Backpacking Discussions

I've heard people say that keeping your sleeping bag in a stuff sack during storage is bad for it and it makes the sleeping bag loose some of its loft. On the other hand I've heard people say that is a myth and it is actually better for it to be stored in a stuff sack. It seems like a waste of space to me, but I hang my sleeping bags up in a closet just to be safe. Does anyone know the answer to this? Thanks.

It might seem like it is just a huge waste of space, but keeping your sleeping bags stuffed inside a tiny stuff sack for a long time is just wasting your money. What ever type of insulation your bag uses, down or synthetic (but especially for synthetic), it will lose its loft and ability to puff up when it is compacted. On the trail and for temporary storage, keeping it inside a sack is fine, but for anything else, take it out of its sack. I personally don't store mine in a closet, but on some storage shelves in an unused room. You can also put your bag into a huge pillow case or cotton sack and store other places, such as under a bed.

Wow that is great to finally know that! I was thinking that storing it in a compression sack would make it lose the loft and stuff, but I wasn't sure. I just keep mine in the bottom of a closet, but not in a bag or anything. MAybe I'll just stuff it in a large garbage bag, I think that is good enough. I wonder why synthetic will lose its loft more than down would? Thanks for the help greenhiker!

Really I don't think keeping anything under pressure for a long period of time is good at all. When I'm not using my gear, I keep my tent, clothes, pad, and sleeping bag in boxes that don't compact them. It does take up some extra room, but I seems like other keeping other items along with sleeping bags would ruin their loft and fabric.

Ya I guess that makes sense to. Thanks for your input!