Sleeping bag and pad, how to carry it?

markisharp · Jan 20, 2011

So, I've got a pack I love, a load-out that has been tested and retested every time I go out. I never have to much nor too little. I can take out the things I need in a timely fashion without dumping everything out. I can even sneak more knives then I need in there. Even my wonderful Kelty Noahs tarp is happy in its new home.

Enter my Sleeping Bag and Pad...

Right now I have them both in a large stuff sack. There is MOLLE webbing on the pack so I usually attach it there. But I hate it, its probably a good 3 feet high, so it sticks straight up above my pack about a foot, maybe a tad less. Id mount it horizontal but it would be wider then me, and Im pretty wide hehe. I also just use paracord to tie it to the molle.

Is there a better way to go about hauling this thing around? Granted the pad and bag a pretty big but Im 6'1ish and pushing 280 and very broad in the shoulders, so finding a bag thats comfortable is a bit challenging especially in the wallet department.

To kind of give you an idea of how I roll things up in said stuff sack I roll the pad up and then roll the sleeping bag around it. I then use the cords on the sleeping bag to tie it closed, it goes in the stuff sack and gets closed in super tight. Im at the point where I might ditch the sleeping bag for a bivy sack and a wool blanket..

Any help would be wonderful, even if its just showing me your set up. Just when you think you have it all perfect you have to start over hahahah.

bigbcustom · Jan 20, 2011

I am 6'4" and over 300lbs currently (never should have quit chewing). I use a Big Agnes bag with a "wedgie". It fits me comfortably, and with it's pad will stuff into a sack 8" dia by 16" long (guesses on the dimensions, but not off more than a little bit. This set up is very comfortable, and warm enough for all but the nastiest cold night. I don't remember what model the bag is, but it's goretex, and down insulated. I do remember that I got it on close out at sportsman's warehouse for $99.99 five or so years ago.

crossada · Jan 20, 2011

I do the wool blanket thing but it is bulky too.:grumpy:

I would like to know how Nessmuk would carry everything that he did in a small pack that didn't require a pack mule. I roll the blanket up bed roll style and fit it inside my pack but it leaves little room for anything else. I'm curious what others are doing too.

markisharp · Jan 20, 2011

crossada said:
I do the wool blanket thing but it is bulky too.:grumpy:

I would like to know how Nessmuk would carry everything that he did in a small pack that didn't require a pack mule. I roll the blanket up bed roll style and fit it inside my pack but it leaves little room for anything else. I'm curious what others are doing too.

Im wondering if the wool blanket and Bivy might still be smaller..

M3mphis · Jan 20, 2011

I don't know what your pack is like exactly, but I invariably strap my sleeping bag and pad on the bottom of the pack. This way it keeps the center of gravity low and does not stick up high on top. The only downside for my setup is that if you sit on the ground the sleeping rolls hit the ground before I do. Kinda awkward, but if you sit on a stump or log or something they just hang off the back.

I find that I actually do better if I roll the bag and pad separately. Also, I've heard that some of those sleeping bag liners can add a lot of warmth. No experience to back it up, though.

markisharp · Jan 21, 2011

M3mphis said:
I don't know what your pack is like exactly, but I invariably strap my sleeping bag and pad on the bottom of the pack.

I've done this and not sure if this is right but I've done it on the very bottom of the pack with D-clips and it hits my ass as I walk. I could do it on the back of the pack on the main part of it but it would make opening the main compartment a hassle.

Brian Sargent · Jan 21, 2011

I use an Arc'teryx Bora 50 for 2-3 day trips. I decompress my Thermarest Trail Comfort pad and line the main compartment with it creating a hollow in the center. My NorthFace bag goes in a compression bag that makes it half the size that it would be if I carried it in the bag it came with. I shove that down in the hollow of the sleeping pad all the way to the bottom. My tarp and bivy sack get rolled up and put in a stuff sack. I put that in the outer rear pocket of the bag because they are usually wet.

Brian Sargent · Jan 21, 2011

This guy has helped me cut the load quite a bit ... http://rayjardine.com/ ... now I have room for a hatchet and beer!

M3mphis · Jan 21, 2011

markisharp said:
I've done this and not sure if this is right but I've done it on the very bottom of the pack with D-clips and it hits my ass as I walk. I could do it on the back of the pack on the main part of it but it would make opening the main compartment a hassle.

Hmmm...my pack has MOLLE straps all the way around the bottom, so I tie my bed rolls up tight to those. No ass slappin.

Brian Sargent said:
This guy has helped me cut the load quite a bit ... http://rayjardine.com/ ... now I have room for a hatchet and beer!

Isn't beer the first on the list? Or maybe it's survival kit first, then beer!

Salamander42 · Jan 21, 2011

Markisharp, what pack are you using, and what sleeping bag and pad? Got any pics? It sounds like you've tried all of your options with the gear you have, but if we could actually see what you're working with, someone may have a helpful idea. While it's always nice to be able to work with the gear you have, maybe you need to look into a new sleeping bag and/or pad. Or maybe your pack is a bit too small for what you're trying to use it for?

