A Modern Ranger Roll Sleep System

[@GruntProof]

Extra info: I have tried the Snugpak Jungle Blanket this way and it is definitely a step above the poncho liner. We always carried a poncho with us, it was just a matter of being able to build a shelter or not. That's why the bivy became a crucial item. For colder weather, here's how we used the MSS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2XEf5eaoM6qhpo Here is an oldschool method for making a Winter Ranger Roll: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iafMn6V9bdKhjcU

[@najroe]

that jungle blanket reminds me of something that I made for myself ~30 years ago, parachute silk, a mylar "space" blanket and fleece blanket held together with spray glue and swewn along edges, theirs is just better version.

[@jvaughn090284]

I use the jungle blanket 365 it’s really to step above the poncho liner.

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

People used to discredit having a mat making one in the field but it's a huge part of staying warm and comfortable, it doesn't weigh enough to be thrown out, for how light they are there literally a game-changer just usually bulky.

[@jacobclemens7389]

I always cut out a buttpad (or slightly larger) sized sleep mat and stuck it in between my ruck and frame. Always worked like a charm and less bulky!

[@jay-by1se]

Infantry don't use sleeping pads most of the time. Because we are morons.

[@nodecency4564]

German gold away matt - thank me later lads

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

@@jacobclemens7389 that's probably comfortable as hell too against your back too!

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

@@jay-by1se hahahahaha fking crying laughing at that comment that's how I felt when I was trying to be some tough guy Woodsman now I regret every time I don't have something like that haha "I'm getting too old for this shit Griggs", (Danny glover)

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

I was in the "old generation" (85-94) we didn't have the stuff youns have. a poncho and a woobie were all we had most of the time. one thing we did that I havent seen you talk about was keep the woobie in a dry bag/stuff sack to compact it. didn't make it lighter, but it made it so we could roll our poncho on the back of out pistol belt/LBE. so when it started raining, we could get it out with out having to worry about getting the woobie wet or having to reroll it.

[@scout-le9ci]

i always toss in 4 mylar blankets. they are not durable hence 4 of em but they weigh ounces. they are great for many uses. they are light weight, waterproof and will hold some heat in.

[@jeffanon1772]

"Travel light..freeze at night"

[@NatDee-yj6nv]

Let your buddies sleep in.... or you may lose your friends.

[@NonyaDamnbusiness]

LOL, no. If you're a 19K, 19D, 11B, etc. you are *not* free to just diverge from the mandated sleep system at all, period. Maybe for Rangers and Very Special Forces they can do what they want in a field exercise or on deployment but for the vast majority of modern ground combat forces the MTOE and Company packing list will choose your sleep system for you prior to deployment and there will be bag dumps and checks just prior to deployment - and even afterwards - to verify that you are carrying the sleep system that the CO/BN/BDE/DIV has decided you *will* carry and use. I've verified that via deployments across four different wars - Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan - with various RA units. We were *always* ordered to roll up and take the *entire* modular sleep system and that was everyone in the entire unit, from 19Ks on down to 19Ds & 11Bs and medics, mechanics, artillery, etc. Even the Air Force TACPs with us would carry it too. for Bosnia in '95 and Kosovo in '99 we had no idea what we were getting into but a combination of CIA World Factbook and the mini country guides DOD would print up for us let know what the average temps would be for various parts of the year and it was always "extremely cold" or "extremely hot" so command would just dictate we take the whole thing. Those Balkan winters were no joke. Being a tanker myself for the most part I didn't care. Sleep gear got rolled up, stuffed into a duffle, wrapped in the tank tarp, and the entire "tank burrito" with everyone's duffle bags went into the bustle rack on the back of the turret with our rucks strapped to the outside of the rack. The rucks held all our "ready gear" that we might need to get to easier than opening the burrito roll and going into a duffle. Tank is life. Tank is love. Never get off the tank - ever. Bad things happen when you leave the tank.

[@AndrewWisler]

Mad respect, and thank you for serving your country. Grunts aren’t the only audience here, though, and many of us are seeking to incorporate some grunt wisdom (minus the command silliness) into civilian life. I appreciate your perspective.

[@RoughWalkers]

Thats so american "Very Special Forces" and i know what you mean the USA class clerks as Special Forces

[@stayinyourlaneplease]

I guess thats why its called a ranger roll and not an infantry roll

[@dcmsr5141]

Back in the day '79-'87 you got Article 15's for having non/issue gear, it's for good reason.

