
Stuff sacks may seem like a small thing, but the right packing system can make a big difference in efficiency and organization on the trail. Some hikers may want specific sacks for everything, while others only carry a couple for key items.
Our CleverHiker team researched 70 stuff sacks and tested more than 40. We used them over 10,000 miles of backpacking, paying careful attention to characteristics like volume, waterproofness, weight, and durability at different price points.
And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:
Quick Picks for Stuff Sacks
Check out this quick list of the best hiking shoes, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.
Best Stuff Sack Overall: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring ($29-$55)
Best Waterproof Stuff Sack: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry ($23-$40)
Best Budget Stuff Sack: REI Lightweight Drawstring ($12-$17)
Lightweight Roll-Top Bag: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-Top ($40-$80)
Best Compression Sack: Sea to Summit eVac Compression Dry ($40-$60)
Best Inexpensive & Reliable Stuff Sack: Ziploc Quart ($11) / Gallon ($14)
Best Packing Pod: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pod ($59-$69)
Best Dry Sack: Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack ($18-$34)
Best Ultralight Stuff Sack: Zpacks Drawstring ($13-$35)
Best Budget Compression Stuff Sack: REI Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack ($24-$29)
Best Food Bag: Ursack Major ($110)
Best Stuff Sack for Travel: Sea to Summit Mesh Stuff Sack ($40-$45)
Best Customizable Ultralight Stuff Sack: Hilltop Packs Food Bag ($37-$42)
Best Heavy Duty Stuff Sack: REI Durable Stuff Sack ($11-$15)
What’s new
The CleverHiker team has been packing up with new stuff sacks as well as reliable favorites:
- From renowned ultralight company Hyperlite Mountain Gear comes the Roll-Top, made with Hyperlite’s signature DCF11 Dyneema.
- The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack is a no-nonsense bag that is highly versatile for multiple adventures.
- With heavy-duty materials and reinforced construction, the REI Durable Stuff Sack is ready for the rough and tumble adventures ahead.
- Breathable and see-through with its mesh construction, the Sea to Summit Mesh Stuff Sack is perfect for travel.
Stuff Sack Overall Testing Scores

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring
Best Stuff Sack Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.8/5.0
Price: $20-$50
Weight: 0.1 oz. / 0.6 oz.
Volume: 0.3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 & 13 L
Pros
- Ultralight
- Durable
- High-quality material
- Highly water-resistant
- Easy to use
Cons
- Price
HMG’s Drawstring Stuff Sacks are incredibly durable for their weight. We have several of them that have traveled over 1,000 miles with us, and they’re still going strong.
We used these bags for everything from packing clothes to electronics to food on multi-day trips, making them highly versatile. These bags are made with highly durable and water-resistant Dyneema fabric that gives HMG its reputation as a high-quality ultralight company.
The bags come in three colors: white, green, and gray. They are constructed with either DCF8 (white and green) or DCF11 (gray) Dyneema fabric. The DCF11 is slightly more robust, while the DCF8 is ultralight.
The HMG Drawstring is expensive, but its excellent balance of low weight and high strength makes it well worth the price. We’ve used the same bag for thousands of miles, and it still holds up like new.
While its drawstring closure does not completely waterproof the stuff sack, the bag still offers enough weather resistance to keep extra layers dry inside a pack. The lightweight toggle is small, so sometimes it’s challenging to use while wearing gloves. Regardless, the HMG Drawstring continues to be a bag we reach for on almost every adventure and fits a variety of needs.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag
Best Waterproof Stuff Sack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7.5.0
Price: $23-$40
Weight: 1.1 oz. / 2.6 oz.
Volume: 3, 5, 8, 13, 20, 35 L
Pros
- Waterproof
- Good value
- Ultralight
- Strong buckle for hanging
- Comes in a few colors
Cons
- Not as durable as some
Sea to Summit’s Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks have long been industry leaders in pack organization due to their reliability, low weight, and approachable price.
Several useful features make these our top choice for a waterproof sack: color options for coordinated organization, buckle clasps for easy hanging, and reinforced taped seams that keep contents dry. The thin fabric isn’t as durable as some others, but its low price balances with its weight. The Ultra-Sil is still very tough for the weight and will hold up for years if you avoid sharp edges and rough abrasions. If you know that this bag will be coming in frequent contact with rocks and sharp sticks, you may wish for a stuff sack with a thicker material. But nine times out of ten, we found that the Ultra-Sil packed in more than enough durability for most scenarios.
We often use the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks on rainy backpacking trips and snowy backcountry ski tours. The Ultra-Sil is a perfect option in outings where we need to keep our extra layers dry but don’t want to be burdened by excess weight. We use it to keep our down layers dry in wet conditions, and we’ve never been disappointed with its performance. The Ultra-Sil has quickly become a fixture in our pack organization system.

