How to Fold a Sleeping Bag

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Whether you're a seasoned camper or simply going for a sleepover with your friends, learning how to properly fold and roll a sleeping bag is a worthwhile task. Mastering this skill will help to keep the sleeping bag clean and also prevent it from taking up too much storage space when you're not using it. You've come to the right article—we've covered everything you need to know, so you can pack up your sleeping bag in a jiffy.

1

Shake out the sleeping bag.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Roll-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Roll-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Roll-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-1.jpg\/aid1671652-v4-728px-Roll-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Lay the sleeping bag out flat on a section of clean, dry ground.
    2. Advertisement
2

Fold it in half, lengthwise.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-1.jpg\/aid1671652-v4-728px-Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":484,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure the edges and corners are perfectly aligned, otherwise you won't be able to roll the sleeping bag neatly.
3

Tightly roll the sleeping bag.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-2.jpg\/aid1671652-v4-728px-Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":484,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Begin rolling the material tightly, keeping it very straight and pressing out any air as you go. As you roll, use one knee to press down on the sleeping bag (in between the rolling motions). This will help to keep it nice and tight. Continue rolling until you reach the opposite end of the sleeping bag.
    • One good trick is to place a tent pole or straight stick across the top end of the sleeping bag and roll the bag around it, instead of around itself.
    2. Advertisement
4

Secure the sleeping bag with the straps.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-4.jpg\/aid1671652-v4-728px-Fold-a-Sleeping-Bag-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":484,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This should be relatively easy as most sleeping bags come with cords or elasticated straps attached to the bottom edge.
    • Keep one knee pressed tightly into the center of the sleeping bag while you pull the elasticated straps evenly over the rolled bag or tie the cords around it. If you're using the cords, you can use the same basic knot you use to tie your shoelaces.
    • If the sleeping bag has no straps or cords, simply tie a loose piece of string around both ends of the rolled bag.
    • Once the sleeping bag is secure, you can gently pull the tent pole or stick out of the middle (if used) and pop the perfectly rolled sleeping bag into its carrier bag.

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does it work on all brands?
    Claire Compton
    Community Answer
    Yes, this technique works on all brands. However, if you happen to have a compression sleeping bag, the company might suggest other alternatives for folding and storing it, so be sure to read the company's recommended instructions before folding.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you roll the bag too loosely or untidily, unroll it and begin again. It will only cost you a minute or two.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • You should never leave a wet or damp sleeping bag rolled up for too long, otherwise it could grow mildew.
        Thanks
        Helpful 20 Not Helpful 2
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Connect an RV to Power
      How to
      Pack a Sleeping Bag
      Advertisement

      References

      1. http://www.trails.com/how_741_fold-sleeping-bag.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 90,015 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement