Compression Sacks Vs Dry Bags For Backpacking:
What is up, guys?! As we all know, selecting the right gear for a backpacking trip can be tricky! There are so many different options out there, and it can be challenging to determine what equipment you need and what you can leave home. Here I will go over whether you should go with compression sacks vs a dry bags for backpacking.
Some of you are probably in a rush, so I will skip to the point before getting into the nitty gritty. You don’t have to choose!
That’s right. A product on the market combines the water resistance of a dry bag with the space-saving ability of a compression sack. If you are interested in this, check it out here!
Compression Sacks:
What Is A Compression Sack
A compression sack is a sack that often comes in varying sizes and can be compressed down through a series of straps to help you save space in your pack. Stuff sacks typically come in a variety of different sizes depending on how many things you are trying to put in there.
How Are Compression Sacks Used When Backpacking:
The main benefit of using compression sacks when backpacking is to save precious space in your pack, by shrinking down space taking items such as clothes, layers, and your sleeping bag!
What Can You Put In A Compression Sack?
When deciding what to put into a compression sack, you want to stick with flexible items, such as clothing, that won’t break when put under pressure or squeezed tightly.
By placing flexible and compressible things, you can save lots of space as opposed to putting stiff or rigid items in it. Also, you want to avoid placing sharp or delicate items in a compression sack because these items can either break or damage the bag when compressed.
Can You Put A Sleeping Bag In A Compression Sack?
Yes.
Putting a sleeping bag in a compression sack during a backpacking trip is a great way to save space. However, when you are done with your trip, you should remove it from the bag. Keeping a sleeping bag compressed long-term can hinder its insulative properties.
Can You Use A Compression Sack For A Bear Hang?
Yes.
You can use a compression sack for a bear hang, but remember that most compression sacks are not waterproof. So should it rain overnight, you will be out of luck! For this reason, I prefer using a dry bag when making a bear hang.
Dry Bags
What Is A Dry Bag:
Dry bags are a waterproof bag used in water sports and outdoor activities to safely store water sensitive items. They are frequently used when backpacking to store clothes, electronics and sleeping bags.
How Dry Bags Are Used When Backpacking:
Unlike a compression sack, most dry bags cannot compress their contents to save space in your pack. The main use of a dry bag is, like I said to keep stuff dry! Dry bags are essential to protecting sensitive items against rain and work great when making a bear hang.
I typically use a dry bag when I know I will be encountering rainfall during a backpacking trip or if I plan on making a bear hang during the trip as my means of food storage.
Dry Bags Vs Compression Sacks For A Bear Hang:
Both dry bags and compression sacks can be used for making a bear hang. However, the better option between the two has to be the dry bag as it protects against the rain!
If you want to learn more about how to safely store your food while backpacking, check out our article “how to store food while backpacking” remember, proper food storage is essential to leave no trace.
Cheap Alternative To Dry Bags:
If you want the functionality of a dry bag but do not want to spend the money on one, there is a secret way to get the water resistance of a dry bag without spending the money on one. This alternative is… a garbage bag!
You can use a garbage bag as a makeshift liner in your pack to protect its contents from inclement weather.
So Which Is Better Compression Sack Or Dry Bag?
So time for the moment of truth, which is better? Compression sack vs dry bag for backpacking? If you have already read our intro, you would know you don’t have to choose!!! Sea And Summit makes a waterproof compression sack combining the space-saving ability of a compression sack with the water resistance of a dry bag! You really can have it all!
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