I have 2 packs that I switch between. First is an LL Bean internal frame. I usually use it when I'm trying to keep things light. It's not really that big of a pack, but for the most part all of my gear including by Thermarest Z-Lite pad, and either of my sleeping bags (a Kelty 20 degree and a Backsider 35 degree) fits inside of the pack in the main compartment. If I know the weather is going to be bad, I may take an extra tarp or poncho tucked under the compression straps, or if I do get rained on while I'm out and I've got a wet rain fly or other gear, I may tuck that under the straps to let it dry out.

Second is a basic Kelty external frame pack. I use this if I want more luxury items on my trip, or if I'm going out in really cold weather. A couple of weeks ago I took it out for an overnight, and packed 2 sleeping pads and 2 sleeping bags, as well as all of my other gear. It's really easy to lash extra gear to the frame if necessary, to increase the pack's capacity. I usually tie on my sleeping pad or pads underneath the main body of the pack. The frame extends down a good 6 or 8 inches below the pack and is a perfect spot for this. I usually keep my sleeping bag or bags inside the main compartment. I've also been known to attach extra clothes or tarps or rain ponchos or hatchets or cooking gear or. . . You get the idea. The frame extends a little above the pack body too, so you can easily attach stuff there as well, but it can interfere with accessing the main compartment.

Alright, I'll stop being so long winded (or whatever you would call it when you're typing and not speaking). Hope you get your situation worked out.

markisharp · Jan 21, 2011

Well I've narrowed it down to the pad and bag just being too old/heavy/large.. I honestly forget the name of the pad. Got it from cabelas. The bag is a field and stream deal. 25 or 30 degree down bag about 3 or 4 years ago. I got just the pad on there right now. Found the perfect place to strap it too. Didn't notice some straps that I had tied down out of the way before. Regardless the pad and bag together are still to large to strap there.

jackman2 · Jan 21, 2011

I am having similar concerns. I usually end up carrying my tent in one hand and pad ( have the same one from Cabelas) in the other. I m looking at buying a new pack, specifically a Gregory z55. Can you strap a tent or pad to the outside of this pack?

How do you guys carry your tent too? I have a Timberline 4 Eureka. Awesome, but a little big. Should note that I just bought it and it is not getting replaced anytime soon.

Should I be looking at a different bag?

mtwarden · Jan 21, 2011

completely dependent on the pack, the pad and the bag

for 3-4 day trips I'm using a very small pack and have room to stuff the bag into the bottom of the pack, the pad is an inflatable and is folded in 1/2, then in thirds and forms the "frame" of my pack

Salamander42 · Jan 21, 2011

jackman2 said:
I am having similar concerns. I usually end up carrying my tent in one hand and pad ( have the same one from Cabelas) in the other. I m looking at buying a new pack, specifically a Gregory z55. Can you strap a tent or pad to the outside of this pack?

How do you guys carry your tent too? I have a Timberline 4 Eureka. Awesome, but a little big. Should note that I just bought it and it is not getting replaced anytime soon.

Should I be looking at a different bag?

A quick google search turned up a one pic of a z55 with a sleeping pad attached to the bottom. Looks like the pack has compression straps on the bottom and someone used them to secure their pad. I'm not sure how they'd hold up to supporting a tent.

What are you planning to use the bag for? Just overnighters? Weekend trips? Longer? Solo, or with friends or family? That's a rather large tent for solo trips, so assuming there are others with you, what kind of distribution of shared gear is there? In other words, how much more will you have to carry besides that tent, and for how long? Just a few things to think about to determine weather or not that pack is right for you.

FWIW, I almost always hike solo, and I sleep in a hammock with a tarp, so my shelter system takes up a very small amount of space in my pack. I've rarely carried a tent far enough to loose sight of the car that I drove to the camp site.

Salamander42 · Jan 21, 2011

Mtwarden, looks like you've got a nice compact set up there. What's the pack you're using? I haven't weaned my gear down quite that much yet, but I'm gradually working on reducing weight and bulk. I'm probably going to be in the market for a new pack sometime in the near future, and I've been really looking hard at ULA's lineup.

jackman2 · Jan 22, 2011

Salamander42 said:
A quick google search turned up a one pic of a z55 with a sleeping pad attached to the bottom. Looks like the pack has compression straps on the bottom and someone used them to secure their pad. I'm not sure how they'd hold up to supporting a tent.

What are you planning to use the bag for? Just overnighters? Weekend trips? Longer? Solo, or with friends or family? That's a rather large tent for solo trips, so assuming there are others with you, what kind of distribution of shared gear is there? In other words, how much more will you have to carry besides that tent, and for how long? Just a few things to think about to determine weather or not that pack is right for you.

FWIW, I almost always hike solo, and I sleep in a hammock with a tarp, so my shelter system takes up a very small amount of space in my pack. I've rarely carried a tent far enough to loose sight of the car that I drove to the camp site.

