How To Attach Sleeping Bag To Your Backpack (A Guide)

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Attaching a sleeping bag to your backpack can take some practice.  You want to choose the best placement and method that works for you.  There are several options you can choose from when it comes to how to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack.

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Importance Of Sleeping Bag Placement

Your sleeping bag is one of the most essential items of gear you bring with you, whether you’re on a camping trip or a backpacking trip.

You want to make sure you properly secure your sleeping bag to your backpack so you don’t lose it. 

You also want to avoid puncturing it.  This is something to consider when you determine how to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack.  You don’t want any of your other gear, like your tent poles, to accidentally puncture it.

You also don’t want it laying around on the ground in between hiking and wearing down the materials.

Besides not puncturing your sleeping bag, you need to make sure it stays dry.  A wet sleeping bag will not keep you warm.  It will be so important to make sure you keep your sleeping bag in a position that protects it from the elements so you’re able to have a safe night of sleep.

Methods For Attaching Sleeping Bag

You have several options when it comes to attaching your sleeping bag to your backpack. Not all options will work with your backpack design, but you can test out each one to see what will work best for you.

• Inside backpack
• Sleeping Bag Compartment
• Under backpack hood
• Attached to outer straps
• Compression straps
• Compression bag
• Paracord
• Bungee cords
• Carabiners
• Leave unrolled in backpack

All of these methods have their pros and cons.  You need to decide which will work the best for your situation and your backpack.

Inside Backpack

The first thing to mention is that you can pack your sleeping bag inside of your backpack.  Packing your sleeping bag inside your backpack is by far the safest way to store it.  This will help to keep your sleeping bag dry and safe from wear & tear.

The downside to having your sleeping bag inside your backpack is that it takes up room.  You won’t have a lot of space to pack as much gear inside of your backpack if your sleeping bag is taking up the bottom part of your pack.

If you do choose to store your sleeping bag inside of your backpack, you should always store it at the bottom.  

When packing your backpack, you want the lightest items at the bottom of your backpack to help alleviate any back pain.  Your sleeping bag is the perfect item to put at the bottom of the backpack because it is very light. 

Also, you won’t need to access it until the end of each day.  This means you only have to remove all your gear once a day to get to your sleeping bag.  You’ll probably be unloading most of that gear at the end of each day anyway.

Sleeping Bag Compartment

Some backpacks even have a sleeping bag compartment at the bottom of the pack.  This is a designated area that will hold your sleeping bag underneath all of your gear in a compact space.

The design of your backpack might even have a zipper at the bottom of the backpack so you can locate your sleeping bag without having to dig out all the rest of your gear.

Under Pack Hood

If there is a large enough pack hood on the top of the backpack, then you can store your sleeping bag between the hood and the top of your backpack.

This is a great way to store it because it gives it a little bit of coverage from the elements.  It isn’t totally waterproof, but at least the lid will give it some protection from tree branches and sunlight.

If you store your sleeping bag under your pack hood, then you want to make sure you’re careful not to let rain get on it.  Also, it might leave a small gap for rain to seep into the inside of your backpack since the hood isn’t fully secured down over the opening.

You also want to make sure you secure your sleeping bag down tightly under the hood so it doesn’t slip out without you knowing it.  It would be a huge bummer to have to backtrack to find it or to lose your sleeping bag all together.

Attached To Outer Straps

Some backpacks come with straps on the outside of the pack to allow you to secure gear.  Some of these straps are the perfect shape to attach gear like your rolled up sleeping bag or sleeping pad.

If you use the outer straps on your backpack to secure your sleeping bag, you want to make sure it is secured tightly.  The straps should squeeze your sleeping bag enough that there is no room for it to slip out.

Compression Straps

Some sleeping bags come with compression straps on their stuff sack.  If your sleeping bag has compression straps, then these are a great place to secure the sleeping bag to your backpack.

You can also purchase separate compression straps to wrap around your sleeping bag and secure it to the outside of your backpack.

The backpack usually has several attachment points, such as gear loops, side compression straps, or daisy chains that you can attach the compression straps to. 

