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17
Dec

How can you tell the difference between a US Army Moderate and Extreme Cold Weather sleeping bags?

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 17th, 2008

I found a US Army issue sleeping bag for sale but the guy selling it doesn't know if it's for moderate or extreme cold weather. I know that one will be heavier/bulkier than the other but I don't have anything to compare it to. Is there any other way to tell?

The modern US military sleeping bags for extreme cold temps are modular, some are 4 piece. They have tags on the bag that describes them. Here is one for an example;

http://www.uscav.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=5727

A review of them;

http://www.empowerthyself.com/usmilitarymodulargortexsleepingbagsystem

http://www.thebackpacker.com/gear/sleeping_bags/army_modular_sleep_system_mss.php

And here is the company that now provides some of the sleeping bags for the US Army;

http://wiggys.com/lamilite.cfm

Here is the one I may buy soon;

http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=9

Here is a forum talking about those bags;

http://www.preparedsociety.com/forum/f2/sleeping-bags-662/

Now the older military bags were heavy on piece bags with down for extreme cold. Some loved them and many hated them.
So the bag you are interested in may be an older model and if that’s the case forget it. The newer modular bags are lighter and far more versatile.
With out information on that bag I can’t tell you what it is. It could be one piece of a modular system or an old school bag.

Before you invest be certain of what you’re getting by researching more. E-bay has some good deals BUT also has some way over priced. Example I have seen these bags on e-bay go for $200 bucks;

http://www.rddusa.com/Military-Surplus-U-S-G-I-Extreme-Cold-Military-Sleeping-Bags-Army-Sleeping-Bag-Extreme-Cold-Weather-Intermediate-Army-Surplus-Military-Field-Gear-Gi-Military-Accessories-Equipment-Camping-Gear.html

Here is a modular Military bag for under $100 on e-bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Military-Sleeping-bag-sleep-system-4-pieces-surplus_W0QQitemZ300279851287QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20081210?IMSfp=TL081210137007r12967

But then I have been ripped off a few times on e-bay and no longer buy there.

Oh you asked about foam ground pads in another q. Go with closed cell not open cell or the self inflating ones. I HATE air mattresses and self inflating pads they have ticked me off too many times due to leaks at the most inopportune moment! And get one at least 2 inches think. Consider a sleeping cot as well for a good night sleep.

15
Dec

Wasatch Sleeping Bag- +10′F

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 15th, 2008

Wasatch Sleeping Bag- +10'F

Wasatch Sleeping Bags Like all NEBO bags, the WASATCH has two layers of fill on the top and two layers of fill on the bottom. It is highly compressable and light, making this bag ideal for the backpacker. FEATURES: It comes with a full-length insulated draft tube along the zipper for protection against heat loss or cold air intake. It has a fully adjustable contour hood with a barrel lock for easy adjustment. The WASATCH has a few more inches added to the width and length. After all, increased size means increased comfort. The synthetic FEATHERloft fill repels water to retain warmth under wet conditions. Color: Cobalt and Black Lining: 190T Nylon Shell: 190T Ripstop Nylon Dimensions: 90′ x 34″ x 22″ 5.0 lbs

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15
Dec

Tips For Planning Your Next European Vacation

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 15th, 2008

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, there are several important things to keep in mind before calling your travel agent and booking your next vacation:

1. Time of year: While “Paris in the Springtime” sounds very romantic, the truth is that you’re liable to spend many days indoors, because the weather can be cold and rainy. On the other hand, the French Riviera in the springtime boasts warm temperatures, sunshine and beautiful places to visit. If you’re not sure of weather patterns, check with your travel agent who can advise you on rainy seasons or other weather-related issues for traveling to a specific spot.

2. Your Budget: Decide how much you’ve got to spend, and don’t forget to include extras like tourist attractions, getting around, souvenirs and meals (which are typically more expensive in Europe than in the states — dinner can cost upwards of 50 Euros per person, especially in metropolitan cities). If your budget is smaller, consider visiting Eastern Europe, looking for packaged tours, or, if you’re flexible, book a “last-minute” trip, which can often save you 30% or more. Check out the current exchange rate between your currency and that of the country you’ll be visiting, to have a better idea of what your vacation is going to actually cost you. Whenever possible, travel during an off-peak season to save even more.

3. Your secret dreams or “someday” wishes: For most of us, taking a vacation is something we get to do only once a year, and often plan and save the whole year for. So if you have always wanted to visit somewhere or do something special — why wait? Include it in your next vacation plans.

4. Political Climate: While most countries that rely on tourism make every effort to ensure the safety of tourists, these days it’s always a good idea to keep up on the current political climate of the country you’re planning to visit, especially if there have been problems in the past.

5. Your own “internal clock”: If you prefer sleeping in in the mornings, and “doing your own thing” then a guided tour is probably not for you. Most guided tours start early in the morning, and you’re on the go until evening. You may visit several cities in a country or countries within a specified amount of time, and you’re required to stay with the group.

