Floating Bladders

The Floating Bladder Floating Bladder original: 浮囊 (funang) is constructed using a seamless sheepskin Whole-Skin Hide original: 渾脫 (huntuo); a specialized tanning method where the skin is removed from the animal in one piece without a belly slit, creating a naturally airtight bag when the limb and neck openings are tied off.

To use this device, one blows air into the skin until it is completely full, then tightly ties the opening shut. By binding the bladder under the armpits, a person is able to float, allowing them to cross the water.

This technique represents an early form of the life jacket. By securing the inflated skin under the arms, the soldier's center of gravity remains stable, and their arms remain free to paddle or maintain a grip on their equipment during a crossing. This was particularly useful for the "vanguard" units mentioned previously, who required silent and efficient means to traverse rivers without the need for bulky boats.