BEST Sleeping Bag Options | Sleeping Out Safely in Winter | Bushcraft Gear

[@bradcleavenger5826]

That was the most complete explanation of how to have a successful nights sleep I’ve ever seen! Thank you for going into such detail

[@Hayyothhakodesh]

Here here!! From Minnesota state USA.

[@ajbowers44]

I always find it hilarious going back and forth between videos from ultralight backpacking and bushcraft 🤣

[@WheelsofRage]

Being an incomplete paraplegic warmth is essential. In winter iprefer sleeping in a hammock system like the Blackbird xxl with mumbo-jumbo tarp and a snug pack under quilt and snug pack jungle blanket not the bag. Temp is going to be

[@itzybitzyspyder]

Wool blanket and a usmc mss bivy covers almost all situations.

[@madeucedancinclub2452]

I bought 2 Wiggy's sleeping bags. They weigh 4 lbs each and are rated for zero degrees and have lamilite insulation, real heavy duty zippers. I use them with a military bivvy sack and reflective pad. They work very, very, very well and are worth the price, I consider them to be a very good investment. Much better than a goose down bag and about the same i weight. And you can wash them in a machine. The jungle bag you showed looks like a good choice for the Louisiana swamps. Again , I enjoyed the video, well done. Hand salute from a Vet.

[@joeltaylor2830]

Great explanation, as everyone in the comments has said. One tip is a thin cotton 'sleeping bag liner' that fits inside all the sleeping bags; it catches the bulk of the dirt and sweat - keeping your sleep system cleaner inside - and can be washed as much as you like. You reduce the amount of times you have to wash the actual bags themselves and reduce the amount of 'damage' you do to their lofting abilities. You'll be keeping your sleeping bag(s) warmer for a bit longer. They can usually be picked up for around £10 UK pounds and 'adapted' to connect to your sleep system if they don't already. I went with a surplus Dutch system of: a winter bag, Goretex outer and the previously mentioned bag liner that all connects together with studs/straps, fits in a compression or canoe bag and looks similar to your British setup in many ways. A bit heavy, but very warm, waterproof and a mere fraction of the price of off-the-shelf sleep systems. Keep up the great and varied content, Nick.

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

My Mom always had us use a flannel sheet! It acts as a baffle about the neck too, to keep the heat in. I have a silk one that works well too. More slippy in most bags other than a flannel sheet.

[@carolinescott3888]

I have a silk one. It makes it much easier for me to toss and turn, which I do a lot

[@gilbert7794]

Down bags are great in cold dry climates but in uk once wet are useless. I still have my British sleeping system great value when compared to Carinthia system.

[@CPG4444Chopper]

Is the British sleep system practical for hiking and lightweight camping? I’m guessing it’s too bulky and heavy.

[@grumpyolesilverback7211]

I’m biased but, the Canadian military has an excellent system. A fleece liner, 2x sleeping bags (1x inner, 1x outer) and a Gor Tex bevy bag. I slept warm in -55 Celsius winter conditions. Hands down the best system. Heavy? Yes it is. If it’s winter, you hump what you need. You can break it down for warmer summer/fall and spring months. Brand new this system costs over $1000.00 CAD. Worth every dime.

[@davidlewis3169]

I spent a brutal Winter in an 8 Ft. Trailer that was a literal ice box, and the only thing that saved me from freezing to death at night was my U.S. Arctic mummy bag. even in below zero F, I would have to let the heat out often. AMAZING BAG! Best bag I ever had.

[@jeremymoses7401]

If youre not tactical anymore, only fools get cold....🤣that was gold!

[@hamsticklehq]

i take my hat off to you sir, the details into each bag that you give are amazing, and the fact that you take the time to explain how to use the bags is the icing on the cake, from getting into them properly to getting back out in the morning. thank you!

[@MaxSafeheaD]

spent five months winter 2019/2020 in a british arctic sleeping bag, no fire, and it was absolutely brilliant.

[@kevinphillips6593]

Recently discovered your channel and the content is fantastic. Former US Marine here so I always seeing stuff from Marine brethren and your knowledge and experience really shine through in your presentations. Be well brother, Semper Fi, and Per Mare, Per Terram.