On the other hand, if you don’t like traveling alone, you enjoy the companionship of others and getting to see as much as possible in the time you’ve got, a guided tour or cruise may be just the thing for you.

6. How you like to spend your time: Take a little time to think about what you like doing before planning your trip. Do you prefer the water, or the mountains? Lying on the beach, or rock-climbing? Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum?

While going outside your comfort zone and trying new things can be a great experience, spending your time doing something that bores you silly or makes you uncomfortable and unhappy just doesn’t make sense. Once you know what you want to do, figure out what you’ll have time to do. Many times, in an effort to get the “most bang for our buck” we tend to over plan the vacation, and end up needing a vacation from the vacation when we get home! Prioritize your list, and be willing to save some activities or attractions for another trip.

7. Use the resources that are available to make your trip special and save money: Today’s travelers have numerous options when planning their vacation. You can use the Internet to find out more about the cities or countries you want to visit, check out prices, even book your flight or hotel room. If you’re visiting a place for the first time, check with a travel agent, talk to someone who’s “been there, done that” on an Internet Forum, or contact local chambers or commerce or travel councils to get more information about where to go, what to see and what to do.

8. Get organized: You can use trip-planning software, or your own favorite organizing system to organize and plan your trip. Don’t forget things like making sure your passport and picture ID are up-to-date, finding out if travel insurance is something you need, and how and where to exchange your money. The more organized you are in the beginning, the better vacation you’ll have.

9. Pack lightly: Most of us take too much on a vacation, and end up lugging heavy suitcases and other bags along filled with items that we either don’t use or don’t need. When planning your trip, look at your wardrobe and pack as lightly as you can. Take only what you’ll really need, and remember that if you forget or end up needing something, chances are you can get it once you reach your destination.

10. Have fun! Get organized, make your plans and expect the best. That way, once you’re on your way, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. But remember, there are very few “perfect” vacations, so if something does go wrong, try to relax and “go with the flow” as much as possible. Experienced travelers say that sometimes their best vacations have been the ones where the unexpected happened.

15
Dec

How to Pack for a Weekend Camping Trip : How to Select a Sleeping Bag for Camping

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 15th, 2008

The two different types of styles of sleeping bags are rectangular-shaped sleeping bags or a mummy-style sleeping bags. Learn how to select a sleeping bag for camping in this free outdoors video.

Duration : 0:1:56

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15
Dec

Best (and cheaper) place to buy sleeping bags in Honolulu, Hawaii?

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 15th, 2008

We'd like to know where to buy cheap sleeping bags in Honolulu since we'd like to camp in Oahu on a budget. It could be online as well, we have a week of time to buy them.

http://www.sportsauthority.com/corp/index.jsp?city=Honolulu&locationCode=771&locName=Oahu&page=storeLocator&state=HI

http://www.walmart.com/storeLocator/ca_storefinder_details_short.do?rx_title=com.wm.www.apps.storelocator.page.serviceLink.title.default&edit_object_id=3478&rx_dest=/index.gsp&sfsearch_state=&sfsearch_city=&sfsearch_zip=96822

Peace///////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

13
Dec

sleeping bags: need one for down to 30 degrees….also looking for an air mat or foam mat?

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 13th, 2008

im going on a trip where we will be sleeping IN a cave.

i need a warm sleeping bag, an air or foam mat and a plastic drop cloth or tarp (things will be dripping or so im told)

anyone have suggestions or any good products?

not looking to spend too much on this but enough.

Coleman is a good name–Walmart & Kmart both have camping supplies, including thermal sleeping bags that will protect u down to 30 degrees——-not knowing where u live, it's hard to say-but any decent department store or chain store will have a camping goods dept. w/all that u need–thanks for the thumbs down! Great!!

12
Dec

Coleman 8042-906 -5 deg. Big Game Sleeping Bag With Pillow

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 12th, 2008

Coleman 8042-906 -5 deg. Big Game Sleeping Bag With Pillow
Super king size 40 in. x 84 in. The Big Game sleeping bag fits most up to 6?5 in. Insulation – 6 pounds of Hollofil808 insulation. Keeps you comfortable down to -5

12
Dec

ZZ Top – Sleeping Bag

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 12th, 2008

The music video for ZZ Top’s Song Sleeping Bag

R.I.P. Eliminator

Duration : 0:4:25

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12
Dec

Keep Pets Safe From Household Dangers

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 12th, 2008

Most responsible pet owners are aware that we must keep our cats and dogs from certain dangers in our home. We know that we need to keep them from chewing on electrical cords, from drinking toilet water that contains self-cleaning chemicals, to keep them away from antifreeze and other chemical products, and out from under the recliner. But our homes also present many other dangers to our feline and canine companions that we need to consider and take steps to prevent accidental poisoning or injury, possibly even death.

Paper Shredders

Most paper shredders have an on/off switch and automatic-feed buttons. The motors may become warm with use and cats are known to love warm places, and they will walk on anything. It offers the cat a cozy sleeping spot, and they may get their fur caught in the shredding teeth. There also have been reported cases of dogs getting their tongues caught in the shredder. Turn your paper shredder off when not in use, and never leave the auto-feed button on. Better yet, unplug the paper shredder until you need it.