[@kurtbaier6122]

Great to hear the sleep system evolution. Sounds like you have it dialed in. I served 76-80. Poncho liner with poncho was used for summer post Vietnam Nam, fall and spring liner and wool blanket, wool blanket mountain down bag with cotton cover winter. My minimal kit since then is a SOL double sized Mylar sheet safety pinned to my M81 woodland poncho liner, which I use as an over guilt with my feet in the snapped and tied together foot box and the rest tucked in around me, and a M-81 woodland military poncho. A 55 Gallon drum liner bag holds the liner and poncho combo and sleeping pad together. Or the poncho can be draped and staked over everything. I have been using a klymit 16 0z inflatable pad. The SOL Mylar sheet is bonded to flexible material and is very quiet, and inexpensive. I reinforced the pinned areas and the head slit I made in the Mylar sheet with clear gorilla tape. And put a 22” zipper in the poncho liner, so I have the option of wearing all three together, liner, Mylar sheet and poncho. Which is ideal for grunts catching some winks and taking watch. Or for those packing light and need an overcoat. To lighten the load further the 5 oz SOL double sized Mylar sheet can also be used as a tarp obviously without the slit for a head opening. Tie outs can be made with a larks head knot over a marble trapped by the Mylar material wherever you need one. You can use a smaller military style nylon poncho to lighter the load further as the old issue is like 1,9 lbs (?). I like having the option of attaching or removing the Mylar sheet. Very hot temps liner is enough. Cooler temps add the Mylar sheet on the outside of the liner. For .cold temps pin the Mylar sheet on the inside of the liner shiny side next to your clothes. If windy or possible rain showers place Mylar Sheet on the outside of liner. Use poncho for above coverage. With a dry tee shirt and warm socks with boots or runners on with a warming layer like gortex rain Jacket or fleece sweater or shirt 50-55F. Gortex Jacket, fleece sweater, thermal top and bottoms, warm dry socks with boots or runners on down to 30F. I’ve used this system into the 20s but would add a wool blanket between 25-30F. Anything colder I go to my Wiggys lamilite zero degree sleeping bag. Highly recommend wiggys bags and boot liners. I wear the liners with no socks as recommended and wear them in and out of my rubber boots and in and out of my sleeping bag. Finally warm feet.

[@mdog1615]

I dig these vids man ! I’m raising 3 kids on a single income , fancy expensive gear just isn’t possible for me , cheap surplus is what I buy and use , your vids really help me nail down what to get and how to use it properly. It saves me money by not having to buy multiple incorrect items before I figure out what works. And it helps me understand how to use these items properly because I don’t have military experience or know anyone that does. All around good advice that’s useable and helpful!

[@the_ultra_robot6884]

Northface is having a huge sale, tons of stuff online, and if you live near an outlet store, even more gear and clothes

[@jastrapper190]

I think in a previous video you mentioned a Water proof bag designed for a rucksack. I mentioned plastic trash bags or 55 gallon drum liners are a good multipurpose alternative. That USGI bivy is a great “waterproof bag” as well. Everything in the “foot box” up to the level of the zipper will hold water in if you need to store multi gallons for A LONG TIME… In the same way it will keep water out so long as the top is tied/secured adequately. You can even use the tied up bivy with air inside as a pillow for a time or as a float to cross bodies of water. The bivy is a must have to keep a casualty alive in a cold environment. In hot weather it can be all the insulation needed but it keeps away all the ants and mosquitos.. the bivy is excellent kit. Also, for more versatility and greater temperature ranges… nobody says you can’t “tie” two poncho liners together. It will provide significantly more insulation value than you would imagine because of all the additional “dead air” volume created. You can also get “multiple” options for which poncho camoflage pattern is on the outside. The combination punches well above it’s weight class. Especially inside of a gortex bivy bag. In extreme cold… your “insulation” and shelter becomes much more critical… infantryman can “suck up” a lot but when you’re laying in an ambush for hours at night at ten below zero… you need the insulation to survive any prolonged periods of decreased movement (including sleeping).

[@muskett4108]

The British Army have been using bivi bags for a long time now. Issue ones are a three layer goretex type and very robust but heavy grunt proof. The best imho, and most breathable, though less warm and less tough, is the Rab Alpine. Its pretty packable and light weigh and the top made of eVent breathable fabric. You can't do personal administration with just a bivi bag. A poncho is still required as the minimal if only to give cover for a work area. Blow up thermal mat was a great idea for pack size. I used a folding foam pad which could be deployed even when just in any add hoc fire position that you could be there for a while, read hours. Just got you off the frozen German ground and was deployable in seconds. A bivi is very tactical, but very job specific, and most of the time not enough. Modern featherweight tents are not tactical but sure are heaven. Love the vids.

