GEAR BREAKDOWN: Sleep System - Modular Sleeping Bag - Snugpak Special Forces 1, SF Bivvi, TS1 liner

[@LaconianConcepts]

Thanks for stopping by. Make sure to leave a comment about your preferred sleep system. Cheers!

[@RuffKutz]

Just got my SF complete. Some tubers said you can't get out of the bag fast because the zip gets caught up. I think that's a bit of bs. The zips work fast and smooth. Really nice bag. Great vid, thanks. 🇦🇺

[@LaconianConcepts]

I agree. I’ve been able to quickly rip out the bag every time. Usually when that’s happening it’s because I have to pee and I’m in a hammock so there no time to waste 😂. I absolutely love mine. Thanks for adding to the conversation. Cheers!!! 🤙🏽

[@Micahcoolslide]

Nice beer selection

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

I get a lot of use out of my SF Bivvy. I usually use a Helikon-Tex poncho liner in mine three seasons. Some pine bows underneath and I’m good to go. If you’re a hammock fan, definitely checkout the Helikon Swagman Roll if you haven’t already. It’s a poncho liner, light sleeping bag, and an under quilt. Versatile piece of kit.

[@LaconianConcepts]

Love that thing!!! I’ll have to check out the swagman roll, I’ve heard good things about it and am a fan of helikon products. I actually have a Snugpak jungle blanket I modified into a very similar convertible idea. I’ve shown it in a few of my adventure videos but I will be doing a stand-alone video on that sometime soon. Thanks for stopping by!!

[@kymerdeth]

That center zip for hammock camping makes so much sense! I'm not as experienced with hammock camping but after you started talking about center zip that was one of the most frustrating parts I found about getting in and out of a hammock. That and trying not to fall on my head, but that was a learned skill the zipper was just a PIA, that military sleep system was difficult to keep it aligned with entry and exit of the hammock. I have never seen anyone else mention it before.

[@LaconianConcepts]

The side zip on the MSS in a hammock particularly when entering and exiting was my biggest gripe with the system... even more than the bulk or weight. Other than those two points it’s a great system and for money is hard to beat. Def pays to have a couple on hand for a rainy day. As to the center zip. I will not look back! It is the way for sure in a hammock setup.

[@daniellyne1]

Great video thank you for explaining the snugpak sf bag

[@LaconianConcepts]

Thank you! I tried to highlight the stuff I wanted to see but didn’t in other videos to help people before they buy. Really a great piece of kit and it’s a staple in my sleep system. 🤙🏽

[@stephenclarke3990]

The SF Bivvy will not let you down. It's completely waterproof, and strong as hell. It is light, but don't let that put you off. It's tough light and most important will keep you Dry.

[@LaconianConcepts]

After having put it through its paces for a years worth of adventures I agree 100% I really love mine and always bring it with me even if I’m not using it in a given system. Packs small, super light, and super waterproof. Cheers!

[@stephenclarke3990]

@@LaconianConcepts 👍🏼

[@raphmaster23]

Ty for this awesome review, been looking into the same system cause I'm not expecting to camp in winter Temps lol

[@LaconianConcepts]

Thanks for checking it out! This system actually will do the higher winter temps if you live in a moderate place like the PNW. I have taken it down to 35 with warm clothing. Cheers!!

[@raphmaster23]

@@LaconianConcepts I live in west Pennsylvania it will occasionally get to -15 but I can count one hand how many times that happens in winter lol

[@Jerrylance-ty1re]

MT man here watching 👍👍

[@LaconianConcepts]

Love it! Thanks for stopping by! This continues to be the best sleep system I have owned… and I have an update coming because I have the spring/fall/winter center zip down bag to complete the system. In any configuration (other than both bags and all pieces) I’m LESS THAN 4lbs! Compare that to the MSS intermediate bag which is around 4lbs by itself! Weight isn’t everything - but I have spinal stenosis and I try to cut where I can. With this systems I don’t have to sacrifice weight for comfort. Sub if you haven’t for the update episode inbound!

[@feralgrandad4429]

Nice video. Looking forward to browsing through your other videos. Subscribing was easy decision. Greetings from UK.

[@LaconianConcepts]

Thank you! I subbed to you as well! Cheers brother 🤙🏽

[@bodgebmx]

Good review. I'm going to buy the system this weekend 👍

[@LaconianConcepts]

I recently used it when it dipped to low 30s at night in a hammock while backpacking the mountains where there was still snow. I’m a warm sleeper but it kept me snuggly. Def pushed the bottom end of the system but now I know it’s limits. I am editing a video of that trip as we speak so keep an eye out. Summer is busy for my family so it’s hard to stay consistent with content 😭

[@LaconianConcepts]

Also of note: I like the center zip system, but I saw the no zip bivy and side zip bag and liner (quart system) all together on sale for under $300 on Amazon... EDIT: just checked and the black system is $197 as of writing this comment. Only 2 left. That’s about what the SF1 bag costs by itself so that’s a killer deal. If you hammock camp the bivy wouldn’t work but if you ground camp it’s hard to beat. Checkout Kullkraven Bushcraft’s video on the Quart. 🤙🏽

[@LaconianConcepts]

Jack howd that system turn out for you?

