Emergency Tarp Sleeping Bag

R

ruckmaster

Joined
Feb 27, 2006
Messages
26
I did a little experimenting tonight and I thought I should share.

I was looking at a survival type space blanket(Blizzard) that has several layers of material. I thought it was interesting with the air being trapped and acting as a bit of insulation.

So, I grabbed a 16x18 tarp and folded it in half. Then folded/rolled it onto itself with each section about 36" wide. Then I took a strap and closed off the end with the loose edges. I slid a thin German sleeping pad in, grabbed a pillow off the couch and went out on the deck. It is a mix of snow and freezing rain right now.

I slid into the tarp roll and listened to the snow land on top of me for an hour. I kept expecting to start getting cold. It did not happen. In fact, I had to get closer to the opening because I was too warm.

I am sure things would get soggy from condensation if I was in there for 6 hours but I was warm. If I took a wool blanket in with me I am sure it would work even better.

http://[URL=http://img35.imageshack.us/i/img1600z.jpg/][/URL]
 
Wal-Mart Special! Glad to hear it works so well. I've wondered how contractor bags would work? I know my Gore-Tex bivy sack does hold in more warmth than without it, but being breathable, it's not as warm.
 
I used to camp using a hobo bedroll -- 2 blankets in a 6x8 oilskin tarp -- it was plenty warm with the bottom tucked under my feet.
 
It's ruck's big blue burrito bivvy!

Condensation seems like the real threat here, but always good to see another idea.
 
Visqueen (10mil construction plastic) works well for this, too -- and packs down pretty small.
 
Cool. Whenever I try an experiment like that, the neighbors go by walking their dog and make fun of me. That's OK, though.
 
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