[@DMAC1966]

Always used an Arctic Bag. I also have a DD Jura 2 bag. Just a copy of the Arctic bag but with a foot box. I'm spending two night's next month in Northumberland one night in the Bothy and then in my Hammock. Can't wait!! Always try to sleep in my birthday suit 😆. Story: My mate and I along with someone else spent a night at Green Bothy Northumberland. It was a freezing November night but we both had our Arctic bags...But the other guy who in his wisdom thought to save money and weight decided to buy a B&M £9.99 special 🥶🥶🥶 Needless to say I was very warm indeed and slept like a baby 😴😴😴

[@sdouglasp]

I'm a retired decorated combat vet who really enjoys and apprecite you sharing your experiences with with us. Keep up the good work!!

[@lymskiUK]

Quality. I’ve always gone down to my boxers camping and everyone said I was nuts. I told them it’s much warmer! I used to question my sanity at times the way people tried the opposite. I have the Artic and Bivvy and a lightweight -30c Thermarest pad. Awesome vid Sir. Thank you

[@mistyskies6396]

I learning, so not using any system at present - but found your video extremely useful thank you 🙏🏻💜

[@stevej7875]

Once again a thoroughly indepth run down of something we all need to know and thought we did know, excellent stuff....

[@daviddirom7429]

When I was in the Canadian military they had a two bag system (inner and outer) a hood, and a Flannel liner. All of this was contained in a Valise bag with a para-cord (sort off?) compression system. Summer you used a single bag, and liner. Winter: outdoors was double bag, liner and hood, indoors was single bag and liner. No matter whether it was British Army 58 pattern sleeping bag, Canadian Military bag or a civilian bag there was no way I could stay zipped up in it longer than 5 minutes, zip went down and I went to sleep. My uniform was laid down the sides of my bag, and in Canadian winter my boots went into a plastic bag on the bottom of my sleeping bag.

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

Some great tips for this former Aussie soldier. Coldest I can be sure of was -5C, not exactly arctic conditions but then we didn't have that level of gear. So true about stripping off in the really cold weather, providing you have the bag for it. It's winter here now and I am conducting cold weather sleep system testing (in the backyard) and will implement some of your admin routine tips next test. Love your work.

[@garth8979]

I've used the Snugpak Jungle bag for 2 seasons now and I absolutely luv it. I supplement it with a nato cotton sleeping bag liner and a fleece blanket when needed. I don't bother with the stuff sack, I just jam it all into the bottom of my pack, first in, last out.

[@maryhairy1]

I completed a urban wild camp right here in Norwich against a disbanded building. The day didn’t begin well as it poured rain for 0.50 an hour durning the morning. Always a cold night predictable when rain has fallen during the day. I covered my tent with a camouflage tarp hopefully preventing anyone spotting me, too quickly. Extra bonus of making the tent dark long after the sun rose. I find most sleeping bags very constricting so I had it opened but tucked in underneath my body. (Love your sleeping bags that show there is plenty of room to change clothes)! BTW I slept with my clothes on with a few extra jackets to keep warm. Then I had a the extra layer of an emergency blanket. I’ll add I was warm & snug & the best sleep over I’ve had in a long while.

[@darriendastar3941]

I know the ethos of the channel is bushcraft, but this was superb consumer journalism. This was really good stuff as journalism.

[@darriendastar3941]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 It was definitely a compliment 😃

[@bickie603]

I am US Army retired. So very used to that system. Now that I see how similar the British system is I really like it. The only thing i would miss is the quick snap opening with the zipper. But not being a Soldier anymore do I really need it. Well done.

[@tramontane3239]

Excellent talk, the info kept coming. My best bag is U.S. Korean era emergency evacuation bag. Down. Issued to injured soldiers only, has two straps on each side for carry of the injured by four other soldiers. Lots of room and multiple zippers to allow medics to access soldier while he still in the bag. I slept it to -25f Big. Heavy. It keeps you warm twice, first when carrying it in, ...

