Herbie Murray
Compression sacks are handy when you need to save space when packing for activities like backpacking, bikepacking, kayaking, motorcycle touring, and snowmobiling. They can compress bulky items like sleeping bags and jackets to a third of their size. However, some people argue that using compression sacks for sleeping bags is unnecessary and even inefficient, as the sleeping bag can fill the gaps between other items in your pack. Ultimately, the decision to use a compression sack for your sleeping bag depends on your specific needs and preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages of compression sacks | Space-saving, lightweight, dry storage, easy to haul gear around |
| Disadvantages of compression sacks | Takes up more space, lumpy, tedious and time-consuming to pack, expensive |
| Items that can be stored in compression sacks | Sleeping bags, quilts, clothes, food, gadgets, personal items |
| Types of compression sacks | eVac compression dry bag, Ultra-Sil compression sack, eVent compression dry bag |
| Choosing the right size | Take the compressed volume of the sleeping bag and add 5 litres |
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What You'll Learn
Pros of using a compression sack
Compression sacks are handy when you want to save space, especially when you're camping, backpacking, or travelling. They are a specialised version of the ubiquitous "stuff sack", with the ability to squeeze all the air out to optimise how you pack bulky items. Here are some pros of using a compression sack for your sleeping bag:
Space Efficiency
Compression sacks can significantly reduce the volume of your sleeping bag, freeing up valuable space in your backpack. They can compress bulky items like sleeping bags to almost a third of their size, making more room for other essentials. This is especially useful if you have a bulkier sleeping bag that would otherwise take up a lot of space.
Protection
Compression sacks offer additional protection from moisture, dirt, and wear. Many compression sacks are waterproof or water-resistant, ensuring your sleeping bag stays dry in wet conditions. Some also have a slippery finish, making it easy to slide into tight spaces in your pack.
Organisation
Using compression sacks can help keep your gear organised. You can separate clothing, gear, and other items into different sacks, making it easier to find what you need without decompressing your entire bag.
Weight Distribution
Compression sacks can bring the weight of your gear closer to your body, improving balance and reducing fatigue and the risk of injury.
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Cons of using a compression sack
While compression sacks are handy when space is at a premium, there are several drawbacks to using them for your sleeping bag. Firstly, they can be time-consuming and tedious to pack, especially when compared to simply stuffing your sleeping bag into your backpack. Compression sacks can also make your pack lumpy, affecting the overall comfort of your backpack.
Additionally, using a compression sack for your sleeping bag may not always result in optimal space-saving. The sleeping bag can no longer fill the voids and odd spaces created by other items in your pack, potentially taking up more space than if it were free to move and fill in those gaps. This is especially true if you have a down sleeping bag, as down is more compressible than synthetic materials.
Another consideration is that compression sacks can make it difficult to find specific items in your pack. When everything is stored together in one large compression sack, locating a particular item can be challenging and may require unpacking and repacking your entire bag.
Lastly, while compression sacks can provide some water resistance, they may not offer the same level of protection as a dedicated dry bag. If you anticipate total immersion in water or the possibility of falling into a creek, for example, a waterproof stuff sack or dry bag might be a better option to keep your down sleeping bag dry in life-or-death situations.
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Types of compression sacks
Compression sacks are a great way to save space and make hauling gear around much easier. They are especially useful for compressing bulky items like sleeping bags, pillows, and clothing, especially with bulky cold-weather gear.
There are various types of compression sacks available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types:
Sea to Summit eVent Compression Sack
The Sea to Summit eVent Compression Sack is a popular choice for those seeking a balance between low weight, water resistance, and longevity. It is designed with a circular zipper opening, and its fabric allows air to escape while keeping water out. This sack is ideal for expedition-style winter bags and large synthetic bags.
Ultra-Sil Compression Sack
Sea to Summit also offers a full set of lightweight "Ultra-Sil" compression sacks, which are perfect for backpacking adventures. These sacks come in a wide range of sizes, from 3.3L for small clothing items to larger options for backpack liners. The fabric is semi-translucent, allowing users to easily identify the contents. While the fabric is waterproof, it is not sealed, so it may not be suitable for full submersion in water.
Granite Gear's Round Rock Solid Compression Sacks
Granite Gear's compression sacks are known for their durability and lightweight design. Made from 210-denier nylon, these sacks are sturdy and reliable. They feature a drawstring closure, a fabric lid, and four buckled straps to compress the bag's contents.
