Herbie Murray
In the 1960s, the US military experimented with paper sleeping bags. One such test was recounted by a former Marine Corps member who claimed that, during his service between 1964 and 1968, they were given paper sleeping bags to use. He described the bags as made of heavy paper, possibly waxed for waterproofing, but ultimately ineffective in protecting them from the cold. Similar paper sleeping bags were also issued to firefighters during that era.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1967 |
| Military Branch | Marines |
| Material | Paper, possibly waxed for waterproofing |
| Outcome | Failed test |
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What You'll Learn
A former Marine recalls a one-time test of paper sleeping bags
A former Marine recently recalled a one-time test of paper sleeping bags during his time in the Corps. The ex-Marine, whose service spanned from 1964 to 1968, recounted that they were issued heavy paper sleeping bags that may have been waxed for waterproofing. He described the test as a resounding failure, resulting in a long, cold, and uncomfortable night.
He explained that the paper sleeping bags were insufficient for keeping warm and provided little more protection than butcher paper. The test occurred only once, which was more than enough for the Marines who participated. The former Marine's experience aligns with that of another individual who shared their story on the same forum.
This individual recalled that, in the mid-1960s, paper sleeping bags were issued to firefighters. While these bags provided some warmth, they were not ideal in rainy conditions and would wear out after about a week. The account also mentions an overnight field trip to Camp Pendelton in December 1963, where they used paper sleeping bags.
These recollections provide insight into the experimental use of paper sleeping bags during the 1960s. While the tests did not yield successful results, they showcase the efforts made to explore alternative options for sleeping gear, particularly for those serving in challenging outdoor conditions.
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The test occurred sometime between 1964 and 1968
According to a comment on a forum post, a user's father recalled that sometime between 1964 and 1968, during his time in the Marine Corps, they used paper sleeping bags. He speculated that it might have been a test run for a new type of sleeping bag. The paper was described as heavy and possibly waxed for waterproofing. However, the test was not successful, and the Marines spent a cold night with little protection from the elements. The commenter's father mentioned that it happened only once, which was enough to highlight the ineffectiveness of the paper sleeping bags.
Another comment on the same forum post corroborates the story, recalling that in the mid-1960s, paper sleeping bags were issued to firefighters. These bags provided some warmth, but they would wear out within a week and were inadequate in rainy or snowy conditions. This commenter also mentions that they had a similar experience while at ITR, Camp Pendleton, in December 1963, where they used paper sleeping bags for an overnight stay in the field.
While the exact date of the test within the 1964-1968 timeframe is unclear, these forum comments provide insights into the potential experimentation with paper sleeping bags by the Marine Corps during that era. It's interesting to note that similar paper sleeping bags were also used by firefighters during the same time period.
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The paper sleeping bags failed to keep Marines warm
Paper sleeping bags were tested by the US Marines in the mid-1960s, with one former Marine recalling his experience in a forum post. According to the post, the paper sleeping bags were made of heavy paper, possibly waxed for waterproofing. However, the test was a failure as the paper bags did not provide adequate warmth. The poster's father, who was also a Marine in the same period, confirmed that the paper sleeping bags were not effective in keeping them warm. He recalled spending a cold night wrapped in little more than butcher paper.
Another forum post by an individual who worked on firefighting crews as a teenager in the mid-1960s shared a similar experience. They mentioned that paper sleeping bags were issued to firefighters back then, and while they provided some warmth, they were not ideal in rainy or cold weather.
The paper sleeping bags were likely intended to be a lightweight and disposable alternative to traditional sleeping bags. However, it is clear from the experiences shared by these individuals that the paper sleeping bags failed to meet the basic requirement of providing sufficient warmth for users in various weather conditions. It is probable that the Marines discontinued the use of paper sleeping bags after these unsuccessful trials.
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The paper may have been waxed for waterproofing
Paper sleeping bags may seem like an unusual concept, but they were reportedly used by the US Marines during a test run in 1967. According to a firsthand account, the paper used was heavy and may have been waxed for waterproofing. While the test was ultimately unsuccessful, resulting in a cold and uncomfortable night, the use of waxed paper for waterproofing has some practical applications.
Wax has long been used as a traditional waterproofing method, and its application to paper is a well-known technique. By impregnating the paper fibres with wax, the capillary action of the paper is interrupted, preventing the absorption of water. This process essentially blocks the tiny spaces within the paper that would normally allow water to pass through, creating a barrier that keeps the paper dry.
The use of waxed paper for sleeping bags may have been an attempt to combine the warmth-retaining properties of paper with the added protection of waterproofing. Paper is known to have some insulating qualities, and the heavy-duty paper used in the sleeping bags could have provided a level of warmth. However, paper is also highly absorbent, and without proper waterproofing, it would have been ineffective in damp or rainy conditions.
Waxed paper is still commonly used today in various applications where waterproofing is essential. For example, it is used in the production of food packaging and in the creation of art, where it provides a unique texture and a waterproof surface for painting. While the use of paper sleeping bags by the Marines may not have been successful, the concept of waxing paper for waterproofing remains a practical and useful technique in other contexts.
It is important to note that while waxing paper can enhance its waterproofing capabilities, it may not provide complete protection against heavy or prolonged exposure to water. The effectiveness of waterproofing depends on various factors, including the type of wax used, the method of application, and the quality of the paper itself. Therefore, while waxing may have been intended to improve the functionality of the paper sleeping bags, it may not have been sufficient to withstand the rigors of field use.
In conclusion, the use of waxed paper for waterproofing is a plausible explanation for the paper sleeping bags tested by the Marines in 1967. While the test may not have met its intended goals, it stands as an example of the innovative approaches considered for providing practical solutions to the challenges faced by military personnel in the field.
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Paper sleeping bags were also used by firefighters in the 1960s
Paper sleeping bags were used by firefighters in the 1960s, specifically those fighting forest fires. These paper sleeping bags were described as being made of heavy paper, possibly waxed for waterproofing. They were not particularly effective at keeping firefighters warm, and they would often wear out within a week. If it rained or snowed, the paper sleeping bags provided little protection from the cold and wet conditions.
One individual recalled their experience using a paper sleeping bag as a firefighter in Idaho, where they woke up to frost on the bag and spent the night shivering. They also mentioned that the paper sleeping bags were not suitable for extended use, as they would need to be replaced about once a week.
Another comment from a user whose father was a Marine in the 1960s mentioned that he recalled a similar experience. He stated that the paper sleeping bags were a failed experiment, and they spent a cold night with little protection from the elements.
While paper sleeping bags may have been used by firefighters and possibly tested by the Marines in the 1960s, their effectiveness was questionable. It is important to prioritize the safety and comfort of individuals working in challenging conditions, and high-quality sleeping bags and equipment are essential to ensuring a good rest during cold nights and mornings.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence to support this claim. However, it is possible that the Marines tested paper sleeping bags in the mid-1960s, as one person recalls their father using one during his time in the Corps (1964-1968).
The paper sleeping bags were made of heavy paper that may have been waxed for waterproofing.
No, the test failed. One user recalled that the paper sleeping bag offered little protection from the cold.
Yes, paper sleeping bags were also issued to firefighters in the 1960s.