[@TheWtfnonamez]

You just earned my sub. I have never served, but for a long time I was tight for money so I always default to army surplus gear for a bargain bit of kit. Ive had so many bargains over the years. I needed a new rucksack and managed to pick up a mint 100l bergen with side pockets for £50. I think its more likely that I will wear out long before that rucksack does. I picked up a lavvu tent for £40, some amazing boots for £25, an Alice Pack for £30 and a bunch of other stuff. Instead of spending thousands of pounds you can get the same or better kit for a few hundred. Some of it might need a little love and a bit of a clean, some might be brand new, and sure its usually heavier, but its the best cost-cutting way to get serviceable camping kit on a budget. I have got to the point where that musty army surplus smell has become almost comforting. Thank you for your excellent videos. Glad I ran across your channel.

[@hutt8666]

So many people think getting in their bag with clothes on will be warmer, was also taught in the forces to take layers off for your bag to work. great advice 👍 People buy -20 sleeping bags and wonder why they are cold at 0 degrees when they are sleeping in full kit.

[@c4llumxhd633]

My British army artic bag has never let me down. May be a tad heavier but it's worth the comfort and warmth it provides

[@thetrailgoat]

Being from across the pond, I love the poncho liner. Used with the poncho, affectionately known as the Ranger Roll, works really well. I’ve used two sets of those folded opposite each other down to freezing temperatures. At the time we weren’t issued casualty blankets. I would like to try adding that to the combo sometime to see how much warmth that adds to the scenario. However, those combo sleeping bag systems are great if you can access them after you left them in the back of the Deuce or 5 ton. High speed, low drag!

[@domrumble8243]

My winter sleep system consists of Snugpak merlin (inner bag) and carinthia defence 4 outer,all inside a surplus bivvybag.Into my 50's now and i always rig up a Hennesy jungle explorer hammock with a thermarest.wet trousers tucked between the thermarest and bivvy bag around the back of my knees to dry out.Sleep in a merino norgie and have my trusty Buffalo SP6(now 30yrs old and still going strong) as a pillow,ready to wear when i want to get up in the morning.Most importantly is having the piss bottle to hand,so i can simply unzip the bags 1/2 way and roll on my side to fill the bottle over the side of the hammock.

[@2008timboc]

Good to have the sleep naked or sleep clothed dilemma explained. Makes sense.

[@secretsquirrel6718]

I use an army sleeping bag cover with my civilian bag and it works great. Loose and in layers as they say!

[@JorvikBerserkir]

I got a Dutch sleep system with the NATO ECW sleeping bag, it's rated down to -25c, or -15c comfort rating. The liner, bag and bivvy all clip together with some really sturdy press studs. I found that I can stay warm most of the year with the Dutch woobie (adding a wool blanket in winter). I always get Dutch stuff over US gear since I'm 6'3 and the Dutch are the tallest nation on Earth.

[@Thedude-ut1xb]

You can get the XL hooped bivvy and stuff your ruck down in it and still have space to sleep in it. I'm 6' 1" and with a 120L ruck I am reasonably comfortable.

[@scottsummers6357]

Brilliant video, great info, from Oklahoma in the states. I liked it so much that I subscribed 👍

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@Scott... You definitely won't be disappointed. LA/MS here !

[@mikel6517]

I have tried many bags since the late 80’s and always go back to my issue arctic bag. Like the centre zip style and it’s a reliable faithfully bag for a good nights sleep.

[@hairydave82]

I love my arctic bag. I've used it for years and never had a cold night in it. The only thing I find annoying is that the drawstring cinch always seems to end up on my face, no matter how I lie in the bag. It's worth it though.

[@lizziel4876]

I am a middle aged lady and am hoping to do some bike camping, and I found this really useful - SO clear and well thought out, and without any unnecessary information that just takes up time in the video. Much better than many other videos I've seen. I guess you have to think like that to survive in the military.

[@jchambers1191]

The downside I experienced with my first down bag was since I slept naked, my body oils caused a lot of cleaning, and necessitated replacement after 8-9 years. Now, I use the US MSS and either sleep in a clean base layer or use a bag liner. My system is as warm as it was when I got it. FWIW. Thanks for an excellent thorough explanation of the MSS - it's the best I've seen yet. Keep up the great work!

[@davidgreally4347]

Hi Nick, great instruction! I use the British army Arctic bags, excellent sleeping bags in dead of winter combined with gortex bivvie bag is the perfect pairing. I do use a cotton bag liner also , helps to keep main bag clean and adds an extra bit of warmth. Keep up the brilliant work. Stay strong and safe with the natural beauty of mother nature .

