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Sacks For Your Hiking Stuff

Stuff Sacks play a very important part in the world of hikers and backpackers. They are available in many different shapes and sizes, colors and fabrics, but all have one thing in common . . . they’re made so that you can stuff stuff into them. Some hiking stuff sacks are especially designed for specific stuff, other hiking stuff sacks are good for stuffing loads of different stuff into them . . . and squashing it all down to make it more manageable and easier to carry. Space saving is a very important task when you are hiking and backpacking, almost as important as weight saving.

How to Choose a Hiking Stuff Sack

Hiking stuff sacks can fulfil various roles when it comes to packing your backpack and getting ready to “take a hike”. Before you choose which stuff sack will be the best for your stuff, think about what stuff you’ll want to stuff in it. (Do you think I’ve over-stuffed that sentence with “stuff”).

• Compression stuff sacks – are great for making big stuff smaller. If you have a rather bulky sleeping bag then you’ll have trouble fitting it into your regular backpack or tying it securely onto your pack, in fact, many sleeping bags come with their very own stuff sack. It is pretty amazing to see all of those folds and mounds disappear into a very small, compact stuff sack. It’s a bit like magic in reverse. Stuff it in and tie the cords . . . job done until sleep time again.
• Waterproof stuff sacks – are great for keeping your stuff dry, but some of them are pretty weighty, so if you do need a waterproof stuff sack choose very carefully.
• Regular nylon stuff sacks – are very handy for simply keeping your gear segregated and togegther within your backpack. Your waterproof gear maybe, or your sleeping gear (if you’re the sort of person who hikes with pj’s) you could alternatively use a clear plastic bag . . . does just the same job and you can easily see the contents.

So there you have it, the in’s and out’s of hiking stuff sacks. If you’re pretty new to this hiking and backpacking business then don’t worry because it does take time and experience before you get your packing requirements to your liking. You’ll be amazed at the improvements you’ll make over time. After my first hiking trip I was sorely tempted to buy a donkey or other pack animal to take along to do the carrying, but with a little time, experience and lots of advice from experienced hikers and backpackers you do learn to reduce the weight and size of your backpack and make the whole hiking experience easier and more enjoyable.