How to Fold a Sleeping Bag

Co-authored by Josh Goldbach

Last Updated: January 14, 2025

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.

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Lay the sleeping bag out flat on a section of clean, dry ground.

2

Fold it in half, lengthwise.

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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.

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Start at the open end of the sleeping bag (where your head goes). 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.^{[1]
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Josh Goldbach
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- 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.

4

Secure the sleeping bag with the straps.

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Once you get to the end of the roll, you need to secure it. This should be relatively easy as most sleeping bags come with cords or elasticated straps attached to the bottom edge.^{[2]
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- 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.

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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.

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