REI Lightweight Drawstring Stuff Sack
Best Budget Stuff Sack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $13-16
Weight: 0.7 oz. / 1.2 oz.
Volume: 5, 10, 15, 20 L
Pros
- Excellent value
- Durable for the weight
- Lightweight
Cons
- No color options
- Not waterproof
The REI Lightweight Stuff Sack is a simple, no-nonsense bag that accomplishes everything we require without any excess frills or weight. Its thin nylon construction, while not the strongest on the market, is surprisingly robust for its weight.
While it won’t be our top choice for a bag that comes in frequent contact with the ground or rough surfaces, it is more than enough to keep our power banks, electronics, and personal items secure.
We love the lightweight stuff sack’s low volume when empty. It easily scrunches into a ball and is shoved into a small space in your pack when not full of items. We use this stuff sack most for spare clothes in travel luggage, electronics, and toiletries in the backcountry.
The drawstring closure is simple and secure, and the slightly larger toggle is easy to use while wearing gloves. The bag also has black webbing loops on the top and bottom for easy hanging when in camp. While not the flashiest bag on the market, and only comes in one color, the REI Lightweight Stuff Sack is priced right, simple, and dependable.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-Top Stuff Sack
Best Lightweight Roll-top Bag
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $40-80
Weight: 0.8 oz. / 1 oz.
Volume: 3, 5, 10, 15, 25, 43 L
Pros
- Durable
- Ultralight
- Strong buckle closure
Cons
- Price
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-Top Stuff Sack is a premium-quality storage solution designed for those prioritizing weight savings and durability. Made from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), it is incredibly lightweight while offering impressive strength and water resistance. The roll-top closure with a strong buckle keeps contents protected from moisture, making it an excellent choice for keeping extra layers dry on wet days.
From the winter peaks of Alaska’s Chugach to the backcountry of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, we’ve trusted the Hyperlite Roll-Top to keep precious items dry without fail. We’re big fans of Dyneema’s weight-to-strength ratio and resistance to moisture. While this bag is not marketed as a full immersion dry bag, it has enough weather resistance for most backcountry outings.
Because the Hyperlite Roll-Top is a high-quality piece of gear, its price point may induce some sticker shock. As with many Dyneema-based products, it comes at a higher cost than traditional nylon or polyester options. We think the investment is worth it for those committed to ultralight backpacking and needing reliable water resistance. However, budget-conscious hikers might find similar performance in other materials at a lower price point.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack
Best Compression Sack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $35-$53
Weight: 1.9 oz. / 4.2 oz.
Volume: 5, 8, 13, 20, 35 L
Pros
- Strong compression
- Flip-top lid prevents tangling
- Ultralight
- Lots of size options
Cons
- Not waterproof
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack is our favorite compression bag on the market. We use it most often to securely pack our sleeping bag for forays into the backcountry. It’s extremely effective at compressing otherwise bulky loads into a small and manageable bunch. We even use it to pack large down jackets on winter trips.
Gone are the days of dealing with a compression bag that is tangled in a knot thanks to the attached flip-top lid. This keeps the three compression straps from twirling and tangling together, making the bag easy to deploy every time. We also particularly love the buckle strap. This makes for quick deployment from packed to unpacked when we lay out our sleeping bag.
Weighing almost two ounces in the smallest volume option, the Ultra-Sil Compression is much heavier than many other non-compression bags in our lineup. While this is not a deal breaker, those looking for the lightest bags possible might not find this the best choice. But with the ability to cinch down securely while maintaining a surprising number of technical features, the Ultra-Sil Compression is an excellent option for reducing your pack’s volume.

