Ashwin Lewis
If your sleeping bag won't fit inside your internal frame backpack, there are several methods you can try to make it fit. Firstly, ensure that you have removed the air from the sleeping bag by laying it flat and pushing out the air, then folding it lengthwise and repeating the process. Next, try rolling the sleeping bag as tightly as possible, starting from the top end where your head goes. If your bag still won't fit, you may want to consider using a compression sack, which reduces the volume of your sleeping bag, allowing it to fit more easily into your backpack. Alternatively, you can attach the sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack using straps or ropes, depending on the design of your backpack. Finally, consider swapping to a down sleeping bag, which compresses smaller than synthetic bags, or try storing your bag loose inside a large plastic bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Problem | Sleeping bag won't fit inside backpack |
| Reasons | Backpack is too small, sleeping bag is too big, or both |
| Solutions | Use a compression sack, cram the bag into the backpack, attach the bag to the backpack's external frame, or store it inside the backpack's sleeping bag compartment |
| Tips | Use a down sleeping bag instead of synthetic for better compressibility, protect the bag from weather and snags by storing it inside the backpack, and use your body weight to compress the bag |
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What You'll Learn
Use a compression sack to reduce the sleeping bag's volume
If your sleeping bag won't fit inside your internal frame backpack, a compression sack can be a great solution to reduce its volume. Compression sacks are designed to compress bulky soft items, such as sleeping bags, down to a fraction of their original size, freeing up valuable space in your backpack.
To determine the right size of compression sack for your sleeping bag, you'll need to calculate its volume. If you own a Sea to Summit sleeping bag, you can find the volume on their product pages. For other brands, you can often find the volume on the manufacturer's website or product specifications page. If you can't find the volume, you can calculate it by placing the sleeping bag in a cardboard box and measuring its dimensions.
Once you have the measurements, you can calculate the volume in cubic inches or litres, depending on your preferred unit of measurement. With these calculations, you can choose a compression sack that is slightly larger than the volume of your sleeping bag. This ensures that your sleeping bag will fit comfortably inside the compression sack.
It's worth noting that the compressibility of your sleeping bag also depends on its materials. Down bags tend to compress smaller than synthetic bags. Additionally, the type of insulation and the shell and liner fabrics can impact the packed volume of your sleeping bag. Therefore, it's important to consider these factors when selecting a compression sack.
By using a compression sack, you can significantly reduce the volume of your sleeping bag, making it easier to fit inside your internal frame backpack. This not only saves space but also makes hauling your gear more manageable during your adventures.
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Attach the sleeping bag to the backpack's external frame
If your sleeping bag is too big to fit inside your internal frame backpack, you can attach it to the backpack's external frame. This method is preferred because it keeps the backpack dry and safe, and the sleeping bag protected from branches and bushes, which could tear or rip the bag.
Firstly, check if your backpack has loops on its back and if your stuff sack has straps. If it does, you can simply attach the bag to the outside of your backpack. If your backpack does not have loops, you can tie your backpack to the external frame. Most backpack manufacturers place straps for carrying a sleeping bag on the external frame.
If your sleeping bag does not have a stuff sack, you can put it directly into the sleeping bag compartment. If it still does not fit, try compressing the bag with a compression sack. This will allow the sleeping bag to mould around other objects in your backpack.
If you are still unable to fit your sleeping bag inside your backpack, you will have to be innovative and use loops to secure the sleeping bag on top of the pack. Using the tie points at the bottom of a backpack is another way to attach sleeping system items that won't fit in the main compartment.
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Use the backpack's tie points to attach the sleeping bag
If your sleeping bag is too big for your backpack, you can use the backpack's tie points to attach the sleeping bag externally.
Many backpacks come with tie points at the bottom, which can be used to secure your sleeping bag. If your backpack has an external frame, it may have tie points at the bottom that are meant for sliding your sleeping bag into. Make sure to tighten these well to avoid your sleeping bag swinging around or falling out, and be careful when setting your backpack down, as the sleeping bag will be at the bottom.
If your backpack has gear loops, you can attach your sleeping bag stuff sack's adjustable straps to these loops. If your stuff sack doesn't have straps, 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 of your pack, wind it tightly around your pack several times, and then hook the other end into the other side of your pack.
