Are you an adventure lover? How do you carry your luggage when you go hiking, backpacking or camping? You realize you need to pack your staff to be one luggage which is easier to take. To maintain a large camping arsenal, you need a stuff sack. The best compression sack for sleeping bag you can get your hands on would be your ideal choice for a carrier.
Compression bags are an important aspect when you are packing your hiking or backpacking stockpile. Not all manufacturers include quality compression sacks with their sleeping bags. Some are just pathetic. You, therefore, need to be very cautious when choosing compression bags. This review focuses on several types of compression bags in the market. We will look at the features of each and the reason why you should consider buying it over others.
The primary use of compression bags is storing your sleeping bag. The bag compresses the sleeping bag, reducing its size and hence the overall size of your luggage. With small luggage, you can quickly bustle around with ease. It also preserves your sleeping bag from dirt, dust, and water and any other form of grime it might come in contact with during your adventures.
Compression sacks also help you maintain your items in one place, hence easier to locate. Also not to forget that it’s simpler to pack. It normally has straps that you pull to squeeze the sleeping bag making it smaller. In this article, we will discuss the features of compression sacks and give you a few reviews to consider before you go shopping!
| Product Name | Weight | Dimensions | Material | Color | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea to Summit eVent | 3.77 oz to 7.4 oz | 5.9 x 13.7 to 10.6 x 22.8 in | Nylon | Yellow | Check price on Amazon |
| Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil | 1.12 oz to 3.8 oz | 10 x 6 x 2 in | Siloconized Cordura | Various | Check price on Amazon |
| Liberty Mountain 145223-P | 16 oz | 6 x 15 to 12 x 15 in | Nylon | Various | Check price on Amazon |
| Granite Gear eVent | 16 oz | 9 x 5 x 2 in | Cubic Tech Flexible Fiber Film | Green | Check price on Amazon |
| Kelty 0NR9I | 7 oz | 9 x 18 in | Nylon | Various | Check price on Amazon |
| Outdoor Research Airpurge | 5.1 to 6.6 oz | 8 x 24 to 10 x 29 in | Nylon | Pewter | Check price on Amazon |
| Outdoor Research 36401 | 13 oz | 9 x 4 x 2 in | Nylon | Alloy with Pewter, Lemongrass with Leaf | Check price on Amazon |
| REI Lightweight | 2.5 oz to 3.5 oz | 6 x 15 to 9 x 21 in | Nylon | Blue, Green, Orange, Purple | Check price on REI |
Features to Consider
Making your luggage manageable is every hiker wish. Using a compression sack is a solution to this desire. However, not many know how to use it efficiently, and especially you are a newbie. To make sure you get the best out of the sack, you need to organize your sleeping bag lengthwise and then roll it over like a ball. Once done, put in the compression sack and draw the straps.
Then fold the top of the sack and pull the straps until all air leaves the compression sack. Place the full compression sack in your backpack and off you go. Choosing the right compression sack can make a whole lot difference regardless of where you are going camping. You cannot, therefore, blindly purchase a compression sack. You need to figure out:
- What you are going to use it for
- How you are going to use it
- Which size you need
Some important factors to consider while making your purchase include:
Size and accessories
A compression sack that is too big will not fit the sleeping bag well. It will leave too much space, making it problematic to tie the straps. An excessively smaller compression sack, on the other hand, will not fit your sleeping bag. How do you ensure you select the right size? Know the size of your sleeping bag. The shape of the compression bag also matters a lot.
Choose the shape that will give you comfort while carrying your backpack. Consider looking at the zipper of the compression sack as well as the straps. Are the zips two-way and do they cover the sack lengthwise. As for the straps, are they strong enough to hold the sleeping bag without tearing? Are they long and elastic?
Weight and volume
When hiking, you need to make your luggage as light as Your compression bag should, therefore, be made of light material. Also, material that doesn’t increase in weight upon tension, temperature, or moisture.
Compression and tension
A compression sack should be very elastic to help store the sleeping bag tightly.
It should also have elastic straps that stretch depending on the size of your sleeping bag
Price
Compression sacks have different rates: you need to consider the one that fits your budget and fits all your personal needs.
Purpose
The many compression sacks found in the market have different uses: we have those that are for backpacking, hiking, and camping. Also, compression sacks depend on the season they will be employed at, either winter or summer.
Every product has its advantages and disadvantages; in this case, we will discuss why you need to own and purchase a compression sack and why you may not need one:
Merits
Efficient:a compression sack for the sleeping bag is useful in reducing the size of the sleeping bag making it easier to carry.