Ziploc Quart / Gallon
You’ll Want Some of These
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $10-$14 (box of 80)
Weight: 0.1 oz. / 0.3 oz.
Volume: 0.9 L / 3.8 L
Pros
- Affordable
- Contents are visible
- Ultralight
- Pretty close to waterproof
- Masks odor
Cons
- Not as durable
- Need to replace more often than stuff sacks
When it comes to outdoor gear, few items are as humble yet surprisingly effective as the classic Ziploc bag. While it wasn’t designed with rugged adventures in mind, this kitchen staple has earned its place in the packs of hikers, campers, and thru-hikers alike.
Ziploc bags are, for all practical purposes, cheap dry bags. Sure, they won’t survive full submersion for long, but they’ll keep your snacks, maps, and electronics safe from rain, spills, and the mysterious dampness that always seems to creep into a backpack. We use ours to keep our backcountry electronics safe and dry and the quart size fits a Kindle, power bank, and cell phone all together snugly. When it comes to weight and versatility, it’s hard to beat the Ziploc.
Both the quart and gallon bags have their uses depending on the volume needed. We frequently use the gallon as our labeled food bag, with each day’s snacks and treats portioned into multiple quart bags. They even can double as the poor man’s vacuum sealer. Simply squeeze or suck out the air to make a tight and compact bundle.
However, durability is where Ziplocs fall short. They are not built for repeated abuse, and after a few days of rough handling, start to fall apart. They also can become hard to clean for repeated use. We usually get 3-4 uses out of ours before the zippers rip, the bag becomes too hard to clean, or they tear open at the corners (some folks duct tape their bags around the seams to extend their lifespan). But for the price point, and an item that almost any household has, it’s hard to beat this humble kitchen staple for the price and performance.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pod
Best Packing Pods
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $59-$69
Weight: 1.2 oz. – 1.4 oz.
Volume: 9, 11, 13, 16 L
Pros
- Backpack-shaped for efficient packing
- Waterproof
- Ultralight
- Wide opening make is easy to pack
Cons
- Price
- Designed for HMG backpacks (they may not be ideal for all backpacks, but we've enjoyed using them
We love the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pods because they’re waterproof and perfectly backpack-shaped for easy organization. We usually only bring one at a time on backpacking trips for items like mid-layers or even a sleeping bag. Putting one of these fully packed at the bottom of your backpack creates the perfect soft base for your other gear to sit on. It helps with organization and can help give your load more structure for a comfortable ride.
We mostly use these for packing our insulating layers located farther down in our pack, and the shape fits snugly in our pack. While they are designed specifically for Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs, the half-round shape of the Pods is versatile enough to work with other packs as well.
While expensive, the Pod is the best packing cube-style bag in our lineup. The clamshell design makes it easy to find items, and the water-resistant zipper and waterproof Dyneema construction help keep items dry inside. Using a pod in our packs has upped our organization game, and now we find it hard to go on overnight trips without one. Regardless of what pack you use, the Pod is sure to keep your items organized and your load balanced for all your backpacking adventures.

Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack
Best Dry Sack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $18-$34
Weight: .9 oz. / 2.7 oz.
Volume: 3, 6, 12, 20, 35 L
Pros
- Waterproof fabric
- D-ring for drying or attaching
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Roll-top lets water in if overpacked & submerged
- Shape can be awkward to pack in a backpack
The Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack is a simple storage solution for backpackers needing lightweight organization and weather resistance. Made from durable 40D ripstop nylon, it balances weight savings and durability well. The material feels thin but holds up well to regular use, making it a great option for keeping gear, clothes, or food neatly packed inside a backpack.
The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack is a frequent companion for winter hiking, where we need to keep spare layers dry and protected from the elements. One issue we have is that the roll top has a hard time staying closed, leading to moisture leaking in. This is especially evident in deep snow and heavy rain. The material itself is waterproof, but when packed full, the closure system is not as secure as others tested.
While the Ultralight’s unique rectangular shape is unique, it fits somewhat awkwardly in a pack when full. We prefer cylindrical stuff sacks, so this one gets used less when we really need to pack strategically. Despite this small shortcoming, Osprey has made a simple yet reliable bag for wet days in the backcountry.

