Miya Pearson
The size of the compression sack you need for your sleeping bag depends on several factors, including the size and shape of the sleeping bag, the type of insulation, and the shell and liner fabrics used. Sleeping bags filled with down are more compressible than synthetic-filled ones and require smaller volume stuff sacks. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, may require a larger compression sack to reduce the volume they take up in your backpack. The durability of the material is also a factor, as synthetic materials are not typically known for being highly compressible and durable at the same time. If you are backpacking, you will want to compress your sleeping bag as much as possible to save space, whereas car camping requires less compression. It is important to note that compression sacks can limit your ability to utilize the entire capacity of your pack, as they turn your sleeping bag into a solid item that requires a specific volume to fit.
| Characteristics | Values | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag material | Down | Synthetic |
| Sleeping bag volume | Depends on the type of insulation and shell and liner fabric | |
| Compression sack size | 13L | 15L, 20L, 30L (med, large, XL) |
| 17" too long | Larger diameter and shorter length | |
| XX-Large or XXX-Large |
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What You'll Learn
Synthetic sleeping bags need larger compression sacks
When it comes to choosing a compression sack for your sleeping bag, it's important to consider the bag's uncompressed size and the desired level of compression. Sleeping bags with down insulation are more compressible than those with synthetic insulation, requiring smaller sacks. Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, typically need larger compression sacks due to their lower compressibility.
The rule of thumb for selecting the right size compression sack is to take the compressed volume of your sleeping bag and add 5 litres. For example, if your synthetic sleeping bag has a compressed volume of 5.3 litres, you should opt for a compression sack sized at least 10.3 litres. This allows for sufficient room in the sack without being too tight, making it easier to close. It's worth noting that compression sacks are available in a range of sizes, from small (6 litres to 10 litres) to medium (10 litres to 20 litres) and large (20 litres and above).
The type of sleeping bag insulation plays a crucial role in determining the required compression sack size. Synthetic insulation sleeping bags, due to their lower compressibility, demand higher-volume stuff sacks. They occupy more space in your backpack, making a compression sack essential to reduce the overall volume. On the other hand, down-filled sleeping bags are highly compressible and can often be paired with a regular dry sack, except in winter weather conditions where a complex compression sack is necessary to minimise the volume in your backpack.
While compression sacks optimise space, they may limit your ability to utilise the full capacity of your backpack. This is because a compressed sleeping bag becomes a solid item that requires a designated space in your pack. In some cases, it might not even fit in the sleeping bag compartment, requiring external strapping. As such, some hikers prefer to stuff their sleeping bags around more rigid items in their backpacks.
Ultimately, the decision to use a compression sack depends on your specific needs and preferences. Synthetic sleeping bags, due to their lower compressibility, will always require larger compression sacks compared to down-filled bags. However, it's important to strike a balance between optimising space and maintaining the durability of your sleeping bag, as over-compression can cause damage over time.
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Down sleeping bags are more compressible
The size of the compression sack you need for a sleeping bag depends on the size and shape of the sleeping bag, as well as the fill. Down sleeping bags are more compressible than synthetic-filled sleeping bags and hence require a smaller compression sack. Down sleeping bags have a high warmth-to-weight ratio and are much lighter than synthetic sleeping bags with a comparable temperature rating. They are also more expensive than synthetic sleeping bags.
Down sleeping bags should ideally be stored loose, either hung on a rack or a wall hanger, or in a large stuff sack that does not compress the bag. They should not be stored in a compressed state for long periods as they will lose their "loft" or insulating properties.
Ultralight sleeping bags are another option to consider if you want to cut back on weight and save space in your backpack. They come in two styles: mummy and quilt. Mummy bags are contoured around the body and are better for trapping heat, while quilts lie over the top with straps that hold them in place on the sleeping pad.
If you are looking for a lightweight and compressible sleeping bag, a down sleeping bag is a good option. However, if weight is not a primary concern and you are travelling in humid and wetter climates, a synthetic sleeping bag may be a better choice as it continues to insulate when wet.
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Sleeping bag volume determines compression sack size
The volume of your sleeping bag determines the size of the compression sack you will need. Sleeping bags vary in volume depending on the type of insulation and the shell and liner fabrics used. Therefore, it is not possible to simply match a bag temperature rating with a compression sack size.
