Ashwin Lewis
Mummy sleeping bags are designed for campers, hikers, and backpackers who want to stay warm in cold climates without adding extra bulk or weight to their packs. Their distinctive tapered shape, narrowing from head to foot, is intended to minimize air pockets and maximize warmth. When packing a mummy sleeping bag, some people prefer to roll it up neatly, while others find that stuffing it into a compression sack is faster and more efficient. However, it's important to note that prolonged compression or rolling can damage the insulation, so it's best to store the bag loosely when not in use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rolling technique | Lay the bag flat, fold in half lengthwise, roll from the bottom towards the hood, and use the stuff sack |
| Rolling vs. stuffing | Rolling can cause creases and wear out the bag; stuffing is quicker and easier, but may tear the baffles or feathers |
| Storage | Avoid storing in a stuff sack long-term; use a loose, permeable bag made of canvas or a pillowcase |
| Compression | Compression sacks are useful for reducing volume but may damage the insulation if stored long-term |
| Waterproofing | Keep the bag dry and store in a waterproof bag or use a pack cover and line the interior with a trash compactor bag |
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What You'll Learn
Start with a flat base
To stuff a mummy sleeping bag, it is important to start with a flat base. This means laying the bag out on the ground and ensuring it is flat and smooth with no air trapped inside. If your bag is particularly bulky, you may want to fold it in half lengthwise first, to make the process of stuffing or rolling easier. This initial step of creating a flat base is important because it ensures that the bag can be packed away neatly and efficiently, maximising the available space in your backpack.
A flat base also helps to prevent creases from forming in the bag, which can occur if the bag is folded or rolled repeatedly in the same manner. These creases can eventually lead to wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your sleeping bag. By starting with a flat base, you can then choose to either roll or stuff the bag, depending on your preference and the type of bag you have. Rolling the bag may be preferable if you are tight on space, as it allows the bag to be compressed into a smaller volume.
However, rolling can cause stress on the fabric and insulation, potentially leading to lumps or tears over time. Stuffing the bag, on the other hand, is generally quicker and easier, and it ensures that different parts of the fabric are creased each time, prolonging its life. Whether you choose to roll or stuff, starting with a flat base provides a solid foundation for the rest of the packing process, making it easier to manage and manoeuvre the bag into the desired shape for storage.
For mummy sleeping bags, it is particularly important to maximise space efficiency due to their tapered design, which narrows from the head end to the foot end. By starting with a flat base, you can then pack the bag from the foot end, ensuring a tight and compact fit that minimises bulk and makes the most of the available space in your backpack. This initial step of creating a flat base sets the foundation for a well-packed and space-optimised mummy sleeping bag.
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Fold in half
To stuff a mummy sleeping bag, you can start by folding it in half. This step is especially useful if your bag is particularly bulky. Fold the bag in half lengthwise, so it becomes half as wide and twice as thick when rolled up. If your bag is very large, you may need to fold it in half a second time.
Once you have the bag folded in half, you can begin the process of rolling it up. Start by laying the bag out flat in front of you, then roll it up tightly from the bottom (the foot end) towards the hood, ensuring the edges remain aligned. It is important to remove as much air as possible as you roll.
After the bag is rolled up, you can insert it into its stuff sack, starting with the bottom end. A compression sack can be used to further reduce the packed size for easier transport. However, it is important to note that storing a sleeping bag in a compression sack long-term can damage the insulation, so it is recommended to store it uncompressed whenever possible.
Some people prefer to skip the stuff sack altogether and simply stuff the sleeping bag into the bottom of their backpack, allowing it to fill up all the nooks and crannies. This method can be useful for maximising space and reducing weight.
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Roll from the bottom
When packing a mummy sleeping bag, one of the most popular methods is to roll it up. Rolling a mummy sleeping bag for storage or travel requires a careful approach to ensure it fits back into its stuff sack without damaging the insulation.
