Development of an Extremely Compact and Lightweight Sleeping Bag

To reduce Warfighter fatigue, and improve readiness, the USMC needs a better sleeping bag. The current Modular Sleep System (MSS) weighs 10.3 lbs, fills 1780 cubic inches when stored, and has enough insulation for 4-hours rest at –7 F, based on the heat loss model developed at Kansas State University. Marines are frequently in colder, wetter environments, and their backpacks can be as much as 46 pounds overweight. Marines need an Improved Sleep System (ISS) that is lighter, less bulky and safe for use to –40 F. Surpassing the USMC’s targets for a 30% improvement, S. D. Miller and Associates (SDMA) proposes to develop the ISS that provides 50% more insulation, for use to –40 F, weighs 7.2 lbs and compresses to 648 cubic inches. Because synthetic fibers are not compressible enough, and down/feathers are not reliable in damp conditions, SDMA will adapt a proven aerospace insulation to meet the ISS requirement. During Phase I and the Phase I Option, SDMA will define Warfighter needs, survey materials, and test fabric/insulation ensembles. An ISS design will be developed and optimized using computer analyses of sleeping bag sections, collaboration with sleeping bag manufacturers, heated manikin measurements at KSU, and user evaluations.