EVac Compression Dry Bag
The eVac Compression Dry Bag is perfect for off-road motorcyclists, overlanders, snowmobilers, and whitewater users. It is constructed with tough, PFC-free 420D fabric and features extra attachment loops. This bag provides valve-free compression and is ideal for those seeking heavy-duty use.
Waterproof Hard Cases
For water sports or activities where items need to stay completely dry, waterproof hard cases are the most durable and waterproof option. Pelican, SKB, and Nanuk are known for producing high-quality waterproof hard cases.
When choosing a compression sack for your sleeping bag, it is important to consider the size, uncompressed volume, and the level of compression needed. Additionally, the type of insulation of your sleeping bag will also determine the size of the compression sack, as down sleeping bags compress more than synthetic ones.
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How to choose the right compression sack
Compression sacks are handy when you want to save space, especially when backpacking. They can compress bulky items like sleeping bags and clothes to almost a third of their size, making more room in your pack.
When choosing a compression sack, it's important to consider the size. Sleeping bags vary in their packed volume, depending on the type of bag and the materials used. If you're backpacking, you'll want to compress your sleeping bag as much as possible to maximise space in your backpack. Get the smallest size possible that fits your bag—you'll be surprised by how much it can compress, especially down sleeping bags. Synthetic bags don't compress as much as goose down bags. If your sleeping bag came with a stuff sack, you can use it to determine the right compression sack size.
If you're car camping, a regular stuff sack will do, and you don't need to compress your sleeping bag to a very small size. For storing your sleeping bag at home, a large canvas, cotton, or nylon net bag is suitable.
If you require external mounting for your activities, the eVac Compression Dry Bag LW is a good option. If you're packing items that are at the upper limit of the volume shown in the Size column, it's better to choose a size larger, especially in cold weather. The Ultra-Sil Compression Sack is a lightweight and water-resistant option that compresses gear without adding noticeable weight. It has a slippery finish, making it easy to fit into tight spaces in your pack.
Other factors to consider are weight and waterproof protection. If weight is not a concern, the eVac Compression Dry Bag HD is a durable and waterproof option with extra attachment loops. It's perfect for activities like off-roading and snowmobiling.
Some compression sacks are more rectangular, while others are rounder, and they may conform differently to your pack. The shape can also impact the orientation of your bag, allowing for vertical or horizontal storage.
Lastly, consider the ease of finding your items within the compression sack. Having multiple sacks of different sizes and colours can help separate different types of gear.
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User experiences with compression sacks
On the other hand, some users have found that they can fit less in their bag when using individual compression sacks. They may also be less suitable for long-term storage of sleeping bags. It's important to choose the right size and type of compression sack for your needs, considering factors such as the uncompressed size of your items and whether you require waterproof or water-resistant protection.
Overall, compression sacks can be a helpful tool for campers, hikers, and travellers who want to optimise their packing space and protect their belongings. However, they may not be necessary for everyone, and it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences before deciding whether to use one.
"I use the 10L bag to protect my Rab Neutrino sleeping bag from getting wet."
"I stuffed it to the gills, cramming in two pairs of pants, two pairs of leggings, a pair of jeans, two T-shirts, two turtlenecks, a long-sleeve shirt, a cardigan, and socks, bras, and underwear."
"I’m a chronic overpacker. This compression sack helps me (literally) squeeze more into my luggage."
"I’d say if you’re the type who, like me, prefers to pack for a quick weekend trip like it’s a weeks-long tour of Europe, you’ll never want to travel without one again."
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on what you're packing and how you're packing it. Compression sacks are handy when space is at a premium. They can compress bulky items like sleeping bags and jackets to a third of their size. However, some people find that their sleeping bag fills the gaps between other items more efficiently when it's not in a compression sack.
Compression sacks can help keep your sleeping bag dry, especially if you're using a waterproof sack. They can also make hauling gear around easier and more comfortable.
The size of the compression sack you need depends on the compressed volume of your sleeping bag. A rule of thumb is to take the compressed volume of your sleeping bag and add 5 litres. For example, if your sleeping bag has a compressed volume of 5.3 litres, you'll need a compression sack of at least 10.3 litres.