If you are using an inflatable sleeping pad, you can place it under the hood, in the pack's central well, or in a side pocket, leaving the adjustable straps at the base of the pack free for larger cargo, such as your sleeping bag. If the straps on your pack aren't long enough, and there's no room under the hood, you can use bungee cords. These are elasticated and have a hook on either end. Attach one of the hooks to one side of your pack and then crisscross the cord to secure your sleeping bag.
Attaching your sleeping bag externally can be preferable for several reasons. It can keep the backpack dry and safe, even when you put it down to rest. It also keeps the sleeping bag safe from branches and bushes, protecting it from tearing and ripping. It can also be necessary if your backpack doesn't have the capacity to store the sleeping bag inside, if you have a wet sleeping bag, if you want to keep your sleeping bag safe from sharp items inside your pack, or if you need to use the designated compartment for extra supplies on a multi-day trip.
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Consider buying a down sleeping bag instead of a synthetic one
If you're struggling to fit your sleeping bag inside your internal frame backpack, consider buying a down sleeping bag instead of a synthetic one. Down sleeping bags are highly compressible, allowing them to be squeezed into tight spaces within your backpack. They also tend to come with a stuff sack, making them easier to cram into your backpack.
Down sleeping bags are favoured by backpackers due to their superior warmth-to-weight ratio. They are incredibly lightweight and provide exceptional insulation, ensuring a warm and comfortable night's sleep. This is because down sleeping bags are filled with the fluffy plumage found beneath a bird's exterior feathers, typically from geese and sometimes ducks. The fine, branched filaments of down create air pockets that provide excellent insulation.
However, one significant drawback of down sleeping bags is their vulnerability to moisture. When down gets wet, the feathers clump together, causing the air pockets to collapse and resulting in a loss of insulation. This can be a major issue if you're camping in wet or humid environments. To mitigate this, some manufacturers offer down sleeping bags treated with a water-repellent coating, known as hydrophobic down. While this treatment improves the water resistance of down bags, it may not match the insulating capabilities of synthetic bags when wet.
Synthetic sleeping bags are generally more affordable and effective in wet conditions. They retain their insulating properties even when wet, and they dry out faster than down bags. However, synthetic bags are typically heavier and bulkier, taking up more space in your backpack.
If you're primarily concerned about space and weight, a down sleeping bag is a better choice. Just be mindful of potential moisture issues, especially if you're camping in damp environments. However, if you frequently camp in wet conditions, a synthetic bag might be a wiser investment.
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Place the sleeping bag in the backpack's sleeping bag compartment
If your sleeping bag won't fit inside your internal frame backpack, there are several methods you can try to compress and attach it to your backpack. Firstly, it is important to get the loft out of the sleeping bag and remove the air from it. This can be done by laying the sleeping bag flat on the ground and crawling across it with your arms pressing out the air. Then, fold it lengthwise and crawl across it again. Alternatively, you can push or fold the sleeping bag while simultaneously pushing out the air. Once the air is removed, you can start rolling the sleeping bag as tightly as possible, starting from the top end where your head goes as it is wider.
Now, you can try placing the sleeping bag directly into the sleeping bag compartment of your backpack. If it still doesn't fit, you can use a compression sack to compress and reduce the volume of your sleeping bag. Place the sleeping bag inside the compression sack, and use your body weight to push down on it while pulling the straps to compress it further.
If your sleeping bag is still too large, you can try attaching it to the outside of your backpack. If your backpack has an external frame, tie the sleeping bag directly to the frame using rope or twine. If your backpack doesn't have an external frame, use the straps provided to secure the sleeping bag to the top of the backpack. Alternatively, if your backpack has loops and your stuff sack has straps, attach the sleeping bag to the outside by pulling the straps through the loops and tightening them.
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Frequently asked questions
If your sleeping bag doesn't fit inside your backpack, it may be because your backpack is too small or your sleeping bag is too big. Try using a compression sack to compress your sleeping bag to a smaller size. You can then attach the compressed sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack using tie points or loops.
A compression sack is a bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into to compress it to a smaller size. This makes it easier to fit the sleeping bag into your backpack or attach it to the outside.
First, stuff your sleeping bag into the compression sack. Then, use your body weight to compress it down and cinch the cord to close it. You can further compress it using the compression straps on the compression sack.
Using a compression sack can help to reduce the space taken up by your sleeping bag, making it easier to fit into your backpack or attach to the outside. It can also help to protect your sleeping bag from the weather and snags.
Yes, some people use a trash bag or a dry bag instead of a compression sack. This can help to protect your sleeping bag from getting wet and can also allow it to mould around other objects in your backpack.
