The Rifleman's Light Sleep System

[@Maryland_Kulak]

I was on a desert survival course once and learned this by experience. It actually rained on us. I found if I sat up indian-style (pretzel legs for Zoomers) while wearing my poncho, it trapped a lot of heat. The minute I laid down, my legs were exposed and I got cold. I’m not saying I slept well sitting up, but I wasn’t hypothermic.

[@BandAid350z]

Some of the coldest and most miserable nights I’ve had have been fighting or training in the desert. Always bring some kind of snivel gear for desert ops.

[@destitute8493]

Put your legs in your backpack if you have one.

[@americanpatriot6918]

​@destitute8493 Or just bring the proper rain gear. Gortex is light enough to be worth it's weight to carry. If you already have a poncho, you could skip the jacket, and just wear the Gortex pants with your poncho. That's what I would do, heck I'd probably bring a Gortex bivy and a jungle bag. Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for anyone who wants to function properly. Especially if you're over 30, lol. Being in my early 40's, I'd want to get some sleep. Heck, I'd probably carry a hammock too, they are very light, and easy to deploy anywhere you have trees. 👍

[@Maryland_Kulak]

@@americanpatriot6918​​⁠The operative word was survival course. Specifically, it was Cody Lundin’s Aboriginal Living Skills School Desert Drifter Course in case you want to Google it. I had what was on the packing list, which was almost nothing, but he did let us have a poncho. You could get an even better night’s sleep in your own bed or in a 5 star hotel room or in a Winnebago. So explain your point. Did you even watch the video? Do you even get the context of what we’re talking about here before you chime in with “well, actually you’re an idiot; you could just have brought the ‘proper’ rain gear”? You might also have noticed the second operative word in desert survival course. Desert. What do you think the odds are of finding two sturdy trees 10 to 15 feet apart are in the desert? So thanks for the hammock idea but no thanks.

[@robertharper3754]

A long time ago we were on a training op that wasn't supposed to be all damn night, but it was, thankfully I had a wobbie with me and since it was fall/winter I was wearing an old field jacket liner under my blouse. At least I was quasi warm, so always prepare for the unexpected.

[@stevenhall2408]

A field jacket liner is a great lightweight layer to carry, can make it into a pillow by stuffing it up into one sleave.

[@jamesborek8125]

M65 jacket liner? One of my favorite "gun show" pick ups. I can violently squish it small in a dry bag and it's hella warm..esp with a woobie

[@Minuteman4Jesus]

Before I had a good fleece liner, I'd used an M65 jacket liner with the goretex gen-1 ECWCS parka shell, and it was good for Indiana. Moved up to Northern Minnesota, and damn if I wasn't glad I had the fleece liner and the waffle suit! My first winter here was -40F.

[@goliathku]

Wasn't military myself, but when i did Search and Rescue they were really insistent on having some basics on you, no matter how quick of a "patrol" was going to be. Your group that you were walking with was supposed to have some kind of sleep system, and everyone had their own food and water, at least a full days worth. Its a good system, and their justification was to help reduce the chance that we would need to send more rescuers to save dumber "tough guy" rescuers. Good video!

[@mdog1615]

was a commercial fisherman most of my life , that means cold and wet all the time , don't care how tough you think you are , that'll grind you down fast.

[@thebrizzy]

Thanks man. Sleep systems and food get overlooked. People think food is about not starving or about comfort when its neither. Food is a about fueling performance.

[@henryc7548]

Good point, people think too much from the what do I need to survive, but you can’t fight if you are just surviving

[@49shadesofj]

2 things I love....a packable puffy vest. It goes a long way at night. It'll fit in a cargo pocket. And those little cheap fleece throws from Walmart. Those add hardly any bulk or weight rolled inside a bivvy. Combined it's pretty nice for surprise weather. And a very small and light addition to whatever is packed for cold temps

[@wtsharpproductions]

Took my son camping last week end for a couple of nights. We roughed it a bit. Sleeping bags and a tent. First night was a hard sleep, because the coyotes were out. Next day, we went on a 1-2 mile ruck walk. Well I was the one carrying the bag haha, but at least we went on one. It was great! Getting back into fitness training myself. I used to train in martial arts so it feels good to get back into it. Plenty to learn as a Minuteman, wish I had been in Military myself, but that's why I'm here. Absolutely enjoy your content, Brother Randall !! You're a pretty cool and awesome guy I will add! GOD bless all you Patriots out there.

