Ashwin Lewis
Compression sacks are a great way to save space when backpacking. They are stuff sacks with straps that you can pull to squeeze a larger sack into a smaller compressed size. They come in many sizes, styles, and weights. When choosing the size of your compression sack, it is good to get a bag with a looser fit. You can use a compression sack for your sleeping bag, which can compress bulky soft items like sleeping bags and down jackets to almost a third of their size. However, be careful not to over-compress your sleeping bag as it may lead to loft degradation and damage the insulation.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right size compression bag
Compression sacks are a great way to save space when packing a sleeping bag. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and weights, so choosing the right size is important. Firstly, it is recommended to get a bag with a looser fit. While a tighter fit may seem more space-efficient, a looser fit will allow your sleeping bag to fill the nooks and crannies of your pack, and prevent damage to the insulation. Over time, compression can lead to loft degradation, so it's important to find the right balance.
When choosing a compression sack, it's important to consider the packed volume of your sleeping bag. The volume will depend on factors such as whether it is a down bag or a synthetic bag, and the type of shell and liner fabrics used. Determine the volume of your sleeping bag and choose a compression sack with a slightly larger capacity. This is especially important if you intend to use the sleeping bag in cold weather, as you may need to pack extra layers or gear.
Some compression sacks are designed for specific activities, such as off-road motorcycling or snowmobiling. These sacks often have additional features, such as extra attachment loops, that can be useful for certain adventures. If you plan to use your sleeping bag in wet conditions, consider choosing a waterproof or water-resistant compression sack to keep your gear dry.
When selecting a compression sack, consider the weight of the sack itself. If weight is a critical factor, choose a lightweight compression sack that won't add noticeable weight to your pack. However, if you need a durable sack for heavy-duty use, consider a heavier-duty option that can withstand tougher conditions. Ultimately, the right size and type of compression sack will depend on your specific needs and the characteristics of your sleeping bag.
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How to stuff a sleeping bag
When using a compression bag for your sleeping bag, it is best to stuff the bag rather than roll or fold it. This is because sleeping bags are designed to be stuffed, and this will remove more air, allowing for a smaller packed size. Over time, folding a sleeping bag can create creases in the material, which will create cold spots and wear out the installation faster.
To stuff your sleeping bag, first grab the end of the sleeping bag and push it in as far as you can. Keep stuffing it in one handful at a time. It is recommended to ''stack' the sleeping bag carefully, starting with the footbox, and stuffing the bag from bottom to top. This will prevent the bag from getting twisted or wrapped tightly around itself, reducing the risk of tears.
Once the sleeping bag is fully inside the compression bag, hold the drawstring tight and pull the loose straps evenly over the ends. It is recommended to put the sack on the ground and press your knee into it as you pull the straps. This pushes everything together while taking the stress off the straps and their stitching. Hold on until all the straps are evenly tight.
It is important to note that you should never store your sleeping bag compressed as this will break down the insulation. Compression bags are ideal for hauling gear around, but for long-term storage, it is best to use a large mesh or fabric storage sack that will protect your sleeping bag without compressing it.
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Using compression straps
Compression sacks are a great way to save space and make hauling gear around much easier. They are particularly useful for backpacking when you need to fit a lot of things into your pack. They are stuff sacks with straps around them that you can pull to squeeze a larger sack into a smaller compressed size. They come in many sizes, styles, and weights, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
When using compression straps, it is important to first grab the end of the sleeping bag and push it in as far as you can. Keep stuffing it in one handful at a time. Make sure to stuff the gear instead of rolling or folding it, as this can create creases in the material, which will create cold spots and wear out the sleeping bag insulation faster. Once everything is inside, hold the drawstring tight and pull the loose straps evenly over the ends. It is recommended to put the sack on the ground and then press your knee into it as you pull the straps. This will help push everything together while taking the stress off the straps and the strap stitching. Hold on until all the straps are evenly tight.
It is also important to note that you should not store your sleeping bag compressed as it will break down the insulation over time. Compression sacks are ideal for hauling gear, but for long-term storage, it is best to use a large mesh or fabric storage sack that will protect your sleeping bag without compressing it.
Additionally, when choosing the size of your compression sack, it is generally recommended to get a bag with a looser fit. Sleeping bags vary in their packed volume, so it is important to determine the volume of your sleeping bag and choose a compression sack that can accommodate it. It might be helpful to choose a size larger, especially if you intend to pack items at the upper limit of the volume shown in the size column or if you plan to use the compression sack in very cold weather.
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What not to do
When using a compression bag for your sleeping bag, there are several things you should avoid doing. Firstly, do not store your sleeping bag in the compression bag long-term, as this will break down the insulation. This is true for both down and synthetic sleeping bags. Instead, opt for a large mesh or fabric storage sack that will protect your sleeping bag without compressing it.
Secondly, do not roll or fold your sleeping bag before placing it in the compression sack. Sleeping bags are designed to be stuffed, not rolled, and doing so can create creases in the material, leading to cold spots and faster wear and tear.
Additionally, be careful not to over-stuff the compression bag. While compression sacks can help save space, over-stuffing can lead to unnecessary stress on the straps and stitching, potentially causing damage. It is recommended to choose a compression sack with a looser fit to avoid this issue.
When packing your sleeping bag, avoid twisting or tightly wrapping the bag around itself, as this can cause tears when you pull it out. Instead, carefully 'stack' the sleeping bag by grabbing and stuffing it from bottom to top, with the footbox at the bottom and the hood at the top.
Lastly, do not forget to distribute your gear weight evenly when packing. Place the heaviest gear in the middle of the pack so that the weight rests on your hips and does not sink too low.
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Long-term storage
Compression sacks are great for saving space when you're out on the trail, but they are not ideal for long-term storage. The longer a sleeping bag is stored in a compression sack, the more its resiliency and lofting ability will be compromised. This is because the delicate clusters of down or synthetic fill can be damaged by compression. The tighter and longer the bag is compressed, the bigger the impact on its longevity.
Therefore, when storing a sleeping bag for the long term, it is best to avoid using a compression sack. Instead, find a large mesh or fabric storage sack that will protect your sleeping bag without compressing it. Many sleeping bags include dedicated storage sacks, but any large sack made of breathable fabric will work.
Make sure the sleeping bag is clean and completely dry before storing it. Body oils, sweat, and dirt in the insulation can compromise performance, and moisture can cause mould and mildew to grow on the surface and inside the insulation. If your bag is damp, hang it over a line or on a large hanger in a covered outdoor space for 6 to 8 hours before storing it.
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Frequently asked questions
First, grab the end of the sleeping bag and push it in as far as you can. Keep stuffing it in one handful at a time. Make sure to stuff the bag instead of rolling or folding it. Once everything is inside, hold the drawstring tight and pull the loose straps evenly over the ends.
Compression bags can help compress bulky items like sleeping bags to a third of their size, making more room in your backpack. They are especially useful for backpacking when there are many things to bring along.
Compression bags come in many sizes, styles, and weights. When choosing the size of your compression bag, it is good to get a bag with a looser fit. Sleeping bags also vary in their packed volume depending on the type of bag and the fabric used, so you will need to determine the volume of your sleeping bag and equate that to litres.
Besides saving space, a compression bag can help protect your sleeping bag from moisture and cuts. It can also help distribute gear weight, especially if you place your heaviest gear in the middle of the pack.
Over time, compression can create creases in the materials of your sleeping bag, which can lead to cold spots and wear out the installation faster. Compressing your sleeping bag too much can also damage the filling, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it is recommended not to store your sleeping bag compressed.
