Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

CAxMP BEDDINr^ 133bag that I have so far experimented with. There maybe better bags that I have not tried.In his excellent book on The Way of the Woodsy,Dr. Edward Breck replied:" I have always looked up to Mr. Kephart as a woodsmansans reproche, but I am forced to believe that he hasnever made fair trial of a good sleeping bag; for, if thereis one thing a bag does not do, it is letting in streams ofcold air down your spine, and, to me at least it almostgoes without saying that a man is wrapped up much moretightly in blanicets than in a bag, and hence far more helplessto rearrange his bed without pulling things to pieces.It is just precisely the ability to turn over in comfort thatmakes me love a sleeping bag, and this springs from itsgeneral stay-puttedness.' As for the ' stuffiness of a bag Iconfess I have yet to discover it. A proper bag opensdown the side and ventilates easily. It is a little moredifficult to air out in the morning, but not much. Thecomparison with a rubber boot is most unjust, and, thoughharder to get into, it takes no longer to do so than to wraponeself up properly in blankets. As to getting caught insideif a fire breaks out, I will engage to get outside ofmine [a 'Comfort sleeping pocket'] in less than threeseconds if necessary. The sleeping bag has come tostay. My Indians have made themselves a couple out ofblankets and waterproof canvas. Mr. Kephart assertsthat the waterproof cover is no substitute for a roof overheadon a rainy night; and yet I can assure him that Ihave slept out in mine without a tent many times in hardrain without getting wet in the slightest degree, exceptwhen rising. Imagine, if you please, the state I shouldhave been in with blankets only. A lean-to of some kindwould have been imperative, and even then misery wouldhave been the result. Of course, spending the night withoutsome kind of shelter is not to be recommended, but myexperience shows what the bag is capable of."As for the roof overhead, what I meant was thatgun and duffel need protection, and so do you whenyou crawl out on a rainy morning. The weight ofa sleeping-bag cover put into a little waterproof tentthat you can carry in your pocket, and a groundsheet to go with it, will give you better protectionfrom the elements at night and a sheltered place todress and cook breakfast in. This for side triplfrom camp, or for long hikes.