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Guide
Stuff sacks
A stuff sack organises your rucksack; a dry bag also needs protected seams and a suitable closure. Match volume and construction to the contents rather than filling the largest bag to the top.
Key points
- Separate organisation, compression and rain protection.
- Assume waterproof protection only when the model explicitly states it.
- Allow both capacity for the contents and room to close the bag.
Which choice for which use?
| Use | Your choice | Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Organising clothing | Your choiceLight stuff sack | ConsiderNot automatically waterproof |
| Reducing sleeping-bag bulk | Your choiceSuitable compression sack | ConsiderNot intended for prolonged storage |
| Keeping out moisture | Your choiceDry bag with a suitable closure | ConsiderObserve the protection limits in the instructions |
Construction compared
Mesh sack (For organisation)
Air-permeable mesh for organised packing inside a rucksack.
- Advantage: Contents visible through the mesh
- Drawback: Open mesh gives no rain protection
Dry bag (Rain protection)
Coated nylon and a roll-top for keeping contents dry.
- Advantage: Sealed seams
- Drawback: Closure needs spare space
What to look for
| Question | In brief | Why |
|---|---|---|
| What will go inside? | In briefMatch contents and capacity | WhySeveral smaller bags can keep your kit easier to find than one large sack. |
| How does it close? | In briefCheck the closure | WhyA roll-top needs spare space so it can be closed as instructed. |
| How durable must it be? | In briefConsider contact surfaces | WhyA light internal sack is not automatically suitable for sharp edges or external carrying. |
Frequently asked questions
Is every stuff sack waterproof?
No. An organiser may simply keep kit tidy. Rain protection requires suitable fabric, seams and closure; waterproof fabric alone is not enough.
How many times should I roll the top?
Use the number and method stated by the manufacturer for the particular bag. Leave enough room and do not overfill it. A universal count would be misleading across different closures.
Can I store my sleeping bag in it?
A small compression sack is for transport. Follow the sleeping bag instructions for longer storage and make sure it is completely dry.
Will it protect electronics underwater?
Only if the manufacturer explicitly approves that use. Splash or rain protection does not promise protection during immersion. The stated limits must suit sensitive equipment and your intended use.
How much does an example weigh?
For example, Exped lists Exped Stuffbag Mesh at 27 g. Compare weight figures only when their reference sizes match.
Last updated: October 2026
What for?
Organise clothing
Light stuff sack. Not automatically waterproof. Check the individual model description and try the combination with your intended kit.
- Match volume to contents
- Keep contents visible
- Plan access
Pack a sleeping bag
Suitable compression sack. Not intended for prolonged storage. Check the individual model description and try the combination with your intended kit.
- Fit your sleeping bag
- Compression if needed
- Remove for storage
Rain protection
Dry bag with a suitable closure. Observe the protection limits in the instructions. Check the individual model description and try the combination with your intended kit.
- Sealed seams
- Close as instructed
- Observe protection limits
Travel light
Light internal sacks need a protected place in your rucksack. Keep sharp edges away and leave room for the closure instead of stuffing the bag to the top.
- Check lightweight fabric
- Do not overfill
- Avoid sharp edges
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