Actually, I ordered mine from an online retailer several years ago (before a local shop opened), so I just assumed that, after they received them from WM, they didn't bother to unpack them then repack to ship to me. (My local retailer doesn't store them compressed, either.)

I don't like the flour bag idea because I don't get the same weight distribution - which means the pack doesn't sit right. That's the same reason I don't buy a pack by loading it with the sandbags in the store. I go over when the store isn't busy, and take my gear with me.

Your idea about the use of a substitute just made me think: I might check the upper shelves in the closet - maybe I could find a blanket that would approximate the weight and bulk of the bag. Or, I could check around for a cheapo sleeping bag that weighed about a pound and a half, and use that (a little extra bulk wouldn't matter, since I've got extra room in the pack.)

As usual, thanks, Daisy.