Zpacks Drawstring
Best Ultralight Stuff Sack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $13-$35
Weight: 0.1 oz. / 0.4 oz.
Volume: Wallet, stove, 0.9, 1.7, 3, 4, 5.6, 8.5, 10.7, 12.3 L
Pros
- Ultralight
- Highly water-resistant
- Affordable for the quality
- Semi-transparent
Cons
- Not as durable as some
The Zpacks Drawstring combines the best parts of ultralight gear and rugged ready gear to make a featherweight yet functional bag.
Coming in a huge array of sizes, the Drawstring is one of our favorite ultralight options for organizing our bags. The Dyneema Composite Fabric is strong yet light and is impressively waterproof for how light it is. The fabric is even slightly see-through, which we really love when locating the bits and bobs we are reaching for.
While we occasionally used the Zpacks Drawstring to keep items dry, it is not a true dry bag because the drawstring closure can let water in. The paper-thin material is not scratch- and abrasion-resistant, making this stuff sack feel fragile. While not our top choice for frequent use where durability is key, it still provides enough protection to keep items secure and dry.
The Zpacks Drawstring will find a place in the backpack of the committed ultralight hiker or anyone who counts every gram that goes on their back. Its wide range of available volumes makes it great for customizing to different uses, and its Dyneema construction is water resistant while remaining ultra-light.

Ursack Major Bear Sack
Best Bear Bag
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $120
Weight: 7.6 oz.
Volume: 10.7 L
Pros
- Protects food from critters & bears
- Very durable
- Good size for about 5 days of food
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than regular stuff sacks
The Ursack Major Bear Sack is a lightweight, flexible alternative to traditional bear canisters, making it a popular choice for backpackers looking to cut weight while still protecting their food.
Made from a tough, tightly woven Spectra fabric, it resists tearing and prevents bears from easily accessing its contents. Unlike hard-shell canisters, their volume shrinks during the trip as you eat the food within, a major advantage for those trying to maximize pack efficiency.
One of its biggest strengths is its ease of use. Instead of finding space for a bulky canister, you can simply tie the Ursack to a tree or established bear hang (it comes with an integrated six-foot length of 2,500-pound tensile-strength cord).
It’s also lighter than most bear canisters, making it ideal for long-distance hikers who count every ounce. The cinch system is easy to use and also prevents little critters from getting to your food.
The Ursack Major Bear Sack is a great choice for backpackers who want a lighter, more packable food storage solution. It’s not a perfect replacement for a canister in all situations, but it’s a solid investment for those looking to balance weight savings with protection.

Sea to Summit Mesh Stuff Sack
Best Stuff Sack for Travel
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $45-50
Weight: 6.2 oz.
Volume: 3, 5, 8 L
Pros
- Set of 3 sacks
- See-through for locating items
- Strong material
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not protective
The Sea to Summit Mesh Stuff Sack is the only one in our lineup to come as a set of three. This excellent value comes in three arrays of volumes: 3, 5, and 8 liters or 5, 8, and 13 liters. We love these bags for luggage organizing while traveling, and the three sizes is the perfect assortment for all our odds and ends.
The 75-denier multi-filament nylon mesh is impressively durable and despite having large openings in the mesh, never ripped or showed signs of wear. We used these bags for traveling cross country as luggage organizers and for clothes on backcountry trips.
While they work well for stowing soft items like extra layers, they are not our top choice for protecting more delicate items like electronics. The mesh construction makes it easier to locate items inside, but lacks weather resistance and scratch and abrasion protection for items that need protection while stowed.
The Mesh Stuff Sack has a reinforced opening, rubber pull tabs, and a webbing handle on the bottom for durability and ease of use. Sea to Summit continues its proven record of quality and attention to detail with this stuff sack.
While it might not be the top choice for someone looking for impact and weather resistance, it’s perfect for organizing items during travel or for keeping extra layers packed in a secure bundle.

REI Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack
Best Budget Compression Stuff Sack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $20-$27
Weight: 2.8 oz. / 3.9 oz.
Volume: 5, 10, 15, 20 L
Pros
- Excellent value
- Durable for the weight
- Simple
Cons
- Can pack down into awkward shapes
The REI Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack is a solid choice for backpackers seeking to reduce their pack’s volume with an affordable compression bag.
Made from durable ripstop nylon, it holds up well to regular use and perfectly balances weight and durability. However, don’t count on this bag to keep your items dry (it’s a compression sack, not a dry bag).
The compression system is easy to use, with four straps that cinch down effectively, reducing the bulk in your pack. It works well for compressing sleeping bags, clothing, or other soft gear. The straps feel sturdy and don’t slip, which helps maintain a compact load throughout a trip. We use the five-liter version for our summer sleeping bag, and it works perfectly to compress it into a compact bundle. However, it requires careful tensioning to avoid being packed into uneven shapes that fit awkwardly in our pack.
Overall, the REI Lightweight Compression Sack is a great option for those who want a functional, lightweight way to reduce pack volume. It’s durable for its weight, and we like the price point. For a classic, simple, and dependable bag, the Lightweight Compression is an excellent choice.

