Sleeping Bag (Schlafsack)
General Information
Name: Sleeping Bag (Schlafsack).
Country of Origin: West Germany (Bundeswehr).
Manufacturer: RAKA.
Date of manufacture: 1962.
NATO Stock Number (NSN): 8465-12-123-95967.
Contract Number: Not available.
Colour: Field Grey.
Weight: 3.2kg.
Size: 3.
Width- 810cm.
Length- 2m (not including the hood).
Waterproof: Yes, But this depends on the condition.
Similar Objects
History
In the early 1960s, the Bundeswehr (West German army) issued a new and unique style of individual sleeping bag. This sleeping bag was unlike any other in the market at the time, and it has often been incorrectly referred to as an “Ambush” or “Sniper” sleeping bag in the surplus market.
What makes this sleeping bag unique is the fact that it has arms and can be worn as a jacket. However, it’s important to note that it is not the warmest sleeping bag available, as the arm holes can vent heat. It is suitable for temperatures down to 5 degrees Celsius, making it a two season sleeping bag really. In colder temperatures, West German soldiers would likely need to wear their field parka or other warm clothing for added insulation.
By the late 1980s, the sleeping bag was phased out in favor of a more conventional “Mummy” style sleeping bag.
Description
The sleeping bag is made of a waterproof nylon fabric outer layer with a rubber lamination on the external side. The internal side is lined with soft nylon cloth, and there’s a layer of polyester nylon between these two layers. For storage, the sleeping bag can be rolled up into a permanently attached cover that also acts as an outer hood for the sleeping bag. The sleeping bag’s actual hood is designed to fit the head better, and the rolled-up bag section can be clipped to it. The sides have vertical holes for better hearing when the hood is on.
The sleeping bag opens at the front with a three-quarter-length heavy-duty plastic zip, which is covered by a storm flap secured with metal domes. The arms can be adjusted around the wrists with metal domes, but there is only one level of adjustment. The sleeping bag also features a horizontal heavy-duty plastic zip at waist level with a dome-secured storm cover. This design allows the bottom to be unzipped to provide freedom of movement for the legs when the sleeping bag is worn as a jacket. The sides have adjustable straps that can be used as a waistband to secure the bottom section above the waistline.”
Examples
Example One
This example is the earlier style that was produced as single unit with the waterproof cover sewn to the outside of the actual sleeping bag.
Object Number: 7576-2761-43104.
