A stuff sack systems is a collection of bags that help you to organize the gear that you will put into you backpack. Using a stuff sack system allow you to separate your gear from each other. In addition, by using a stuff sack system you will prevent your gear from becoming disorganized or damp within your backpack.
Conversely, if you dont use a stuff sack system within your backpack you may find that your gear become entangled with other gear, and that your gear becomes difficultly to find within your pack. When deciding upon the size of the stuff sacks that you will use you should consider the item that you wish to store within those sacks. Small stuff sacks is useful for small items like gloves, beanies, or headlamps.
How to Choose and Use Stuff Sacks
Small stuff sacks can often fit within the hip belt pocket of a backpack. Medium stuff sacks are often used to store items like fleece jacket or base layers. Finally, large stuff sacks are needed to store bulky item like rain gear or sleeping bag.
There are various type of stuff sacks from which to select the type that is apropiate for your gear. Regular drawstring stuff sacks are lightweight and easy to use but do not compress the item that are placed into the sacks. Compression stuff sacks typically include side strap that allow for the reduction of the volume of items like sleeping bags.
Additionally, waterproof stuff sacks use roll-top closure that prevent water from entering the sacks. These type of stuff sacks are beneficial for those who wish to go on hikes in the rain or who wish to go near body of water. When using compression stuff sacks, you must use care to ensure that you do not damage your gear within the stuff sack.
For instance, if you compress a down sleeping bag with too much pressure the down feathers can be damaged, reducing the sleeping bags warmth. Most gear does not require much pressure to compact, though. The material from which the maker makes the stuff sack can impact both the weight of the stuff sack and how durable the stuff sack is.
Ultralight stuff sacks are very light in weight but tend to tear easy. Heavy-duty stuff sacks are more durable and can handle rougher terrain. However, heavy-duty stuff sacks will typically weigh more than ultralight stuff sacks.
The type of terrain that you will encounter will impact the weight and durability of the stuff sack that you use. Another way to effectively organize the stuff sacks within your backpack is to utilize color coding. For instance, you can use one color to store your sleep system and another color for your first aid kit.
This will allow you to quickly find the item that you require, even in low light. Place the heavy stuff sacks towards the back of your backpack. Additionally, place the lighter stuff sacks towards the top or sides of the backpack.
You should also air out your stuff sacks once after each camping trip. Air out stuff sacks will allow the gear to naturaly restore it’s original loft. In addition to the gear that you plan to store in your stuff sacks, you should also consider the type of trip that you will take.
For instance, if you are a thru-hiker you may prefer to use lightweight stuff sacks. Those who take backpacking trip over the weekend may prefer stuff sacks that are more durable. Those who take part in water sport should use waterproof stuff sacks with roll-top closures.
However, those who plan to car camp may use larger and heavier stuff sacks. Finally, you can measure the bulkiest item of gear that you plan to use and purchase stuff sacks that is the correct size for those items.
