Colin Snow
Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson is widely known for his famous novels such as 'Treasure Island' and 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'. However, he is also believed to have invented the sleeping bag in 1878. In his book 'Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes', Stevenson talks about crafting a sleeping sack made of green waterproof cart cloth without and blue sheep's fur within. The sleeping bag was six feet square and transported by donkey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Invention | 1878 |
| Description | A "sleeping sack" or "sleeping bag" made of "green waterproof cart cloth" and "blue sheep's fur" |
| Size | Six feet square |
| Donkey | Modestine |
| Donkey's Cost | 65 francs and a brandy |
| Donkey's Owner | Stevenson |
| Sleeping Bag's Cost | 80 francs and two glasses of beer |
| Book Mentioning the Sleeping Bag | Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes |
| Book Publication Year | 1879 |
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What You'll Learn
- Stevenson's sleeping bag was made of green waterproof cart-cloth outside and blue sheep's fur within
- The bag was a sort of long roll or sausage
- Stevenson's sleeping bag was six feet square
- Stevenson's sleeping bag was transported by donkey
- Stevenson's sleeping bag was designed to deter campsite visitors
Stevenson's sleeping bag was made of green waterproof cart-cloth outside and blue sheep's fur within
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and traveller, is believed by many to have invented the sleeping bag. In 1878, Stevenson crafted a "sleeping sack" or "sleeping bag" made of "green waterproof cart cloth without and blue sheep's fur within". He described it as "a sort of long roll or sausage", which is essentially what a sleeping bag is.
Stevenson's sleeping bag was designed to be durable and comfortable. The outer layer was made of green waterproof cart cloth, which provided a waterproof barrier to protect the user from the elements. This layer also gave the sleeping bag its distinctive shape, resembling a long roll or sausage. The inner layer was lined with soft blue sheep's fur, providing warmth and a cosy sleeping surface.
Stevenson's invention was likely influenced by his love for adventure and the outdoors, as well as his frequent travels to exotic locations. He often slept outdoors during his journeys and required a practical and comfortable sleeping solution. The sleeping bag served as a convenient and portable option, allowing him to rest wherever his adventures took him.
Stevenson documented his experience with his sleeping bag in his early work, "Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes". In the book, he mentions his "sleeping sack", describing it as "six feet square" in size. This generous dimension allowed him to comfortably stretch out and sleep, making it a significant upgrade from the traditional bedrolls or blankets used by previous outdoor enthusiasts.
Stevenson's sleeping bag was not just a practical invention but also a reflection of his adventurous spirit and creativity. It accompanied him on his journeys, providing comfort and a sense of home wherever he ventured. The design also showcased his ingenuity in creating a functional and innovative solution to the challenges of outdoor sleeping. Today, Stevenson's sleeping bag design continues to inspire modern camping gear, influencing the development of comfortable and practical sleeping solutions for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
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The bag was a sort of long roll or sausage
Robert Louis Stevenson is believed to have invented the sleeping bag. He was a respected writer, adventurer, and traveller who often slept outside during his hikes. In his early travelogue, Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (1879), Stevenson describes designing a 'sleeping-sack' for his travels. He calls it 'the sack', but it was more like a long roll or sausage. It was made of green waterproof cart cloth on the outside and blue sheep's fur on the inside.
Stevenson's sleeping bag was nearly six feet square, with two triangular flaps that could serve as a pillow at night and as the top and bottom of the sack during the day. It was designed to be a bed at night and a portmanteau during the day, allowing him to camp discreetly without advertising his presence to passers-by. Stevenson also carried a fur cap with a hood and a waterproof coat, which he could use to create a small tent for heavy rain.
Stevenson's sleeping bag was designed to be commodious, warm, and dry. He was an early proponent of stealth camping, and his sleeping bag allowed him to camp secretly and avoid becoming a public character while resting. Stevenson's invention has been described as the first dedicated sleeping bag, and while the technology has evolved since then, his design remains a significant innovation.
Stevenson's sleeping bag is said to have measured six feet square and was constructed from green waterproof cart cloth and blue sheep's fur. It is believed that he designed and constructed this sleeping bag in 1878, and it was later memorialised in his book Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes. Stevenson's sleeping bag can still be seen in Vailima, along with a view of Apia, the harbour, and the Pacific.
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Stevenson's sleeping bag was six feet square
Robert Louis Stevenson, the writer behind classic novels such as Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, is also believed to have invented the sleeping bag. Stevenson was an avid traveller and hiker who often chose to sleep outdoors. This is said to have inspired him to create a sleeping bag out of "green waterproof cart-cloth without and blue sheep's fur within".
