Quote: Originally posted by Rachel M on 14/07/2005
Sorry to be different but I always roll them. I also include bedding in the roll & sometimes even a thin rug. Maybe my bag is just bigger, cos it doesn't seem hard work.
Hi Rachel, the experts generally advise 'unzipped stuffing' not because it is easier but because it is better/less damaging for the filling in the sleeping bag and the zips. MT
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
Always roll ours. Lay flat, fold in half length ways, then with the elastic bands at one end (sew on two long loops of wide elastic at the bottom if you don't already have them), roll towards them. When you get to the end, put the elastics round to hold it and pop it in the bag - easy (when you know how)
Sara
------------- Why live for tomorrow, when you can live for today and tomorrow is yet to come?
I'm a roller kind of gal too! Mind you, ours are very thin being Moon Bags and they do roll very easily once you fold them in half lengthways. Always find they fit in their bags really easily too.
Wish they still made these Moon Bags! Take up hardly any room and they're quite snug too, especially when using two zipped together and warm tootsies on hubby's bum!
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the things to do to keep your sleeping bag in tip-top condition, but I hope it will be of some help.
Ensure that you carefully read any washing instructions supplied with you sleeping bag before washing. This is especially important with down filled bags.
When packing your sleeping bag into its stuff sack, do exactly as the name suggests and simply stuff the bag in. This has 2 advantages, firstly it is a lot easier than trying to roll the bag and then put it in, and secondly it means that the bag will not be folded in exactly the same places over and over which could in time damage those areas. The easiest way to stuff it in is to push the foot end in first.
If you have used a compression sack ensure that you loosen the straps as soon as possible, so that the bag is not kept in a compressed state for long periods. This will help prolong the life of the sleeping bag.
When packing you sleeping bag away for the winter make sure that it is totally dry, it is all to easy to pack it up slightly damp when leaving a camp site and then forget all about it until next year, when you will find that it has gone mouldy, or at the very least smells unpleasant.
You learn something new every day. I'm going to try stuffing this week-end !!
I always used to carefully zip up the bags, roll them neatly, pack and leave them compressed too until it was pointed out to me that this was not a good way to treat the bags MT
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
Well it looks like I'm just going to have to be a getting stuffed kind of gal in future doesn't it? Amazing how my Moon bag thingies have lasted for twenty years the way I've been rolling them!!!
I'm off to get stuffed right now! Well, should be doing something towards our hols with only 23 hours and 55 mins to go.......
yes always stuff, especially with higher quality down sleeping bags. randomness is good, otherwise all your insulation will tend to migrate to the same places (usually the seams) leaving you chilly. to be honest with the cheaper bags it will make less difference since the synthetic insulation can be like a sheet anyway.
the most important thing is never store your sleeping bag in its stuff bag (rolled or stuffed). if your bag comes with a seperate cotton storage bag use that, let your bag breathe and make sure it is dry. You could also hang it by its hang loops (if it has them).
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Topic: Packing sleeping bags
I'm a roller kind of gal too! Mind you, ours are very thin being Moon Bags and they do roll very easily once you fold them in half lengthways. Always find they fit in their bags really easily too.
Well it looks like I'm just going to have to be a getting stuffed kind of gal in future doesn't it? Amazing how my Moon bag thingies have lasted for twenty years the way I've been rolling them!!!
