Simple guide to packing a sleeping bag

To the uninitiated, getting a sleeping bag into its stuff sack can be a nightmare. One huge bag into one small sack seems totally unfeasible despite knowing the sleeping bag originally came out of it. A machine is usually used to tightly roll a new bag so it can be squeezed into its stuff sack. This is next to impossible to do by hand and, anyway, it is not recommended. Not only is it easier to stuff a sleeping bag into the sack (hence the name), you avoid the potential damage caused by compressing the filling the same way each time. Compression straps help reduce the bulk but do turn it into a rather solid brick; slacken them off as soon as you can.

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1. Obviously, before a sleeping bag can be packed away, it has to be taken out and used; slackening off the compression straps makes sense.
2. Rolled up tightly, the bag should be pulled out as soon as possible after purchase and repacked or hung up in a big storage bag.
3. Hold the bag at the foot with one hand and the mouth of the stuff sack with the other. Throwing the bag over your shoulder helps to avoid picking up dirt and debris on the outer and keeps a degree of control over it.
4. Push the foot right down to the bottom of the stuff sack.
5. Carry on feeding the bag into the sack, keeping a tight grip on both and spreading the bag evenly inside. It will seem highly unlikely that it will all fit in but it will.
6. When it is almost fully packed the stuffing gets more difficult so holding it between your knees helps with gripping the stuff sack.
7. At the last gasp, you might need to really push down hard before drawing the end closed.
8. When the bag is fully in the sack, pull the drawstring tight with one hand whilst pushing down hard into the sack with the other.
9.  Pull the compression straps tight – job done.
10. (Main image) As it is not always possible to store sleeping bags as recommended, when you get home at least slacken off the compression straps. By turning the stuff sack inside out and packing it with spare clothing, you can improvise a pillow.
11. For longer-term storage between trips, store sleeping bags loosely in large mesh or cotton bags. Over time, being tightly compressed can damage the ability of fills – natural or synthetic – to loft properly. As it is loft that is a key factor in retaining warmth for insulation, they become less effective.