[@davidgreally4347]

Always watch Nick, your sleep is as important as what you do during the day to reset your mind and body. Weight of sleeping systems is irrelevant in my mind. Must be as comfortable as possible. 👍👍

[@danielr82]

I use the 58 pattern sleeping bag, - absolutely agree it's heavier than a synthetic bag, but it has so many benefits. the waterproof bottom liner that can just roll straight out, the bag being built in as a hood makes it much easier to "build" a pillow from clothes. that are outside the main hood. they are incredibly warm (down filled) I got my first (medium size) one, when I was about 8, it had been used (it had a name written in black marker on it.) I used it all through cubs, scouts, then camping as an adult (wild camping in the woods.) finally 30 ish years later I upgraded to the large size one. (never used) because I'm too tall for the medium, now my nephew has it and is using it for his cub camps etc... They cost about £40, there aren't many 4 seasons down filled sleeping bags that'll out last a squaddie and still be useful many decades later at that price point.

[@HIPPIETHUG92109]

I truly appreciate your attention to the big and small details. 🙏✌️❤️🌏

[@swanee22]

You think like I do...warm and robust is the name of the game. My wife and I slept out behind Pikes Peak in August several years ago at 9,000 feet and nearly froze to death (at least it seemed like it) because of too light sleeping bags. I now have a Canadian military arctic bag and a couple of US military cold (-30F so it says -not planning to test it here in Iowa when it drops to -30F or lower, however...and it does). I do have extra fleece liners for the bags, which can add several degrees. Nice to hear your very organized method of doing things. The colder it is, the less room for error there is with the ins-and-outs of sleeping bags...good rest is vitally important.

[@barmybootsveteran5201]

I used to just stuff mine inside my bivi bag and in turn stuff that into bottom of my burgen....clansman 320 Bty went inside sleeping bag to prolong its life..all dependant on how much gear you are having to carry, most of the the time we had a pulk.....Norway...love it....

[@brnrecluse2946]

Excellent video! I use the MMSS when I camp. I find the multiple bag system is effective a capturing my body heat overnight. And I don't ever underestimate the importance of clean, dry wool socks. Rock on!

[@redactedcanceledcensored6890]

I like that you talk about the itty-bitty details about keeping organized. 20:40 I would like to know more about why and how exactly sleeping bags get inefficient with clothing on. Any resources on that? How did you keep warm in a tactical situation where you couldn't sleep naked and had to be ready to fight anytime? I would not be able to sleep a second without having my bare-bones survival gear in my clothing, ready to roll when something happens to my camp or I get attacked by wild animals or criminals (happened before). Are these military sleeping bags made from microfiber or hollow fiber?

[@theartofwanderlust]

Great video, I was in the 🇨🇦 Canadian Army through the 80-90's, we had a 3 piece winter bag, two down bags with a fleece liner, and a rubberized air mattress. They were heavy but even on exercise at -40c and colder I stayed warm, like you strip down to stay warmer. I am now in my mid 50's and my knees are not what they used to be, I use high end ultralight civilian gear now. I can't ruck that heavy gear anymore. Glad you mentioned the calories, the body burns calories like crazy in those temps, especially when you are on the move.

[@stevenjones6364]

As a HGV driver most of my working life in all kinds of weather and known of drivers freezing to death at night I can honestly say the army artic bag is the tops👍😁

[@PeteRed-ig3fp]

I was in the SHS special homeless squadron and spent years outside..winter UK always use a liner especially if you can get a good one ( buffalo) etc and a thermal mat makes world of difference. If nothing to hand for comfortable sleep hassle couple of gammons if possible get locked up ..sweet.

[@ultraruna]

Very early in my military career I learnt that 'any fool can rough it'. Spent a small fortune on gucci kit, all money well spent. Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge in a very concise manner.

[@wanpaku3279]

For Australian conditions for me a lightweight 4 season approach is USGI Gortex bivi bag , USGI poncho liner, Sea to summit reactor sleeping bag liner, and Costo down throw. In morning throw out on a line to air, light weight and to easy to launder. Add and remove layers to suit season. Last long spell in a sleeping bag got kinda funky. love the vids.

