Best Compression Sacks for Sleeping Bags

ALPS Mountaineering Compression Sack

The ALPS Mountaineering Compression Sack has to be one of the best sacks out there and, guess what, it’s surprisingly affordable too.

Constructed of durable rip-stop polyester, and featuring reinforced stress points, this bag can handle a good stuffing (don’t let yourself be fooled by the lightweight material!).

The 20L model can accommodate a sleeping bag built for chilly climates or if you’ll be camping in warmer conditions, a lighter sleeping bag plus a few pillows and extra bits of gear. Plus, if you’ll be doing some serious cold-weather camping with a super hefty compression bag, you can always upgrade to the 35L model.

One of the best things about this sack is its external features. We absolutely love that there’s a grab handle on the bottom as well as D-rings that allow you to clip extra gear to your sack (or your sack to your gear) providing versatility when it comes to transportation. The compression straps mean that this sack has small dimensions when full, and there’s even a zippered stash pocket for any valuables.

To seal it, pull the drawstring tight and buckle the lid. Although the polyester is naturally water-resistant, this compression sack is not entirely waterproof. Aside from that, there’s nothing we don’t like about this sack – oh, and it even comes with a limited lifetime warranty too.

Earth Pak Dry Bag

Looking for a compression bag that will keep your sleeping bag dry no matter what? Then we definitely recommend the Earth Pak Dry Bag.

It’s completely waterproof thanks to the durable 500D PVC material and roll-down buckle-safe top, making it a great place to stash your sleeping bag as you head out for watery camping adventures.

The 20L sack comes with an attached shoulder strap for ease of transport, while the larger 30L model has full-on backpack style straps plus a sternum strap for weight management, which means you can even throw in a hammock or whatever else you want to keep dry for a night’s camping by the lake – and it even comes with an IPX9 certified waterproof phone case!

It might not score top marks for its compression (there aren’t actually any compression straps), and it’s not the softest material either, which means it’s not great the easiest to squidge inside another pack.

However, its waterproof rating couldn’t be better, it can be used as a bag in its own right, and there’s absolutely no way that this compression bag will fall apart on you – it’s easy to see why this compression bag has hit the marketplace by storm.

RELATED: BEST DRY BAGS

Granite Gear Event SIL

And last but by no means least on our list of the best sleeping bag compression sacks around is the Granite Gear Event SIL.

First off, this stuff sack is constructed from waterproof 30D silnylon, making it resistant to rips and water yet maintaining a very lightweight – perfect for backpacking adventures. Oh, and the seams are reinforced too for added durability. The roll-down top is further secured by a buckled lid so you can be sure it won’t unfold in your pack and no dirt will find its way in.

Our favorite feature on this compression sack is the eVent at the base that allows air to escape during compression yet won’t allow water in. And speaking of compression… the straps used are thinner than usual to shed some extra ounces yet they’re still super effective. This, combined with the ‘bloc’ shape designed for ease of packing, make this a great compression sack when space is tight.

This compression sack is a little more expensive than some other options we’ve seen, but we think in this case you’re getting what you pay for.

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack

If shedding pounds is the name of the game, then the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack is the way to go.

This sleeping bag stuff sack weighs an astonishing 1.7 oz thanks to its super-light 40D ripstop nylon function and simplistic design. The drawstring opener is easy to use and has a wide mouth too, making the stuffing process a doddle, although it’s lacking a buckled lid for added protection from water and dirt (although at least the fabric is water-resistant).

Despite the lack of compression straps, when stuffed and closed this sack is surprisingly streamlined, and its rectangular shape can actually make storage a lot easier. There’s a useful handle on the base too for transport or storage.

This compression sack might not have all the frills you see in other fancier sacks, but in return, you’re getting an ultra-lightweight stuff sack at an incredibly low price.

See our full Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack review

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil

And now for our favorite compression sacks, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil.

This Sea to Summit product really is a great stuff sack in terms of all-round performance. It’s constructed from an ultra-sil nylon fabric that’s resistant to rips and to water, plus, it features a slippery finish on the outside. This, combined with the four compression straps to reduce bulk, makes this sack a dream to pack inside another bag.

The stress points have been reinforced for added durability, but be aware that they aren’t tape-sealed so the compression bag is not fully waterproof. The drawstring closure and buckled lid mean your sleeping bag won’t slip out, and there’s a handle on the base for ease of transport and storage.

Like many Sea to Summit products, this compression sack is a little on the pricey side. Especially when compared to other stuff sacks we’ve seen.

And we wish there were a few more size options, but you can rest assured that this compression sack will keep your bag safe and sound for years to come.

SEE ALSO: SEA TO SUMMIT AEROS ULTRALIGHT PILLOW REVIEW

Outdoor Research Ultralight Compression Sack

The 15L Outdoor Research Ultralight Compression Sack is the perfect companion for backpacking missions in those warmer summer months.

Constructed from 40D silnylon fabric, this sack is not only resistant to rips and water but is also slippery for ease of packing inside other bags. It is, however, a little see-through, so make sure you don’t leave an embarrassing pair of underwear in there when you’re packing!

What’s more, bound seams have been used to reinforce potential weak points at the end (although sadly water will still get through if submerged).

The 15L capacity is more than enough for a summer sleeping bag, and this compression sack won’t weigh you down either thanks to its lightweight. Despite this lightness, this compression bag still features a nifty little pocket at the base, which is perfect for storing sleeping essentials such as eye masks and earplugs.

The four compression straps mean you can considerably cut down on bulk, making this one of the best compression sacks for backpacking camping adventures that we’ve come across.