Colin Snow
When going on a camping trip, a backpack is essential to hold all your gear in one place. Sleeping bags are one of the larger items in a backpacker's kit, so it is important to learn how to pack and carry them. There are two main ways to carry a sleeping bag: inside or outside your backpack. Carrying your sleeping bag inside your backpack keeps it dry and clean, but takes up valuable space. Attaching your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack saves space, but exposes it to the elements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inside the backpack | Ensures the sleeping bag stays dry, clean, and warm; allows for better weight distribution; easier to carry |
| Outside the backpack | Saves space inside the backpack; allows for even weight distribution; easy to attach |
| Bottom of the backpack | Allows for better weight distribution; may damage the sleeping bag |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Inside vs outside your backpack
There are two main ways to carry a sleeping bag: inside or outside your backpack. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will depend on various factors, such as the weather, the terrain, and your personal preferences.
Carrying a sleeping bag inside your backpack is generally considered the simplest and most convenient option. It keeps the sleeping bag protected from the elements, ensuring it stays dry and clean. This method also allows for more comfortable weight distribution, as the weight of the sleeping bag is closer to your body, and it reduces the risk of the bag snagging on things as you hike. However, packing a sleeping bag inside your backpack takes up valuable space, which may be needed for other essential gear, especially on long hikes.
On the other hand, carrying a sleeping bag outside your backpack can save a lot of space. Most backpacks have external lash points or gear loops that allow you to attach the sleeping bag using compression straps or the carrying bag strap and pack loops. This method can also help with weight distribution, as it prevents the weight of the sleeping bag from being focused on one part of your back, which can cause back strain. However, carrying a sleeping bag outside your backpack exposes it to the elements, and it may get damp or have debris falling into it as you hike. To mitigate this, it is recommended to use a water-resistant sleeping bag and double-pack it inside its carrying bag, ensuring the opening is facing inward to keep water out.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to carry your sleeping bag inside or outside your backpack depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritise a dry and clean sleeping bag and comfortable weight distribution, packing it inside your backpack is ideal. However, if saving space and optimising weight distribution is a higher priority, attaching it to the outside of your backpack may be the better option, especially if you tend to overpack.
Staying Awake for 30 Days: Surviving Sleeplessness
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Compression straps
To use compression straps, you can feed the straps near the back panel through these lash points and around your sleeping bag. You can then cinch the straps to tighten the sleeping bag to your backpack. It is recommended to use two straps around the sleeping bag at the same level and a third strap in the middle attached to a higher point on the backpack to prevent the sleeping bag from bouncing around.
Coghlan's Sleeping Bag Straps are a popular option for compression straps and are known for their durability and ease of use. They are made from 100% polypropylene and feature a quick-release buckle, making them convenient for securing your sleeping bag.
Catching Zzz's at Work: A Humorous Guide to Napping 9-5
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Weight distribution
When deciding where to carry your sleeping bag, weight distribution is an important factor to consider. Carrying your sleeping bag on the outside of your backpack can help with weight distribution by keeping a heavy load from focusing on one part of your back, which can cause back strain. However, this method also has its drawbacks. For example, your sleeping bag will be exposed to the elements and can get damp or have debris fall into it as you make your way through the trail.
If you decide to carry your sleeping bag on the outside of your backpack, you can use compression straps to stabilise the load and distribute the weight evenly. You can also use two straps around the sleeping bag at the same level and a third strap in the middle attached to a higher point on the pack to keep your sleeping bag from bouncing around. Another way to achieve this is to run the strap through more than one of the lash points on the pack to widen the area of support.
If you carry your sleeping bag inside your backpack, you can ensure that it stays dry and clean. This method also keeps the weight of the sleeping bag close to your body, making for a more comfortable carry. However, packing your sleeping bag inside your backpack takes up valuable space that you might want to use for extra supplies. If your sleeping bag is too big, you might end up with little to no space.
If you are carrying a tent in addition to your sleeping bag, you can pack the tent inside your rucksack in the middle and close to your back, as it will generally be heavy and this will give better weight distribution and help keep your balance. You can also attach the tent poles to the outside of your rucksack via the straps.
Hotels and Sleep: Why Can't I Rest Well?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Waterproofing
While it is recommended to carry your sleeping bag inside your backpack, sometimes there is not enough room. If you are attaching your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, it is important to consider how to keep it dry.
Firstly, you can use a waterproof compression sack for your sleeping bag. Many sleeping bags are compressible, and using a compression sack will allow you to minimise the size of the sleeping bag for packing purposes. However, compression sacks are not always waterproof, so you may need to place the compression sack inside another bag.
Secondly, you can use a waterproof pack liner, such as a trash compactor bag, to line your whole backpack. This will keep all of your gear dry and is a lightweight option.
Thirdly, some backpacks come with a built-in rain cover. If yours does not, you can buy one separately to cover your entire pack when it rains.
Finally, if you are attaching your sleeping bag to the side of your backpack, consider the balance of your pack. On the other side, you can attach gear such as a tent or cooking equipment to balance out the weight.
Hotel Sleeping Bags: Where to Buy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Attaching to backpack loops
Attaching a sleeping bag to the backpack loops is a common way to carry a sleeping bag, especially if you are looking to save space inside your backpack. Most sleeping bags come with a carrying bag and straps, which can be used to attach the sleeping bag to the backpack loops.
To attach your sleeping bag to the backpack loops, you can use the compression straps near the back panel of your backpack. Feed these through the lash points and around your sleeping bag to cinch it down tightly. You can also use the compression buckles on the sides of the back panel to attach the sleeping bag and distribute the weight evenly. If your backpack does not have built-in compression straps, you can use twine or purchase strap buckles to attach the sleeping bag to the backpack loops.
When attaching a sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. Your sleeping bag will be exposed to the elements and may get damp or have debris fall into it. To mitigate this, you can double-pack your sleeping bag by placing it inside a trash bag before putting it into its carrying bag. Alternatively, you can store your sleeping bag inside your backpack, but this may take up valuable space.
If you choose to attach your sleeping bag to the bottom of your backpack, be aware that it may come into contact with dust and dirt. Additionally, attaching a sleeping bag to the bottom of your backpack may affect your balance, especially if the sleeping bag is heavy. To maintain your balance, consider attaching heavier items, such as a tent, inside your backpack, close to your back.
Adderall and Sleep: A Dangerous Combination?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can carry your sleeping bag inside or outside your backpack. Carrying it inside your backpack keeps it dry and protected from the elements. However, it takes up valuable space. Carrying it outside saves space and helps with weight distribution. However, it may get damp or damaged.
You can attach your sleeping bag to the outside of your backpack using compression straps and backpack loops. You can also use the carrying bag strap and the pack loops. To keep the sleeping bag from bouncing around, use two straps around the bag at the same level and a third strap in the middle attached to a higher point on the pack.
If your rucksack has a zipped bottom compartment, this is a useful place to store your sleeping bag. Otherwise, place the sleeping bag at the bottom of your rucksack. You will need to be a careful packer and only bring the essentials.
To keep your sleeping bag dry, double-pack it. All sleeping bags are sold with a carrying bag. However, there will be a small hole at the top of the bag, which can let water in. To avoid this, put the sleeping bag and a trash bag into its carrying bag, with the opening of the trash bag facing inward.
