Miya Pearson
The size of a compression sack depends on the volume of the sleeping bag, the type of insulation, and the shell and liner fabrics used. Sleeping bags with down insulation are more compressible than synthetic-filled bags and require smaller volume stuff sacks. Synthetic-filled sleeping bags may require a larger compression sack to reduce the space they take up in a backpack. It is important to choose the right size compression sack to avoid damaging the insulation of the sleeping bag. Some backpackers prefer to stuff their sleeping bags around more rigid items in their packs, rather than using a compression sack, which can limit the utilisation of pack capacity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of a compression sack | To save space in your backpack |
| Factors determining the size of the compression sack | Volume of the sleeping bag, type of insulation, temperature rating, shell and liner fabrics |
| Downsides of a compression sack | May limit your ability to utilize the entire capacity of your backpack, may damage the insulation of the sleeping bag if it's too small, may be unnecessary weight if you can stuff the bag into gaps |
| Downsides of not using a compression sack | Sleeping bag may get wet, dirty, or damaged |
| Alternatives | Dry bags, trash compactor bags, bug head net as a small bag |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag volume and compression sack size
The volume of a sleeping bag depends on its type of insulation, temperature rating, shell, and liner fabrics. Sleeping bags with down insulation are more compressible than synthetic-filled bags and require lower-volume stuff sacks. Synthetic-filled sleeping bags, on the other hand, do not compress as well and require higher-volume stuff sacks. The size of the stuff sack also depends on the fill and shell material.
The size of the compression sack depends on the volume of the sleeping bag. It is important to find the right size. If the sack is too small, the bag won't fit, and forcing it in can damage the insulation. Conversely, a sack that is too large defeats the purpose of using a compression sack by wasting space. Compression sacks can save up to 50% of space in a backpack.
Some sleeping bags come with a compression sack. If yours didn't, you can determine the volume of your sleeping bag by checking the product description or contacting the manufacturer, who may also recommend a suitable compression sack. Alternatively, you can calculate the volume manually. To do this, measure the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches. Multiply 3.2 by the radius squared and the height, then divide by 61 to get the volume in litres.
While compression sacks save space, they may limit your ability to utilise the entire capacity of your pack. Sleeping bags without compression sacks can fill in small gaps between solid items. Over-compressing a sleeping bag can also damage it and reduce its warmth by decreasing its loftiness.
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Downs vs synthetics
When choosing a sleeping bag, you'll likely be deciding between down and synthetic fills. Both types have their pros and cons, and careful consideration should be given to your decision.
Down sleeping bags are filled with natural feathers, usually from geese or ducks. Down is a superior insulator, and its three-dimensional structure of fine, branched filaments means it lofts more, requiring less material to fill the same area as synthetic fibres. This makes down sleeping bags incredibly warm, lightweight, and space-efficient. However, down loses its insulating properties when wet, as the plumes clump together, reducing loft and trapping less air. Although this effect is not permanent, repeated exposure can cause permanent damage. Down sleeping bags are also more expensive, with prices varying depending on the global supply.
Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, are made from polyester fibres. They are more affordable and reliable in all conditions, especially wet weather. Synthetic fibres retain their loft when wet and dry much faster than down. They are also easier to care for and store, as down requires special washing instructions and should not be stored in a stuff sack, which can reduce its insulating properties over time. However, synthetic bags are heavier and bulkier than down, and while they have improved in recent years, they still cannot match the insulating properties of down.
If you're planning long hikes or have limited backpack space, a down sleeping bag may be preferable due to its lightweight and compressible nature. Down sleeping bags are also a good choice if you prioritise longevity, as they can last for decades with proper care. However, if your outdoor activities frequently involve wet conditions, a synthetic bag might be a better option, as it will keep you warm and dry faster than down.
In summary, both down and synthetic sleeping bags have their advantages and disadvantages. Down sleeping bags offer superior warmth, lightweight compressibility, and longevity but are more expensive and vulnerable to water. Synthetic bags are more affordable, reliable in wet conditions, and lower maintenance but are heavier and less insulating. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
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Compression sacks vs stuff sacks
Compression sacks and stuff sacks are both used for storing and transporting items such as sleeping bags, clothing, and other gear. However, there are some key differences between the two:
Compression Sacks:
- Compression sacks are designed to reduce the volume of the contents by half to one-third, making it possible to pack more items into a backpack or suitcase.
- They are typically used by hikers, backpackers, and bikepackers to save space and keep their gear organized.