[@boonedockery7220]

Great Info Brother! I think you have a great light weight system assembled! The climate you camp in, I think you would be much further ahead to be using synthetic insulation. Most of the contemporary synthetic insulations being used, the can still provide some degree of insulation even when wet. Down offers practically no warmth when wet and takes a very long time to dry. I enjoyed watching this, great info. Thank you!

[@LaconianConcepts]

I appreciate it sir! Thank you for watching and adding to the discussion! You’re takes on the SF system I consider wise info. Cheers!

[@WeekdayProductions]

Nice review Could you fit a sleeping pad inside the bivy or is it better to keep it on the outside?

[@LaconianConcepts]

Thanks! This is my favorite setup for most of the year. You definitely could fit a sleeping pad in but you’ll get less room to move around. My guy Scott over at @OscarOutdoors has a video where he shows his summer setup with the standard bivvi and a mat inside. Obviously the thicker the mat, the less room you have inside but that’s a preference thing. Personally when I use it for ground sleeping I like the mat underneath to protect the bivy. If I’m planning to sleep on the ground I actually like a piece of closed cell foam as an undermat, and an inflatable mat for comfort, and in this instance I think I’ve settled on putting the inflatable inside to prevent all the layers separating. I’ve had some back issues so I try NOT to sleep on the ground if possible, but this setup doubles as a “bugout” setup, emergency sleep system, and worst case when plans change in the backwoods. I may shoot an addendum video to this because I got the center zip down bag (which I also love) and I could add showing the mat inside so you could visualize… I’ve got about 4 videos I’m still editing at the moment though. 🤣 Hope that helps! Cheers!

[@lansdorf]

I might be tempted but for now I use British army arctic sleeping bag with US gortex bag weights around 8lb.

[@LaconianConcepts]

Good kit… the weight is why I’ve moved to this system. So much lighter and smaller! Thanks for watching!

[@CottonBud]

Great vid fella, really detailed and logical reasoning. Amongst a lot of Snugpak gear I have the Tactical 2 bag, which is similar spec to the SF with the reflectatherm but has a TS lining built in. It's not as warm as they claim (of course - what sleeping bag ever is?) but it's light, packs small, and does cope pretty well. I recently hammock camped around 2c with a strong northerly breeze and I only used that, a DD underblanket, and a Helikon Tex swagman roll over the top of the hammock, like a cocoon - it was really warm and comfortable (and I'm a cold sleeper). I'm also keen to try my Snugpak fleece liner (their warmest) in the Tactical, I think that could be a pretty killer UK winter sleep system that is still less bulky than something like their Elite 4 winter bag. Anyway, really looking forward to seeing/hearing how you get on with this kit in the field. Happy camping mate! Rich. 👍

[@LaconianConcepts]

Thank you for the kind words Rich! I actually was deciding between the Tactical 2 and the SF1 and the center zip is what swayed my choice. Both are great specs. I agree... I rarely have a sleeping bag that meets it’s claimed warmth. This is probably the closest I have encountered - but then again I sleep warm. I usually will consider the comfort rating as the bottom end of what I’ll live with to sleep a night in it. I’m also very interested in that fleece liner as well for colder temps as well. I have a trip planned in a few weeks where I’ll get some field use documented and then in about 6mo I’ll do an update on how this system has held up long term. I’d love to see some more of your trips now that Uk is easing up. Maybe get some sneak shots of that Tactical 2 and fleece liner.... 😏

[@kullcraven]

Thanks for the run down and your thoughts on your sleep system. I hammock camp a lot as well, it is wet here a lot as well. I like the sleep bag liner but trying to get into a tube type bag of anysort is almost impossible when in a hammock. Our Canadian bivy bags are tube type and great for water proofing but , terrible for hammock camping lol. Thanks for the vid and take care.

[@LaconianConcepts]

When I add the zip to the liner I will do an update and let you know. Shouldn’t take long with a sewing machine. Cheers!

[@EatCarbs]

I've only got the Snugpack Jungle blanket XL .. but I've been pretty happy with it. Naturally I had to check out their website while watching this video.. lol More gear.. more! I've never slept in a bivy before but I think I would like that one. I big the color too. Thanks for the video brother

[@LaconianConcepts]

I have the jungle blanket and I love it... the UK made stuff is on another level though! The bivy is my favorite part. Just like rain a coat for your bag. It’s not restrictive at all because it just moves with the bag you are already in. Plus in the PNW the extra protection is always a bonus!

[@hangtough503]

you stole all my gear(::: Loooooooooove Snugpak. tight review. subd. D(:

[@LaconianConcepts]

It’s too good! Thanks brother, cheers! 🤙🏽

[@MrDosonhai]

Wish they had more camo patterns, multicam isn't the best for specific environments.