[@aar5pj]

I once heard an old saying in the 1971 era Army ..."Those who travel light don't sleep at night" Don't know if that applies here since I have never used the systems that you have described. But, I remember the "old style" poncho (1960's era) that was a rubber coated cotton affair and it was much warmer out in the field when used as a blanket than your modern day lightweight nylon versions. Good video!

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

I was in 85-94, and remember the old rubber coated ponchos. they were heavier, but never soaked through.

[@aar5pj]

@@OtherThanIntendedPurpose Yup, you are very correct. It's the one I would want to have with me in a cold heavy rain.

[@jastrapper190]

Think of the poncho part of the ranger roll as representing zero insulation value. It’s not there for insulation. That’s what the poncho liner (or two or three) is for. The poncho is a wind barrier. It’s also a rain barrier. This can also be a problem because the bodies perspiration (or wet clothing) that moisture has no way to “get out” either unless vented properly. However if lying out under the stars perfectly happy in your poncho… when you wake up and it starts to piss rain and howling wind… you’ll be thankful for the waterproof/wind proof layer so you can go back to sleep. Hope that makes sense how and why you would use the poncho and the liner.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Travel light, freeze at night...

[@woodsghost9088]

A cotton tarp from a tractor store (maybe hardware stores?) May be what you want.

[@howardvarley8795]

Brilliant. Your son will never forget these moments with you or the lessons you taught him.. Loved this video.

[@1bobharvey]

I still use a old gortex bivvy and green jungle bag. I have added the same neo air pad. Foam is definitely preferable to inflatable if you are worried about people shooting at you. But I regularly use my jungle bag and green bivvy here in alaska down to about 15°f with a neo air. Works great, keeps you warm and dry even if you are somewhere that pitching a tent won't fit in a pinch. Can fit all 3 in a 20L dry bag and strap it to the bottom of my pack for easy access or to drop and save wait where I want camp.

[@Info-qw8vi]

> alaska down to about 15°f With just a British army green jungle bag? What are you wearing and do you have a tent and fire going? Even for British forces the jungle bag is used inside the bigger bag for Winter cold climate use.

[@1bobharvey]

@Info-qw8vi it's my old usmc green sleeping bag and the goretex bivy with a Neo air. They came as a 3 piece system with a black heavy winter one I never pack. Not sure if the brits one is the same. No fire, just a tent usually. But if the weather isn't raining or I'm in a hurry I won't put the tent up.

[@chriskeating5926]

Hi Randall great video! you have a gift of explaining things in such a good way ! I never served but did years in the scouts ...we camped everywhere mountains, to the ocean and even Martha's vineyard every spring / summer and we had a Saying travel light, freeze at night. I later learned it was from the military. our old scout master told us to Pis in an old peanut butter jar or the like for winter camping and use that to keep warm inside your blanket or sleeping bag ,one of us tried it and it works good for a long while.This video is excellent at giving examples of options we can use ! Thank you! Cheers from Beantown😎🤙

[@thetrailgoat]

For my ultralight Ranger Roll I’m using the 2goSysyems Trifecta Bivy. I know it wasn’t Grunt Proof as a tarp but that wasn’t it’s main function. As a bivy was it’s main function and it works well. Ultralight and warm

[@brett76544]

One thing I added to the poncho and liner was the shelter half. Going poncho, shelter half and liner. I have had storms that dropped the tarp of the M113 where the rest of the squad moved into the APC to finish sleeping in wet sleeping bags. I was totally dry from the driving storm. Later I changed to the gortex sleeping system shell. Still at my cabin now, a sheet with the poncho liner or wool blanket on a bed.

[@juliensaulas4747]

The snugpak bivy is awesome. In xl version you can easily place your mat inside and still have room. Thank you Randall for the inspiration you give us along the years ;)

[@jeffccr3620]

Yep a good contractor trash bad stuffed with grass and leaves is a good insulation Matt

[@jeffccr3620]

Bag not bad spell check got me

[@miken7629]

I modified the SOL Escape Breathable Bivy into a Top Quilt by cutting down the center of the top side down to 3 feet from the foot end creating a foot box, then turn it over with the bottom on top (which is longer) that covers my head, then a torso pad, inflatable pillow and cold weather clothing.

