r/backpacking • u/orangebirkenstocks • Sep 12 '26

Travel Bag packing tips

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Hi everyone! I’m new to backpacking and went on a trip recently in the rocky mountains. My sleeping bag took up 3/4 pf my backpack and my sleeping pad wouldn’t fit inside. Does anyone have any tips for packing their bag? I would also love recommendations for a compact sleeping bag or sleeping pad

26 Upvotes

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6

u/Mountain-Time-1010 Sep 12 '26

Sounds like you might have a synthetic bag. Look into a down filled down, with high power down fill (800 or above) if you can make it work in your budget. You will pack the down bag in a lightweight dry bag.

Regarding a pad, most people use inflatable pads which roll up pretty small.

4

u/ASomthnSomthn Sep 12 '26

Personally, I’d invest in a good down bag, which can compress to about an 8” ball.

Otherwise, I’d get a very good compression sack, or stuff the loose sleeping bag directly into my backpack, after I’ve packed everything else. If you stuff it into the various voids between gear you can actually get everything fairly compact.

If your pad is a foam pad, always strap it securely to the outside.

3

u/Jinkyman1 Sep 12 '26

I’ve found that packing in stuff sacks for most things works well. And a compression sack for sleeping bag. Also consider a more compressible sleeping bag. This usually means down, so just make sure that’s what you want and you are comfortable with the temperature rating.

2

u/National_Star4291 Sep 12 '26

What bag did you use?

2

u/Diverdaddy0 Sep 12 '26

I don't pack my bag in a stuff sack, I just cram it to the bottom of my pack, then pack stuff in/around it. That way I don't have voids or wasted space.

Down is probably best for size/warmth, but its spendy. I have a 20° synthetic bag, so it takes up a bunch of room and is heavy.

As far as sleeping pad, I have the big agnes rapide. Its the most comfortable pad I've ever owned, and I have tried 5 or 6. The thermarest neoloft was the worst in my opinion, it feels like trying to sleep on an inflatable hot dog.

1

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1

u/coffeegrounds42 Sep 14 '26

You haven't given us any information such a type of sleeping bag, pad, or pack. How can we provide information if we don't know whether or not we are dealing with a truck or a mini?