Going camping requires a lot of items to be taken with you. And if it is a long trip then you should choose your things carefully what to take and what not to. And you should also keep in mind that the things that you are choosing have to be fitted into your backpack. A sleeping bag is one of those items that you must take on a trip. Without a sleeping bag, you can’t think of having a sound sleep at night and your trip will not be enjoyable. And if it is raining and your sleeping bag is not dry then you would have to sleep in cold.
So, you have to take a sleeping bag with you and you must keep it dry. But the sleeping bag is unfortunately large so if you are thinking of fitting it inside your backpack you may not find enough space for the rest of the products. So, here is the article for you to prepare about how to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack.
A lot of the best backpacks come with plenty of loops and straps and external pockets that will help you to easily attach your traveling gear. It is very economical to pack the larger items outside the bag. The things that you will need frequently to be used will be at hand when required; if packed outside.
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5 Ways How to Attach Sleeping Bag to Backpack
There are a lot of ways by which you can carry your sleeping bag attached to your backpack. All of them are not suitable for everyone. One may find one way more comfortable which others may find uncomfortable. So, you will have to find yourself which one is more comfortable for you. Some ways of attaching your backpack are illustrated for you:
1. Packing Sleeping Bag Inside Your Backpack
If you are thinking of going on a short trip and you only require a few things to carry with you then there will be enough space in your backpack to carry a sleeping bag. Some backpacks also come with an internal structure that helps in packing the sleeping bag inside.
So, to pack your sleeping bag inside first you have to roll your sleeping bag. Then fasten it tightly and then cover it with a shopping bag to keep it dry. Some backpack comes with an inside strip; you could just tightly fasten your rolled sleeping bag to those straps and you are done. Some backpack has an internal pocket just for your sleeping bag, you just have to use the space to pack your sleeping bag that’s all. If your backpack is not furnished with this equipment then you can just put the rolled sleeping bag inside in a convenient place (can be at the bottom but you will have to remove everything from the backpack to grab the sleeping bag or at the top but you will have to remove it every time you need something else from the bag) where you would find it easily when required.
2. Using Loops on Backpack and Straps on Sleeping Bag Carrier
Many backpacks come with loops at the bottom of them. But many people don’t even know the purpose of it. If your backpack doesn’t have loops in it then it is not the way for you though you can buy this from the shop and can use it. But if your backpack has loops in it and your sleeping bag carrier has straps in it then it will be the easiest way for you to attach the sleeping bag. You just have to pull the straps through the loops and fasten them until your sleeping bag is fully secured.
You must keep an eye on the sleeping bag so that it can’t be loosely bound. Otherwise, it will swing around while walking which will be very uncomfortable. If your sleeping bag doesn’t have a carrying bag with straps then you can use the straps on the backpack. But in this way, your sleeping bag will be exposed and may get wet while traveling around. So, to keep your sleeping bag dry you have to cover it with something else that will keep it dry.
3. Using Compression Buckles
Compression buckles can be very useful when you are talking about carrying your sleeping bag. Compression buckles are mainly used when the backpack is fully loaded and you need to expand your backpack for some other stuff or if the back is not fully loaded then a compression buckle helps to tighten the backpack. This helps to prevent any kind of sway and improves the stability of the backpack while carrying it.
By using the compression buckle you can easily attach your sleeping bag. Compression buckles are mainly found at the side of the backpack. So, using two compression straps you can pass them over your sleeping bag and can easily tighten the sleeping bag. The main advantage is that if compression buckles are tightened enough your sleeping bag will not swing. And as the sleeping bag is fastened at the side of the backpack it will be safe from being wet from the bottom. Also, it will be comfortable to carry the sleeping bag at the side of the backpack rather than at the bottom of the backpack.
4. External Frame
This way is for those who have an external frame backpack. Many people prefer the external frame backpack then the inter-frame. External frame backpack has so many exciting features that internal frame backpacks lack. They are mainly popular for their increased support and amazingly rigid structure. One of the features that will help in the case of attaching the sleeping bag is the tie point below the frame. These tie points have strong straps. So, you can tie your sleeping bag with the tie point and straps tightly and there will be no room for worrying about swinging.