[@jonstrike8875]

Finally, confirmation that getting naked in a sleeping bag is the best way to sleep outside. No one has shared this opinion, great to see it confirmed.

[@darkmoon9777]

I am using a u s army surplus mss goretec With a insulated pad to help keep me warm from the cold ground And a Ozark trail 30 degree mummy bag in 22 degree weather And I do stay warm And I have learned a lot of survival information from your videos. Thank you brotha You have saved my ass on many occasions

[@versatec1]

I never leave home without my softie jacket and trousers...love em....

[@simplefieldcraft]

Great film and explanation on the sleep systems. The military ones have moved on leaps and bounds from where I was a Cold War Warrior with the old 58' Down bags that were heavy and lost all insulation capabilities the second they got wet. No hot weather bags or gore-tex bivi bags in my day. I have gone through so many bags to find that perfect system it's unbelievable. I use in cold weather the classic Buffalo Mountain shirt and trousers and took the leap to then purchase there sleeping bags which are made out the same pile fleece and pertex outer as the shirts. Bomb proof bit of kit and combined with a surplus bivi bag you can't go wrong. Yes it is heavy, no it does not compress down, but it keeps its insulative capabilities when wet. These bags are easily field repairable and are also modular with an extra pile inner and a separate pertex liner to add extra windproof ability and to keep it clean. Got to be good as Buffalo supplies a blanket to mountain rescue teams for casualty evacuation of patients off the hills. This is my cold weather kit that I would use when going to anywhere that has snow here in Australia I also use the snugpak jungle bag in my hammock in the tropical parts of Queensland and the Aussie summer which we are now moving into. Keep up the good work. Swampy.

[@johncrouch8988]

Yup 👍 I’m with you pal. Buffalo clothing and sleep system for wet/winter conditions. So summer in the U.K. is included 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

Really nice video! That information should help a lot of people with their questions. I have a US military extreme cold weather sleeping bag I bought at a army surplus store for $100 like new. They say it is a -50 f sleeping bag, I can't say that I know if it is or not. I can say I had it out in -5 f with a wind chill of -30 f and maybe a little colder. I put it in the back of my truck bed, on top of an old packing blanket and an R5 rated sleeping pad. I got so warm that I had to unzip it down to my belly. I wrapped up in a thick double layer fleece blanket my wife made me and I was warm all night. I have used it quite a few more times and it for the most part has become a cold weather sleeping pad. Anything above 0, I just open it up and wrap up in my fleece or wool blanket in it. I would say unless you're going to do a lot of -0 camping, don't get it.

[@serkd37]

So glad I watched this video. I went out for my first camp, wore thermals in my sleeping bag and was slightly cold. Will try sleeping naked with thermals on standby and trust in my sleeping bag 🤞Thank you!

[@johncrouch8988]

Never used compression sacks. Bag into the bivy and straight into the Bergen. Fast out in rain but stays dry and quick to pack and move ! No messing. Good video. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@stuartwarner6719]

3 season bag is a Western Mountaineering Summerlite 540g on a Thermarest Neoair 350g. Winter bag is Mountain Equipment Snowline 1250g I’ve had for 20yrs on the same Thermarest but with a thin closed cell foam pad (karrimat) underneath that for extra ground insulation on snow/ice. I used to use a silk liner in all of these, but now prefer silk weight thermal underwear to sleep in. I tried using a Rab down quilt for a few years, but as a side sleeper it was too drafty and inflexible so reserved now for use as a top quilt in a hammock. Even if I tied the quilt to my ground roll to eliminate drafts, it left channels of dead air space either side of my body (side sleeper). I also tried hammocks for a while, and even though I love them for chilling in, I do not sleep well in even the bridge hammocks.

[@andersrskeland7617]

In the summer months I use a regular synthetic sleeping bag. It's usually hot or wet, sometimes I just leave it open and use a bugnet. The dd frontline hammoc also have a built in bugnet. In the winter I use a -18 dawn bag inside a "jervenduk" with is like the goretex outerbag you have. That is both waterproof and works like a thermos, holding the heat inside. That works great with a tarp of it snows down to about -20. That's how I roll in Norway.

