Evolution of the Regulator Stuff Sack
I’ve always detested compression stuff sacks.  Too heavy.   Too bulky.  Too much “stuff” dangling, getting in the way, hanging up on things.  And when compressed the shape is all wrong for internal frame packs.  The proper shape for a stuffed sleeping bag is edge to edge across the bottom of the pack.  A hard round ball (the end result with compression sacks up to now) is bad news in the bottom of one’s pack.  The ball shape is impossible for lashing anywhere else: too short and round to deal with.  If I was going to develop a sleeping bag program from scratch stuff sacks were going to get whatever it took to make ‘em right!   It has taken a lot...these sacks have evolved over two years of trial and error.  They’ve been a very important part of the Program every step of the way.   The result is a gem-like sack that is lighter, stronger, more compact, and shaped to fit properly in the bottom of a pack, or anywhere else you might want or need to put it!   It’s every bit a Regulator itself.   The fabric is incredibly tough para-glider nylon, silicon treated for waterproofness.  The compression “straps” are polypropylene (so they don’t loosen when wet) cords running thru ITW’s brand new Line Loc adjustable cordage buckles.   They work exactly like webbing buckles.  To get the right shape we wound up with five of them going AROUND the sack instead of end-to-end.  The closure is also a cord/Line Loc set-up and WILL NOT creep open under compression.  There are three “guide” channels for the cords so that there will never be a rat’s nest tangle to figure out.  The guide channels also provide “slots” for very securely lashing the sack anywhere you like: top, side, bottom of your pack, in the event you need the inside of the pack for something else (elk quarters, water and ammo, or anything that is bulky and/or heavy).  The compression cord ends transition into binding tape “loops” that provide extra leverage and protection for your fingers.  There’s even a stowage pocket so that excess cordage doesn’t just dangle and cause problems.  There’s a handle at the closed end of the sack.   We went all the way on these sacks.  They’ll work for anything you want to compress.  I’m finally happy with my compression sacks, and I hope you will like them as much as I do.  Who says “incidentals” like a stuff sack aren’t important, deserving of innovation!  Details matter.

Patrick