Regardless, choose an area that will protect the sleeping bag from getting snagged when you set your pack down or from getting caught on tree branches as you hike.

Compression Bag

If your sleeping bag’s storage bag isn’t a compression bag, then you can purchase a third-party compression bag to use.  

Compression bags (or sacks) are a great place to store your sleeping bag and other items like your clothes.  You can choose a compression bag that is a waterproof bag and will easily secure to the outside of your backpack.

You’ll attach a compression sack the same way that you’d attach the compression straps.  Find an attachment point on the outside of your backpack that works and simply use the provided clips or carabiners to attach it.

You might even use a compression bag to roll up your sleeping bag on the inside of your backpack.  It will help to tightly compress your sleeping bag to a smaller size so it won’t take up as much space in your backpack.

Paracord

If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack, then you could use pieces of a para-cord (or pieces of twine).  Just choose a rope material that will do good out in the elements.

This is one of the trickiest methods, in my opinion, because you have to make sure your knots will not come undone as you’re hiking.

You can wrap paracord around your sleeping bag like compression straps and then attach those to any of your backpack’s tie points.

You could also use carabiners to attach the paracord to your backpack loops.

This video shows you how to easily create knot ties around your sleeping bag that will attach to the daisy chains on your backpack.

Bungee Cords

Bungee cords can also be used to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack.  Again, this method might seem a little risky because you don’t want the bungee cord to accidentally come loose while you’re hiking.

Attach one end of the bungee cord to a tie loop on your backpack.  Then wrap the bungee cord around your sleeping bag several times until it is nice and taut.  Then, attach the other end of the bungee cord to a tie loop.

Carabiners

Carabiners are really an option to use with any of the attachment methods above.  You can attach carabiners to your compression sack straps, paracord, or any other loops that might be on your sleeping bag.

Carabiners are a great way to store items to the outside of your backpack because they’re quick to clip and extra secure to hold items in place.

Unrolled In Backpack

A last resort might be to store your sleeping bag unrolled loosely in your backpack.  This could work for you if you need some extra space to store other gear but don’t want to keep your sleeping bag on the outside of your pack.

You’d simply shove the unrolled sleeping bag loosely into your backpack and then store your gear inside of it or along the sides of the bag.

This method could be a bit tricky because you don’t want to accidentally tear your sleeping bag with other gear. 

Also, if your backpack isn’t waterproof, then you’ll lose that extra layer of protection if the sleeping bag isn’t in its storage bag.

Gear Shown

Where Should I Attach My Sleeping Bag?

You get to decide where to attach your sleeping bag based on your own preferences. In general, either at the very top or very bottom of your backpack is going to be your best option.

There are a few factors to consider when you decide where to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack.

The first factor is to know the design of your backpack.  Your backpack will most likely have straps, loops, and other attachment points scattered around it.  This will help you determine what your options are.

Next, you need to know the pros and cons for each section that you might store your sleeping bag on your backpack: inside, bottom, middle, top, & sides.

Inside

Again, the inside of your backpack is the most secure place for your sleeping bag. If your backpack has a sleeping bag compartment, then you should utilize it.

Keeping your sleeping bag inside your pack will help keep it dry & safe from tearing.

Bottom

If you store the sleeping bag at the bottom of your backpack, then you’ll be choosing a spot that is great for your back support.  Having light items towards the bottom of your backpack are actually better on your back.

But if you store it at the bottom of your backpack, then you’ll have to be extra careful anytime you want to set your backpack down. 

Your sleeping bag will be rubbing against the ground every time you place it down on the ground.  This could cause wear and tear to the storage bag and possibly even puncture or get your sleeping bag wet.

Top

Storing your sleeping bag at the top of your bag is another option.  This usually won’t cause you any back pain, but it might get in the way of the back of your head depending on your backpack’s design.

You also run the risk of it getting rained on or tree branches snagging it if you’re in a low clearance area.

