Compression Sacks

Reviewed by Sheila Bergin Goss

Dry bags (also called dry sacks if lightweight parts of packing system) are valued pieces of gear in our outdoor equipment arsenal. We use them primarily for canoe camping, but also for winter cabin camping and car camping. It is said “you can never have too many dry bags” when canoe camping, and since we follow that mantra, we always pack lots of them. My primary expectation is that such a bag will keep my gear dry in any conditions. This bag from SealLine certainly meets that challenge, and the compression feature is an added bonus. This bag is lightweight, sturdy, waterproof, and can ease space issues by compressing soft contents to a smaller size. This review is for the 10 liter size, and based on its performance over the past two seasons, I can highly recommend this dry bag for campers, backpackers, and paddlers.

The BlockerLite Compression Dry Sack comes in three size choices—5L, 10L and 20L—each of which is suited for different uses. This review is for the 10L sack, available in a nice bright green, which I used for clothing and for small sleeping bags. When canoe camping, my smaller bags (such as 10L size) are packed within a waterproof portage bag, and for winter cabin camping and car camping, the bags are used within a larger pack, or hauled in a pulk.                                         Website photo: available in 5, 10, 20 Liter sizes The 10L bag is 16 inches (40cm) deep with the top rolled (22cm) and 8 inches (20cm) x 4 inches (10 cm) wide at the rectangular base.

Read more: SealLine BlockerLite Compression Dry Sack review (1)

Reviewed by Sheila Bergin Goss

This dry sack has become an integral part of our canoe camping equipment. Though we use it primarily for canoe camping, it has also proven worthy for winter cabin camping and car camping. This 30L size is large, but its compression feature allows us to pack an XXL sleeping bag into a compact size, reducing space demands in the canoe and/or kayak. This sack is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and is a bright orange, high visibility color. I can highly recommend this dry bag for campers, backpackers, or paddlers.

Product Description: SealLine describes this dry sack as packing system sack; the design is promoted as a means to efficiently pack multiple dry sacks within a larger packing system. When I use the bag for canoe camping, it is packed within a large waterproof portage bag. That is also how it is packed when we pull it on a pulk for winter cabin camping. The compression feature definitely results in a saving of space, allowing for an increase in the number of other items that we can pack in the larger bag.

Read more: SealLine Blocker Compression Dry Sack review (1)

Featured review by Vladimir Gorbunov

A necessary accessory for any down sleeping bag, combining water resistance with good compression. A bit heavyweight, but it’s definitely lighter than a pound of water inside your sleeping bag. Quite durable and very convenient to use.

Fully compressed XS bag with 3-season sleeping bag inside (compared to 450ml Toaks mug) Before purchasing a pair of such bags in 2013 I traveled a lot with synthetic sleeping bag packed into a regular fabric compression sack. In bicycle trips sometimes we have to ride under a week-long rains, so a good protection against water exposure (especially in case of sensitive equipment, such as sleeping bag) is a must for us. We know that the water will always find a way under any rain cover. Traditionally we packed our gear to plastic bags from nearby shop (or carried a roll of durable trash bags in long trips), and in really bad weather we doubled the bags for ultimate protection.

Read more: Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack reviews (11)

Featured review by Andrew F.

lightweight, durable, effective. couldn't ask for anything more in a compression stuff sack.  I have used one for several years for sleeping bags and loose clothing on trips. the top and bottom are fairly robust nylon, the body of the bag is a crinkly lightweight ripstop. this has been squashed into backpacks a lot, yanked tight, and it is as good as new — not a hint of stitching failure anywhere, no abrasions on the nylon bag.   

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Featured review by Go Time! (Jesse Maloney)

The Granite Gear medium Air Compressor is a nice lightweight alternative to the slightly heavier duty "Rock Solid" compression sack. It holds its own and has added features that increase its durability.

The sack allows you to compress down to the strap limit without the fear of ripping at the seams. I have the older model with 4 nylon webbing straps. The newer model uses 4 paracord strings. The sack is easy to use. You just stuff, cinch the hole, pull the lid over the top and wrench down on the four straps to compress your load.  I use mine for my sleeping bags and it always does the trick.  The waterproof coating keeps the moisture out. You can throw it on wet ground, in the snow or in a puddle without worrying.

Read more: Granite Gear Air Compressor reviews (2)

Featured review by Jboothmtnbkr

The small version of this sack allows my daughter to carry both her sleeping bag and pillow in the bottom zipper compartment of her TNF Terra 45 pack. Durable, slippery material squeezes right in.

Basically, the pictures tell the story: Here's the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 degree bag in its storage sack. Here it is in the Sea-to-Summit uncompressed (compared to a Nalgene bottle). And in its final compressed state. One of my twins is fairly slight in stature (98 lbs) so her pack is The North Face Terra 45.  When her sleeping bag was stuffed in the sack it came with, it took up the complete zippered compartment in the bottom of her pack. Since she was already limited in space, we decided to try this S2S Ultra-Sil Compression Sack.

Read more: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack reviews (2)

Featured review by Peter1955

Light, water resistant, and effective.

If you're a backpacker, you'll be familiar with the difficulty of cramming everything you might need for a few days into your pack. If you're looking to use less space, the solution is a compression sack. The sack simply squashes all the air out of anything you pack inside it so it takes up less room. The typical design includes a lightweight bag, with end caps that are connected by straps that can be cinched down. By going round and round tightening a bit at a time, you can gradually remove most of the air.

Read more: Outdoor Research Ultralight Compression Sack reviews (3)

Featured review by Ian L.

Love my Hoboroll! It's become my most important companion for snowboarding in the winter (holds my thermals, goggles, gloves, extra socks, wool cap, and shirts), and boating/beaching in the summer! Perfect carryall for weekend getaways, camping, or just traveling light. Easy to use and fits anywhere! Buy one now!

I had known about the Hoboroll for some time while it was still in development and I jumped at the opportunity to get one for myself when Chez (Gobi Gear owner/creator) offered me a chance to promote it. The Hoboroll has lived up to every expectation!   I primarily use it in the winter as my snowboarding companion since it is compact and holds all of my extra gear (goggles, gloves, extra socks, thermals, t-shirts, sunblock, wool hats) making it easily accessible in the mornings when I'm in a hurry to hit the mountain.

Read more: Gobi Gear Hoboroll reviews (4)

Featured review by Jeremy McDuffie

I use the large for my Alps Crescent Lake 20 sleeping bag. It's a good sack, as it's pretty durable. The straps put up to a lot of pulling and pushing. The sack doesn't keep its form super well, but careful stuffing helps to alleviate that. When not in use, the stuff sack can be packed into a small pocket on its lid and then clipped to your pack. Nice touch. Only downside is the sack is not waterproof, but it doesn't claim to be or anything.

Read more: Kelty Compression Stuff Sacks reviews (2)