Archive for January, 2010
I love camping, and I got a new sleeping bag recently, I want to know the process works make a sleeping bag, how do they cut fabric, to make a hood, a sole, the front panel and back panel, if so many sleeping bags in mass-production, how they cut the fabric?
I used to work for an outfitter who sold most major lines of sleeping bags so i have been to factories where they were made. To mass produce them, they stack many layers of the nylon fabric, lay out metal pattern shapes for all of the pieces and then use an electrically heated knife cutter to cut along the edges of the pattern, melting the edge of the fabric as they cut so the edges don’t unravel. Then the pieces are assembled by sewing machine operators, leaving gaps to allow the filling (down or polyester fibers) to be stuffed in, then the final seams are stitched and zippers sewn in.
I’ve also sewed sleeping bags myself — the process is the same except that I cut only one set of pattern pieces, using scissors and then melted the edges of the fabric by running it near a candle flame.
I am currently after a male sleeping bag for the English summer, 3 season. Please could someone recommend one for me. I’d like it to cover a long summer, so would like it to cover end of summer temperatures also. I will be leading in the Lakes so my priority is to have a light and compact sleeping bag. My aim is to make my kit smaller so that i can quite comfortably fit all my kit into a 65l. So, small, warm and effective. As of yet when visiting outdoor shops, every shop has given me different suggestions.
Sleeping bags are a very personal purchase so it would not be appropriat to recommend a particular brand or type. What would suit me would not necessarily suit you.
The two main choices are down and man-made fibre.
The advantages of down are that it is light, very warm and packs small. The disadvantages are that it is not easy to wash and is useless if it gets wet.
Man-made fibre bags are cheaper, still provide some insulation when wet, dry out quickly, can be washed and do not leak filling through small tears.
I always used a man-made fibre bag until I was forced, by circumstances, to use a down bag. I now prefer a down bag but also use a waterproof "bivvy-bag" to ensure that it doesn’t get wet.
For your requirements you would probably be better with a down bag. Make sure it is the right length, if it is too long your feet will be cold and you will be carrying extra, useless, weight. Check the proportion of down to feathers, the more down the better (and more expensive) the bag will be.
A shoulder baffle makes the bag much "snugger" by stopping warm air from escaping. The zip should also be covered by an insulating baffle and an insulated hood should be regarded as a MUST. If you are too hot you can always leave the hood down but it also makes a good pillow if stuffed with a fleece.
Get a tapering, "mummy" bag. They are warmer and lighter. A bag liner will stop your bag from getting soiled and will keep it warmer. A breathable, waterproof, "bivvy bag" will make your bag even more effective and will allow you to sleep without a tent when the weather permits.
Get a "good" make like Rab, North Face, Caravan, Mountain Equipment or an "own-brand" bag made for a reputable retailer like The Cotswold Shop or Black’s.
The bag should be covered with a strong, light breathable and wicking material, like Pertex or whatever the modern equivalent is. The lining will be more pleasant if it has a natural "feel".
Armed with the above tips, you should be able to pick yourself a good bag that will last for years.
Happy trails.
New at camping and hiking. My 12 year old is in Boy Scouts. He has packed light, but the backpack is still so bulky. We can’t use a framed backpack because he will have to crawl through some low areas and push his stuff through the opening. I know there must be an easy way to put it all together. The load has to be light enough for a 12 year old child to carry on a caving expedition. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated!
I’m 14 and started when I was 12. I live in Alaska, so this may not be what you’re looking for, but I’ll do my best. First, I always try to bring the smallest and lightest bag that I have that works for the coldest it should get. You can always layer up if you get cold. Also, internal frames are good, except for that you’ll need to put most items on the inside from what I’ve experienced. Go through your pack when you’re done packing to make sure that there’s nothing that you don’t need or is worth its weight. One extra tip- Use some clothes as a pillow, as it keeps them warm when it’s cold and doesn’t take extra space.
www.cheaperthandirt.com
www.sportsmansguide.com
www.cabelas.com
They are all outfitters and surplus sites. They have anything and everything you could imagine.
For less military and more backpacking hiking gear check out:
www.rei.com
www.backcountry.com
www.ems.com
www.sierratradingpost.com
i have seen one before but i dont remember where it was. it looked like a normal tent but in the back the was a little tent attached and in the inside there was a doggie door for the dog to get in the little tent.
if you know what im talking about could you list the website where you know where to get it.
please and thank you 
jack-not to get out of the tent stupid,
its to connect the dogs tent with the humans tent. its all one tent but is a doggie door into the dogs tent.
http://www.thisnext.com/item/01C3583A/6EA80BAF/Coleman-Bayside-Tent-with-Pet
Its a tent with a dog area inside
The GF and I are going camping anyone know where on staten island I can get some good camping gear?
I looked it up.
couldnt find anywhere
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Duration : 35 sec
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Duration : 34 sec
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Duration : 30 sec