Sleep on This

In the past when I tried to cut my weight, long before the Internet, I used to leave my heavy standard T-rest home and just pack a Space Blanket Brand Bag. I'd fill the bag with leaves during my Fall hikes and sleep almost as comfortably as on my T-rest. In the morning I would shake out the leaves and pack up the bag, and hike on. Of course the bags are not made for this so care had/has to be used in this application. A ground sheet is a big plus, as is care used to stuff the bag. Also a large garbage bag or two could function this way and pack smaller than a pad. Only caveat is you need to know in advance that materials would be available for use, or else you'd be sleeping on the hard ground.

Now this is a tip people can use. Leaves are plentiful unlike the pine boughs we used to use when I was a sproutling. Can't wack trees anymore.

This probably would also work to increase the low range on your sleeping bag. Just fill another breathable bag with leaves and place on top of ya'.

I like this idea Earthling. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

You had pine boughs? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> We only had whole trees doncha know. Boy getting dressed was a trip <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

How bout the "snow man" in the Alps? All you need is an outfit that that you can stuff or unstuff with natural materials... Oh man - lets see who tries this one first. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Like if you could stuff your sleeping bag inside your bibs... or add some dried grass to your down bag. Quilt guys? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The leaf bag is not much different from simply raking up a good pile of forest litter, and sleeping on it - the only weight is a simple groundsheet. The old survival trick is to burrow into a leaf pile for insulation all around. With an envelope of Tyvek (or even an uninsulated sleeping bag liner) to keep the leaves from insinuating into your clothing and to keep out incidental moisture (in the case of Tyvek), you've got a total lightweight system. Of course, it is time consuming and dependent on the availability of materials. Leaf piles in all but the coldest Texas weather are havens for beetles. Noisey buggers that crawl everywhere and tickle.

Jim, from the looks of the pics you've posted, you could stuff with girls to stay warm. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Chaz,
maybe you should rephrase that one... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I camp with nice girls. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> This is a family site.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I thought about rephrazing after it was posted. But too late. O.K. the girls get in their own sleeping bags and surround you. then you wouldn't need a bag. Oh well, open mouth insert foot.

you had it right the first time chuck.

remeber you lose more heat to the ground than from above, so insulate below and astay warm. contractor garbag bags can be the best and 55 gal drum liners too.

Some of my neighbors could bring their dogs, they have so many.