How to Attach A Sleeping Pad to Backpacks


Sleeping Pad to Backpacks

Sleeping pads are some of the most essential equipment you should bring if you are planning to camp or hike overnight. You need to carry them along with you, even if you are not going to use them. They are lightweight, but are really bulky. So, how should you attach them to your backpacks?

The reasons why you need to properly attach these is to balance the weight distribution, to organize, and to avoid travel nuisance. There are also different ways to attach them — you can place them inside, attach them, use the external frame, loop them with straps, or secure them with compression straps and lid.

In this article, we will be talking about the reasons as to why a backpacker needs to properly attach their sleeping pad, and how to do it. There are also several ideas in backpacking that are ignored by numerous people, so let’s clarify and discuss them in the following topics.

 

Whether you’re going on a quick day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, you’ll need a reliable hiking backpack to help you carry and store your hiking gear. If you’re not sure about which pack you should get, check out our article about the best hiking backpacks to see which ones are our favorites. 

 

Reasons why you need to properly attach your sleeping pad

There are three reasons why you need to properly attach your sleeping pad. The first is to balance the weight distribution. Second, to organize, and lastly, to avoid nuisance when traveling.

1. Balance the weight distribution

We have already discussed the different layers of a backpack, which a hiker should consider in order to compress the space, and adjust the weight in order to better distribute it in your body.

Always remember to properly place your things inside your pack, as it can bring many advantages compared to messy packing. Apart from the balanced weight, you can also ensure that your things are organized on each layer of your backpack.

Sleeping pads are lightweight, yet very bulky when packed. Arranging them is the best way to avoid consuming a huge amount of space.

2. Organization

Just like we said, organizing your backpack will allow you to locate your items when you need them. This will prevent you from rummaging through all your things in order to find them. Place the items you are more likely to use frequently last.

It will be easy for you to get the materials you will be needing if you put them on top of the rest of your things inside your backpack. Once you open a certain layer, you will be able to get them effortlessly. Some backpacks have an area where you can attach or place your sleeping pads, which avoids you to mix them with your other stuff.

If there is such a section that allows you to place your sleeping pad outside your backpack, then put it there. Note that this the last thing you will be using while hiking, as you will only be utilizing it to sleep. The most important idea is to separate it from your essentials.

3. Avoid nuisance

Placing your sleeping pad in a proper place in your backpack does not make you look cool. It is not a style or design to extend your charms and outfit. Going out to an isolated place with your huge backpack is obviously not what you want in order to look good on photos.

The reason why there are specific gears and equipment created is for the hikers’ safety and advantages. You can’t just go to rocky mountains wearing your jeans, as it will truly be difficult for you to move. This also applies to your backpacking pattern.

Make sure that your sleeping pads are attached or placed properly in your backpack. How to know if they are in the right space? Simple. They don’t disturb you when walking. Hiking is an activity that requires you to exert much physical movements, so intercepting to avoid the nuisance when traveling is a good idea.

The substantial point you just need to remember is how you pack it, to prevent it from being a hindrance when hiking.

 

The more comfortable your campsite and tent is, the better your camping experience will be. We highly recommend that you invest in good equipment, such as camping beds and pads, that will greatly increase the comfort level of your campsite. If you’re not sure about which items to get, check out our article on the best camping beds and pads for our top recommendations. 

 

Different ways to attach your sleeping pad to your backpack

You can attach or pack your sleeping pad in your backpack in different ways. We suggest you either place it inside, attach it, bind it in the external frame, use the loops with straps, or secure it with compression straps and lid.

We will discuss these methods in the following points.

1. Place it inside your backpack

Usually, backpackers tend to place their sleeping bags on the external part of their pack, but that will leave them vulnerable to different factors, and the worst is that it can get wet.

Packing your sleeping pad inside can prevent it from happening. Imagine that you will need to dry your pad before you sleep. It will not only delay your rest, but will also consume your time. This is a great method to pack, especially if it has an internal frame.

2. Attach it to your backpack

The most common feature that a backpack holds is the attachment loops. They are actually used for tools that are not advisable to pack inside your backpack, like shovels. What you should do with this type of bags is use the straps to mount your rolled sleeping pad.

Make sure that your backpack has straps included. If it doesn’t, you can also buy some. Bound them for the stability of the pack. That is just one of the main objectives.

3. Use an external frame

Bind your sleeping pad in your external frame. That is if your backpack has one. If so, tie it on the attachment spots of the frame. The only factor that you need to keep in mind when doing this is to fasten it tightly. Loose ties can make your pack unstable, which causes the unfair distribution of weight in your body, causing you pain.

4. Use compression straps

These are elements of the backpack that aims to tighten the body of the pack, if there ever is space left after you’re done packing. Having this can help you secure the weight distribution of your backpack when carrying your sleeping pad.

5. Use a lid

Using the strings in the lid with the internal frame is another choice to pack your sleeping pad. Tie your pad at the top of the pack; there will be a space separating the pad from your pack, and the strap of the lid can tighten and secure, and shut the opening to make it compact.

6. Use the loops

Many people still don’t know about the use of loops. So, if your backpack has this feature, make use not to leave it unutilized. For instance, you can use these loops to mount your sleeping pad.

That will prevent you from buying another backpack, if you think that your sleeping pad cannot be attached to your current one. You just need to be resourceful, and use this method to carry your sleeping pad.

 

To preserve the quality of your hiking gear, packing, cleaning, and storing is the process you should follow every time you go on a trip. To learn how to do this properly, check out our article on packing, cleaning, and storing hiking gear

 

Conclusion

The organization of your things and the weight stability are the factors you should prioritize when backpacking. It will not only provide you with advantages, but will also prevent you from experiencing pain when carrying your pack for a long time.

A lot of hikers are dealing with this problem, and some of them don’t know what causes it. It is an instability and wrong way of packing your stuff. The weight of your backpack does not only rely on your shoulders; it should be conveyed on your hips.

Although sleeping pads may be lightweight, they are bulky, so you should focus on how you attach or pack them in your backpack.

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