[@andrewwickes1091]

That bivy cover in the MSS is awesome. I only really used it once but it worked great! Last night out in the box at JRTC. All the tents are packed in the trucks, just us under the trees. We had our cots, sleeping pads, sleeping bags and ruck sacks. Being JRTC, it wouldn't be complete without a down pour. No choice but to bust that bivy out. I was honestly surprised at how dry I was, bone dry. I went out and bought my own personal system when I ETS'd cause I want to hang on to it.

[@andrewwickes1091]

@ClickOnProfile6669 really?? Oh my God! That's so cool! I totally trust you. You're definitely not a fake channel or anything...

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

Screw the weight - I wouldn't take anything for the MSS bivy. You can literally shelter in place in it during a downpour and stay dry....save your LIFE if it's a cold rain. Deploys in seconds, puts up just as easily, mixes well with pads and woobies, very versatile piece of kit.

[@TonyFromChicago_]

Pog

[@stevenhall2408]

Memories of ROTC....a mid 1970s tactical hike I hauled my "space blanket" and "rubber bitch" inflatable air mattress along with my M65 with liner in my Alice pack. Was above 7,000 ft in the fall but I was warm as long as I maintained the seal around me, slept the whole night until wake up for my 4 to 6 watch. Insulation from the ground was the key. I like those Thermarest self inflating pads, now.

[@Town101]

Thank you for making this video. OH, and thanks for your service. I appreciate that you explain YOUR experience and you don't push the latest, not-greatest.

[@matts9]

1991Desert Storm - Mortar Platoon - 101st. 1st night in Iraq was 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Poncho, Poncho Liner, space blanket (AKA Casualty Blanket - not the cheap mylar stuff they have today). Worked my whole time in the Infantry. Nuff said...

[@johnydsmithson6834]

I have a poncho from the 80's that is extremely thick. Used it for years doing carpentry and tiling and for the field. I have that and a shelter half. I also pack a fleece and spare set of thiccc wool socks. PNW gets drenching wet snd extremely cold n windy in the pines. Works good. I'd like to drop my shelter and stakes for using my poncho for shelter and get s proper bivy opposed to venting a thick black garbage bag (works amazing).

[@DonnellPrince]

I tried to Rambo it my first night while camping at Shenandoah national park. Jumped in my MSS so damn quick. This Father’s Day weekend. Yes the weather dropped and the wind’s picked up.

[@christopherstudley9374]

Yep. No need to be a hero, yes ? Bet you're glad you had it to jump in.

[@wisenber]

If I know I'm trying to go as light as i can and will be getting crap sleep anyway, I just wear a poncho or something similar put a sit pad under my behind and lean up against a tree, wall, rock or ruck. To knock a chill off, pull your head under the hood and heat some water or beverage over an Ezbit between your legs. You'll get heat from the Ezbit and the beverage.

[@5695q]

Huffing those fuel tabs will put you in a box sooner rather than later, make sure your getting plenty of ventilation.

[@wisenber]

@@5695q It's not like a poncho outdoors is airtight. There's air coming from the bottom and going out the hood behind your head. Not a good idea for hours, but five minutes isn't much of an issue. That, and it beats hypothermia.

[@kenmvilla]

Every dude in my unit would just ranger roll it and suffer. I was pretty much the only one with the old mummy bag and pussy pad. Later on when the MSS came out I would just take the bivvy and put my woobie in it. With my thermals on works down to about 40, but if you're gonna get any lower than that you better bring more cold weather gear.

[@Kinetic.44]

The snugpack is awesome. Contractor bags are a good lightweight compact supplement, both for making a browse bed and extra cover in heavy rain.

[@knotsandfathomsoutdoors2770]

Thanks for the tips! I can’t speak to the water resistance, but the USMC issue bivy has a bug net and is slightly more compact than the mss one.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Ranger Roll only works for a couple months up here haha, but it's SOLID.

[@andy_in_nh9243]

I'd use two poncho liners in my Ranger Roll; the additional weight and bulk was well worth the added warmth.

[@stephengriffn9277]

Saw an interesting poncho liner mod in a military surplus store for all the woobie fans. Two liners were sown together on three sides, leaving an open pocket. A third liner was sown along one edge to create a flap. It may have come from the fertile mind of someone in special ops as the camo had that bright lime green specific to the VN lowlands. Didn't check the dates to see if it was Nam and it was gone when I went back to buy it. The rubberized cotton twill ponchos were twice the weight of nylon, but instant warmth when put on.

