Zip-Top Double Ended Stuff Sack / Ridgeline Sorage

In this tutorial article, we will show you how to make your own Zip-Top Double Ended Hammock Stuff Sack. This is a great option for the storage of your hammock! This is a twist on the standard double ended stuff sack that makes this a dual purpose stuff sack and ridgeline storage pouch during the night.

Project Overview

Materials and Tools

Preparation Instructions

1. Cut a rectangle out of the fabric that measures 18” tall and 25” wide.
2. Cut the 1.75 Zing It into two 30” Lengths. Fuse the ends with a flame.
3. Cut the 3/32” Shock cord into two 12” Lengths. Fuse the ends with a flame.
4. Cut the ½” Grosgrain into two 4” Lengths. Fuse the ends with a flame.
5. Assemble the coil zipper so that it has 2 pulls that open in opposing directions. These video directions might be helpful.

Sewing Instructions

**Seam allowances should be 1/4″ unless otherwise noted**

Step 1: Align the zipper you created centered on the 25” long side of the rectangle. You will want to stitch this on with the coil of the zipper facing up and the fabric covering the zipper.

Step 2: Fold the fabric over and topstitch it onto the zipper to create a strong finished hem.

Step 3: Fold the fabric in half and repeat the previous steps with the other 25” edge of the fabric. The final hem on this edge can be a bit tricky. You will have to pull the bag through itself as you do the stitch as illustrated in the photo below.

Step 4: Trim the edges of the coil zipper flush with the edges of the fabric.

Step 5: Mark the center of the zipper with tailors’ chalk or a washable marker. Then measure out 10 1/4” to either end and place a mark there.

Step 6: Using a sharp xacto knife or utility knife slit right along both sides of the zipper from the marks on the end of the zipper. Using a scissors trim the coil out of the zipper.

Step 7: Using a flame fuse the edges of the zipper where you just cut to stop it from fraying.

Step 8: Thread one of the pack hooks onto one of the 4” pieces of grosgrain. Loop this piece of grosgrain and position it ¾” from the end of the zipper. The loop should be pointed towards the center of the bag with the pack hook facing upwards. Topstitch the loop on so that it holds the two ends of the zipper together as pictured below. Repeat this step on the other end of the bag.

Step 9: Roll the edge of the bag back 1” and stitch near the bottom to form a channel. The slit in the zipper you created earlier will provide the exit point for the drawstring cord. The end of the grosgrain loops will also be finished during this step by being rolled in with the hem. Repeat this step on the other end of the bag.

Step 10: Stitch back and forth along the end of the coil a few times to keep it from separating. Be sure to fold the grosgrain loops back out of the way for this step. Be careful not to stitch too far and accidentally close the openings to the drawstring channel. Repeat this on the other end of the zipper.

Step 11: Feed one 30” piece of Zing It through each channel. Slip a Mini Cord Lock over each end and tie the cord into an overhand knot. Repeat this step on the other end of the stuff sack.

Step 12: Tie the two ends of each piece of shock cord together with an overhand knot so that you have two small loops. **NOTE** These loops can be tied in a prusik knot on your ridgeline and clipped to the pack hooks on the bag so it doubles as ridgeline storage as shown in the final product photo.

Step 13: Enjoy your new gear!

Related Stuff Sack DIY Projects

• No Sew Cuben Fiber Double Ended Stuff Sack
• Larger, Horizontal Compression Stuff Sack
• Smaller, Vertical Compression Stuff Sack
• Double-Ended Hammock Stuff Sack