Hilltop Packs Food Bag
Best Customizable Ultralight Stuff Sack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $39-$47
Weight: 2.1 oz. / 3.1 oz.
Volume: 7-8, 12-13, 20 L
Pros
- Wide opening
- Ultralight
- Highly water-resistant
- Reinforced loop for bear-hanging
- Durable for the weight
- Custom printing avalible
Cons
- Price
- Lead time required for custom orders
- Not critter resistant
Hilltop Packs is a small cottage company that makes a ton of really cool stuff sacks, but we particularly love their food bags. These sacks have wide openings so you can easily see what’s inside, and the button closure can be more convenient than tying and untying knots to access contents inside.
One of the best things about the food bag is that you can get it custom-printed with whatever image/color scheme you like. Custom printed bags are not only fun but also handy for popular campsites where many food sacks are stored in the same place (such as a bear box). The custom print makes them stand out from the crowd.
The rectangular shape helps it fit more efficiently, and the seams are well-stitched and reinforced, giving it good durability. A hang loop at the top makes it easy to use with a bear-hang system. However, the bag isn’t completely odor—or smaller critter-proof. This is not a true bear bag, but it is still great for keeping your food organized and compact.
Overall, Hilltop Pack’s food bag is a unique option anyone from the thru-hiker to the weekender will appreciate.

REI Durable Stuff Sack
Best Customizable Ultralight Stuff Sack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $11-15
Weight: 2.0 oz. / 4.6 oz.
Volume: 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 L
Pros
- Durable
- Many sizes
- Price
Cons
- Heavy
- Only one color
True to its name, the REI Durable Stuff Sack is one of our lineup’s most heavy-duty and protective stuff sacks. Constructed with a 200-denier Oxford polyester and a polyurethane coating, it gives it unmatched abrasion resistance.
We’ve used one of these bags for multiple years as a clothing bag while working on a backcountry trail crew in Alaska, and it has yet to show any signs of wearing through or slowing down. The REI Durable Stuff Sack is the perfect option if you’re looking for a bag that can be dragged through rocks, tied to four-wheelers, or stuffed in a pack with a chainsaw.
With a nonfluorinated durable water repellent, the Durable Stuff Sack beads light moisture but does not replace your dry bag. Double-stitched seams throughout add durability, and the bottom haul handle makes it easy to carry the bag around when loaded. It’s available in an array of sizes up to an astounding sixty liters, so there’s a size for everyone.
This stuff sack favors durability over weight and is one of the heaviest bags in our lineup, so we don’t recommend it for ultralight trips. It only comes in a utilitarian olive green, so if you like flashy colors, there may be a better option out there. Otherwise, if you’re looking for long-term heavy-duty function, look no further than the REI Durable Stuff Sack.

Product Comparison Table
oSort | Product | Price | Weight | Durability | Weather Resistance | Compression & Packability | 0 |
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring View at HMG View at Garage Grown Gear |
$20-$50 | 0.1 oz. / 0.6 oz. | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 1 |
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag View at REI View at Amazon |
$23-$40 | 1.1 oz. / 2.6 oz. | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 2 |
REI Lightweight Drawstring Stuff Sack View at REI |
$13-16 | 0.7 oz. / 1.2 oz. | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 3 |
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-Top Stuff Sack View at HMG View at Garage Grown Gear |
$40-80 | 0.8 oz. / 1 oz. | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4 |
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack View at REI View at Amazon |
$35-$53 | 1.9 oz. / 4.2 oz. | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 5 |
Ziploc Quart / Gallon View Quart at Amazon View Gallon at Amazon |
$10-$14 (box of 80) | 0.1 oz. / 0.3 oz. | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 6 |
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pod View at HMG View at Backcountry |
$59-$69 | 1.2 oz. – 1.4 oz. | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 7 |
Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack View at REI View at Osprey |
$18-$34 | .9 oz. / 2.7 oz. | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 8 |
Zpacks Drawstring View at Zpacks |
$13-$35 | 0.1 oz. / 0.4 oz. | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 9 |
REI Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack View at REI |
$20-$27 | 2.8 oz. / 3.9 oz. | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 10 |
Ursack Major Bear Sack View at REI |
$120 | 7.6 oz. | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 11 |
Sea to Summit Mesh Stuff Sack View at REI View at Amazon |
$45-50 | 6.2 oz. | 4.6 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 12 |
Hilltop Packs Food Bag View at Garage Grown Gear View at Hilltop |
$39-$47 | 2.1 oz. / 3.1 oz. | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 13 |
REI Durable Stuff Sack View at REI |
$11-15 | 2.0 oz. / 4.6 oz. | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
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How We Test
WEIGHT
While weight may seem unimportant for such a small item, bringing multiple stuff sacks can add unwanted ounces to your kit. We independently measured the weight of each bag to compare against the manufacturer’s claimed weight.

