Abstract: A handle for easily and quickly deploying a shelter wherein a conventional “instant” type shelter is provided having a deployment handle made of webbing material attached to the upper corner of diagonally opposed shelter frame comers, allowing the users to grasp the deployment handles and move outward from each other to expand the shelter frame to its full footprint prior to raising the frame to its desired height and locking it in place.

Abstract: A sleeping bag (20) having a top (24), a bottom (26), a primary attachment structure (28) for attaching the top to the bottom so as to form a bag, and a secondary attachment structure (34), independent of the primary attachment structure, that is releasable to create an opening to provide access to an inside of the sleeping bag and that is closable to close the opening. A mesh panel (40) covers the opening when the secondary attachment structure is released.

Abstract: A tightly rolled sleeping bag. The tightly rolled sleeping bag is rolled using conventional equipment, but pressure is applied to an end of the sleeping bag so as to cause the sleeping bag to be more tightly rolled than previous sleeping bags. Rolling tines for a rolling machine for rolling the sleeping bag are tapered so as to aid in removal of the tightly rolled sleeping bag. A storage sack is provided for holding the sleeping bag. The storage sack is configurable between a first arrangement where the storage sack holds the sleeping bag in the tight configuration, and a second arrangement where the storage sack may be released and expands to hold the sleeping bag in a less tightly rolled configuration. To provide such a function, an expansion section is provided on the storage sack. A closure is provided on the expansion section.

Abstract: A backpack (160) with an air frame (162). The backpack includes a storage compartment, an air frame (162), and at least one strap (168) for securing the bag to a person. The air frame (162) includes an air bladder, which stiffens as it is inflated. The air frame (162) may include portions that are individually inflatable, and a pump (26) may be included for inflating the air frame (162). The backpack (160) may include inflatable portions (22) designed to provide support to specific portions of a user's body.

Abstract: A sleeping bag having a cinch mechanism that can be closed with a single hand. The cinch mechanism includes, for example, a loop and a cord attached at an end of the sleeping bag. When the sleeping bag has been rolled, the loop is pulled in one direction, while the cord is pulled in the other direction. The cord is then extended through the loop, and pulled back and attached to itself. For example, a clasp may be used to attach the cord to itself.

Abstract: A sleeping bag having a cinch mechanism that can be closed with a single hand. The cinch mechanism includes, for example, a loop and a cord attached at an end of the sleeping bag. When the sleeping bag has been rolled, the loop is pulled in one direction, while the cord is pulled in the other direction. The cord is then extended through the loop, and pulled back and attached to itself. For example, a clasp may be used to attach the cord to itself.

Abstract: A sleeping bag that includes at least one clasp configured and arranged to hold sections of a sleeping bag together while the sleeping bag is rolled for storage. In use, when a user desires to roll the sleeping bag, sections of the sleeping bag are folded together, and the clasp or clasps are utilized to hold the sections of the sleeping bag together, which may help in maintaining alignment of the sections during rolling. In accordance with another embodiment, an inner liner extends along the inside of the sleeping bag and is exposed to part of the outer surface of the sleeping bag. The portion of the inner liner extending beyond the outer cover extends back over a section of the outer cover to form a cushion at the head of the sleeping bag.

Abstract: A sleeping bag that includes at least one clasp configured and arranged to hold sections of a sleeping bag together while the sleeping bag is rolled for storage. In use, when a user desires to roll the sleeping bag, sections of the sleeping bag are folded together, and the clasp or clasps are utilized to hold the sections of the sleeping bag together, which may help in maintaining alignment of the sections during rolling. In accordance with another embodiment, an inner liner extends along the inside of the sleeping bag and is exposed to part of the outer surface of the sleeping bag. The portion of the inner liner extending beyond the outer cover extends back over a section of the outer cover to form a cushion at the head of the sleeping bag.

Abstract: A sleeping bag allows users to adjust the bag between a conventional rectangular bag and a narrowed mummy-style bag, thereby adjusting the internal volume of the bag. This allows a user to reduce the inner air space of the bag forming a tapered mummy-style shape for maximum comfort in cold weather. The sleeping bag user may also expand the inner space of the bag into a non-tapered, substantially rectangular shape for maximum comfort and freedom of movement in warm weather. This adjustment may be accomplished quickly and easily via one or more secondary external zippers or a system of toggles and loops, allowing the sleeping bag user to respond to even sudden changes in temperature.