[@RAINSMAN79]

I use a disposable painter’s drop cloth as an emergency backup shelter option/ waterproof option when backpacking. If the primary shelter option fails you can get in a dangerous situation with just a little rain, wind, and temperature combination.

[@Minuteman_Expeditions-wo2cp]

Tyvek is awesome

[@stevescuba1978]

I keep at least 2 emergency blankets in all my packs. One as a moisture barrier from the ground, one to wrap up in. They're the smallest lightest packed tarps I could think of

[@roycehuepers4325]

Tarp, wool blanket and a fleece blanket . Possibly a sheet of somekind if its too hot. A mosquitoe net, and some cordage. Bit of a minimalist/traditionalist but im in south Texas. A wool blanket is usually good enough for our winters if you're wearing clothes, and does add a little more waterproofness. Maybe some large trash bags in case i gotta cross a river and keep my gear dry My time being homeless showed me i wanna prioritize underwear and socks, some food and plenty of water.

[@regularguy192]

Love your channel bro. Former USMC Tanker here. I was issued the old Deuce/782 Gear/ALICE gear you are using. I had that with the older LBV. ALICE gear rocks. I still have 2 complete sets of it and my old large ALICE pack.....good kit. Keep up the excellent videos. Semper Fi!

[@TheTarotCardGuy]

I was in the CAD Infantry Reserves from 99-02 and used the old Pattern 82 webbing. I didnt mind it but hated the mag pouch placement and pouches. Recreated a modern version about 5 years ago and liked it a lot. However, over the last few years i have ditched it for the simple reason that i can carry more in a 3 Day pack and chest rig. Also, as a civilian, you cant get into your car or truck with your webbing on; you need to take it off. With a pack, i can toss it on the floor or back seat and still have my chest rig on. In a worse case scenario that i have to exit the vehicle in a rush, i can grab my rifle and be ready to fight. Whereas, if my webbing is on the floor or back seat, i may not be able to get to it in time. Thats where Im at in my evolution as a 'civilian soldier'.

[@citizeninfantry]

I would look at the Snugpak Jungle Bag. It opens completely up, and in a way makes the Jungle Blanket redundant.

[@GruntProof]

Hm, must be a newer version. Thanks

[@wombbroom]

@GruntProof I have a jungle bag. I used it during the grunt days, had it 7 years now, and has held up incredibly well. Can comfortably sleep in 45 degrees.

[@Marine-wj4jv]

I was not in the infantry. After retirement, I was in the IC as a CT team member. Food, water, ammo, poncho liner always!

[@mlsknnr]

I learned during the rainy season to always carry 2 ponchos and I still do when traveling lite anytime I go out

[@matochkinsaasia7350]

@@mlsknnr what ponchos do you prefer?

[@TheRealBigEE]

Being wet sucks

[@mlsknnr]

@@matochkinsaasia7350 I use military issue and Helikon-Tex

[@ThatGuy-sc5rx]

Why two ?

[@ChickenShackIRL]

@@mlsknnr I always carry two as well for two separate reasons. 1) You have one heavy duty, rubberized one for actual waterproofing or as an inclement weather shelter and one lightweight, silnylon one to be used as a sunshade, hide site, or mild weather shelter, as needed. 2) That way, if you do end up using one as shelter, you still have one to use as a true poncho, should you need to leave the shelter for whatever reason

[@jasonprairie9968]

Hey Randall, back in the day, some of us would roll up our "sleep shirt" or wool sweater in our butt packs. Nowdays, with clothes on i use an SOL escape breathable bivy in od green. I slept in it at 48 degrees, not saying i was comfortable but warm enough to sleep. Hooah!!