[@BandGeek2210]

In 1986 while in Korea we usually used a wool blanket, poncho liner, poncho and the older poly pad. It was seriously cold…..but we made due

[@steveturner3999]

Thanks Randall. Love my MSS bivy and love MRE’s. Two greats in one video.

[@gonzalez519]

I noticed you never unroll them and actually show how they look fully deployed and how to get in in out of them therefore showing the benefits of one over the other.

[@nakkajin]

got down to six degrees with a 40 degree rated quilt and a thermarest pad supplemented with an emergency blanket on a recent adventure this winter with a tarp for rain cover and wind protection at 2.5 lbs. the snugpack sf bivvi is lighter by 2 oz than the silnylon 8x8 tarp i was using but i think tarps are way more versatile as far as setup options go and can accomplish the same thing if you just taco fold it around yourself and if you're not carrying an emergency blanket or two you're wrong. this setup is a bit heavier and a helluva lot more expensive than the modern ultralight setup but gets you a bit more comfort in freezing temps and allows you to actually get to sleep when mother nature throws you a sub freezing curveball. for 3 oz more and 50 bucks less you can swap to an apex quilt and be able to cook yourself dry when you curl up in your shelter for a couple of hours, just remember to wipe off the condensed ice from the outside of the quilt before you pack it up in your bag

[@richardgummere84]

Thanks for comparing the different sleep systems. Interesting to see how they have improved. Cool hat too!

[@charleshowell6097]

My favorite was your woobie (poncho liner) inside a body bag. Completely water proof and warm!

[@Jaden48108]

That's funny!

[@ianmysef8182]

As a Guardsman during the late nineties we would often wrap a closed cell foam sleeping mat with a tarp. The shelter halves were too heavy and slow to set up.

[@Minuteman4Jesus]

Wiggy's makes an ultralight bivvy that packs down VERY small and if you used that with a goretex cover, you'll be toasty in freezing weather (30-35F). The only problem is the high price.

[@themodernminuteman2557]

Great run down on a modernized Ranger Role! I have a similar lightweight bivy from Mountain Hardwear (Conduit SL Bivy) and it packs down similarly (with a Klymit Static V pad). Easily fits into the buttpack of an LBE or in a daypack. Throw in a HT Swagman Basic and it's toasty warm! Appreciate your video on this!

[@GruntProof]

🍻😎

[@donkemp8151]

Army Ranger School February ‘73 - poncho and liner in the North GA Mountains.

[@backwoodsbrooksknives4625]

You could always look into the Sea to Summit Reactor line of sleeping bag liners. Some of them add plus 30° of warmth while packing down to the size of a coke can.

[@brendonaldson8056]

Really?

[@juliensaulas4747]

​@@brendonaldson8056i have the reactor extreme, advertised as such. Actually half as efficient, but it is already impressive and works well, quite compact.

[@renegadearms]

Every so often I use to coat my poncho in the silicone/waterproofing spray hang it up spray thoroughly and let it dry and last for a while.

[@StevenRoberts-m8v]

Glad your well,stay safe and take care!!!!!!!

[@lewistaylor228]

That information was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!!

[@robertphillips93]

Randall, you've got that sleep system dialed in . . . but it's worth mentioning that if you're properly tuckered out, only a full bladder or chattering teeth will prevent at least some kind of decent sleep (assuming no nearly gunfire, of course). Buddy of mine always used a nickname for one of the fast food joints -- called it "gag-in-the-bag" . . . Don't know why I remembered that!

[@Nephitejnf]

Sounds right for Jack-in-the-Box

[@edgarburlyman738]

Best you can do is the goretex bivvy, as heavy a down sleeping bag as you want and an inflatable sleeping mat. If it's actually cold build enough of a shelter to break the wind and rain and keep you half a foot off the ground, that'll help a lot.

[@AdventurewithCaboose]

Great video! Super familiar with these systems myself from back in my 11B days from 99-05. Interestingly enough, I'm actually an ultralight thru-hiker these days. I sort of modified my own version of that with these parts. Zpacks Pocket Tarp w/ doors - 6 oz (Used as a tent, and Ive used in a tarp burrito when lazy lol) Borah Gear Dynemma Bug Bivy - 4.8 oz Thermarest Uberlight - 8 oz Granted, these are expensive, but for 1lbs 2ozs you get have something to sleep on, in, and under. They pack down small enough to fit in a fanny pack and would be great for survival systems. I use it with an 18 oz 20 degree backpacking quilt. I have 3,000 miles on the system and going with zero durability issues thus far. Again, great video and I love how your melding lessons from backpacking/thru-hiking and creating tools to use in a tactical situation.

