Miya Pearson
Sleeping bags are often the bulkiest item in a backpacker's kit, and can be difficult to fit inside a backpack. While it is generally recommended to carry your sleeping bag inside your backpack, there are a handful of ways to attach it to the outside, depending on the style and features of your bag. Some bags have dedicated gear loops for bulky items, while others have tie points at the bottom. If your bag doesn't have these features, you can use bungee cords or carabiners to attach your sleeping bag to loops or straps on the outside of your bag. However, it's important to consider the weight distribution of your bag, and to avoid attaching your sleeping bag in a way that will make it swing around as you move.
Should you attach a sleeping bag to the bottom of a backpack?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Frees up space inside the backpack |
| Quick access to the sleeping bag | |
| Backpack may have tie points at the bottom for sleeping bags | |
| Can use bungee cords to attach the sleeping bag to the backpack | |
| Cons | Sleeping bag may swing around or fall out |
| Sleeping bag may get wet or dirty | |
| May alter the backpack's weight distribution | |
| Compression buckles may pop open under strain | |
| May need to use extra cord or carabiners to keep the sleeping bag stable |
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What You'll Learn
Using tie points at the bottom of a backpack
Sleeping bags are one of the bulkiest items a backpacker carries, so it's important to know how to attach them securely to the bottom of your backpack.
Many hiking backpacks come with tie points at the bottom, which are meant for sliding your sleeping bag into. Make sure to tighten these well to avoid your bag swinging around or falling out. Be careful when you set your backpack down, as the sleeping bag will be at the bottom.
If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, you can attach these to the backpack's gear loops. If not, you can use a bungee cord to attach it to the loops on your backpack. Hook the cord into one of the loops on one side, wind it tightly around your pack several times, then hook the other end into the other side.
If your backpack has compression straps at the bottom, you can loosen the buckles, slide your sleeping bag in, and tighten them to secure your bag. However, compression straps are often at the sides of your pack, which can make your backpack feel uneven.
If you're using an inflatable sleeping pad, you can attach it using the tie points at the base of your backpack.
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Using compression straps
Compression straps are designed to consolidate your backpack's load, but they can also be used to carry bulkier items like sleeping bags. Here are some tips for using compression straps to attach a sleeping bag to your backpack:
First, ensure that your compression straps are long enough to accommodate your sleeping bag when fully extended. With most backpacks, the compression straps may not be long enough, especially if you have a larger three- or four-season bag. If your backpack's compression straps are not long enough, you can consider purchasing plastic strap patches from outdoor stores and sewing them onto your backpack. Alternatively, you may opt for other attachment methods, such as using gear loops or tie points at the bottom of your backpack.
If you decide to proceed with using the compression straps, lay your backpack flat on the ground with the front side down and unbuckle all the straps. Position your compressed or rolled-up sleeping bag across the loops at the bottom of the backpack. Thread the bottom compression straps through the loops on your sleeping bag or its compression sack. Ensure that the straps are tightened securely to avoid any unwanted movement or swinging while you're on the move.
It is worth noting that attaching a sleeping bag to the sides of your backpack using compression straps will significantly alter the pack's weight distribution. This can make it tricky to keep your balance while hiking. Therefore, it is recommended to use compression straps at the top or bottom of your backpack if available. Additionally, compression buckles on many packs have a tendency to pop open under strain, so ensure that your buckles can withstand the weight before trusting them with your precious sleeping bag.
If you're using an internal-frame backpack, you can attach one hook of a bungee cord to one side of your pack and then crisscross the cord several times before attaching the other hook to the other side. For added security, you can loop the cord through your bag's stuffing sack straps. With external-frame backpacks, simply attach the hooks to the frame, and if the cord feels loose, wrap it around the frame a few times until your sleeping bag is held tightly in place.
By following these steps and considerations, you can effectively use compression straps to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack, ensuring a secure and balanced load for your outdoor adventures.
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Using gear loops
Hiking backpacks are usually equipped with gear loops designed to hold extra gear, such as sleeping bags. If your backpack has gear loops at the top, it is preferable to use those. If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, you can attach them to the gear loops on your backpack. Ensure that the straps are pulled tight to prevent the sleeping bag from swinging around as you move.