[@kurtbaier6122]

If I bring a poncho liner it is for temps below 55 F, and it has already been altered in two ways. First, I sewed a zipper horizontally on to it about 6 “ down from it folded in half to allow my head to pass through it. The offset helps even the front and rear of the liner. So I can then wear it as a poncho liner. Second a green or orange mylar sheet by SOL ( which is quiet and tougher ) is safety pinned to it. Clear packaging tape is used before it is pinned, and a neck slit is also cut into it and reinforced with the tape so the cot doesn’t get larger with use. The poncho liner-Mylar sheet and poncho also creates a thermal over coat as well as a more effective blanket. I have used this with seasonal clothes as low as the 30s F for years. But typically bring a compact 2 lb down bag if operating in the 30s. If temps are above 55F I usually leave the liner at home and bring an olive colored nylon rain Jacket and wool long sleeve thermal top to go under my BDU blouse to sleep in, and below 55 F a green GI quilted liner for pants. It gets cold in the mountains of Virginia even in summer. The extra layer live in a medium size Olive colored dry bag with watch cap and warm gloves. I just pull the GI quilted pants liner over my pants when stationary and tie them shut. Easy on easy off. I also use a 55 gal drum liner to contain mattress, me and modified poncho liner if racking out. I can’t stand a bivy. I’ve both bears and two mt lions check me out. Hope that helps someone. So to recap extra clothing is my first choice, an additional liner second, and then small compressible 2lb down bag third. Wiggys sleeping bags for temps below 30F.

[@MyTDTV]

I also recommend the Snugpak jungle bag. The mosquito net in the hood is a life saver

[@Minuteman_Expeditions-wo2cp]

I have had a snugpak jungle bag for years and I cant agree with you more! Its a great thing to have

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

Something that works for me is polypropylene long johns. They weigh next to nothing, compress really well, and can give you 10-15 degrees more when the temperature drops. The downside is, you have to strip down to put them on, or take them off. May not be doable in a snooping around situation.

[@theintrovertedcalifornian5047]

poncho liner was our bread and butter when it came to training in alaska. Lot of times we would stop , sit on our rucksacks and sit back to back with our battle buddies and cover up with our poncho liners for minutes or hrs to stay warm. This is when i was in the 6th infantry division in alaska.

[@davidpeck7455]

I have substituted just carrying the field jacket liner and pants liner in my pack in place of the poncho liner. Gained a lot more options that way… I can add the warming layers as I need them on the move or stationary, and I can sleep in them under my poncho if necessary.

[@gregoryvela7549]

A great way to stay cool in warm/hot weather, it to set up in a thick bush. Cutting up a little den that can fit your sleeping mat, it’s crazy. It feels air conditioned during the heat of the day and insulates at night. I think you’ll dig it!

[@user-rx5dj4dp7r]

Picked up a surplus German Army poncho in very good condition. The German poncho is made like the old GI poncho from the 1960's Vietnam era. Except they are more Field Grey than OD green. I think they are even better than the old GI 1960's era poncho. During my time I used the GI poncho from the post Vietnam era in the 1970's along with the poncho liner. The 1970's era GI poncho was not as well made as the 1960's version. I then took a surplus GI wool blanket & had a tailor cut & sew a hole in the middle of it so I could wear it as a poncho. The German poncho is then worn over the wool blanket. The nice thing about wool is it will keep you warm even when wet. The drawback is it is heaver & bulkier...

[@jonathanrogers9961]

3:15, "maybe 60 something at night" That has been about exactly my experience, high 50s to low 60s. Once it hits 55F or below or so I'm freezing. Granted that is with one light clothing layer.

[@michaelperez1666]

Another cool piece of kit that could flex in this role is the hill people gear mountain serape. If you haven’t checked it out yet, worth a peek.