Cat Litter

Avoid clumping cat litters, especially with kittens. Kittens have died after licking this litter off their paws. It will swell in their intestine, causing an obstruction. Deodorized cat litters have a chemical base. If your dog has the unfortunate habit of dining from the cat box, the litter can poison him. Stick with basic clay litters.

Washers and Dryers

Cats and kittens love warm, enclosed spots. Keep the lid closed on your washing machine when it is not in use, and make sure kittens aren’t snuggled up in the laundry basket before adding the load. When loading the dryer, keep an eye out that Fluffy doesn’t decide to jump in and get all cozy.

Wheelchairs

Pets can get caught in the wheel spokes whether chairs are in use or not. Store wheel chairs in a room or closet away from pets when not in use.

Wire Crates
Tags and collars can get caught in the bars. Be sure the floor fits properly and covers the bottom of the wire bars. The pet should have a well-fitted collar and the tags should not dangle down too far. If the pet will be left unattended in the crate, remove his collar when you leave and put it back on immediately when you let him out. Don’t put the collar on the top of the crate where he can get to it and chew on it.

Power Strips and Outlets

Put safety covers on any open outlets to keep your pet from licking the outlet or sticking a nail into it.

Home-Made Play Dough

Kids love play dough and pieces may fall off the table onto the floor. Home-made play dough has a high salt content and may cause salt poisoning in pets, which can be fatal.

Cigarettes and Tobacco Products

Nicotine can be fatal to dogs. Keep all cigarettes, pipes and tobacco, chewing tobacco, and all other tobacco products away from pets. Empty ashtrays often.

Plastic Food Wrap

Pets may ingest bits of plastic wrap when licking food residues off of them, and the bits can cause choking or an intestinal obstruction.

Floor Vents

Your pet’s tags or paws can get caught in the vents, pinning them to the hot surface. Cover all vents by wrapping them in layers of net and pushing the vent tightly into the floor. They may still catch a nail, but the net will help protect them burning their paws.

Rawhide

Dogs love to chew rawhide, but small bits may come off and lodge in the throat causing the animal to choke, or create an obstruction in the stomach or intestines. Rawhide chews may also harbor salmonella, infecting the dog and family members, and some unregulated manufacturers may use toxic chemical in the production of rawhide treats.

Toilets

Even if you don’t use continuous-cleaning products in your toilet, keep the lid closed or the bathroom door shut. Small curious pets may fall in head first and drown

Christmas Ornaments

They may look like toys to your pet. Broken shards of glass can cut your pet’s paws, and any ornament can cause a life-threatening emergency if shards are eaten. Tinsel and ribbon are cat magnets, and can cause intestinal obstructions if your cat ingests them.

Swimming Pools

Don’t allow your dog access to swimming pools without supervision. Most dogs can’t climb ladders. Put stair steps in your pool and train your dog how to get out.

Potpourri

Cats especially (and some dogs) may find your liquid potpourri tasty but it is caustic and will burn the linings of their esophagus or even poison them.

Doors

Heavy doors can swing shut quickly on a small puppy or cat and crush them, or injure the paws or tails of larger dogs.

Trash Cans

Dogs love to rummage through the trash can, but there is much kitchen and household waste that can injure your dog or make him ill, even poison him. Seed and pits from apples, apricots, cherries, and plums contain a chemical that can cause cyanide poisoning. Onions and garlic can cause anemia in dogs. Coffee grounds and tea bags contain caffeine and tannin which are toxic to dogs. Cat love string, rubber bands, ribbon, and yarn, which can cause intestinal obstructions if swallowed. Pop bottle lids and bread tags are choking hazards. The edges of food cans and lids removed with a can opener can cause severe cuts to the tongue if they try to lick the rest of the food out, or cut their paws if they step on them. Keep the trash can covered with a tight-fitting lid or keep it under a counter with a child-safe door latch (smart pets can open doors that don’t latch!).

Toys

Your children’s’ plastic toys that have small pieces that can be removed, and stuffed toys with eyes that can be chewed off are all potential choking hazards to your pet as well. When buying toys for your pet, be sure they are well made with any parts that can’t come off. When toys start to wear or become chewed, or the stuffing starts to come out, throw them away and replace them.

Avoid tragedy by pet-proofing your home. Treat your dog or cat as if it were a curious child, ready to get into everything. Take steps to protect them from their own inquisitive nature, and have pet-safe toys for them to play with to keep them entertained and out of mischief.

Copyright © 2007, Ian White Acess 2000 Pty Ltd

11
Dec

is gelert a good range of sleeping bags?

Posted in Sleeping Bags  by admin on December 11th, 2008

im going camping, and iv found some decent oriced sleeping bags, but i dont want to spend the money and find that they are a naff range.

does anyone no if thay are good quality?

Gelert is a good make but I've not used their sleeping bags, but I would think they are decent