[@EdwardHurst2323]

Best advice iv ever heard. I always sleep naked I always wonder why people sleep fully clothed including waterproof jacket . It doesn’t make sense

[@johnmccarthy2179]

I didn’t learn anything new, but I still loved the video and the campfire and the surroundings

[@christopherjones4595]

Solid tips for cold climates! Thanks for having Tilly in your video!

[@mickgately5423]

love it my 12 yr old daughter who grew doing this watched with me, main thing she noticed was you use same coffee sachets we do. we do some real old school stuff using wool blankets in bed rolls during summer. but also have the modular system along with others, even still use my issued to me 58 bag, but we carry ours in snakeskins outside bergen.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Watched this for a third time because I think this video teaches more about sleep protocol than any video I have seen.

[@michaelkaer]

I have not done any winter camping but I have used a tarp over my hammock then a sleeping bag under me and a flannel sheet. I have bought a blow up pad for more insulation and a wool blanket.

[@BosvarkDelra]

Really enjoyed that I was in the SADF in the '80s Sleeping bags were pretty basic although it can get pretty cold in the winter Ground sheet and sleeping bag was pretty much it Living in Ireland now different environment I am enjoying learning new things at my old age 😀

[@wanderwithmac]

Had all sorts of bother with sleeping systems over the past year. On my last wander I went back to using an old ex army arctic bag, sorted. Your explanation and methods of use are excellent and I finally know that I am using the correct kit. Much pleasure in subscribing.

[@morestupidforms]

Very informative, thanks. I had never considered getting naked to stay warm and have previously just added more layers.

[@marksercombe3575]

For winter I use a gortex bivvy bag with a nature hike 750 fill goose down medium inside a nature hike 600 fill large ok down to around -1

[@davidmurphy4676]

The Wiggy’s summer bag 35° f zips outside any of the heavier bags -20°, 0° or 20°. Adding an extra 20°f . Enormous ykk zippers . Worth a look .

[@qsstores6933]

I've used the medium sleeping bag with an issue jungle bag in Norway at -15 and was warm as toast, i also swear by a pair of softie tent boots as my feet feel the cold from time to time. The current British sleep system is great value for money.

[@dos1639]

the very best chanel i ever subscribed. thanks a lot for your efforts and explanations man, you're awesome 👍👍👍 (greetings from Ukraine)

[@rat1knives771]

Hey hidden vally buscraft.. a American here i straight up use the U.S. Army MMS sleep syatem its a 3 bag syatem and it is flawless in the winter. Keep up the great work brother cheers

[@allysglorie7943]

Hi thank you so much for al your advice , I'm from Belgium and have done my army duty in Germany , I'm 50 now and iv resentley been doing bushcraft and survival , and I'm really happy to know that there are people like you giving advice enjoying the nature , is it possible to give some teaching on edable plants in the wild , as I don't have enny experience with this , thank you greetings Alan

[@MartinAubertinPhotos]

I use a wool blanket and a sheep skin for spring / summer. A have a jungle bag for when the moskitoes are too much. And i have a canadian army cold weather sleep system for winter. I do not always have a good night sleep but as i train my body to endure i sleep better and better. I usually sleep fully clothed. I also have a bivy bag and a ranger blanket. I love testing out new configuration each time i go out.

[@lawrencee9655]

I use a NorthFace One Bag for all 4 season camping - benefits of Down and synthetic (-10C upwards, although NF says it goes lower). It has three components that you can use as and when you need. I shove a silk sleeping bag liner in it, as needed - extra insulation and dirt mitigation. In warmer climes, just a silk sleeping bag liner. if you sleep with your tights or long johns on, then rub them a bit before you get in the bag, so the your body doesn't have to have to warm up that cooler air that you've brought in. Another excellent demonstration with real world applicability, Nick. Thank you. Wearing my poppy with pride.

[@snakewomangirl]

Right! I now know what I need to go and bivvy one night. Thanks, very clear.

[@marksadventures3889]

I use the skinny bags like Oex 250 and MW 200 & 300 for the "camping seasons" and a British Army Arctic bag for the Autumn/Winter season. I just had delivered one of the Highlander Stealth 1 man tents for my bike tours coming up soon. With a 400 bag, liner, bivvy, air pad and tiny tent or hammock option i should be okay. (I use the 6P's or KISS option). A stealth camo net and basha are in the kit too to maximise my options. Trangia or Esbit for cooking, IFAK, Small changer of kit. etc. Longer trips - 3 days and over - goes 25kg - 35kg due to water and food requirements.