[@dus777]

sounds grunt proof

[@paulzimmerman3895]

Great vid, Randall! That info brought several things together for me. Thx.

[@janders3205]

This is one of the only guys who states that: “…you will get wet.” That system looks good. I’ve been carrying that type of gortex bivvy sack for years. Right on with the mat: worth the money. Patagonia nano air hoody, breathable micro weave pants and shell. A down hoodie or a super light down marmot bag that you can’t get wet or it’s useless so I keep in a dry bag. Carry ultralight close for “dry” sleeping. Try to take “work” cloths and dry them out over night or put them back on wet just trying to junk and feet healthy. Use wool underwear/socks and base layer. Everyone hates Patagonia but the nano air hoodie (and I just the vest because I get too hot) and the nano wool base hoodie and boot cut bottoms dry fast, keep you warm while wet, and don’t smell. Other brands like smart wool or Sams club work but only last a week in the backcountry. Military gear is heavy and miserable, I don’t know how you guys do it. Looking for a super light,compact, synthetic 40 degree bag and belay hoodie that isn’t $1000.

[@jaredourada]

Depending on location, a hammock can make sleep so much easier. Less than 1 pound and the ground won't be leaching away your body heat. Less than 1lb.

[@joshwagner4368]

Spent more cold and clammy nights than I care to count as a grunt in the 90's wrapped up in a ranger roll poncho/liner combo. These days I carry one of the Helikon Swagman Rolls (26.8 oz) in place of the old liner - zipper closure, better insulation, and can actually wear it with a poncho. I have a slightly different Snugpak bivy, but yes, in its stuff sack it is softball size and weighs just 11.5 oz. Set up with a modern lightweight inflatable sleeping pad (my Sea to Summit insulated pad is 17.6 oz) beneath a poncho or a tarp and it definitely does the job, but the 'system' weighs just 3.5 pounds. No, it won't provide perfect protection from a drenching thunderstorm or monsoon rain, but it is way lighter and less bulky. The perfect is the enemy of the good.

[@thewrathfulbadger2614]

If you ever get the chance I's recommend taking a look at the Jerven from Norway. Especially the original. Its a light-weight, incredibly compact. Survival poncho/shelter that can be deployed as a tarp but also zip up to fully enclose, all with a reflective inner to reflect your heat to keep you warm.

[@LaconianConcepts]

Nice overview. I’ve used all 3 systems and I think they each have a use. Good on you for giving the SF bivy a fair spotlight (as I know you’re not a huge fan of Snugpak). I have had good luck with some of their products, not great with other. That Bivy is probably my favorite piece of kit they make though… My go to setup I use for a quick deploy sleep system is the SF bivy, SF1 bag (SP’s SF system compliment piece to the patrol bag but lighter and warmer, and a Klymit insulated recon pad (designed with mil in mind so it’s more durable but id wager not “grunt proof”). Totals in weight around 3.6lbs if you ditch the stuff sacks and Ranger roll it. If I want a little more comfort and know it will be wet I can add the trekology inflatable pillow (literally smaller than a fist and weighs 3oz) and an aquaquest guide tarp (2 pop cans stacked rough dimensions and about 1.3lbs). The tarp is 10x10 so you get a LOT more coverage than a GI poncho at roughly the same weight. Plus you can make it into more shelter configurations with the square shape. Anyway… love the content. You have clearly used and thought out your gear and I’m here for it! EDIT: bonus points for the Nalgene 🤘🏽I’m a backpacker in the PNW and I’ll never ditch mine!

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

One thing no sleeping pad will do is produce heat. I used to rip up long grass by the armload and lay that down as a mat in a shallow hollow dug in the ground. Then the poncho over that. The grass as it decomposes will compost, and composting creates a significant amount of heat. Of course this is not at all "leave no trace", but then army base training areas were usually already pretty well used and abused.

[@azhomeboy2000]

You eat that spinach fettuccine like it's a juicy ribeye or sumthin. My respect!

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

Reported the scam when post. Your welcome brother.

[@zvoonyoutube1855]

Good video, good advice, unbelievably underrated!

[@tmutant]

I really like your content. Concise and informative.

[@kennethwilson8633]

I’m a bit older than you we used the wool blanket inside our poncho…the poncho liner is not much warmer than a sheet. Oh definitely use a bivi over a poncho. Have fun stay safe.

[@corporaterobotslave400]

Walmart sells those Klymit Static V and Insulated Static V air mattresses now; V is $49.88 and Insulated is $84.98 just got 'em today. No, I don't work for either co. Stay frosty.