Portable:hikers and backpackers need to reduce the volume of their luggage as much as possible. Having a compression sack will help minimize the size of the sleeping bag which is usually the largest item in a camper’s arsenal.
Easy to locate items:when you are adventuring, you need many things. If your luggage is dispersed everywhere, it will be hard for you to find an item you need it. A compression sack comes in handy.
Comfortable:compression sacks are of different shapes depending on the types and the shape of the sleeping bag. Storing the sleeping bag will, therefore, be much satisfying as tying to the backpack is considered.
Demerits
- Compression sacks can be very expensive considering the many items one needs in hiking.
- It’s hard to get a compression bag that fits both your sleeping bag and your backpack.
- Some sleeping bags come with compression sacks from the manufacturer. However, these compression sacks are of low quality and won’t serve you as you would wish.
Top Product Reviews
Compression sacks are a critical part of any hikers, campers, and climbers or other people who love involving in outdoor activities. For this reason, many manufacturers try to come up with the best sleeping bags to suit the above-discussed features. Below are some of the best compression sacks in the market for your sleeping bag.
Sea To Summit Event 
Price: $30 – $75
Color: Yellow
Weight: (XS) 107 g, (Small) 129 g, (Medium) 148 g, (Large)168 g,(XL) 210 g
Dimensions: 15 x 35 cm (XS) 18 x 40 cm (Small) 20 x 46 cm (Medium) 23 x 50 cm (Large) 27 x 58 cm (XL)
Specific features: Waterproof Hypalon roll top closure, tape sealed and double stitched seams, nylon
Best use: Backpacking
Description: Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack employs Direct Venting Technology that uses a single waterproof membrane. This membrane has million tiny pores which allow the compression sack to breathe.
The waterproof membrane lets the sweat out, but doesn’t allow moisture in. This layer makes the eVent compression sack suitable while you got hiking on parts with extreme weather conditions.
Waterproofing of this sack is further improved, through the use of polyurethane coating, tape sealed and double stitched seams. The Hypalon roll top closure has a lid and four straps that enhance the compression of the sleeping bag. This compression sack is a lightweight design and has a pull handle on the rear to improve mobility.
Users like this product because it is great for long backpacking trips, they hold in the odors, and the straps on the sack are tough. Not only that, but the sack also keeps water out, so you do not have to worry about your items getting wet.
PROS:
- Keeps odors out
- Various sizes
- Great for long term use
CONS:
- Can be hard to get the lid on
- The small size is too small
Related: While camping, take along a pillow like the Sea To Summit Aeros Pillow that has curved internal baffles for comfort, and it is inflatable.
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil 
Price: $27 – $65
Color: Various
Weight: Between 32 g for the smallest to 108 g for the largest
Dimensions: 10 x 6×2
Specific features: Lightweight, slippery finishing for easy packing, reinforced stress points, pull handle on the bottom, flip top design which prevents straps from tangling, available in seven different sizes.
Best use: Backpacking, paddle sports, kayaking, hiking and camping
Description: These Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack are best for compressing your gear without adding weight. The smaller sizes can be used for compressing your jackets. The fact that they are available in many sizes gives you a choice depending on your luggage size.
The straps are extra-long making it easy to fill the bag to capacity. The flip top helps reduce the stress of the straps tangling and hence making it hard to either tie or untie the bag. The compression bag is a super lightweight, which is great if you plan on using it for backpacking or ultralight hiking adventures, and the slippery finishing makes it very friendly to use.
Made of 30 D diamond rip stone siliconized Cordura, there are 4 compression straps which include extra long straps so you can fill up the sack fully. While the seams are not tape-sealed, this pack is durable and highly rated. It also has reinforced stress points so that it will last a long time without tearing or ripping.
PROS:
- Made of nylon
- 4 compression straps
- Various colors
CONS:
- Slippery
Related: Consider taking along a headlamp like the Petzl ACTIK Headlamp that has several types of beams and modes to use at night!
Liberty Mountain 145223-P 
Price: Approx. $220
Color: Various
Weight: 1 Pound
Dimensions: XL 12 x 15 inches; large 9 x 20 inches; medium 8 x 17 inches; small 6 x 15 inches
Specific features: Available in different colors, nylon with mesh bag, flip top, lightweight
Best use: Camping and hiking
Description: Liberty Mountain 145223-P Compression Sack size can fit any size sleeping bag making it an excellent choice. The flip top is perfect for preventing your stuff from falling off. It also allows you to pack the sack to the brim. With assorted colors available you can choose the one that suits you best.
