How to Attach a Sleeping Bag to a Backpack?

Last Updated on June 16, 2022 by DAVID

Did you see some funny videos on social media where people are unpacking a bag with enormous accessories that they need on a tour? It seemed to be jokes but the real thing happens when you are the best at packing many massive things in a small place. The sleeping bag is a large thing and a backpack is a small place. With slight expertise in doing the packing, you can do a great thing. First, think about the reasons why you need to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack. You can find the accessible ways that can go along with the reasons.

If you are going on a comfortable trip with a sleeping bag that is free of cold or messy areas, then you can pack it inside the backpack. Ensure that the backpack is a bit larger, or the sleeping bag is a bit smaller.

If you are going on hiking or camping, attaching the bag outside the backpack is the best idea. You can add it to the side or back of the backpack.  You can use an extra cover to protect the backpack from unavoidable circumstances.

6 ways of attaching a sleeping bag to a backpack

Many think that it does not matter how you fit everything into your pack because as long as you can fit all these things, it is good. Conversely, the case is not like that always. You have to distribute all the weight on your back so it should be comfortable and sit well on your body. If you think you are leaning too far you should get that the packing is not good for your physic.

Using Straps and Loops

On some extra-large backpacks, there are built-in loops and straps for the sleeping bag as a special feature. Your sleeping bags can be kept protected in that loops. Otherwise, all backpacks have several straps and loops outside which you can use for attaching the sleeping bag. You can put the bag horizontally or vertically as you like, it depends on the size of the sleeping bag too, if it is not long enough then some people prefer to carry it vertically. But usually, most people like to carry their sleeping bags horizontally. For a proper fix, you need some special cords that people use for lots of purposes.

You can use the clinch straps with one or two bungee cords to clip the sleeping bag to the outside of the backpack. You can take two smaller size bungee cords that you can feed through the hole or loop available on your bag. Then you can tie the cord around and clinch it. Next, the sleeping bags can be put through the hole of the bungee cords.

Another way you can use some paracord of specific size according to your bedroll size. Just as like bungee cords, you can put two or three paracords through the straps and make knots. Thus, the loops can be seen, and you can make the bedroll go through these holes. It is very easy for rolling your sleeping bag with these processes.

Compression Dry Bag

You have to be concerned about the weight you carry with you and just like that, you have to worry about the protection of your sleeping bag too. If your sleeping bag is utterly soaked in rain or snow or blizzard or water intake by accidents like falling in a river or wet place, then you have to pass a miserable sleep at night. You can use a silicon nylon bag, or a water-proof bag and these bags expand inside really well.

You can get the compression dry bag in several sizes most of these are waterproof. It is waterproof means water does not go in, even if you fall in a pool and get back immediately, it is fine. But do not submerge it in water for a long time as the act of waterproofing works to a certain point. An XL-sized compression bag can gallop a sleeping bag inside itself very nicely. You need to squish the sack after putting the sleeping bag inside, thus the air comes out easily and makes magically more room. With the sack straps, you can attach them to the backpack after clicking the lid of the sack.

External Frame (tie points at the bottom)

You can use the larger equipment like an internal or external frame for attaching a sleeping bag to a backpack. But lots of people prefer the second one, for the following reasons. The external frame can be found at half the price of that of an internal frame and the weight distribution is better. External frames work better in level terrain and well-defined path. There are lots of lash points to use bulkier accessories that you want to lash to the outside of your pack. The air circulation is also good as there is nothing much to touch your back except the hip belt.

The external frame having the tie points in the bottom goes well as it can maintain the balance of your body. Attaching the sleeping bag with a bungee or paracords can be imbalanced or jump when you hike ups and downs.

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Compression buckle

Compression buckles with compression straps are very common in every backpack. It is even present on different types of bags. The reason for using the compression buckles is to congest the outnumbered things in a small area. You can clip the compression buckles by attaching the sleeping bag outside your backpack.

It helps to hold the things inside it very strongly so that the things may not move or jump. The compression buckles usually come with two cross-sided straps from opposite sides so the whole thing can be protected inside it. So, if you have nothing to help attach the sleeping bag the compression buckles are a good way indeed.

Using the backpack’s lid as a strap

Using an internal frame to carry a sleeping bag is also a great option. You can fill the backpack with other accessories first, then the sleeping bag would be installed at the top of the bag. As the sleeping bag is a massive thing for a backpack, there creates a gap in the top lid of the backpack. It is harmful. It can allow the accessories along with the sleeping bag to lose their moisture on a rainy or snowy day. However, the gap created can cause other problems like losing the smaller thing like aid kits on the deeper ones you cannot find.

You can eliminate this problem by using the lid compression straps around the backpack or you can use a nylon wrapper to cover it.

Twine rope

You can make your own support system with the sleeping bag and backpack if no buckles or straps but only loops. What you have to do is that you have to take several like 4 twine ropes. Then just tie around the sleeping bag with two twine ropes very tightly.

Get another two ropes and fasten the sleeping bags with the backpack’s loops. This way would make the support system stronger and make you feel safe on the journey.

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FAQ: Should You Put A Lock On Your Tent?

Where do I put my sleeping bag on my backpack (Top/bottom)?

If you want to put the sleeping bag outside or on the backpack, attaching it to the bottom can be a great way. But in my sense, it would be best if you attach it vertically on either side or middle according to the arrangement of the accessories inside the backpack. It can ensure the proper balance of the body during hiking in any terrain place.

When you pile up lots of things inside a suitcase or carrying bag or backpack; to tighten up all the things, the largest element goes on the top. This is the best way of saving space in a small place and securing your health from the unwanted awkward position of the body. On the other way, setting up the sleeping bag in the bottom fails to secure your sleeping bag with all the other belongings from moisturized weather.

How do I keep my sleeping bag from getting damp?

You can keep your sleeping bag dry in several ways. Use the lid of the backpack if you plan to use the bag inside by using tying points around the lid. You can also use nylon or another synthetic cover to wrap the sleeping bag addition to that for double protection.

Packing a sleeping bag with an external frame requires some other things. Use the cover that would increase the ventilation and reduce the miniaturization. Use the same method of cover to use the sleeping bag outside the backpack with the cord, rope, or climbing harness.

Inside the tent, you have to ensure the proper ventilation of the tent to keep it safe from getting damp. You must hang it for drying every day to keep it dry whatever the weather or humidity is.

You can use a trash compactor liner or regular liner around the point of the backpack where the sleeping bag is attached. It can help to close the top of the backpack well so that no miniaturization occurs.

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It is the webbing loops sewn positioned on the side for attaching extra gears.

What are the loops at the bottom of a backpack for?

This is also known as gear loop where you will get extra room for attaching wet clothes or accessories. So, it will help you to attach some unusual items.