How To Pack a Sleeping Bag in a Backpack

Sleeping bags are arguably the most important hiking necessity out there. They are specially designed bags that trap your body heat and hence keep you warm as you sleep in them safely. They are also well adjustable according to the body and don’t allow excessive movement, and thus are excellent hiking companions. So, let’s buckle up and get to know how to pack a sleeping bag in a backpack.

If you are a hiker or a backpacker, you must be fully aware that the biggest challenge one faces during these endeavors is carrying maximum essentials in one backpack without putting an extra strain on your shoulders. A huge issue with this might be poorly packed sleeping bags, which if packed inside can take up unnecessary space and force you to leave other necessities. Therefore, you must know how to properly pack a sleeping bag in the backpack for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

That is exactly what this blog will be helping you with, from guiding you on how to choose the best sleeping bag for you and then preparing it to the best way of adjusting it on a backpack, and some lesser-known tips for a smooth hiking experience with a sleeping bag.

Choose the Right Sleeping Bag:

With the right sleeping bag, we assure you your hiking experience will be a thousand times more pleasurable. After all, who doesn’t like the facility of a nice and cozy sleep on their adventurous hike? But on the same grounds, a wrong sleeping bag is going to worsen your hike on an equal scale, therefore you must choose the right sleeping bag on 3 main scales.

Determining the right size and shape:

Sleeping bags are present in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on your needs and preference. You must consider that before choosing. For example, if you are a bulky person who prefers to sleep in a spacious place, then you should go for a rectangular backpack of large size. Similarly, if you’re lean and like maximum warmth in tight conditions then go for a small-sized barrel-shaped or mummy sleeping bag. With the appropriate size and shape, your experience will be much more comfortable.

Choosing the right material:

The material of the sleeping bag is important as it determines the weight of the bag to some extent and the warmth that it might provide. In terms of weight, you should look out for lightweight bags which also provide maximum insulation for the best experience. For appropriate warmth, sleeping bags come as synthetic or down. You must carefully look at the pros and cons of each and select depending on the place you are going. If you are going to a wet place, it’s best to take a synthetic sleeping bag. Other than that, down bags are lighter and overall, a better experience.

Consider the temperature rating:

Temperature rating tells you the lowest temperature at which the bag keeps a person warm and as a thumb rule, it’s suggested that you pick up a sleeping bag that has a “lower” temperature rating than the lowest temperature of your desired camping location. This will enable the sleeping bag to keep you warm during the coldest nights and if you ever feel a little too warm, you can always open it a little.

How to prepare the sleeping bag for packing:

Congratulations! You have selected the best sleeping bag for yourselves. Now is the time to pick up your bag and go hit the road. Just follow some easy steps to get your sleeping bag ready for the trip.

Shake out any debris or dirt:

Before you start packing your backpack, make sure the sleeping bag is appropriately clean. You can do so by unrolling it fully and then shaking it gently to let any debris fall out. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to do a better job.

Roll up the sleeping bag:

The key to packing a sleeping bag well is to roll it on itself well enough so the whole sleeping bag gets down to the smaller cylinder. The better you’re able to do it the better the packing will be.

Fold or stuff the sleeping bag into the compression or stuff sack:

The process of reducing the surface area of the sleeping bag doesn’t end here as the next step is to stuff that sleeping bag into the compression sack. Almost all bags come with it but on a rare occasion when you might not have a compression sack, you can use a large pillowcase to stuff it into.  

By the end of the process, you would have your prepared sleeping bag ready to be put into or on your backpack.

How to Place Sleeping Bag in the Backpack:

Here you’ve come to the last step and the only thing that remains is finally placing your sleeping bag in your backpack. Before you move forward, you should always make sure your backpack is clean and in good shape. To know more about cleaning a backpack go to our blog How to clean hiking backpack.

Choosing the right location in the backpack:

 A sleeping bag in the wrong place in the backpack can disrupt your whole trip as you don’t want it to take up all the space in the backpack, nor do you want it to be at the bottom as that would cause you to take everything else out to reach it. Furthermore, if you don’t place it on the exterior with proper measures, it can get dirty or wet. Hence, the best place for the sleeping bag is a special compartment made in most backpacks that are especially for the sleeping bag.  

Placing the sleeping bag in the backpack:

 To place the sleeping bag in the backpack you need to make sure it is as small and compressed as possible. Try to get a backpack with a built-in compartment, but if that is not possible you can always place the bag under the lid of your backpack or tie it at the bottom. In that case, make sure it’s covered and protected by rain.

 Adjusting the backpack straps for comfort and balance:

After you have decided on the placement of your sleeping bag, the step that remains is to firmly fix it so you can start on that hike! If you have tied it using your strap, then pull the adjuster towards the appropriate length such that the sleeping bag does not fall off. Keep an extra adjuster with you in case one breaks off. To know more about fixing the adjuster, hurry to our blog How to fix a backpack strap adjuster. If you are using a rope, make sure you put the knot properly and use a good-quality rope as well. Decide on what works well for you depending on the nature of your hike and the nature of your bag.

Tips for Packing a Sleeping Bag:

Now that you have all the information about packing the sleeping bag, here are a few extra tips for added comfort.

A. Avoid packing the sleeping bag too tightly:

Understand that the whole purpose of your sleeping bag is served by its material. If you pack it too tightly, the tension will affect its lofting properties and it will be of no use. So always pack the sleeping bag loosely enough to give the material space.

B. Keep the sleeping bag dry:

If your sleeping bag is wet, that is bad news for you as now that will mean a damp and clammy feeling when you try to sleep. Furthermore, down sleeping bags lose their insulating properties on exposure to water so you must keep them dry.

C. Use a waterproof cover for the backpack:

One can only be too careful when it comes to the most important piece of equipment. Thus, whenever you place your backpack, make sure to cover it with a waterproof cover and then you can enjoy that hike without worries!

Conclusion:

We believe by now you must have gotten a good grip on how to pack a sleeping bag in a backpack. The only key is to choose the right sleeping bag, firmly attach it to the most convenient place on the backpack, and keep it well-protected and dry. With this, you will have a carefree hike.

It is to be emphasized again that the right backpack stored correctly is essential for a safe and good trip. It can protect you from a range of infections and temperature-related disorders found in the wild and thus needs to be properly packed. These sleeping bags are made for comfortable sleep during your adventures and the best way to utilize them is to handle them with care.

FAQs:

How to pack a backpack for a week?

One 35-liter backpack can easily suffice you for a week. Just put all your essentials including any tools you would need and the sleeping bag, arrange them and your backpack are ready.

What to do if the sleeping bag is too big for the backpack?

For bigger sleeping bags, compression bags are an excellent choice to shrink the size safely.

How to pack a sleeping bag in a suitcase?

The sleeping bag can be packed inside a suitcase by stuffing it instead of rolling. This allows for greater storage flexibility.

How to pack a sleeping bag without a stuff sack?

You can pack the bag by first rolling it on all sides and then tying both ends together if you don’t have a compression bag. This can keep the bag firm and make it smaller.

How to attach a tent and sleeping bag to a backpack?

The right way is to roll both and place the tent in the middle while the sleeping bag is at the bottom of the backpack. This will minimize pressure on your back and pack both the tent and bag.