HI, Y'all-
When packing a bag for a trip, down sleeping bags just get randomly stuffed into their stuff sacks, but I've heard in the past that synthetic bags should be rolled instead. (Then put the roll into the stuff sack.) Was this just an old wives' tale, or is there some truth to the idea of rolling synthetic bags?

Back in my retail days, I was told by the bag manufacturers that rolling put more stress on the synthetic fibers than stuffing, so stuffing was better and maintained the loft of the bag longer. I have always stuffed all my bags, down or synthetic - it's easier anyway.

paul is right, rolling does create more tension on the fibers of the fabric leading to streched out fabric(thats why i alternate sides to roll on), but however stuffing i find creates an empty space between the 'folds' and creates creases which is also tension, no matter how you pack your bag its not really going to make a difference. its just personal preference.

Oh...just stuff it!

Why make life more difficult? Stuffing is easier. And it doesn't damage the bag.

I don't roll or stuff per-se. I use a 13L Sea-to-Summit Ultra-Sil dry sack and inside I just put my sleeping bag and night clothes. This goes into the bottom of my pack and the rest of my gear goes on top of the dry bag. This method means that my bag isn't compressed more than it needs to be and the large dry bag allows the bag to fill-out naturally leaving little to no dead space in the bottom of my pack which makes for a better use of space.

Chris,
Do you roll the top closed on the dri-bag? If so, do you squish the air out before you seal it up?

Or, do you leave the roll-top open and allow the packing of the other stuff into the backpack to push out all the air?

I'm just trying to figure out how it all works.

I leave the the top open, thus allowing my bag to better conform to its space and avoiding compressing more than it is needed.

I line my pack with a trash compactor bag to waterproof and then place my bag and night clothes in the dry sack; technically I could use any stuff sack or even nothing at all, but I already had the sack and it really just serves to protect my down from dirt and damp items-- and it gives me a little piece of mind.

FWIW I have a summer synthetic bag which I just stuff straight into the compactor bag and then pack the rest of my gear on top.

Another option is to double bag. Line your pack with two compactor bags, place your bag and clothes in the bottom and roll down the inner compactor bag-- place the rest of your gear on top and seal the outer bag like usual.

That's how I do it. Easier on yourself and as you pointed out, doesn't damage the bag. I would just go by personal preference, however, the points raised by other members are quite interesting to know.

Usually depends on how well I slept - If I slept well, all my gear will be folded, rolled, and stowed with precision, and I'll have that warm and fuzzy feeling only people who really like things organized get when I shoulder my pack. Some mornings it just doesn't all happen that way and stuffing the synthetic bag is the way I do it.

Having re-rolled sleeping bags for kids at summer camp on countless canoe trips, there is huge variation in how people pack sleeping bags, so I can't imagine it's accurate to say "rolling damages" or "stuffing damages" - it's all in how you roll or stuff. Well, at least that's my opinion!