Woodsdrummer

I was wondering if the bodybag you sleep in was very waterproof and does it collect condensation?

Thanks

Tim

Rare video footage of man awakening in body-bag!

Hi Tim,

My particular body-bag is made out of nylon and even though one of its main functions is to contain fluids and other mush I find that mine will leak under the right conditions.

If you've ever touched the inside roof of a nylon tent (certain types) while it's raining, you'll know that a leak will soon develop in the spot in which it was touched. The same thing can occur with nylon body-bags. A coating of Scotch Guard applied to the outside helps to repel water but it's not fool-proof.

Yes, condensation will collect on the inside of the body-bag from ones breath, more so if any part of your clothing is damp or wet. Depending how cold it is, I usually leave a small opening in the zipper next to my face to allow the vapor from my breath to escape.

When it comes down to it, the body-bag serves more as a tool for learning than it does a practical sleeping bag in that it forces me to be more creative when making my sleeping area. I also like using the bag to haul pine-needles and firewood back to camp as it doesn't puncture as easily as a trash bag.

If you're like me and want things a little tougher, leave the body-bag at home and take along an oiled canvas (or poly)-tarp instead. When it comes time to bed down for the night, fold the tarp in half and tie the grommets together sleeping bag style. Toss your blanket inside and you're set.

Unlike a nylon body-bag, if it rains, the tarp-bag will keep you drier and more protected provided you tuck the edges underneath you so the water doesn't enter through the sides. Also, having a thick bed of insulation underneath you will not only insulate you from the cold ground, but it will also allow the rain to run under (or around) you which will reduce the chances of water entering your bag. Pine-needles work very well for this and allow water to purculate underneath and through your sleeping area.

Like many things, certain techniques work well for some and not at all for others. It all comes down to experience and the ablity to work through problems. I could certainly accomplish much of the same thing, probably more, using a couple trash-bags and/or a tarp size piece of plastic. And it's important to remember that there's nothing magical about body-bags other than to help trigger some out-of-the-box thinking. There are much better and safer ways to stay warm and dry out there.

Hope this helps.

Eric