DURABILITY
From day hikes to backcountry skis to backpacking trips, we use each bag in various conditions and settings to test its durability and ability to withstand repeated use. From being dragged across rocks to being carried through thorns and brush, each bag has thoroughly gone through the wringer in our field tests.

WEATHER RESISTANCE
We test weather resistance by both using it in the field and with an at-home test. At home, we dampen the surface of each bag and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to see if there is any moisture penetration. We field-tested each bag in the rain, sleet, and snow during day trips and overnight adventures.

COMPRESSION & PACKABILITY
We pack each bag half full and then compress it to the smallest possible volume. We compare the full to compressed size and the size of the bag while empty to determine how well the bag packs down and how well it can retain a small size while in use.

Why Trust CleverHiker
From working on a backcountry trail crew in Alaska’s Chugach National Forest to environmental education in Wyoming’s Teton Range, Gear Analyst Miles Knotek has a long history of putting gear and stuff sacks to the test. From carrying chainsaw chains to educational materials, he knows the value of a well-designed bag to keep you organized and your gear protected. Covering over a thousand miles a year on foot, Miles is an avid backcountry traveler whose attention to detail and penchant for punishing gear delivers methodical and thoroughly researched reviews and guides.

Analysis & Results
VALUE
For such a small item, there is a broad array of price options on the market for stuff sacks. We prefer stuff sacks that are attainably priced, yet still perform highly. Our lineup runs the gamut from simple disposable bags to cottage brands making bags with high-grade materials. Within that spectrum, the REI Lightweight Stuff Sack, Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack, and Zpacks Drawstring are top contenders for best value.
We love the REI lightweight Stuff Sack for its lightweight simplicity at an attainable price. The Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack is the most affordable roll-top dry bag in our lineup and is a great one for those recreating in wet climates.
Coming in a dizzying array of sizes, the Zpacks Drawstring has an option for anyone. While its cottage brand construction might be a little more expensive than mainstream brands, its ultralightweight strikes a balance with an affordable price point.
WEIGHT
If you carry multiple stuff sacks for various items on a trip, that weight adds up. While seemingly inconsequential for a small item, every ounce matters, and we searched to find the lightest and strongest bags on the market.
For balancing weight and durability, the best material to use is Dyneema. While not often used by some bigger brands, many smaller brands have been making high-quality ultralight products with this material for years.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear has long been at the forefront of the industry with its Dyneema gear. They continue that legacy, balancing strength with an impressively low weight in their HMG Drawstring Bag. This quickly became one of our most-used bags for anything from food to extra gloves for its weather resistance, strength, and extremely low weight.
The Zpacks Drawstring is another similar option made of Dyneema that is sure to please the fast and light crowd.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the humble yet oh-so-useful Ziploc Bag. Long favored by moms and dads everywhere to pack school lunches, it’s also light enough to store food, clothes, or electronics in the backcountry. Don’t sleep on this humble king of ultra-light performance!
DURABILITY
If you’re anything like us, your gear takes a beating. Every time we are in the backcountry, our bags seem to be inevitably scraped through rocks, punctured by microspikes, ice axes, or crampons, stepped on by muddy shoes, or pushed through brush.
A durable bag not only withstands abuse and stays intact year after year but also protects the contents within. In the eternal struggle between weight and durability, we prefer bags that strike a balance without tipping too far in either direction.
The clear winner in stuff sack durability is the Ursack Major. Designed to prevent a literal grizzly bear from getting inside, it’s the best of the best for protecting your food from hungry beasts. However, that durability comes at the cost of its weight.
The REI Durable Stuff Sack is another excellent option. While it favors durability, it is still light enough for backcountry adventures. We also gave high marks to the Sea-to-Summit Ultra-Sil Dry for being our lineup’s most durable waterproof bag.
WEATHER RESISTANCE
We count on stuff sacks to keep our gear dry and protected no matter the weather. Tested in Alaska’s damp and wet conditions, we counted on weather-resistant bags to keep our extra layers dry.
When it comes to superior weather resistance, waterproof and roll-top bags are a must. We use these to stuff a down jacket or sleeping bag in when we know we are going to be out in inclement weather.
Topping the charts for weather resistance is the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry. This bag is both lightweight and waterproof, making it our top choice for taking out in wet conditions.
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll Top and the Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack follow closely behind. While they keep most water out, they are not 100% waterproof. The HMG Roll Top is not considered a fully sealed dry bag per the manufacturer, and we had issues with the Osprey’s roll-top closure that allowed some water to enter. Short of fully immersing the bags in water, they are enough to keep your valuables dry in most conditions.
COMPRESSION & PACKABILITY
Space is a precious commodity when packing for a long trip, and we count on every inch to be as efficient as possible. Stuff sacks are a great tool for maximizing space, and compressing bulky items like a sleeping bag or extra layers is a must on any trip.
While some styles of bags, like roll tops, do offer some level of compression, those with dedicated compression straps are the best for really saving space in your pack when you need it most
The two bags that have proven to be the top performers for compression and packability are the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack and the REI Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack. The Sea to Summit is a well-thought-out bag with features like an attached flip lid to keep the straps from tangling and a buckled strap for ease of release.
The REI is lighter than the Sea to Summit but not quite as durable, weather-resistant, or featured. While both of these are perfect for a sleeping bag, we also used them to compress bulky layers like down jackets to maximize space in our packs.
How to Choose a Stuff Sack
A stuff sack is a simple but essential piece of outdoor gear that helps organize and protect your equipment. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, whether for backpacking, camping, travel, or other outdoor activities.
We use ours for everything from food storage to keeping extra layers dry. A stuff sack is a small item that may seem easy to overlook, but can quickly enhance your organization system while keeping your items safe and protected. When choosing a stuff sack for our next adventure, we keep the following points in mind:

