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How to pack a sleeping bag on your motorcycleUpdated a month ago
How to Pack a Sleeping Bag on Your Motorcycle
Your sleeping bag is one of the bulkiest pieces of gear you’ll carry while moto camping. Figuring out how to pack it properly is key to saving space, keeping your gear dry, and getting to camp with everything in one piece. Whether you're riding solo or 2-up, there are multiple ways to pack your sleeping bag efficiently on your motorcycle—and each has its own benefits.
Let’s break down the three most effective packing methods: stuff sack, pannier stuffing, and dry bag on top. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of each to help you decide what works best for your setup.
1. The Stuff Sack + Compression Sack Method
This is the most common way moto campers pack a sleeping bag. Most modern sleeping bags come with a storage sack for loose storage and a smaller stuff sack or compression sack for travel.
How to Pack It:
Use a compression stuff sack (like the Sea to Summit eVent waterproof stuff sack).
Stuff the bag into the sack evenly—no need to roll it tightly.
Roll the top down three times and clip it closed.
Use the compression straps to shrink it down to its smallest size.
Why It Works:
Compresses even large down bags to the size of a basketball or smaller.
Keeps your sleeping bag dry when using a waterproof sack.
Easy to toss into a pannier or tail bag.
Things to Consider:
Still takes up a lot of volume inside your pannier.
Adds one more layer of packing/unpacking during camp setup.
Not ideal if your pannier space is limited or needed for heavier gear.
2. Stuffing It Directly Into the Pannier
Skip the stuff sack entirely and use your pannier as the stuff sack.
How to Pack It:
Load your hard or soft pannier with other gear first (e.g., tent, cook system).
Then stuff your sleeping bag around that gear to fill in the space.
Close the pannier and secure it as usual.
Why It Works:
Maximizes pannier space by letting the sleeping bag conform to the shape of your gear.
Prevents gear from shifting during off-road riding.
Creates a cushion inside the pannier in case of a fall.
Frees up volume for smaller items like stove kits or food.
Things to Consider:
Only works well with waterproof panniers or if your sleeping bag is in a waterproof liner.
Not as quick to pull out at camp.
Best suited for riders who are organized and don’t mind unpacking to get to the bag.
3. Using a Dry Bag as Your Sleeping Bag Sack
A great way to save space inside your panniers is to move the sleeping bag outside of them—especially if it’s in its own waterproof container.
How to Pack It:
Use a waterproof dry bag (e.g., Giant Loop Rogue or Sea to Summit Big River).
Stuff the sleeping bag directly into the dry bag without rolling it.
Roll down the top tightly with the opening angled downward to prevent water pooling.
Secure the bag to the rear rack or pillion seat using straps.
Why It Works:
Frees up pannier space for heavier gear (food, stove, tools).
Keeps your lightest item (the sleeping bag) higher on the bike, avoiding top-heavy handling.
Keeps your sleeping bag completely separate and protected from wet tents or dirty gear.
Easy to grab and set up quickly at camp.
Things to Consider:
Needs to be strapped down securely.
Dry bag must be durable and fully waterproof.
Adds one more item outside your core luggage setup.
Final Tips for Packing a Sleeping Bag on a Motorcycle
Don’t store your sleeping bag compressed long-term. Use a loose storage sack or hang it up between trips to preserve the insulation (especially down).
Down bags compress smaller than synthetic ones, making them a great choice for space savings.
Use your bike’s luggage space strategically: keep light items up high and heavy items low for better handling.
Always test pack before a trip to make sure everything fits the way you expect.
Moto Camp Nerd Gear for Packing Smarter
All the sacks, bags, and gear mentioned in this article are handpicked for motorcycle travel and available in our store: