If you enjoy camping or just want to spend the night with friends, learning how to fold and roll a sleeping bag is a worthwhile activity. This skill will help keep the sleeping bag clean and save space when not in use. To learn how to properly fold a sleeping bag, start with Step 1 below.
Step
Step 1. Get a sleeping bag
Pick up the sleeping bag and give it a loud bang -- this will remove any crumbs, pull out a hidden flashlight or lost sock. Spread the sleeping bag on clean, dry soil.
Step 2. Fold in half lengthwise
Zipper the sleeping bag all the way up, then fold it in half lengthwise. Make sure the edges and corners are parallel; otherwise, you'll have a hard time rolling up the sleeping bag neatly.
Step 3. Roll up the sleeping bag tightly
Starting at the open end of the sleeping bag (where your head rests), begin to roll the mattress as tightly as possible, keeping it straight and compressing the air as it rolls.
- One good trick is to place a tent pole or stick at the top end of the sleeping bag and start rolling around it. This method is easier than rolling directly without tools.
- When rolling, use one knee to press down on the sleeping bag (in between rolls). Thus, your sleeping bag will stay neat and tight.
- Continue rolling until you reach the end of the sleeping bag on the opposite side.
Step 4. Secure the sleeping bag using the straps
Once you've reached the end of the roll, you'll need to tighten it -- this step should be relatively easy since most sleeping bags have straps or elastic straps attached to the bottom edge.
- Keep your knees firmly pressed against the center of the sleeping bag as you pull the elastic over the rolled mattress or tie the straps around it. If using laces, you can use the same basic knot as your shoe ties.
- If the sleeping bag doesn't have straps, simply tie any string near you around both ends of the rollaway mattress.
- Once the sleeping bag is securely fastened, you can pull out the tent pole or stick from the center of the roll (if used) and place the neatly rolled sleeping bag back into the bag.