If your sleeping bag stuff sack does not have adjustable straps, you can use a bungee cord, paracord, or carabiners to attach it to the gear loops. When using a bungee cord, hook it into one of the loops on one side of your backpack, wind it tightly around your pack several times, and then hook the other end into a loop on the other side. Similarly, when using paracord, loop it through your bag and tie a couple of sturdy knots. Just be sure you know how to untie those knots to avoid having to reach for your multi-tool knife. Carabiners can be used to attach the sleeping bag stuff sack's loops to the gear loops on the backpack. However, using only one carabiner or cord will cause the bag to swing around as you move, so you will need to use two carabiners or extra cord to keep it stable.
If your backpack does not have gear loops, you can improvise by using carabiners or bungee cords. Carabiners can be hooked onto loops, zippers, or straps on your backpack. When using bungee cords, be sure to secure them well, as they are stretchy, and your sleeping bag could bounce off mid-hike if they are not tight enough.
While attaching your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack frees up space inside, it is important to consider the potential downsides. Firstly, it can significantly alter the pack's weight distribution, making it tricky to keep your balance while hiking. Secondly, gear loops add weight to your backpacking kit. Thirdly, attaching gear to the outside of your pack raises concerns about damage, loss, or water damage if it gets soaked in a rain shower. Lastly, it is worth noting that sleeping bags are bulky and tend to be the bulkiest items a backpacker will carry. Therefore, it is recommended to carry your sleeping bag inside your backpack whenever possible.
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Using bungee cords
Bungee cords, also known as shock cords, are stretchy strings that crisscross the outside of a backpack. They are designed to provide extra storage space outside the main compartments, making them ideal for securing bulky yet lightweight items that won't fit inside your pack. They are especially useful for items like blankets, pillows, sleeping pads, and other gear.
When using bungee cords to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack, it's important to ensure that the cords are tight and secure. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Lay your backpack flat on the ground, front side down, with all the straps unbuckled and untangled.
- Position your rolled-up or compressed sleeping bag across the loops at the bottom of the backpack.
- Hook one end of the bungee cord into one of the loops on one side of your backpack.
- Wind the bungee cord tightly around your backpack several times, ensuring that it is tight and secure.
- Hook the other end of the bungee cord into the corresponding loop on the other side of your backpack.
- Adjust the tension on the bungee cord by locating the cord lock and sliding it along the cord to tighten or loosen as needed.
- Shake your backpack to confirm that your sleeping bag is secure and doesn't slide or move around.
It's important to note that bungee cords have adjustable tension, but they are usually fixed-length. Additionally, while they are stretchy, they are not suitable for securing heavy, small, or oddly shaped items. Always check that your sleeping bag is securely attached and won't fall out when you set your backpack down.
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Using a dry bag
If you're attaching your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, it's important to keep it dry. Wrap your sleeping bag in a dry bag or a waterproof pack liner to protect it from the elements. This is especially important if your carrying sack isn't fully waterproof.
A dry bag can also help you compress your sleeping bag into a more convenient shape. If you're placing the sleeping bag inside your backpack, using a dry bag can help you compress it to save space.
If you're attaching your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, make sure it's tightly secured and centred against your pack. This will make it easier to carry and help you maintain your balance while hiking.
If you're placing the sleeping bag inside your backpack, consider using a compression sack to save space. You can also use a dry bag to keep it compressed and dry. However, dry bags can be heavy, so consider using a pack liner or compression sack instead if you're not expecting rain.
- Use the gear loops: If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, attach them to the gear loops on your backpack. Pull the straps tight to keep the bag from swinging around.
- Use bungee cords: Hook the cords into the loops on your pack and wind them around both the pack and the sleeping bag.
- Use the tie points at the bottom: Many packs come with tie points at the bottom that you can use to secure your sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended to carry your sleeping bag inside your backpack. However, if you are unable to do so, there are several ways to attach it to the outside of your pack.
There are several ways to attach your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, including:
- Using the tie points at the bottom of your backpack
- Using gear loops and adjustable straps
- Using bungee cords
Using the tie points at the bottom of your backpack is a good option if your sleeping bag won't fit in the main compartment. However, you should make sure that the straps are tightened well to avoid your bag swinging around or falling out.
Gear loops are meant for attaching gear like sleeping bags. If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, you can attach them to the gear loops on your backpack. This method will keep your sleeping bag secure, but it may add weight to your backpack.
Bungee cords can be used to attach your sleeping bag to the loops on your backpack if your sleeping bag stuff sack does not have any straps. This method will keep your sleeping bag secure, but it will add a little extra weight to your gear.
