But how can Scouts make a summer sleeping bag into one they can use for winter, spring or fall expeditions? Mission impossible?
Our Scouts made inexpensive sleeping bag inserts (or liners) for about $30 each, including the zipper. What a great way to acquire a year-round sleeping bag.
A liner is better than buying a separate, winter sleeping bag because it's cheaper, it can help keep your summer sleeping bag cleaner, and it's fun to make.
Before our camp we bought enough Polartec Fleece fabric ($13/metre) for all our liners - about 2 metres each. You can use thick flannel cloth for spring and fall liners for less demanding temperatures.
The fabric comes 150cm wide. Siinply fold this in half lengthwise to fit into most sleeping bags.
To make a liner you need a piece of lining cloth (150cm x 2 metres), thread and needle, a sewing machine (a great option), fabric scissors, a zipper, a draw-string (at least 170cm).
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Fold the fabric in half so it is 75cm wide and 2 metres long.
2. Sew all the way across the bottom (75cm) and up the side for about 90cm. (see diagram)
3. Sew across the top (75cm) and down the side for about 25cm.
4. With scissors make a 75cm cut across the side of only one fold offabric 25cm from the top.
(This is where you will make a hood for added warmth.)
5. Fold the material over and sew a channel into the fabric where the draw-string can fit.
6. Sew in the zipper along the open side of the liner.
That's it! It's amazing how warm a liner makes a sleeping bag.
Puurrr-fect! Try it. Your Scouts will love the project!
- Arnold Appleton, 7th Thornhill (Ont.) Scouts.