Tents & Compression Sacks?!

imported
#1

I haven’t seen any info that states if it is a good or a bad idea to put your tent into a compression sack…good? bad? Any info would be appreciated!

Dizzo

#2

I have a North Face Canyonlands that comes with a compression sack. Doesn’t seem to bother it but I’m sure some expert will have something to say about it.

Lone Wolf

#3

My Northface Roadrunner came with a compression sack, which I have used for over a year now with no problems whatsoever.

Jay Davis (Whatsfallin)

#4

I’m no expert, however I also have a North Face Canyonlands and used a Kelty Compression sack for over a year now. Havn’t had any problems so far. I make sure however, nothing else goes in the sack. No tent spikes.

Ficade

#5

Thanks guys for the info…I feel much better about putting my tent into a compression sack :smiley:

Dizoo

#6

We stuffed our CD Clip Flashlight on our thru hike last year and no problems. Just keep it clean and no sharp objects (twigs, small stones, etc.) and you shouldn’t have any problem.

Papa Smurf

#7

IMO the only compression sack you should need is your backpack itself.

FreightTrain :boy

FreightTrain

#8

I’ll agree with Train. Compression sacks if used at all are used with things that compress, typically sleeping bags. Tents don’t really compress. Plus, I would think that it increases the possiblity of a puncture due to twig or something else in the tent.

Peaks

#9

Gotta go with FreightTrain and Peaks on this one. In fact, if you’re not really cramped for space in your backpack I would even skip the compression sack on your sleeping bag. The less you compress your bag the faster and sometimes even better it lofts out when you get to your campsite. I’ve stopped compressing my down back at all. I just load it into an OR Hydroseal #3 bag and draw the string. It lays horizontally at the bottom of my pack and the weight of my other gear/clothing gives me all the compression I need. The sleeping bag comes out of the stuff sack and is fully lofted and ready for a warm night’s sleep in a few minutes.

Footslogger

#10

Loft keeps you warm. Compression sacks kill the loft. My buddy Adder needs a new bag due to his. Don’t know about them personally, though, cause don’t need em. Ray Jardine has a good discussion on it in his book. I’m sure Lone Wolf would let you borrow his treasured copy if you ask real nice.:wink:

THA WOOKIE

#11

I was going to get the OR Hydroseal #3 for my sleeping bag just to keep it safe…I absolutely love it and want to keep it lofty so now I guess my decision is made on my sleeping bag!

Thank you for all of the info on the compression sack/tent…I probably won’t go with the compression sack for the tent because I wouldn’t want the tent to be damaged from small rocks or twigs.

Dizzo

#12

My pack was on 3,800 cu. in. external frame and I needed the space. I didn’t compress my sleeping bag. I put it in a garbage bag inside of the sack it came in and tied it on the outside of my pack. (and it never got wet! in six months!) My clothes and tent were compressed. This allowed me to put them both in the lower section of my pack. Without compression there was only room for my tent. My sleeping bag was a 20 degree and not very large to start with. But I would never compress my bag and loose the loft. I saw some of those 6,000 cu. in. bags on the trail early in GA but most of them left by VA. Again in Maine when we saw the SOBO’s with some of the large bags. I’m to old to carry a large bag and will compress what is compressable.

Papa Smurf

#13

Why not just get a Hennessy Hammock then you won’t need a compression sack period. It is so small anyhow. Not to mention light weight, and very comfortable. Been using mine for almost two years now and have slept in nothing better. Hennessy Hammocks gets a :cheers from me. If you are interested in their shelter systems, check out the website listed below.

Just my $.02 worth.

-Lil Rebel (Son of Rebel With A Cause!!)

Lil Rebel