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. To learn how to properly fold a sleeping bag, start with Step 1 below.
Steps
1
Shake out the sleeping bag. Pick up the sleeping bag and give it a good shake -- this will remove any crumbs, hidden flashlights or lost socks. Lay the sleeping bag out flat on a section of clean, dry ground.
2
Fold it in half, lengthwise. Zip up the sleeping bag, all the way to the top, then fold it in half lengthwise. 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. Starting 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.
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.
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.
4
Secure the sleeping bag with the straps. 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.
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.