The sack is light in weight and allows you to keep all of your items organized. It is made from 210 D coated Oxford nylon and includes a drawstring and a cord lock, and a webbing handle. Users like this stuff sack because it is durable and strong. The largest size can fit not only a sleeping bag, but a pillow and more. If you do not need that much space, consider the small or medium sizes.
Overall, this bag is well received. Users also said they like it because the larger sizes fit all of their bulky items with ease and still have room to be cinched shut. While some say the mouth is not wide enough, users still were able to get their items into the stuff sack.
PROS:
- Various colors
- Strong and durable
- Great for bulky items
CONS:
- Mouth is not that wide
- Expensive
Related: If you need straps to keep your sleeping bag on top of your gear, consider the Coleman 2000016396 Straps as they are made to be non slip and have a slide top buckle.
Granite Gear Event 
Price: Approx. $50
Color: Green
Weight: 1 pound
Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 2 inches
Specific features: Transparent, breathable, roll-top stuff sack, high strength composite, assorted colors, lightweight
Best use: Camping and hiking
Description: The Granite Gear eVent is the lightest compression sack known in the market. It comes with several colors, giving you a choice depending on your taste.The Granite Gear eVent Compression Sack has an eVent waterproof, breathable material which makes it sturdy, waterproof and durable. It offers maximum compression as when you press the top; all trapped air escapes through the bottom.
The material is made from Cubic Tech Flexible Fiber Film, which is a light fabric that makes the sack durable and made to last. The sack will breathe well and you can roll down the top as the trapped air can go right through the bottom of the bag.
One great thing is that this sack can hold 18 liters, which users love. Users also like that the dry sack comes with extra patches in case it does get punctured somehow. Overall, users love it and have replaced their old sacks with this one because of how well it performs.
PROS:
- Affordable
- Roll top
- Breathes well
CONS:
- Only comes in one color
Related: While camping, you may need some type of filtration system in order for your water to be clean. The Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System comes in many sized packs, and is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Kelty 0Nr9I 
Price: Approx. $21
Color: Various
Weight: 7 ounces
Dimensions: 9 x 18 inches
Specific features: Nylon, four straps for compressing luggage, water resistant, has hidden pockets, suitable for carrying person stuff
Best use: Backpacking
Description: Kelty 0NR9I Compression Sack comes in handy when you have a lot of stuff that you want to pack. The lid has a hidden pocket where you can put some of your smaller stuff. This compression sack is one of the largest compression sack you would wish to own.
Made from all nylon fabric, this stuff sack stuffs into itself and it has 4 compression straps that also feature quick release buckles. It is also water resistant and has a Durable Water Repellent finish. You can find this sack in 4 colors: Juniper, Curry, Rhubarb, and Deep Blue.
Users like this stuff sack because it does a great job at keeping their items dry. They were able to fit their sleeping bag and pillow, plus a liner in the larger version. While it can take time getting a sleeping bag into it, it will hold it and keep it dry, which is the point of the stuff sack.
PROS:
- All nylon
- Hidden storage pocket
- Affordable
CONS:
- Hard to get sleeping bag into
- Connectors are not the best quality
Related: If you are in the market for a new sleeping bag too, check out the Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag. It can keep you warm down to 20 degrees F and comes in bright colors that are easy to see.
Outdoor Research Airpurge 
Price: $31 – $60
Color: Pewter
Weight: 5.1, 5.7, 6.6 ounce
Dimensions: 8 x 24, 9 x 25, 10 x 29 inches
Specific features: Waterproof, made of TPU-laminated nylon, breathable bottom that releases air once compressed, available in different sizes; 5liters-35liters, waterproof taped seams, internal zippered pockets, roll-top waterproof closure
Best use: Backpacking
Description: The Outdoor Research Airpurge Compression Sack comes in various sizes giving you a choice. If you are looking for a compression sack that is waterproof, durable and lightweight, you can never go wrong with this bag.
It has additional internal pockets with a zipper which allows you to store some of the small stuff of your gear. It has enough room that you can crash some more stuff after closing the tight lid. This compression bag is an awesome choice and worth its price.
This compression sack gets rid of air when you push down, with ease. The nylon is coated in a Hydroseal to protect it from water, keeping it waterproof. Users say they love this bag because they can fit not only their sleeping bag and a pillow, but a couple of outfits and other items, too! The compression really packs things down nicely, allowing you to buckle the straps and adjust them.