- Compression sacks can be made of heavy-duty materials to protect gear from the elements and direct contact with sharp objects.
- They are often used for bulky cold-weather gear, such as sleeping bags and down jackets, to reduce their volume.
- Compression sacks can be heavy and may not be suitable for ultralight backpacking setups.
- They may limit your ability to utilize the entire capacity of your pack, as compressed items become solid objects that require specific volumes to fit in the pack.
- Some compression sacks feature purge valves or permeable fabrics to release trapped air, while others use compression straps to extract air from inside the bag.
Stuff Sacks:
- Stuff sacks are more straightforward storage bags that do not have compression features.
- They are often used for items that don't need to be compressed, such as hammocks and tarps, or for gear that is already compact, like a Thermarest Xlite sleeping pad.
- Stuff sacks can be designed to fit specific items, such as a sleeping bag, and can help keep like items together and organized.
- They can be made of waterproof or water-resistant materials to protect gear from getting wet.
- Stuff sacks can be useful for filling the corners, nooks, and crannies of a pack, as they can take the shape of the available space.
- Some stuff sacks can also be compressed by squeezing the air out and rolling the top shut, combining the benefits of both types of sacks.
In summary, the choice between a compression sack and a stuff sack depends on the specific needs of the user. Compression sacks are ideal for reducing the volume of bulky items, while stuff sacks are simpler and more flexible for organizing gear without adding weight or complexity. In some cases, users may prefer to have both types of sacks to suit different items and situations.
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Pros and cons of compression sacks
Compression sacks are popular with hikers, backpackers, and travellers for their ability to condense items such as sleeping bags and clothing into a small size. They are especially useful for those travelling on airlines that don't allow free carry-ons, as they can help squeeze items into a backpack that meets the airline's allotted dimensions. They are also useful for those who want to avoid checked bag fees, as well as chronic overpackers who want to fit more items into their luggage.
Compression sacks are made of nylon and have a drawstring closure. They allow users to squeeze out all the air by using the attached straps to pull the two end caps together, leaving belongings packed into a small, dense bundle. They can also be used to separate items and keep dirty laundry away from clean clothes.
However, compression sacks also have some drawbacks. They can make a bag heavy, and they can limit the ability to utilize the entire capacity of a pack. They can also be time-consuming to use, as items have to be wrestled into them, and they can make a pack lumpy and uncomfortable. In addition, compression sacks can be expensive, and they may not always keep items dry or prevent abrasion from other items in the pack.
Overall, compression sacks can be a useful tool for travellers, hikers, and backpackers, but they may not be necessary for everyone. It is important to consider the pros and cons before investing in one.
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Calculating sleeping bag volume
The volume of a sleeping bag depends on its type, size, shape, and fill. Sleeping bags filled with down are more compressible than synthetic-filled ones and require lesser volume stuff sacks. Synthetic fills take a set, with every compression, unlike down.
If your sleeping bag came in a stuff sack, you can measure it to get a good idea of what size compression sack will work. You can also refer to the manufacturer's website for the mildly compressed volume of the sleeping bag.
- Measure the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches. Multiply 3.2 by the radius squared and the height. Now divide by 61 to get the volume in liters. Alternatively, measure in centimeters and divide the total by 1,000 to calculate the volume in liters.
- Measure the average depth that the bag occupies in inches by pressing it down in a cardboard box until the upper surface is roughly level. Multiply the length by the width by the depth to get the volume in cubic inches.
- Take the packed dimensions from the product page and multiply them to get the volume in cubic inches, then convert that to liters.
If you want to test whether your sleeping bag will fit in a 4L compression stuff sack, you can try stuffing it into a 4L milk jug or a similarly-sized cut-off 2L soda bottle.
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Frequently asked questions
The size depends on the volume of your sleeping bag, the type of insulation, and the shell and liner fabrics used.
You can either check the product description or contact the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can calculate it manually by measuring the radius of the circular base and the height of the stuff sack in inches, then multiplying and dividing by specific values to get the volume in liters.
A stuff sack is a simple storage bag without any compression straps or cords. A compression sack has these features, allowing you to compress the gear inside and save space in your backpack.
Over-compressing your sleeping bag can damage its insulation and reduce its loftiness, affecting its warmth. Therefore, it is important to get the right size compression sack and not force your sleeping bag into a sack that is too small.
A compression sack is not necessary, but it can help save space in your backpack, especially if you are packing for a long hike or trip. Some sleeping bags already come with a compression sack, but if yours doesn't, you can reach out to the manufacturer for recommendations.