Middle

You could also attach your sleeping bag on the middle section of your backpack.  This might throw your balance off a bit as you’re hiking.  But it will keep the sleeping bag off the ground whenever you set your pack down.

The middle might also snag more easily on tree branches and twigs if you’re going through a tightly wooded area.

Side

Depending on your backpack’s design, you might have the option to attach your sleeping bag vertically along the side of your backpack.

This could be a great option to keep your sleeping bag secure without it getting in your way.

You should test this method out before a long hike to make sure it doesn’t cause any back pain from the uneven weight distribution.

You also want to make sure you’re not brushing up against trees along that side and risk tearing your sleeping bag.

How To Keep Sleeping Bag Dry

Keeping your sleeping bag dry is one of the most important tasks during your trip in the great outdoors.  The insulation in the sleeping bag will not perform properly if it is damp, even if it is a really good sleeping bag.

Also, you run the risk of growing mold and mildew inside of your sleeping bag.  This is bad for your health to sleep in and it will most likely require you to purchase a new sleeping bag for your next trip.

A few options for keeping your sleeping bag dry is to use a waterproof compression sack.  These are great because they can be stored inside a backpack or attached to the outside of a backpack.  

If you’re on a long trek with rain, then you won’t have to worry about your sleeping bag because it is protected inside your compression sack.

You can also line the bottom of your backpack with a plastic bag or trash bag to ensure water won’t seep up onto your sleeping bag if it is inside your backpack.

The last option is to get a rain cover for your backpack. This cover will be slipped over your backpack in the even that there is rain. It will protect everything inside your pack.

If your sleeping bag does get wet, then it is really important to let it air out as much as possible.  At every stop along your trip, you should hang your sleeping bag up or lay it out to dry.  You could also leave it loose in your outer pocket to allow more air flow while you are hiking.

Types of Backpacks

There are two types of backpacking backpacks: internal frame backpacks & external frame backpacks. 

Even though there are only two types of backpacks, each backpack design can be completely different. You’ll want to choose how to attach your sleeping bag based on the attachment points provided on your specific backpack.

Internal frames are the most common backpacks you will see right now.

Internal frames are exactly as they sound.  The back panel framing is hidden on the inside of the backpack.  It hugs your body well and gives you nice support as you take long treks. (This is the internal frame backpack that I use.)

External frames have the framing system on the outside of the backpack. These are good for heavy loads, like if you’re a hunter and have to carry your game back with you in your backpack.

It is a good idea to pick your backpack design based on your own personal needs.  Some people prefer internal frames, while others prefer external frames.

Regardless, the most important things to consider are your own comfort level and how well your gear will fit in each type of backpack.

I use an external frame and David uses an internal frame backpacking backpack based on our needs:

How To Pack Backpack

Knowing how to pack your backpack can really help you decide what to do with your sleeping bag.

Bottom – In general, you want the bottom of the backpack to hold the lightest items.   Having the lightest items at the bottom of your pack will help to prevent back strain during your trip.

Your sleeping bag is the perfect option to place at the bottom of your back.  You could also store items like your clothing, sleeping pad, and other sleep gear at the bottom of your backpack.

Middle – In the middle of your backpack, you should store the bulkiest & heaviest items.  This will usually include your cooking gear, food items, & tent.

Top – The top of your pack should include smaller items that are used the most frequently.  This could be your snacks, water filter, and other odds & ends that you need throughout the day during your hike.

Outside – The outside of your backpack (side pockets, gear pocket, & attachment points) should hold items that don’t fit into your backpack (like your sleeping bag, tent, & sleeping mat) and any other gear you’ll need immediate access to like your hiking poles, water, camp shoes, & an extra jacket.

Packing your backpack will be unique to you.  Everybody finds what works best for their backpacking situation and comfort level.

Conclusion

Choosing how to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack is one of the most important decisions you will make during your trip.  Your sleeping bag is part of your survival gear and needs to be carefully secured to your pack.

You can choose to store it inside your backpack or find the best way to attach it to the outside of your pack.  No matter what you choose, just make sure your sleeping bag will stay dry and secure during your entire trip.

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