Not sure how they can patent a cagoule that has been used by generations of climbers and criminals.

"The Aleut American Indians ( who lived in the Aleutian Islands between Alaska and Russian Siberia) needed a totally waterproof jacket for hunting in their double cockpit kayaks called Baidarkas. They used dried seal or whale intestines and sealed the seams with animal glues to make a ‘kamleika’ as illustrated.

To check effectiveness after sealing, the Aleuts would tie off the cuffs and neck and fill with water. Proof indeed that seam sealing is ancient and not modern. The picture below dates from 1910, but it is not known how long these practises continued.
- See more at: http://innovation-for-extremes.net/gear-timezone/product-biography/product-biography-the-waterproof-jacketpart-1-1820-1938/#sthash.tsdQSJwn.dpuf"


"French climber, Pierre Allain ( see our innovator bio) made a conceptual design leap in the 1930’s in clothing, but before the technologies were correctly in place. One of the great all time mountain product innovators, Allain developed a system which combined a short down sleeping bag for bivouacs with a long waterproof over-garment, for which he used the French word for ‘cowling’ ie ‘cagoule’, a long rubberised silk garment as part of his bivouac gear in the 1930s. - See more at: http://innovation-for-extremes.net/gear-timezone/product-biography/product-biography-the-waterproof-jacketpart-1-1820-1938/#sthash.ryUWPmQF.dpuf"


http://www.oregonphotos.com/SierraDesigns3.html

http://camoupedia.blogspot.com/2013/10/french-camouflage-and-criminals.html

Have they made a larger size?
How does the size you have compare to the size reviewed in the you tube video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXADw_8YNok

Granted non of the reviews mention the size of the reviewed product.

I don't know if they've made a larger size, but the one in the video looks just like the he one I have.

Ultimate Survival Technologies has two sizes of tarps.The Base Tarp and the Base Tube Tarp.The Base Tarp is about the size of a couch through blanket.The Base Tube Tube Tarp is around 10'x10' and has a zipper to open it up into a square tarp. I have seen them at MEIJER for forty dollars.

BOATMAN
John

Here is something a bit more sophisticated, lightweight, protective, and definitely more expensive - Tarptents - http://www.tarptent.com/allproducts.html

These products are well regarded in the lightweight backpacking community. I have no direct experience and no connection, etc, etc.

I'm a big fan of "Jerven Fjellduk" (Wolvervine mountain tarp). Essentially a tarp with zippers along the edges, fold it in two and zip up to your favorite configuration (something poncho-like or a bivy bag). Slightly heavier than dedicated emergency bivy bags (such as AMK), but durable enough to be of practical use as tarp, wind breaker, everyday comfort whenever slightly chilly etc.


High quality, the basic model weighs about 650 grams. But it costs plenty of $$$... What can I say, it's a high cost contry (high average income, prices inflated accordingly).

Here's their English brochure for anyone interested:http://jerven.mediabook.no/5/

They started with the "Original", which was a huge hit about 25 years ago, and expanded with insulated models, bigger models, slimmer models, loose arms you could zip on, extension so you could build a tent out of your bivy bag, blazing colors and whatnot. All high quality.

One of the women on BushCraftUSA shared this nifty little "Staying Alive Cold Kit" set-up this winter, using a mylar blanket, some duct tape and a candle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXurGm_7cWc

Mostly Harmless, that Jerven bag looks interesting. Thanks for posting it.

Bacpacjac, we used to do something similar with a military poncho and poncho liner and sterno, while sitting on a rucksack. You just had to leave an opening in the bottom for ventilation and keep a seal around your neck. The candle may be safer, though with less heat. You could get warm and dry very quickly with that setup. I would still be cognizant of carbon monoxide though. Keeping you face out is important. The tea light would be easy to use and to carry.

Great idea. However, I wonder how good it will work when wind collapses it, air cushion around the body seem to be very fragile...
I found reviews of Blizzard Bag, seems to be great product though did not receive good reception here. And apparently similar product sold by LifeSystems.

A caving friend of mine had a compound leg fracture and stayed warm till rescue with a trash bag pulled over her with a hole for her face, and her carbide lamp inside for warmth.