Trailjournals peeps, What do you all think of a compression bag for an expensive down sleeping bag? Otherwise it doesn't leave room in my pack for necessary items like food bag stove pot etc.. Was thinking of strapping to the top of my ula circuit pack buy have beeen told that could be a real headache. Will a compression bag compress the down too much while on an extended hike of 6 months? Help
_Jersey Jane_Compression bag
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#1
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#2
Well, everyone tends to pack a bit differently. I'll share my way. Like you, I use a ULA Circuit. My sleeping bag is a Marmot Pinnacle 15, Rather than a compression bag or stuff bag, I shove the sleeping bag in a trash compactor bag (along with my dry clothes) in the bottom of the ULA. Sleeping bag stays dry, every nook and cranny of the bottom of the ULA gets used. My tent (Lightheart Gear Solo) is stowed in the large outside mesh pocket (loose, not in a stuff sack). I have room in the ULA for all I need and 5 days of food.
_whatnot_
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#3
I store my down bags the same way as whatnot. The exception is my zero and below. They get compressed for space, and then put in the compactor bag.
_Ellie_
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#4
I used a compression bag on my western mountaineering ultralite for my thru hike. It did not appear to cause any problem. After my hike I saw an article indicating compression bags may damage down sleeping bags. The article also listed a reply from western mountaineering on the issue which stated the high quality of down used would allow compression like a rock without damaging the bag. Made me feel better. I had a Granite Gear Vapor trail pack at the time. I now have a ULA Circuit which has more room so I no longer use the compression bag. I also carry my tent outside my pack.
_Bob_