5. Using the Lid Tie
The internal frame backpack comes with the feature of having a lid tie at the bottom of the backpack that is secured with two vertical straps. This is an ideal place to attach your backpack. You have just to keep your sleeping bag under the backpack’s lid and connect and tighten the straps. You must recheck so that the backpack is tightly bound otherwise it will swing around.
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Facts You Should Know Before Strap Sleeping Bag to Backpack
Before applying the attaching process, you should know some facts about it as a beginner camper.
- Try to use a water-resistant sleeping bag instead of the damp bag.
- In terms of the regular bag, you can still attach your sleeping bag by tieing extra rope to your backpack.
- If your backpack has enough loops then the loops way is best for you.
- Expecting more space, you can include an internal frame.
- Attaching it at the top of the backpack is the best and most effective way as there are many advantages to it.
FAQ about “Carrying Sleeping Bag to the Backpack”
What is the best way to attach or carry my sleeping bag to my backpack?
The best way of attaching or carrying your sleeping bag varies from person to person and also on accessible equipment. If you have enough space inside the backpack then it is best to carry it inside. In this way, you will not have to worry about getting wet or swinging a sleeping bag. But if you don’t have space then using the compression buckles and attaching the sleeping bag at the side will be the most convenient way.
Where should I attach my sleeping bag, at the top or the bottom?
Both ways have their flaws. But I recommend attaching your backpack at the top. While crossing a river or wetland, if you attach your backpack at the bottom there is a greater chance that you may find a wet sleeping bag which will be very much depressing after a long walk. Also, there is a chance of swinging the backpack if attached at the bottom. So, the best way is to attach it at the top or side.
Why should I attach my sleeping bag to the backpack?
If you are planning for a long trip without the help of modern civilization then you must take a lot of things with you. But your backpack has minimum space. So, not to leave behind the essential gear you have to make room for them by attaching the sleeping bag outside as it will cover a larger portion of your backpack packed inside. Furthermore, it works as great weight distribution during the outdoor journey.
Is it hard to tie a sleeping bag to the backpack?
A lot of people find it hard to attach their sleeping bags to their backpacks. And it is not something that you can deny doing efficiently. Because, if the bag is not attached carefully the bag may swing. A swinging sleeping bag from your backpack is not a pleasant thing to carry at all. So, when packing your backpack, you should keep in mind that attaching a sleeping bag is as important as packing your cloth for the trip.
Can I attach a tent to a backpack?
Definitely. There are some effective ways how you can strap a tent to the backpack. You can use both the inside and outside of the backpack to carry your tent. But attaching it outside with the use of loops is the best way. But in winter the tent can be wet and you need to insulate the tent. Like the article, you can follow the easy and advanced processes to attach your tent to your backpack.
What are the advantages of having backpack loops?
Backpack loops are those that allow one to keep many things (not suitable for inside keeping) and it is tucked into the backpack securely. They are commonly used for carrying sleeping bags, ice axes, poles, and so on objects. Dirty or smelly items can be separately carried by using the loops. Again, things that can wet the other gears inside your bag can easily be tied to the outside of your bag using the loops. But be careful about attaching heavy things.
Is there any disadvantage to attaching a sleeping bag to your backpack?
A little limitation has existed about that attaching process. When you keep your bag outside of the backpack, it may accept the moisture and as a result, you will be got a wet sleeping bag that doesn’t desire while you are on a trip. And making it warm, will take half of your tripping time. So, you must have a concern about this term.
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Conclusion
There is no best way how to attach a sleeping bag to a backpack. All the ways are different from one another. You should find yourself which one is better for you. Also, different ways require different equipment. So, finding a suitable way also depends on the equipment that has access to you. After a few trips, you will find a suitable one for you. Our main purpose was to make you familiar with the methods. The rest is upon you to improvise them into action and have a good trip.