[@harvestblades]

Not sure what a good condition MSS is running nowadays, but when I was able to get some in like new condition for $100 I wish I could have bought a pallet of them. Just like the old Alice ruck yes, of course they are heavy, but the value (low cost high performance & bombproof) is exceptional. Living & or camping in areas with drastic & severe weather I love the MSS. The only ting the MSS is missing is no see um netting over the face & foot box so you keep your feet cool for when you get to sleep without boots on, but those are easy enough mods. The bivy & either a jungle bag or woobie (maybe both if you need it) can cover a wide range of temps & like you said it can be a monsoon & you'll at least stay dryer especially if you set up even a simple tarp shelter. Personally I woukd rather carry 6 items I can mix & match then two items that lock me in to being comfortable in a narrow range. Anyways great video & I've been meaning to grab one of those snugpack bivvies for emergencies or when there is only a chance of precip. What I do need are some new poncho liners as my old mil ones are so broken down, & my kids stole my newer Chicom ones.

[@JoeMac1983]

Helikon Tex ponchos are quite a bit smaller than the USGI ponchos. When you add up the square footage, they're about 5sqft less. They're 7" narrower and an inch or two shorter in length.

[@EnigmaticAnomaly]

I'm going to make one of my own: Figure the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm (as the big ticket item) inside of the Snugpak Special Forces Bivy, wrapped in something like the Frog Tact Bivvy 2.0 Emergency Sleeping Bag for added warmth, and a top cover like a waterproof tarp or poncho for protection from the rain.

[@juliensaulas4747]

Take the xl version if you plan on putting a mat inside. It is doable in both but much more leg room in the xl

[@FrictionFire-q5z]

I've already Ruined the Zipper on The Snug-Pack Bivy... Nothing compares to the MSS Bivy

[@GruntProof]

Yea all their zippers are horrible

[@adamc6371]

theres a chinese knock off of the MSS bivy, same dimesions, buttons and weight but uses a gortex alternative that i've found to work the same but in multicam. much better than used surplus bdu/ucp pattern. doubt you can find bdu still new considering it hasnt been manufactured in like 15 years.

[@FrictionFire-q5z]

@@adamc6371 nope No Chinese shit for me If that Tag on the Foot box doesn't say *Tenier Industries* it's a no go. Plus .A Fallujah and Ramadi vet told me: If it doesn't have Jisim stains...it ain't real👍

[@michaelsorenson3887]

New production helikon-tex ponchos are smaller than military issue. Not sure about previous production. Purchased 1 a year ago, smaller than military issue, and purchased a second last week, also smaller than military issue. Both fit the swagman roll, so I suppose that's their intent. It's not so small that it's un usable, but just worth noting for people who expect it'll be identical. I'm impressed with the quality though. One thing about it I like better than the usgi poncho is it's actually available new and not surplus with holes or damage/high priced

[@GruntProof]

Hm. Mine is pretty old and about 5x7

[@michaelsorenson3887]

@@GruntProof I believe the new measurement is 80.5 inches by 57.5 inches. Down from the 84×59 for the usgi, it's not a massive difference.

[@frankkuhnle7408]

In the Bundeswehr we use Carinthia Biwaksack with defense 4.Privately ,i use the NL Biwaksack from the Netherlandsand also the sleeping bag.both zippers on the left are top . Great , subscribe to your videos straigt away. Greetings from Germany... Frank

[@beetooex]

Any lofting insulation is useless when you lie on top of it so I use a sleep mat under me and camping blankets on top. All of that goes inside a lightweight bivvy bag. The snugpak jungle blanket XL is just big enough to fold and double up the thickness for maximum performance on the cheap. A rectangular child's sleeping bag is the right size to use as a quilt if you open it out but are always heavier for the same performance. If anyone ever makes one with premium synthetic insulation like primaloft or climashield I'll be all over it.

[@gregjones1626]

Good content every time bro! Guy walks by..eyes right! Lol. Only a grunt! Enough said! 👍

[@John_439]

Bivys are awesome I had a guy next to me wake up in over an inch of water after an all night storm and everything inside it and himself were perfectly dry.

[@robertcole9391]

Really? I spent an entire winter in Yakima with nothing but a wookie. Yeah.. Poncho liner.. Took about 10 days to adjust.. but I was fine. And believe me.. Yakima is one cold son of a bitch!

