sleeping bag...

**Azura** · 09-30-2013, 09:06

I have a sleeping bag from The North Face and I really love the color and how it looks but I am really having a hard time getting it to go in my backpack. I am thinking about selling the one I have now and trying to get something that compresses a bit better so I have more room in my backpack. I don't think that a compression bag will make it much smaller, its a 20 degree bag and its made out of heatseeker insulation. I need advise on what to do...?

**WakarusaRiverGypsy** · 09-30-2013, 12:44

I think down compresses small and is light. More expensive too I think. I still use my Military extreme weather mummy bag lol thing prolly weighs 10 pounds! But **** is it warm.

**Mountnman** · 09-30-2013, 12:47

A down top quilt and under quilt will definitely get you more compact and lighter if weight is also a concern.

**VictoriaGuy** · 09-30-2013, 14:22

Originally Posted by Azura

I am thinking about selling the one I have now and trying to get something that compresses a bit better so I have more room in my backpack. I don't think that a compression bag will make it much smaller, its a 20 degree bag and its made out of heatseeker insulation. I need advise on what to do...?

My advice would be to get a bigger backpack. (and then resist the temptation to put any extra heavy stuff in it

)

I put my synthetic bag in an OutdoorResearch compression sac, and it does compress fairly well, but it's a lot lighter bag (MountainHardwear Lamina35 which really should be rated at 45 deg, IMO) than your North Face.

OR Compression sac with air purge 'bleeder panel'
http://www.mec.ca/product/5031-036/o...ression-sacks/

My thoughts:
1-Down compresses (and re-lofts when dry) better than synthetic, BUT
2-Down is almost useless when damp/wet
3-The new water-repellent treated down is expensive

so, synthetic fill would be my choice if out for more than one night...

**fallkniven** · 09-30-2013, 14:57

yes, as others said, synthetic fills do not compress very much. Down will compress far better than any synthetic will, but with that, comes a higher price and a little more care. So you'll need to weigh the pro's and con's to what will suit you better.

**Rolloff** · 09-30-2013, 15:03

Not sure what pack you are using but, a Dry Bag strapped to the outside? As long as you're not bushwacking and have a pack cover or Poncho that will provide sufficient coverage.

Might work until you can make further equipment adjustments.(Money)

**Moondoggy** · 09-30-2013, 15:13

You can also use a 1.2 mil compactor bag as a pack liner . I use that and my pack cover and have never had wet down and I have hiked for 35 years up and down the east coast!

**VictoriaGuy** · 09-30-2013, 23:00

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

You can also use a 1.2 mil compactor bag as a pack liner . I use that and my pack cover and have never had wet down and I have hiked for 35 years up and down the east coast!

Like you, I can't recall ever having a problem getting down gear wet when it was stuffed/packed.
Frost or condensation getting on the sleeping bag will get it wet, and water can be transferred from other wet gear - down seems to have a magic attractive quality for moisture! If you don't use vapor barrier sleeping clothing or a vapor barrier bag liner, the bag will get damp in cool/cold weather, and things get worse night after night if there is no chance to 'dry out' the bag during the day.

It's less of a problem in a hammock than in a (small) tent or bivy bag, for sure.

**VictoriaGuy** · 09-30-2013, 23:02

Originally Posted by fallkniven

yes, as others said, synthetic fills do not compress very much.

And don't make my mistake and buy a synthetic bag that has great compressibility specs, and find that it is just very thin (for its temperature rating)!