[@LaconianConcepts]

Yeah I agree I wish they offered more patterns. I honestly think, however, for a sleep system that solid earth tone colors are more than sufficient... considering it will be dark during use and more than likely will be concealed by something else (tarp, rainfly, or if trying to conceal for operational use - hence wanting camo - then you’d want to be hidden in foliage). For what it’s worth, I am guilty of liking my stuff to be a a certain color so I can’t judge 😂

[@kymerdeth]

Nice break down and review of each piece. You said your wife had one liner and you had another how do those compare? I'm still using the patrol bag light green as a layer/liner? I also use the a quilt and sleeping pad for the base of my sleep system. The bivy looks nice once you start comparing weights, but that gortex one is bomb proof.

[@LaconianConcepts]

Thank you Sir! Yes my wife has the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Fleece liner. It’s honestly very similar although hers is slightly softer feeling than mine (both are very soft to touch though). Hers did come with a 1/3 length zipper... but it also retails for $80. I didn’t pay that because I had an REI dividend, plus a flash sale, plus a 20% coupon so it was worth it. As to the materials... I’d be surprised if they weren’t both the same technology but Snugpak couldn’t use the name due to copyright (thermolite is owned by Invista the maker of Lycra). It is a hollow core fiber instead of solid which allows the air in the core to heat up and act as an insulator like lofting. The patrol bag is hard to beat but honestly now that I have the SF1 it’s not even a contest. Packs smaller, weighs less, center zip, softer materials, smoother zipper, all in all more comfortable. The MSS Bivy really is the star of that system and I don’t regret owning a couple, but my back doesn’t want to carry that weight anymore. The Snugpak is just as waterproof, weighs less than half, and packs to the size of my fist. The hardest part of the SF Bivy to swallow is the price. But if you were to pay new prices for the USGI it would likely be the same or more. I like having a bivy bag for when it’s inclement weather or simple cowboy camping. This is the smallest lightest I have found. You could totally use a quilt system inside it too since there is no insulation although it may be slightly restrictive compared to just the quilt. It is pretty roomy though (35in wide compared to my 31in sleeping bag). I’m only 5’10” though. Just lots of choices out there!

[@kymerdeth]

@@LaconianConcepts Thanks for the info, the patrol bag green layer is the last thing I wanted to switch, well until I saw that bivy, I tent camp mostly, but that extra wind/moisture protection for cowboy camping or hammock camping would be a nice bonus, and really unless your always cowboy camping the gortex is probably just over kill considering the weight. Thanks again for the info.

[@wolgat]

When you purchase the complete system online is the Bivy and TS1 liner included or sold separately?

[@LaconianConcepts]

If you purchase the quart system yes both are included (however the bivy ln that system does not have the central zip). When you purchase the complete SF system it comes with neither, but rather the lightweight bag shown in this video (which I’ve slept down to 40F comfortably by itself), a heavier weight bag good for autumn/winter, and a baffle that can zip them together for below freezing temps. This is why I piece-meal’d mine to get the exact parts I wanted. For my area the lighter bag with liner and bivy stretches 3 seasons easily and I can swap out the bag when I go on my yearly mountain winter trips.

[@p_serdiuk]

@@LaconianConcepts Did you test the SF2 bag in the winter?

[@LaconianConcepts]

@@p_serdiuk I actually don’t have the SF2 I only got the SF1 for 3 seasons. I have heard second hand that it is a stellar bag. Depending on where you live that might be a better option if you only get 1. When I go winter camping it’s routinely at or below freezing and I use a down hammock cocoon bag in place of the SF1 and underquilt. (I almost always hammock sleep). In summer I just use my Snugpak jungle blanket I modified into underquilt and SF1 bag. Late spring early fall I will add the SF Bivy to the bag. Early spring/late fall I add the TS1inside all of that. Adding or subtracting elements is really flexible down to about 35F comfortably for me and I really like this system. I sleep warm but I don’t like being cold so once it dips down to freezing instead of carrying more I’ll switch to the down bag. I usually always bring the ts1 and bivy because they get so small in case I need to alter my plans and sleep on the ground (where it’s often wet here in the PNW). I’m looking at getting one of the lightweight Klymit insulated mats that I can use in my hammock to add some R value but also be a ground insulator should the above happen. I’ve only had to do that once and another time I almost did but continued searching for a good spot in the trees because there was snow on the ground and I didn’t bring a mat. Anyway I hope that helps!

[@junktube4000]

If I'm 6ft tall, would the regular sized SF Bivvy be the size to get, over the XL size?

[@LaconianConcepts]

I would opt for the long version. The standard is plenty wide but I am 5’10” and it fits me perfect with the hood cinched down. Any taller and I’d want it to be longer.

[@junktube4000]

@@LaconianConcepts I got the regular size and it seems to fit fine. Someone told me if you get bivvys that are too big, it can create condensation inside of them when you sleep in them.

[@junktube4000]

@@LaconianConcepts Is it just me or does the stuff sack for the SP1 sleeping bag suck. It's hart to fit the sleeping bag in it.

[@LaconianConcepts]

@@junktube4000 I honestly don’t ever use the stuff sack for the SF1 as I put that, the TS1 liner, and SF Bivy all put together into an aftermarket sack that fits perfectly. But when I first got it, I did have a tough time getting it back in...