Compression Stuff Sacks or Straps

“I have been looking for some compression sacks for my sleeping bag (Siera Designs Sandman). I know that there are quite a few brands out there, so today I called Sierra Designs and asked them to see what they recommended. They gave me two companies, one was Outdoor Research which makes compression stuff sacks and they also mentioned a cheaper way to go and that was to use a Big Agnes Girdle. Has anyone ever used that brand and how well does it hold up versus a compression sack.”

“Ewker, I have a couple of OR compression sacks and they have worked very well. I find that I can pack extra fleece in case the weather changes too much.”

“i found a great stuff sack at wal-mart for around 8 bucks and it is great water proof it made by coleman i highly suggest”

“be wary of "waterproof" stuff sacks..the material may very well be waterproof...but check the bottom seams. ten bucks says that coleman one has seam holes you can see through.”

“I do agree that some can, but that goes without saying that any stuff sack can have small holes. What you gotta do is take the innitiative to waterproof the bag, even if they are a good company that says its waterproof you should still do it.”

“When it comes to compression sacks I use Granite Gear to me they are the best ogf the best.

8)”

“I just assume that all bags leak and line them with trash bags...

If your really paranoid get a dry bag for boating...(mega-zip-lock?)”

“I have a granite gear stuff sack for my sleeping bag. I've never used or seen another brand. It's very strong and durable. It also makes a nice, cushy stool when the sleeping bag is stuffed in it. :o)”

“Well I must say to go with the Equinox brand which is made from lightweight material so less pounds. I use compression sacks for my tent and sleeping bag.
Another good brand no to pricey is Chinook. Both hold up very well and do the job.
Barbara”

“The OR compression sacks are very high quality but not cheap. I use one when I'm packing bulky clothing (fleece).”

“I'm trying to get away from compression sacks. IMHO, I find that the space savings doesn't equal out the weight savings. I use an external pack, though.”

“IMHO, if you need a compression sack, your packing too much stuff. Also compression sacks do immeasurable dammage to any style of sleeping bag's loft.”

“The very first time I BP, I put my fleece sleepng bag in my Granite Gear stuff and squeezed that sucker down to what looked like a basketball, but a little bigger. Put that b!eatch in my pack, thing stuck out 4 feet from my back! LOL! I have pics that didn't turn out that well, but it looked like I had a trail midget in there.”

“Thinair, I am not planning on keeping my sleeping bag in the compression sack all the time. It would only be compressed while hiking and then taken out when setting up camp. Chances are I will just be out one night and when I am home it is in the large stuff sack or hanging upside down. If you avg a trip a month how long does it take before the damage to your bag starts.”

“IMHO not everyone hikes in an area with weather so mild they can go without so much as a tent.”

“When you scrunch it down, the damage is already done...

Violin, so find something less than 2 lbs....a bivy...a tarp...solo tent etc....”

“My 3+ person shelter weighs 2.5 lbs. In cold weather I find it necessary to carry sufficient clothing and a compression sack keeps it manageable.”

“OK”

“I use a Kodiak 10 Sealine dry bag for my down sleeping bag. Real light and waterproof. The bag practically explodes when I take it out of the stuff bag so I don't think I'm hurting the loft.”

“I had a compression stuff sack, but switched to the Equinox stuff sack because of weight. My sleeping bag stayed dry inside, even in the snow. Only my thermarest got wet (from sweat?)

Mary or Camel (or anyone with the Flight), do you have that probem?

I got rid of stuff sacks for the clothes too. I pack the clothes around the bear canister. If it rains, I have the Equinox pack cover that weighs 3.6 oz.

The last 2 trips I dumped the stuff sack for my cook kit, since it sits in the bottom of the canister, it doesn't need a bag around it. Still looking for ways to lose weight.....”

“My dad went x country skiing this winter, and he used my pack....Kelty Flight (4500 in3) he got all his winter gear to fit just find.”

“SN, when your out in the winter, do you ski, or snowshoe?”

“Snowshoe. I've only used ski's once, from Badger Pass to Glacier Point, and my ski's sucked so I got rid of them. I want to get ski's, but not sure what kind. Haven't researched it yet. I still have my 3 pin boots, but am thinking the Rondenae (sp?) might be the way to go. More gear....”

“My father skis into a few of the ranger cabins that are used as ski shelters in the winter. I hope to join him one of these winters...

I tried snow shoeing for the first time this year on a night hike with a class from Fresno State. We hiked out to Tamarak Ridge over look. It was a lot of fun, but to save money I pulled some of the old racket style snoeshoes out of our gear storage. Let me tell you, RACKETS SUCK!!!! especially on down hills.. No traction, then I slip and fall right on my arse...

I ended up hiking back with the snowshoes straped to my pack.”

“you could try the liston compressor strap. 2 oz $12. i had a granite gear sack but it weighed almost a pound empty.
that strap is on p. 91 of this months backpacker by the way.”