quote:

I believe I've read that most people die of hypothermia around 59 degrees.

Snapper,

Several years ago, a partner and I were in the Fla. Keys fishing for bonefish. Air temp was in the mid-80s and it was really humid.

At about 10 a.m. a rain storm moved in, so we put our raingear on and continued to fish. I had a Columbia Goretex pullover and pants. Within 20 mins. my shirt and shorts were sopped through from sweating.

When the rain stopped, I removed the rainsuit and started to shiver and couldn't stop. We headed for the launch ramp, and by the time we loaded the boat and got in the van, I was literally freezing. So I stripped off everything but my underwear, and my partner turned the heat up on high at midday in Fla. We then stopped at a Mickey D's so I could down some hot coffee -- all this while the air temp was still in the 80s!

It was at least 1/2 hr. before the shivering quit. -TONY

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Vacuum Packed Survival Sleeping Bag

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http://www.wiggys.com/category.cfm?Category=6

Vacuum Packed Survival Sleeping Bag

Save space and save your life.
Compressed into a waterproof package about the size of first base, your Wiggy's survival sleeping bag is lightweight, easy to stow, and readily available for protection against the harsh Alaskan elements. Available with a lifetime guarantee, Wiggy's sleeping bags are today's choice for those whose survival depends on high quality gear. And with our new exclusive vacuum packaging you can be sure that your Wiggy's bag is there when you need it.

*ALL sleeping bags cost $175.00 to vacuum pack.

Or take it to your local butcher and get it "cryovacked" like the meat primals are. He'll probably charge you 3 or 4 bucks.

the chef

Chef,

It's still called vacuum-packing. Cryovac introduces nitrogen. But you're right. If you get someone who has a good industrial machine to do it, you can vacuum-pack your own down bag much cheaper.

WPN

Yup, the nitrogen or a combination of other gasses. Such as aligal etc. is injected into the bag then vacumed out. The process helps to kill bacteria etc. and also is more effecient at removing the oxygen as these gasses displace the oxygen before the bag is sealed. Come to think of it, it's probably much better than simply vacum packinging your bag.

the chef

Personally, I don't see the point, unless you're planning on eating your sleeping bag. Any puncture damage would cancel the effect of any vacuum or gas filling anyway. The most important thing is that your bag is kept dry, no matter what the filling.
Grizz

quote:

Originally posted by Grizzly Adams:
Personally, I don't see the point, ...

I think the point is long term, compact, dry and convenient storage.

Yeah, but the first time you use it, you lose all that, since this type of packaging can't be re-sealed in the field. I would think if you want waterproof long term protection for your bag, you're better off to put it in one of those canoeing type Dry bags.
Grizz

I agree with you Grizz. I always put my clothing and sleeping gear into individual plastic bags--squish all the air out of them and tie a knot. One year a 5 gallon can of fuel spilled over all our gear-long story. Anyway my clothes in the bags were nice and dry and not smelling of fuel. Now all the guys in our group pack like this. I assume anyone who goes back packing must do this too.

the chef