Choosing a compression sack has to be thoughtfully done. This is, after all, an helpful gear in the wild.
They are used for what their name suggests. They help to compress wears & gear into a smaller bag. The sack does this by sucking out air from the bag & then constricting it.
Considerations When Choosing a Compression Sack for Your Sleeping Bag
Compression sacks are typically used with sleeping bags, thanks to the quality of the material. They are usually bulky, and we both know the average sleeping bag defaults when it comes to durability. The way to do this is to replace your sleeping bag default sack with a compression sack.
Before doing this, however, there are factors that you have to consider. Let’s see them below.
Type of Sleeping Bag
The type of Sleeping bag you’re carrying to the wild matters a lot. Is it insulated or synthetic? This is because the material of your bag will be influential in how far it can be compressed. So, if you are shopping for your bag & sack together, keep in mind that a compressible material composition is ideal for the former.
Down insulation bags use goose & duck plumage, a very effective natural insulator that wicks moisture easily. It is typically more compact than its synthetic counterpart. The disadvantage here is that it takes a lot of time to dry when wet.
Synthetic insulation bags, meanwhile, are made from materials like polyester. This material uses its structure to entrap warmth in the air pockets, ensuring insulation. This sleeping bag is a better insulator & also dries more quickly. Perhaps the problem here if you’re using a compression sack is that they are much harder to compress, thanks to the presence of air pockets & the fabric type used.
Size
Your compression sack has to be of the appropriate size to optimize its usage with your bag. A small sack will not work well for a big bag. The best it will be is being difficult to use.
On the other hand, an overly wide sack will be a waste of weight & space. I advise that you do some testing to be sure which works best for you. Do note now that temp rating does not necessarily translate to measuring size. Remember that your sleeping bag’s material composition plays a major role in its insulating ability & compressibility.
Weight
The weight of your compression sack also has to matter when making your purchase. This is true, particularly if its use requires saving some ounces. Every ounce will be significant when you’re carrying a sack over a long distance for a long time. It is only logical that you’d prefer a light bag. However, finding a lightweight yet durable sleeping sack will cost more.
Concluding Lines on Choosing a Compression Sack
Choosing a compression sack is not a difficult thing to do. The basic considerations are easy to define. Size; weight & type. It is doubtful that you’d have any problem selecting the best compression sack to carry to the wild.