How to Pack for a Weekend Camping Trip : How to Select a Sleeping Bag for Camping

[nmbodnar]

John Stewart....heh...heh heh

[agentd0014]

If you put your sleeping bag at the bottom, one) you have to unpack the whole bag to get it, unless it has zips at the bottom for easy access and two) if you have liquids in your bag and they leak, goodbye Mr. Dry Sleeping Bag....

[ipodman371]

why would you use a down sleeping bag when you can just pack a blanket or two

[reptarthegreat666]

@ipodman371

because if you have to carry your all your stuff in a single backpack, nothing compresses like down

also if you are camping in the fall or without a tent, you want to be warm

[DinoDoesStuff]

Snugpak - thats all you need to know!

[oaney]

Down is better than synthetic in cold conditions, as long as it doesnt get wet. Also, you do not want your sleeping bag at the bottom of the pack, That means you have to unload the entire pack just to sleep for the night. Keep the sleeping bag and tent outside of the pack, that way you dont have to empty the entire bag just to set up camp.

[LLschoolJ2]

@oaney

you keep the sleeping bag, tent and all the heavy stuff in the bottom so it is more balanced on your hips if your pack is not balanced your not going to make it to far

[oaney]

@LLschoolJ2 Right, so I hang the sleeping bag off the bottom and strap the tent to the exterior left side (on me) I balance it with my cooking gear near the bottom of the inside of the pack on the right. The lighter stuff goes near the top. I understand completely what you are saying, I am just saying I prefer not to completely unpack and repackage everything every time I set up a base camp. The external sleeping bag at the bottom, and tent sleeve in one of my water bottle carriers works for me

[prothonotar]

I liked the tips, but I'm not following the bit about the "regular folds"