Compressing Sleeping Bags

Some form of the sleeping bag has been around for as long as humans have been traveling, migrating and exploring the world. The rough definition of a sleeping bag is that of a protective tube that wraps around the entire body in order to keep the person warm and protected from the elements. Compressing sleeping bags allows people to bring a comfortable and safe sleeping option with them without the hassle and bulk of blankets and layers.

History

According to historical documents, the original sleeping bag was invented by an Icelandic explorer between 1300 and 1000 C.E. Freydis Eiriksdottir was a Nordic Viking and the daughter of the famous Norwegian settler, Erik the Red, who founded the first settlement in Greenland. While accounts of Freydis' life and journeys offer varying tales, it is believed that she accidentally invented the sleeping bag during one of two expeditions associated with colonizing the Americas. What's more interesting is that this first sleeping bag was more closely related to modern compressible sleeping bags than many that came after it because of the material she was using. Freydis used an extra sail from her ship, which helped to cut the wind and repel the unforgiving chill of the icy waters in the northern hemisphere.

Features

A typical sleeping bag is made from a lightweight and water-resistant nylon shell and insulated with a synthetic thermal material that is quilted or layered in order to provide little bulk with high amounts of warmth. Draft tubes are usually placed near the face and lower quarter of the shell to decrease the loss of heat and zippered vents allow for cooling airflow in case you do get too hot. Compressible sleeping bag shells are made from lightweight, compressible, abrasion-resistant nylon. A sleeping bag measuring 7 by 2 feet can be compressed into a highly compact nylon bag measuring just 9 inches. Most compressible sleeping bags come with a nylon or mesh bag for compressing, but "stuff sacks" are also sold separately.

Benefits

Compressing your sleeping bag is one of the best things you can do when it comes to storage space. On especially long camping or backpacking excursions, compressing your sleeping bag will eliminate bulk and leave room in your pack for more important kits and tools for your journey. Many outdoor and backpacking companies sell sleeping bags that are made to compress into a size that fits into the bottom compartment of the average backpackers pack. Nylon sacks are commonly used to compress a sleeping bag and are called stuff sacks." These stuff sacks not only keep you bag conveniently compact, but also protect them from tearing, water damage and other minor damage.

Types

Sleeping bags can cost anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on the material used, warmth provided, weight and convenience. They come in a range of temperature gradients that tell what temperatures they can be used at. Some bags will keep you warm in a 30-degree F climate, while others can keep you warm in up to minus 15 degrees F. Nowadays, most sleeping bags are cocoon-like and are often referred to as "mummy bags." These modern sleeping bags can be made out of anything from polyester to fleece and be stuffed with a synthetic fiber-like thermolite to a natural fill like down feathers. Man-made materials are usually more lightweight and are designed to be compressed for convenience during travel.

Misconceptions

A 3-lb. sleeping bag will always weigh 3 lbs., whether it's laying flat or rolled into a tight ball. Nowadays, most sleeping bags are made to be compressed into smaller pouches, but there are some sleeping bags that are made from heavier materials, like wool and cotton. These sleeping bags are made to be used in cabins and motor homes and, because of the materials used to make them, are nearly impossible to compress.

Resources

• Compressing a Sleeping Bag
• More on Freydis Eiriksdottir