a compression sack to reduce its size before attaching it to your backpack. Additionally, consider using a waterproof bag or dry bag to keep your sleeping bag dry and protected.
Attaching a sleeping bag to the outside of a backpack can save space and create a streamlined profile, especially if you have a large or bulky sleeping bag. It also provides easy access to your sleeping bag when you need it. However, there are risks associated with attaching a sleeping bag externally, such as potential damage from tree branches or rocks, and exposure to water, which can compromise its insulating capabilities.