[@brandondegraaf]

I use a big synthetic army surplus sleeping bag. People balk at the size and weight, but I have never had a cold night, even when damp from tarping in some truly savage weather. Meanwhile, people with down sleeping bags complain of the cold even on a good night. I live in New Zealand, where the climate is generally cool and very humid. It rains so hard that tents leak, is so humid that moisture condenses inside tent flies and bivvy bags, and blows so hard the condensation flicks back at ya. Synthetic stays warm here. I will happily carry my bag and save weight elsewhere.

[@alexgriffiths6192]

I've got a Carinthia Defence 4 and Snugpak Stratosphere. Could do with a lighter bag for next summer but I think those will be decent enough this winter 👍

[@murphy7801]

Defense 1 is very good

[@Drew-Abbott]

I use a mixture of kits. I do use the jungle bag in summer , if it drops cold I'll wear a softy suit. I do have a 4 season bag and a 4 season tent.

[@robertbuckman438]

I kept my ultra light patrol blanket from the Cdn army. It was super warm and could be made into a poncho via a semi circular zipper in the middle of the blanket.

[@bolton737]

I used your advice on a trip to Normandy for Remembrance Day. I spent four days wild camping under my motorcycle with a tarp, arctic army bag and vortex bivvy and you advice was priceless as it was cold wet and windy. Thanks for sharing .

[@bolton737]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 it’s an incredibly beautiful and moving place.to visit. Spent Remembrance Day at the Normandy British Memorial and Remembrance Sunday at Bayeux memorial cemetery. Then everywhere else in between. Even got a visit from a inquisitive boar one night 😁

[@briancrossett8173]

Enjoying this was former 42 myself

[@duncys]

You asked what we all use. I’ve got three bags. All synthetic but may switch to down for winter. I have a snug pac Merlin two season for summer. I also carry a silk liner which is great. Autumn time I’ve a Snug pac elite 3 which is cosy and wide with a built in expander panel. Winter I’ve got a Snug Pac Antarctica which is like hell in a bag.

[@markriley2733]

Hoofin episode thanks. Loved the bouncing bomb doss bags but yeah they are heavy I always found the Bergan more comfy and moulded to my back much better when I para packed the doss bag rather than use the stuff sack and I found it made for better bergan admin and getting kit in. The stuf sack seemed to turn the doss bag into a solid Boulder shape that did not fit well Cheers

[@steve90tdi]

I bought the lightweight British bag new at a bike rally as an emergency replacement and was instantly sold on it. Once home I bought the middleweight to go with it and have since found the cotton liners that tie inside the lightweight bag. Best system I've used

[@ejbragg1]

Agreed on a good sleep system. I use the U.S. Army’s sleep system-very similar to yours, but adding an outer bivy bag. It barely fits in the rucksack I carry; in fact, I usually tie it to the bottom so I can actully have room to carry my other items. That makes it a bit of a pain, but when nighfall comes, I’m always very happy to be able to snooze hard!

[@Thedude-ut1xb]

As for the snug Pak jungle bag... just get the original design from Carinthia (tropen bag). I've got both the Snugpak SF system and the Carinthia Tropen and Defence 4 combination and I will take the Carinthia stuff ( sleeping bags, XP 2+ bivvy, cold weather garments) over Snugpak any day of the week. Another really good brand that's slept on is UFpro. These guys make phenomenal kit for combat. I was in between two tents but your mantra of "travel light, freeze at night" Has made the decision for me to go for the slightly heavier, fly-first tent. Offroad motorcycle trip coming up so counting the kilograms to keep as much benzine efficiency as possible. P.S. The Carinthia one man tent is the business. Very, very expensive but very, very worth it. Beats the XP2+ in many ways.

[@reactiontoeffectiveenemyfire]

The infantry issued cold weather bags can be picked up on Ebay for around £30 I bought another two for my rottweiler and staff for ther bed they absolutely love them.

