How To Fold And Store A Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags are designed to provide warmth and comfort while sleeping outdoors. When your sleeping bag is not in use, whether it’s for camping or simply keeping it around the house, you should store it properly by folding it up and putting it away. However, there are different ways on how to fold a sleeping bag depending on its type.

In general, sleeping bags can be categorized into two major types: rectangular and mummy. The methods of folding a bag differ according to how the bag is constructed.

How to fold the rectangular sleeping bag

Rectangular sleeping bags are designed to provide more room inside, and they give the sleeper more movement during sleep. They also tend to be bulkier than mummy bags, so they require more space to be stored.

Before folding the sleeping bag, remove any accessories that came with it, such as pillows or blankets.

Here is how you fold a rectangular sleeping bag:

To begin folding the rectangular sleeping bag, unzip it and lay it on its back.
Fold the right side of the sleeping bag over the left side to form a rectangle with one end slightly smaller than the other.
Fold this small edge towards the center of the sleeping bag, then fold again in half lengthwise to make it narrower.
Unfold and position your rectangular sleeping bag so that you can fold both sides towards the center.
After that, tuck both ends into the space where you’ve folded it earlier.
Finally, zip up your sleeping bag entirely to secure your folds.

How to fold a mummy sleeping bag

As the name suggests, a mummy sleeping bag is designed with a contoured shape that follows the body’s natural curves. This type of sleeping bag is generally more compact and requires less space during storage. However, they are usually more expensive than rectangular sleeping bags.

Here is how you fold a mummy sleeping bag:

To start folding the mummy sleeping bag, lay it down on a flat surface.
Fold the top third of the sleeping bag towards you. The portion you will be folding should have a long zipper along its bottom edge.
Maintaining the contoured shape of the sleeping back, open up your folded portion and wrap it around the bottom of the bag.
Secure the zipper edges by folding them over each other and tucking them under the bottom edge. Fold these edges towards you to create a seal.
Unzip the zipper on the top part of your mummy sleeping bag and fold it under so that it aligns with its bottom section. Your sleeping back should now look like an envelope.
Turn your sleeping bag over to face downwards, then fold the flap from the top part of your sleeping back towards you. This time around, you should have two folds from the envelope-shaped bottom half and a long zipper on top. Zip up this section to secure it in place.
Top off by folding both sides of your sleeping bag from the bottom third section towards the center.

Your mummy sleeping bag should now be folded into a neat, compact size that can fit into a storage sack or carry on for your next outdoor adventure!

How to store sleeping bags properly?

Once you’ve folded and secured your sleeping bag, it’s time to think about where to put them. Sleeping bags need to be stored in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and water exposure. Think of this as you would when storing clothes or blankets; the ideal setting is somewhere safe and clean. If possible, keep your sleeping bag away from your other camping and hiking gear so that it won’t be contaminated by dust or moisture.

Before storing your bag, ensure that the folds are secured by zipping them up to prevent them from unfolding and wrinkling. It is also a good idea to place a clothes hanger inside the opening of the bag to ensure that it maintains its folded shape.

Storing the bag properly also prevents molds and mildew buildup, which can happen if it is stored in a humid environment. If you plan to store your sleeping bag for an extended time, make sure that it is completely dry before doing so.

When storing your sleeping bags, remember not to overstuff them inside the storage sack. A sleeping bag takes up a certain volume of space, and by packing too much material inside, it may lose its shape and fluffiness over time.

Remember: Take care of your sleeping bag, and it will take care of you! After all, a sleeping back is a staple on your camping packing list.

Is a sleeping bag storage sack necessary?

A sleeping bag storage sack is a valuable accessory for storing your camping gear. It also helps protect your bags’ insulation and moisture resistance, which is highly beneficial if you’re planning to store them for a long time.

However, a storage sack isn’t a necessity as most sleeping bags come with their own stuff sacks. Simply use your sleeping bag’s stuff sack and store it in a cool, dry area for best results.

If you miss the storage sack, you can buy one separately. Make sure that it is the right size for your sleeping bag before making the purchase.

Frelaxy Compression Sack – This sleeping bag storage sack is made of strong, abrasion-resistant fabric that can stand up to prolonged use even in extreme climates. It is lightweight and highly compatible, perfect additional gear for your camping trip. Available in multiple sizes, from 11 liters up to 52 liters!
Coghlan’s Compression Storage Sack, 30-Liter – This sleeping bag storage sack from Coghlan’s is a durable, water-resistant bag that can be compressed down to half its size for easy storage. It is perfect for storing both mummy and rectangle-shaped bags!
M-Tac Military Sleeping Bag Compression Sack – Made from high-quality, durable nylon, approved by military forces, this sleeping bag storage sack is a perfect accessory for soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It is one of the most durable sacks available and highly water-resistant as well!

A sleeping bag is an essential part of your camping gear, but it requires proper care to maintain its quality and performance. Follow these steps on storing a sleeping bag properly, and you will enjoy many years of service from this useful piece of equipment!