Convert A Hammock Stuff Sack Into A Bishop Bag

A majority of hammocks used for camping and backpacking have a simple, gathered-end design and come with a handy stuff sack sewn on one side, right in the middle. These little sacks are convenient because the storage sack is always attached, easy to find, and it makes packing up a little easier. Plus, you can use the stuff sack as a gear pocket when the hammock is hung up—store your  favorite beverage, a book, or even a flashlight.

While there is nothing wrong with these sewn-on stuff sacks, my favorite hammock storage sack is a double-sided sack that floats on one end of the hammock. A bishop bag (a.k.a. Black Bishop Sack) and Snake Skin sacks are similar: they allow the hammock to be stuffed end-to-end like a tube. A bishop bag differs from a double-sided stuff sack in that instead of a cord-lock cinch on both ends, one end has only a small hole.

Double-sided stuff sacks and the like can be a little faster and easier to stuff than sewn-on sacks because you can pull against one end of the hammock while stuffing the other end into the sack.

You can easily convert a hammock stuff sack into a bishop bag in three easy steps:

1. Carefully unpick the thread that connects the stuff sack to the hammock
2. Make a hole!
   • A.) Create a button hole by unpicking 1 in (2.5 cm) along the bottom seam; sew reinforcing bar tack (zig-zag) to prevent the seam from ripping open;
   • B.) Set a grommet on the bottom of the bag, or
   • C.) Sew a button hole on the bottom of the bag.
3. Re-stuff the hammock by threading one end through the bishop bag hole and stuff the rest in behind.

Viola!