Sleeping bags with down insulation are more compressible than synthetic-filled bags and hence require lower-volume compression sacks. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, do not compress as much as down bags, so they need higher-volume compression sacks. For example, a user with a 3-pound, 5-ounce synthetic sleeping bag needed an XX-Large or XXX-Large compression sack.
If you have a Sea to Summit sleeping bag, you can look up the volume of the bag on their product pages. If your sleeping bag is from another brand, you can find the size of the stuff sack supplied with the bag on the manufacturer's website or the product specifications page of a website such as rei.com. The capacity of the stuff sack is equal to the mildly compressed volume of the sleeping bag.
To calculate the volume of your sleeping bag, you can use the following formulae:
- Measure the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches. Multiply 3.2 x the radius x the radius x the height, then divide by 61 to get the volume in litres.
- Measure the average depth of the mildly compressed sleeping bag in a box. Multiply the length x width x depth to get the volume in cubic inches.
It is recommended to get the smallest compression sack that fits your bag. However, note that over-compressing your sleeping bag can ruin it. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a compression sack unless you need the extra pack volume.
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Compression sacks can be heavy and damage bags
Compression sacks are made of nylon or similar material and are designed to compress clothing items to the smallest possible size without damaging them. They come in different sizes and can help you manage the space in your backpack more efficiently.
However, using a compression sack for your sleeping bag can have some drawbacks. Firstly, they can be heavy and add unnecessary weight to your luggage. This additional weight can lead to expensive overage fees for excess baggage weight when travelling.
Secondly, over-compressing a sleeping bag, whether down or synthetic, can lead to loft degradation and reduce its effectiveness. While some manufacturers claim that their bags can be compressed without causing long-term damage, it is generally recommended to store the bag loose in a large bag for longer storage.
Additionally, compression sacks might not save much space due to their hard shape, which can create wasted air pockets. They can also limit your ability to utilise the entire capacity of your backpack by turning your sleeping bag into a solid item that requires a specific volume to fit.
Finally, stuff sacks are not always waterproof, and using them might not keep your sleeping bag dry. In some cases, a simple pack liner or dry bag might be a better option to keep your sleeping bag dry and protected.
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Dry bags are an alternative to compression sacks
Dry bags are often mentioned as an alternative to compression sacks. They are especially useful when you want to keep your sleeping bag dry. For instance, a Reddit user mentions using a 13L Sea to Summit Evac dry sack for their sleeping bag, which they can compress a bit after stuffing. They also mention that dry bags are preferable to compactor bags.
Another Reddit user mentions that a pack liner inside, such as a contractor trash bag or a nyloflume liner, will keep everything in the pack dry without the need for a dedicated dry sack.
Dry sacks are also recommended for sleeping bags used in weigh-conscious water sports like packrafting. For instance, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Sack provides a good balance between moderate durability and weight savings.
However, dry bags are not always the best option for sleeping bags. For instance, for applications where weight is less of a concern, such as kayaking, ultra-burly Watershed ZipDry bags are recommended as they are 100% waterproof but far too heavy for use as a sleeping bag stuff sack.
Therefore, dry bags are a good alternative to compression sacks for sleeping bags, especially when waterproofing is a priority. However, they may not always be the best option, depending on the specific requirements and constraints.
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Frequently asked questions
The size of the compression sack depends on the volume of your sleeping bag. Sleeping bags vary in volume depending on their insulation, shell and liner fabrics. You can calculate the volume of your sleeping bag by measuring its radius and height in inches and multiplying them by 3.14. Then, divide that number by 61 to get the volume in litres. Compression sacks are available in various sizes, such as 13L, 15L, 20L, 22L, and 30L.
Yes, synthetic sleeping bags do not compress as much as down sleeping bags. Therefore, they require larger volume compression sacks.
For a synthetic winter sleeping bag, a larger compression sack is recommended to reduce the volume of the sleeping bag in your backpack.
It depends on your preference and the type of activity you'll be doing. Compression sacks can limit the utilization of your backpack's entire capacity. However, if you're backpacking, a compression sack can help save space by compressing your sleeping bag. If you're car camping, a regular stuff sack is sufficient.
Yes, you can use a dry bag or a trash compactor bag to keep your sleeping bag dry and compressed. These options are lightweight and waterproof.