PROS:
- Roll top closure
- Waterproof
- Hydroseal coated nylon
CONS:
- One color selection
- Seams can rip
Related: The MSR Piezo Ignitor can light your fire when you need to start one. It is small and easy to carry, and only about $10.
Outdoor Research 36401 
Price: $17 – $35
Color: Alloy with pewter, lemongrass with leaf
Weight: 13 ounces
Dimensions: 9 x 4 x 2 inches
Specific features: Bound seams, webbing side handles, ripstop nylon body, ripstop siliconized nylon sidewalls, water-resistant top zipper. It is in medium size, making it suitable for storing small gear such as socks, undies, and sports bras.
Best use: Backpacking
Description: The zipper access makes it easy to access things in the bag without having to unpack the entire bag. Outdoor Research 36401 Compression Sack is lightweight and therefore won’t give you a lot of pressure carrying on your trips.
It is made of waterproof nylon, therefore, helping keep your things dry. This sack is a must-have for sports coaches and people who like involving in outdoor activities.
The zip sack includes webbing side handles, and the entire sack is made of rip stop nylon, and the side walls are siliconized. The top zipper is even water resistant, and the seams are bound so you will get a durable zip sack that will last you a long time.
You can get this sack in two different colors; Alloy with Pewter and Lemon Grass with Leaf. Stylish and durable, this sack is also affordable and allows you fit everything you need in one spot that will stay dry and compresses down really well.
PROS:
- Affordable
- Stylish, nice colors
- Made of nylon
- Water resistant top zipper
CONS:
- Not good in rainy weather
- Will not keep leaks contained
Related: If you want to grill while you camp, use the UCO GR-1 Camping Grill over the fire so you can cook the fish you caught, or to make some pots of soup or stew!
REI Lightweight 
Price: $21 – $25
Color: Blue, green, orange, purple
Weight: 6 liters 2.5 ounces; 11 liters 2.8 ounces; 16 liters 3.2 ounces; and 21 liters 3.5 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 15 inches, 7 x 17 inches, 8 x 19 inches and 9 x 21 inches
Specific features: Available in different sizes, made with nylon fabric with water-repellent aspect, four buckled webbing straps, available in different colors
Best use: Backpacking
Description: REI Lightweight Compression Sack is a simple compression sack that is capable of carrying large gear. It is made of rip stop nylon, therefore, requiring that you handle it with care. On the downside, this sack isn’t waterproof.
This affordable compression sack comes in four colors, and four different sizes, which are 6 L, 11 L, 16 L, and 21 L. It includes 4 webbing straps that have buckles. This lets you compress the sack evenly throughout.
You can use the draw cord to cinch the bag down and you will not have to worry about its weight because even the 21 liter option is only 2.5 oz in weight. Users say they can fit a ton of items into this sack and still compress it down evenly to carry with them on their backpacking or hiking trip. Overall, users enjoy using this stuff sack because of its durability, price, and the amount of items that can be put into it.
PROS:
- Fits a lot of things in it
- Light in weight
- Affordable
CONS:
- You have to be careful with the seams
- Do not cinch the sack quickly as it can wear the fabric out
Related: Consider a new tent when you go camping! The Coleman Sundome Tent is a 4 person tent made of polyester and it has an access port, and only weighs 11 lb.
Concluding Thoughts
There are many compression sacks available in the market. They come in different sizes and shapes, and therefore have different prices. It is important that, when you are purchasing a compression sack, you consider your needs as discussed above.
We hope that our article did help you in making the final, right decision, and please, if you want to share some of your experiences, feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below.
A good stuff sack must be designed with strong material good seams, and a way to carry it around easily, like a handle. It is also a fantastic addition to any camping kit as it helps you save lots of space!
I hope I was able to help you decide on a particular brand, Michael. As my dad used to say, invest in quality products that will last a long time. Most of the products listed here are top-notch, so I hope you do find one for your particular need.
The Kelty Compression Stuff Sack does wonders for me. I use it on my backpacking trips and on my international travels too. It is well designed, has enough room and compresses my sleeping bag to a very manageable size when backpacking and for my clothes when travelling.
Good choice Grace and thanks for providing your experience with the Kelty. When I was starting out, it took me a long time to get all my stuff inside my backpack since I have to fold, refold, repeat. Believe me, it can get crazy. So compression sacks are lifesavers. What will we do without them?