sleeping bags...to compress or not to compress...

[jackelope]

Curious to hear opinions on whether or not you put your sleeping bag in a compression sack in your backpack or just put it into the bottom of the pack loose.
Personally I think I'd go the route of a dry compression bag just to make sure it doesn't get wet.
Thoughts...?

[ellensburgpo]

I put mine in a kifaru compression sack when in my pack just to save space and keep it dry. As soon as I get the tent setup it comes out. Just a space saver.

[trophyhunt]

I agree, compression in the bag for space.  If I know it's not going to be wet I might even hang it on the outside of the pack for more space, but that would be a summer hike.

[Bmcox86]

Rei small compression sack, waterproof and makes it super tiny. Might need to look for something different when the quilt gets here though

[Wea300mag]

Like many others, mine is compressed while in the pack. It would take up too much space to leave at full loft.

[kentrek]

Ive done both routes an dis like using my main bag as my stuff sack...it saves alil weight but its nill

Sea to summit waterproof compression sacks are what ya need....i run a size biger than you really need just so i can also put all my extra clothes in there too

[hughjorgan]

What would the advantage to not compress your sleeping bag? I have always compressed mine.

[kentrek]

It can save time

But its bulky which is a pet peve of mine

[pope]

Stuff 'em for sure, especially synthetic-filled bags which don't compress without effort. But for storage between trips, make sure the bag is completely dry and then do not compress but keep it fluffed up in a laundry bag.

[actionshooter]

 I use sea to summit compression sacks and only during packing, leave the bags loose as much as I can.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Curious to hear opinions on whether or not you put your sleeping bag in a compression sack in your backpack or just put it into the bottom of the pack loose.
Personally I think I'd go the route of a dry compression bag just to make sure it doesn't get wet.
Thoughts...?

This is the path you should take.  By having them in a dry compression sack, it gives a nice lightweight shelf to stack your heavier gear on.  If you leave it uncompressed, the heavier items could float down the pack.

[jackelope]

I've read several threads on backpackinglight.com saying not to use compression sacks. That's why I ask.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=37074

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=60065

Dunno. I can see the logic on both sides.

[pope]

Most bags lose loft as they get older and dirty. Washing the bag can restore some of its loft. If you're worried about damage from stuffing, put the bag in an over-sized waterproof sack and attach to the outside of your pack. The most critical consideration in the field is how to keep the bag dry. If you're out for multiple nights, this can be a challenge. Take every opportunity to dry the bag out in the afternoon sun. After you sleep in a bag, do not immediately put it in a stuff sack. Leave the bag out in your tent while you hunt so the heat of the day and circulating air can help dry your bag.

[7mag.]

Most bags lose loft as they get older and dirty. Washing the bag can restore some of its loft. If you're worried about damage from stuffing, put the bag in an over-sized waterproof sack and attach to the outside of your pack. The most critical consideration in the field is how to keep the bag dry. If you're out for multiple nights, this can be a challenge. Take every opportunity to dry the bag out in the afternoon sun. After you sleep in a bag, do not immediately put it in a stuff sack. Leave the bag out in your tent while you hunt so the heat of the day and circulating air can help dry your bag.

Yes, this. And what silk said. When using a pack with a sleeping bag compartment, my bag goes in a compression sack, then in the compartment. If no compartment, compression sack in the very bottom of the pack. It helps keep heavier items higher in the pack, and closer to your center of gravity. I use a compression sack for two reasons, to save space, and to create a solid base in the bottom of my pack to build on.

[whacker1]

My newest Mountain Hardwear bag came with a compression sack fit for the bag, so I am inclined to think that they have given me the correct size.  I intend to use it for space saving in the pack.

[starbailey]

Compression sack when traveling or hiking then left out loose when not in use at home.

[Special T]

I second Popes statement. Compression sacks for hiking, Laundry bags for storage. If you leave them in a compression sack they WILL lose thier warmth. One of my buddies that I mountain climbed with left his in a hammock when not in use.  He did have 3 high end ones so he took really good care of them.

[ICEMAN]

Granite gear compression sacks for us.....

[jackelope]

Maybe I should clarify...
I've always compressed my bag in a compression bag inside my pack at the bottom just like everyone is mentioning. I was looking into getting another bag to put my tent in, came across a bunch of threads on backpacking forums that mention NOT using a compression bag in your backpack. It got me curious to hear what all you guys think. It seems like just like everything else in the world...there's more than 1 way to do things.
All of my sleeping bags at home are kept in wayyy oversized laundry bag type stuff sacks.  I never leave them in the compression bag when the bag is not in my backpack. The bag I use backpacking is a down bag. Compresses down nice and tiny.
Thanks

[kentrek]

Have ya tried it out ?? You have the icon right ?? I think its really going to depend on what pack ya have an also what other gear....those guys on bpl have pretty minimal stuff with them since there just hiking..

Il tell ya its not to big of diference an if im feeling lazy an heading back to the truck i wont worry bout the stuff sack...just cram it all in an go...I dont have big heavy items like alot of people have been saying tho that need to be on a shelf  not sure whats they're referring to, food maybe

Might aswell give it a shot an see how it works with you/your gear

[fillthefreezer]

i dont use a compression sack anymore and havent for a few seasons. simply a roll top drysack with e-vent. i get just as much compression by simply pushing the air out while being lighter. it also doesnt end up like a bowling ball.

[jackelope]

Have ya tried it out ?? You have the icon right ?? I think its really going to depend on what pack ya have an also what other gear....those guys on bpl have pretty minimal stuff with them since there just hiking..

Il tell ya its not to big of diference an if im feeling lazy an heading back to the truck i wont worry bout the stuff sack...just cram it all in an go...I dont have big heavy items like alot of people have been saying tho that need to be on a shelf  not sure whats they're referring to, food maybe

Might aswell give it a shot an see how it works with you/your gear

I haven't tried it out yet. The pack should be here today.

i dont use a compression sack anymore and havent for a few seasons. simply a roll top drysack with e-vent. i get just as much compression by simply pushing the air out while being lighter. it also doesnt end up like a bowling ball.

I tell you, I don't like the bowling ball feel of the compression bag in there.
 

[swanny]

Compression sack most the time. I have done the stuffed in the bottom method once and don't know if either really saves space one way or another. I am heading out this weekend, maybe i'll give it a go again. If it's dry out, I wouldn't worry to much about making sure you have a waterproof sack around it.