“Sleep Systems?” you say? I mean sure, you’ve heard of Therm-a-rests. In fact, chances are good you’ve been issued one. So what’s the deal with the Sleep System?
Cascade Designs, manufacturers of the therm-a-rest line have introduced a family of accessories to turn the sleeping pad into a sleeping bag. I would say, it’s more of a sleeping experience. When you get it all together, it’s like sleeping in a bed.
Two items in their “Fast and Light” series are the stuff sack pillow which will do double duty as well as the coupler kit. The coupler kit consists of self-adhesive snaps and facilitates the attachment of a variety of blankets and couplers directly to the sleeping pad forming a sort of integrated sleeping bag.
In addition to the polyester filled Tech Blanket seen above there is also the Ventra Down Comforter rated to 40 deg F. The line comes in a variety of colors but oddly enough the Compressible Pillows come in various commercial camo patterns.
None of these products have been militarized so naturally, they are thus far more suited to a camping trip with the family than a jaunt through Kunar Province with ten of your closest buddies. However, the more adventurous of our readers will find tactical applications for these products and when you do, please drop us a line and let us know how they worked out.
For more information, check them out on the web.