[@robertfoster3114]

Fantastic video! I have bought the lightweight bag for 5 pounds. Great bag! Now I'm after the medium bag! Lol

[@richardchapman7896]

Good info I have artic bag with DPM bivvy and cut down roll mat its never let me down if its raining ill put up tarp and put wet items in bin liner good advice to keep fit mentally and physically have fun and just take care all

[@bathcolin]

Hello Nick. I have to say, I really look forward to seeing your new videos when they come out. The information you provide is faultless for the UK environment, thank you. Your reasoning on a matter is always, well-considered, and backed up by your military experience. You are growing a great channel here, keep it up, please?

[@mrspudly1]

Thanks for another great video Nick good to see Tilly, I feel old now. I've still got my 58 patt bag upstairs which still works well in the summer, it's lost quite a bit of the down filling in places leaving cold spots but when they where new the waterproof base was a godsend. I remember many lads used to purchase the West German sleeping bag which had seperate arms in and a zip across the waist so you could wear it like a parka, anyone on here remember them ? They did make your morning admin so much easier. I've got one of the original Arctic Bags in the loft, they came with a giant pvc outer bag, one of those bags that once you get into you never want to get out of. Great if your car camping but a pain to carry.

[@briancarruthers5535]

Yeah remember them and 58 pat from the back in the 70's

[@seasoldier3902]

The 58 Pattern bag was another good piece of kit so long the feathers remained in their coverings otherwise in the mornings it appeared you had plucked a chicken during the night!!

[@KrisHammes]

wow that was really interesting. Especially the information on calorie conservation and the need to strip when sleeping. It sound initially so counter intuitive that you need to remove layers to allow the bag to work properly

[@paulomarceloarantes]

I almost always camp on a motorcycle alone, so weight and volume are considered. In the region where I live, the climate is temperate to cold, averages 20° Celsius, minimum 7° at night. The type of vegetation is better for a tent, rarely for a hammock. Ease of equipment with reasonable price, the best option we have is decatlon. Some spare military material at times, but hard to find. Your suggestions are always welcome. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Be well, be safe. Greetings from Brazil

[@paulomarceloarantes]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Your tips are always welcome and help a lot to plan my next trips. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Stay well, stay safe.

[@jdcmusicchoice]

Bought the medium weight bag (in the long) and I giggle like a child every time I pick it up. Such a beast, super comfortable. Some great points in the video. Would have been good to see how you would personally carry or attach the larger bags to keep them lofty and dry?

[@nothinglessness]

I bought the latest issue British Army sleeping bag unused for £35. It’s identical to the Corinthia and similar quality but it’s a huge pack size! Can live with that though for such a warm durable bag.

[@BlesamaSoul]

Another excellent video and I have told a number of people to watch it as trying to explain how to sleep in a bag in the cold time and time again to them has not worked, yet they get it wrong so perhaps they will listen to you and wake up tired, cold and sweat soaked after wearing too much in their bag! I have used my Snupak Jungle bag in way too cold weather overnight, a silk liner and inside a bivi helped a little, although it was stay alive rather than warm that's for sure. As you say travel in warm areas or for indoors, summer in the UK. As to down, I'm with you on that it's too much of a risk if it gets wet and having had that happen years ago to a bling civvy bag and a v awful night trying to keep warm I will never risk it again. British arctic bag is superb, but as you say less cheese more exercise and for those of us over 50 it's a shorter hike per day if that bag comes out to play. I use the snugpak special forces 2 bag system sometimes, works well and gives options all year around...like leave some at home rather than carry it! Again thanks for the reminder on what we are doing right and a nudge on what we may have forgotten or doing wrong.

[@Squirrel200]

As a old explorer it's Gorilla proof all the way as your life depends on it. ( The weight is more so I walk a little slower and not quite as far each day But I'll make it to the end of the expedition ) it's not car camping / ultra light so I say 🤐 about that. 🤗🤗 great video 🤗🤗 Ps if I can I Prefer two wool blankets & blanket pins and I can add some extra insulation like a jacket or whatever I have / can find , put it Between the 2 blankets for extra insulation. With a bivy or a Poncho has an outer cover. Yes I am Old School ( 5 years living remote Amazon you learn to use what is available.)

[@EdwardHurst2323]

Great parachute set up I’ll b using my ripped up one to make sleeping bag liner & lightweight stuff sacks