Stevenson's sleeping bag was designed to be carried by a donkey, which he named Modestine. He purchased the donkey in France for 65 francs and a brandy. Stevenson considered the donkey to be an "appurtenance" to his sleeping bag, referring to her as a "self-acting bedstead on four castors".
The writer's sleeping bag invention has been described as an "early sleeping bag", and it is believed that his creation laid the foundation for the modern sleeping bags we know today. Stevenson's sleeping bag can still be seen on display in Vailima, along with a view of Apia, the harbour, and the Pacific.
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Stevenson's sleeping bag was transported by donkey
Robert Louis Stevenson is known for his literary works, such as 'Treasure Island' and 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'. However, he is also believed to have invented the sleeping bag. Stevenson was a frequent traveller and often slept outside during his journeys. In 1878, he undertook a 12-day, 200-kilometre solo hiking journey through the Cévennes mountains in south-central France. Stevenson's sleeping bag was made of "green waterproof cart-cloth without and blue sheep's fur within" and was described as "a sort of long roll or sausage".
Stevenson's sleeping bag was so large and heavy that it required a donkey to carry it. The donkey's name was Modestine, and she accompanied Stevenson on his journey through the Cévennes. Stevenson purchased Modestine from her previous owner for 65 francs and a brandy. He described her as "a diminutive she-ass, not much bigger than a dog, the colour of a mouse, with a kindly eye and a determined under-jaw". Stevenson's decision to bring a donkey on his journey was influenced by the fact that his sleeping bag was too bulky to carry on his own. In his book, 'Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes', Stevenson wrote about the convenience of having a donkey to carry his sleeping bag and other belongings.
Stevenson's sleeping bag served multiple purposes during his journey. In addition to providing a comfortable place to sleep at night, it also served as luggage during the day and helped to camouflage him from nosy locals. The Cévennes region was sparsely populated and impoverished, and Stevenson's unusual appearance and behaviour often drew attention from the locals. By sleeping outdoors and carrying a pistol, Stevenson may have been perceived as a robber or a danger to the local community.
Stevenson's journey with Modestine was not without its challenges. He described the donkey as "stubborn and manipulative", and he struggled to master her. Despite these difficulties, Stevenson formed a bond with Modestine and even dedicated a section of his book to her, acknowledging the important role she played in his journey. Stevenson's experience with Modestine and his sleeping bag invention have left a lasting impact on outdoor literature and recreational activities. Today, hikers continue to retrace Stevenson's steps through the Cévennes, often accompanied by donkeys, paying tribute to his pioneering spirit and love for exploration.
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Stevenson's sleeping bag was designed to deter campsite visitors
Robert Louis Stevenson, the writer behind classics such as Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Hyde, is believed to have invented the sleeping bag in 1878. In his book Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, Stevenson talks about his creation of a "sleeping sack", which was "six feet square" and made of "green waterproof cart cloth without and blue sheep's fur within".
Stevenson was a frequent traveller and often slept outside during his hikes. He found that when camping, local people would realise he was there and drop in at all hours of the night to talk to him. Stevenson's sleeping bag was designed to deter such campsite visitors. It served a triple purpose: a bed at night, luggage by day, and camouflage against unwanted visitors.
Stevenson's sleeping bag was large enough that it had to be transported by donkey. In Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, Stevenson writes about his journey with a donkey named Modestine, who carried his sleeping bag. Stevenson describes the sleeping bag as a "huge package", and his decision to bring a donkey as a "beast of burden" was influenced by the fact that his sleeping bag was too big to carry on his own.
Stevenson's sleeping bag was designed to be a functional and practical solution to his camping experiences. It provided him with a comfortable place to sleep while also deterring unwanted visitors. By having a sleeping bag that could be easily transported during the day and offered some camouflage at night, Stevenson was able to enjoy his travels and hikes without the constant interruptions of local people dropping by his campsite.
Stevenson's invention of the sleeping bag has left a lasting impact on camping and outdoor recreation. Today, sleeping bags are a common piece of camping equipment, offering comfort and convenience to campers and hikers. While technology has improved since Stevenson's time, with modern sleeping bags being more compact and lightweight, his original concept of a portable and functional sleeping solution remains a key aspect of camping and outdoor adventures.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Robert Louis Stevenson invented the first sleeping bag known to modern travel literature.
Robert Louis Stevenson invented the sleeping bag in 1878.
Stevenson's sleeping bag was six feet square, roomy but bulky. It was made of "green waterproof cart cloth without and blue sheep's fur within". It has been described as "a sort of long roll or sausage".
Stevenson liked to sleep outside during his travels and hikes. He found that local people would drop in on his campsite at all hours of the night, waking him up to talk. The sleeping bag served a triple purpose: bed at night, luggage by day, and camouflage against nosy parkers.
