This book is included in the Outdoor Survival Basics section.
Abstract
Much of the frost and ice that form on the inside of the tent comes from water produced by
the combustion of naphtha fuel in the heating, lighting and cooking systems. Frost also
accumulates in sleeping bags when used in extreme cold and cannot be removed or dried with
the present shelter heating system. Modifications to the group shelter are recommended to
increase warmth and minimize problems with closure systems. These include an adjustable
liner, insulation on the door zipper and more radical changes to the tent opening to eliminate
zippers entirely. Other shelter concepts, including individual and modular shelters are
reviewed as possible replacements for the group shelter. The major recommendation to
improve moisture management in sleeping bags and tents is a small forced-air tent furnace.
As envisioned, it would be based on the existing stove, but would generate its own power as
well as DC electrical power to run a lighting system and to recharge batteries.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Résumé
Executive summary
Sommaire
Table of Contents
List of figures
Introduction
Group shelter
Multiple small tents
Modular tents
Sleeping Bags
Heating System
Discussion
Group Tent
Modular Shelter System
Sleeping bags
Tent Heating
Recommendations
References
Executive Summary
The weight of both the sleeping bag and the tent increase when used in extremely cold
weather. Frost and ice form on the inside of the tent from the occupants’ breathing and from
water produced by the combustion of naphtha fuel burned by the heating, lighting and
cooking systems. Frost and ice render the door closure zippers inoperative in extreme cold.
The sleeping bag is the largest item of personal equipment carried by a soldier. When used in
the cold, water accumulates in the insulation, making the bag heavier and colder to sleep in.
The best down sleeping bags, which have the lightest weight and the most insulation, are the
most seriously affected by ice accumulation. While CF bags seem to be less dramatically
affected, even the small amount of moisture condensed during a short period of use can have a
significant effect on soldier comfort. Possible modifications to the 5 and 10 person tent to
increase concealment, internal temperatures and to solve the problem of door closure icing are
discussed. The current tent heating system, a two-burner stove and a lantern, is a major
source of condensable water vapour in the tent. It also does not lend itself to drying large
items such as sleeping bags, or the tent itself. Changes are recommended, including venting
combustion products and an add-on forced-air tent furnace to heat and dry the tent and other
large items such as sleeping bags. The proposed tent furnace, which would be based on the
existing two burner stove, might use a Stirling engine and/or thermoelectric modules to
generate its own power as well as DC electricity to run a robust, light weight LED based
lighting system and to recharge batteries for the many electronic items that will be used by
tomorrow’s warriors.
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