To roll from the bottom, start by laying the bag out flat and smooth on the ground. If your bag is particularly bulky, consider folding it in half lengthwise first to make rolling easier. Then, begin rolling the bag tightly from the foot end, ensuring the edges remain aligned. Continue rolling towards the hood, pressing out any remaining air as you go.
It is important to roll the bag tightly, as this will help to compress it into its smallest shape, making it easier to transport. However, when storing your bag for long periods, it is best to avoid keeping it in a compressed state, as this can damage the insulation and reduce its effectiveness at trapping hot air to keep you warm. Therefore, it is recommended to roll the bag loosely for storage or to let it rest, lightly folded, when not in use.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some people prefer to stuff their mummy sleeping bags into the compression bag, as it is faster and can fill up the entire bottom of the pack. However, this method may not be suitable for all types of sleeping bags, especially those with down insulation, as it may damage the feathers or baffles inside. Ultimately, the decision to roll or stuff depends on personal preference and the specific characteristics of your sleeping bag.
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Use a stuff sack
When using a stuff sack, the first step is to lay your zipped mummy sleeping bag out flat in front of you. Then, fold it in half width-wise, so it becomes half as wide and twice as thick when rolled up. Depending on the size of your bag and stuff sack, you may need to fold it a second time.
Next, roll up the sleeping bag. Start rolling at the end without straps attached, and roll it as tightly as you can. Then, pull the straps over the bundle to keep it together. If you have a compression sack, cinch the straps to further compress the bag. Pull the cord on the stuff sack as tight as possible, leaving an opening no larger than a quarter if possible.
If you don't have a stuff sack, you can cinch the rolled-up bag tight with a belt or a string/rope as a last resort. It is important to note that rolling a bag can damage the insulation, making it less effective at keeping you warm. Therefore, if space is not an issue, it is recommended to simply stuff the bag into the stuff sack without rolling it first.
When using a stuff sack, it is important to allow the bag to rest loosely inside. Prolonged compression will make the bag less effective at trapping hot air to keep you warm. Therefore, you should only use the stuff sack for carrying the sleeping bag and store it in a larger bag when not in use.
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Avoid long-term storage in the stuff sack
While it is convenient to compress a mummy sleeping bag into a stuff sack for camping trips or hiking adventures, it is not ideal for long-term storage. Compressing a sleeping bag into a stuff sack removes protective air from between the fibres, which can cause crushing and breakage of the insulation fibres. This will ultimately affect its ability to keep you warm at night.
Additionally, compressing a sleeping bag can cause the outer fabric to deteriorate and tear, and zips can become bent and buckled. The bag may also develop lumps in the stuffing or tears in the fabric.
Therefore, when you return home from your trip, immediately remove your mummy sleeping bag from its compression sack and allow it to loft fully. To prevent damage to the bag and deterioration of the insulating material, it’s best to store sleeping bags in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
The best way to store a sleeping bag is to loosely pack it into a cotton or mesh sleeping bag storage sack, which allows free airflow. This will help to maintain the sleeping bag's shape and protect its delicate fibres and fabrics, keeping it warm for longer.
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Frequently asked questions
To stuff a mummy sleeping bag, first ensure the bag is flat and smooth on the ground. If your bag is particularly bulky, consider folding it in half lengthwise. Start stuffing the bag at the foot end, packing it as tightly as you can to avoid running out of space. Once fully stuffed, insert the sleeping bag into its stuff sack, starting with the bottom end.
Stuffing a mummy sleeping bag is generally quicker and easier than rolling. It is also better for the bag as rolling can cause creases and prematurely wear it out. Rolling can also cause repeated stress on the same parts of the bag, leading to lumps in the stuffing or tears in the fabric.
It is important to never store a mummy sleeping bag fully compressed or jammed into a stuff sack. Instead, loosely stuff or roll the bag, or let it rest lightly folded when not in use. After a trip, air out the bag by brushing out any dirt and letting it dry completely.