Sorry about the lack of details. I wanted to do a separate post, but the original poster was asking exactly what I wanted to know as well. I go mostly with friends and family on 1 -3 night trips. There is sharing of the load, but I usually carry the tent. I know it is big, but I love it and it is great for a few people. It really only fits 2. Most of the gear I have is very light and compact. I have a sleeping bag, pad, cooking stuff, food, water, a few articles of clothing and the rest is probably most of the same outdoors stuff you guys have. (first aid kit, small hatchet, ect.) Does not take up much space.

I assume I will tie the pad to my pack and carry the tent in my hand. (We can take turns) The rest would go inside. The 55 seems big enough.

PropThePolecat · Jan 22, 2011

I'd post a pic of my backpack and pad attached but i cant seem to find my damned sleeping pad so i can snap some pics!

I have to ask my girlfriend when she wakes up...

mtwarden · Jan 22, 2011

Salamander42 said:
Mtwarden, looks like you've got a nice compact set up there. What's the pack you're using? I haven't weaned my gear down quite that much yet, but I'm gradually working on reducing weight and bulk. I'm probably going to be in the market for a new pack sometime in the near future, and I've been really looking hard at ULA's lineup.

it's a Golite Ion, I think discontinued- was modified to add the front/outer pockets

I only use that pack for solo short trips, when I'm w/ the wife I need a little more pack (she insists on a few creature comforts

). I've been using the Osprey Exos 46 in that role, but just sold it. It's either a ULA Ohm or the new Osprey Hornet that will replace it. ULA produces some very nice packs, have handled a few, but haven't tried one (yet

)

to the OP- possibly consider some compression setup for your bag

IMO though if your sleeping bag is on the outside, your pack is a. not big enough, b. is overloaded from too much other stuff

you can see in the pic I posted above a clear sack that the sleeping bag is going in- it's a pack liner to prevent my sleeping bag (and packed clothing) from getting wet- having your sleeping bag on the outside is a risk that I wouldn't take

Salamander42 · Jan 22, 2011

jackman2 said:
Sorry about the lack of details. I wanted to do a separate post, but the original poster was asking exactly what I wanted to know as well. I go mostly with friends and family on 1 -3 night trips. There is sharing of the load, but I usually carry the tent. I know it is big, but I love it and it is great for a few people. It really only fits 2. Most of the gear I have is very light and compact. I have a sleeping bag, pad, cooking stuff, food, water, a few articles of clothing and the rest is probably most of the same outdoors stuff you guys have. (first aid kit, small hatchet, ect.) Does not take up much space.

I assume I will tie the pad to my pack and carry the tent in my hand. (We can take turns) The rest would go inside. The 55 seems big enough.

If your hiking companions carry enough of the food and cooking gear, or if you distribute the components of the tent (one takes the poles, one takes the rain fly, and you carry the main body of the tent for example) I bet you could actually get the tent into that pack with your other gear without any trouble. If you're happy carrying the tent in your hand and taking turns carrying it, I'd say the z55 is probably more than big enough for ya. :thumbup:

mtwarden said:
it's a Golite Ion, I think discontinued- was modified to add the front/outer pockets

I only use that pack for solo short trips, when I'm w/ the wife I need a little more pack (she insists on a few creature comforts ). I've been using the Osprey Exos 46 in that role, but just sold it. It's either a ULA Ohm or the new Osprey Hornet that will replace it. ULA produces some very nice packs, have handled a few, but haven't tried one (yet )

to the OP- possibly consider some compression setup for your bag

IMO though if your sleeping bag is on the outside, your pack is a. not big enough, b. is overloaded from too much other stuff

you can see in the pic I posted above a clear sack that the sleeping bag is going in- it's a pack liner to prevent my sleeping bag (and packed clothing) from getting wet- having your sleeping bag on the outside is a risk that I wouldn't take

Thank you, sir. I'll give the Golite line-up a look. My only concern with the ULA packs is that they're all higher capacity than either of my other packs (not factoring in the ability to attach things to the frame of my external frame pack) and I'm afraid I'll be tempted to fill that extra space with unnecessary gear.

I am hoping to take a couple of more extended trips this summer though, and the extra space may be nice when I start packing for a week instead of a weekend.

Also. . . Good point to the OP about carrying the sleeping bag on the outside of the pack. :thumbup:

PropThePolecat · Jan 22, 2011

Heres my setup. Here are the dimesions to give you an idea of size.

Im ca. 181 cm high and the pack is a Osprey Stratos 34 in size L (old model). The pad is a Pacific Outdoor SL mountain which is 51 cm at its widest point. The axe next to it, is the Gransfors SFA.

I usually avoid strapping anything big on the outside of the pack, because it upsets the balance. And if i have to do it, then it must be cinched tight and cling to the pack, just like the axe on the pic.But the pad so light ( about 400 gram) that its negligble. Avoid loose-hanging items that are free to swing around at all costs.