MATERIAL
Stuff sacks are made of various materials, each with different advantages and drawbacks. Choose a material based on your needs, the intended activity, or the level of weather protection you need.
- Nylon – Lightweight, durable, and is often treated with a durable water repellent coating. Nylon is also one of the cheaper materials and is usually made of recycled products for sustainability.
- Dyneema – Extremely lightweight and waterproof, but can be expensive. Dyneema is found more often in smaller brands than in the big names.
- Mesh – Great for visibility and breathability but offers no water protection. Best for travel and front-country use, but may not be suitable for the backcountry.

SIZE & CAPACITY
Stuff sacks come in different sizes, typically measured in liters. Common sizes include:
- 2–5L – Ideal for small items like electronics, toiletries, or first-aid kits.
- 6–10L – Suitable for clothing or lightweight sleeping bags.
- 11–20L – Good for larger items like down jackets or bulkier food supplies.
- 20L+ – Best for large sleeping bags or lining a backpack.
Pick a size that comfortably fits your gear while minimizing excess bulk. We usually choose stuff sacks in the 8 to 12-liter range for the most versatility for many uses.

CLOSURE SYSTEM
Different closures affect ease of access and weather resistance:
- Drawstring – Lightweight and simple, but not waterproof.
- Roll-Top – Offers the best waterproofing and airtight compression. It can take some getting used to properly sealing the bag.
- Zippered – Easy access but less water-resistant unless seam sealed.
Choosing the right stuff sack depends on your storage needs, environmental conditions, intended use, and weight considerations. Prioritize waterproofing for wet conditions and activities more likely to encounter wet weather like winter hiking and skiing.
Compression sacks are perfect for saving space on bulky items like sleeping bags and down jackets. Choose a stuff sack built with a material that balances durability and weight preferences. The right choice keeps your gear dry, organized, and easy to access no matter the activity or time of year.

Conclusion
For such a small item, there is a dizzying array of options on the market for stuff sacks. We take the headache out of the hunt with our comprehensive gear guide. We’ve narrowed down the market to the top performers to bring you a curated selection of the best options currently available.