[@adriancowell6850]

Was the wookie male, or female? I imagine sleeping with a wookie would keep a person much warmer than any of these sleep systems.😊

[@gregnelson222]

Just got an aqua quest bivy bag. Similar to snugpak bivy in size and weight. Got the idea about going lighter weight from your videos. Have a great day.

[@moorshound3243]

This is all very well and good but I still prefer a wool blanket with a sheepskin rug and a oilcloth tarp. I like heavy old school bushcraft gear.

[@scottandchels6813]

Back in the day (mid 90' - early 2000s), all we ever used was a Hoochie and a Goretek bivy bag with a sleep bag and foam mattress. This was used all year round including in the snow. Budget New Zealand Army, not much has changed just the camo pattern, 😂.

[@sampsalyytikainen6244]

Really good channel. No bull.... But I have to correct you. You tend to say, that "As a Mississippi guy" you don't handle cold weather as well as some northern people. As a Finn, I can say, that cold is cold for everyone. During winter, temperatures here go as low as -20 to -30 C or sometimes as low as -40 C in the Northern Finland. We do freeze just as anyone else. This is why our military have focused so much to keep soldiers warm, or at least near warm. That means, heavy gear. So Finn and Mississippi guys do both freeze, if not geared properly.

[@priceeubanks9341]

Can I get a full part list please? Thank you for the information

[@RedDevilDog1207]

Great video, thank you my good sir.

[@lekingdelachasse]

Do you know if the acu bivy is the same as the woodland one? And here in Canada there’s a shop selling a copy of the mss bivy made by mil-tec. I doubt it is as good but if you could get your hand on one of them and test it that would be neat.

[@GruntProof]

UCP is a bit narrower

[@diligentsun1154]

The poncho (pitched as a lean to it plow point) AND the bivvy is a One Two punch

[@Jaden48108]

Cool channel. Worthy of subscribing. I approve of your gallows humor. (That's the BEST American flag tattoo I've ever seen in my life.)

[@robertjackson1407]

Thank you 😊

[@jason7033]

I just purchases the British multicam bivvy. Love see you do a review on it. No zipper or buttons on it. Cant wait to get it

[@jason7033]

@ClickOnProfile6669 fake 🤥

[@dvpzy]

Adding a tarp over it and a bottle of hot watter and I'm bet It's enough for most.

[@lukedorrington7455]

Randall, how do you combat condensation using a poncho?

[@christianwehr9574]

What system do you use in the jungles of Central America or the Amazon?

[@GruntProof]

I'd use a hammock with integrated bugnet

[@coyoteblue9733]

I've never been issued a USGI poncho that was as big as that Helicon he was showing

[@RavenOregon]

Proper spooning technique with your Ranger buddy is the best sleep system 😂 ESPECIALLY in a Hohenfells winter 🥶

[@nicholashernandez1494]

No! Bivy Poncho Liner and a mat. Best setup. It gets you good down to the 30’s and weights less then 4lbs.

[@GruntProof]

A lot of my buddies did that but mine ended up at my feet

[@jay-by1se]

Man not sold on the ultra light bivy. In the US it gets wet!!!!! That goretex bivy is amazing.

[@boogz3602]

Great content brother! Just curious but what kind of watch is that? Garmin?

[@boogz3602]

Can't say I heard of it lol

[@davidleonard1813]

I got that bivi. I use it even in a tent. I got a sea to summit ultra light mattress. That bivi if I'm not in it it's the mattress bag / protecto lol

[@derbybushcraftandoutdoors3176]

Have you tried the usmc bivy with the bug net

[@marcmmclellan]

Travel light, freeze at night!

[@Forest_time]

I'm preety sure that Helikon poncho is smaller and weights less than a contract US nylon one. I have a duch army surplus poncho and it weights about 1 kg (2,2lb?) and is 225x160 cm. Please check it :). Helikon makes very good stuff, but their poncho is a little bit short in my opinion.

[@michaellanger5671]

Great review! And a fun trip down memory lane

[@martinberry1960]

Okay, question, could you or would you recommend spraying with waterproofing?

[@cagrihancakmak3048]

oo i love the gunshot noises your hand makes 😂

[@robertdole5391]

Snugpak needs to make a bivy that can double as a pole-litter with the lifting handles.

[@EvanRomansky-oj2mv]

What size Thermarest Xlite pad dud you go with?

[@ianslaby5703]

I gotta get me one of those bivys. Do they have tie off points for a poncho liner if i want to take it colder?

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

NO. They're designed to be used with a sleep bag inside. And I have one, so don't go there.