New sleeping bags lighter, more compact

[unhappycamper]

The Marine Corps' new Three-Season Sleeping System sleeping bag.


New sleeping bags lighter, more compact
By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 12, 2009 8:36:01 EST

Grunts in Afghanistan soon will have a smaller, lighter sleeping bag.

Four thousand of the new bags, known as the Three-Season Sleeping System, are in theater, and an additional 15,000 are expected to arrive in December, said Lt. Col. A.J. Pasagian, head of the Corps’ infantry combat equipment systems.

A contract for about 200,000 more bags, enough for every Marine, should be awarded in January, he said. It is not clear when those bags will be fielded.

The new system provides virtually the same protection as the Corps’ current sleeping bag, which most Marines still use, but it is lighter and not as bulky. The single three-season bag will replace the black intermediate and green patrol sleeping bags, combining to form the modular sleep system.

It comes in two sizes, one that fits Marines up to 6 feet tall and another for taller Marines. The top of the new bag can be pulled tight around your face and features two snaps that cover your chin for better protection against the cold and wind. The waterproof bivy can be pulled over your head for added warmth and is designed with a flexible wire to keep the bag off of your face.


Rest of article at: http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/12/marine_sleeping_121209/