[@BlazeYourOwnPath]

Caloric intake=heat so I tend to pack a little extra grub, but yeah. Something in addition to the poncho (ultralight bivy at the very least) because I just assume it's going for something else. Races are won by 100ths. of a second. Battles are won by that 2% you still have left in the tank. I'll take any edge i can get.

[@GraveFiller613]

Two 3mm thick drum liners and cordage go a long way for comfort and shelter if your not expecting to be out. In my dayhike/scouting kit. Those, an escape bivy, and a shemaug have let me rough it a few times. Would have been easier 20 years ago, doable now. I will have to try out the snugpack and the bushman.

[@RicOfTheWest]

Snug pack jungle blanket is awesome. That with a Bivy is amazing, and if it gets colder, you slap in the woobie or another blanket.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

At a minimum I have either a Poncho or the Bivy bag shell in my accompanying day/ patrol pack, something is definitely better than nothing. Winter conditions are VERY different, absolutely-- your carried load will be bulkier no matter what, and you have to adequately prepare with kit to survive. Good stuff!

[@jasonprairie9968]

In winter assault packs or og med ruck with cold weather "snivel" gear. Light weight in winter= dead.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

@@jasonprairie9968 Wool is still king, it is objectively better than synthetic materials too, yep.

[@landonhall6444]

I carry a get home bag wherever I go. In it I carry a full size poncho, an extra large camo space blanket and an emergency bivy (in green). Most of the time I'm within 10 miles from home so I'm less likely to have to spend the night out. Its pretty minimal, but I'm not camping. My goal is to move, not conquer the wilderness.

[@miken7629]

I had a Butt Pack on my motorcycle but got stolen, as a replacement I use an old fashion military canvas laundry bag, holds as much as that Butt Pack, roll gear up inside like those bedrolls on a horse in cowboy movies, secure with "Bushcraft Zipties" made from two 74" pieces of 1100 paracord, attach a shoulder strap, hang a canteen on lower end of strap and wear roll pack diagonally across my back. I include torso sized ground insulation plus modified a contractors 55gal trashbag into a top quilt for water & wind protection while sleeping.

[@williamk1452]

I've only spent two nights " indoors" in the last twelve months. My go-to system is 2 -55 gal trash bags. Rain gear to water storage. My " patrols" are in acres now and not in miles. Met the"others " , last night they were throwing rounds at 2am in the rain. Night vision and thermal. They are here and they don't like us. "C" word.

[@lucasolson9132]

Dude, so curious about this statement. Are we talking C.-C./p personnel on the ground in the states? Training live with NODS and thermals at 2? How many, what's the approximate AO?

[@johnburpi8484]

One thing I love to bring besides the woobie because it’s bulky is just my bivy and base layers and a waffle top and that will take you down to 40s while being less bulky then a woobie

[@zplitterz]

Poncho liner adds alot of warmth to a summer sleeping bag, added into it as a sleeping bag liner. I have slept to freezing with it easy. And I am acclimated to cold sleeping.

[@stevenhall2408]

I once did a 72 mission with a "rubber bitch" issue air mattress and an unauthorized space blanket to sleep in at 8000 + altitude, 40s at night. As long as I kept my seal I was warm enough to sleep. Even though I was traveling much lighter than everyone else I did not "freeze at night". The russian pash pilotka as an all purpose tarp/sleeping bag/ poncho/ works well, too. Insulate from the ground and you can sustain yourself.

[@3vil3lvis]

Sleep system: SOL Escape Bivy, Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme sleeping bag liner, and hand warmers. Shelter: Mylar Emergency blanket + Clear drop cloth (Mors Kochanski Super Shelter)

[@pop401k]

Insulation is: dead air space. Contact with a cold surface (ground), even with a solid layer (sheet plastic for example) between will leave you also cold. There's a moisture factor as well.

[@billgrant6175]

Great videos with no BS. I learned over many years....Its not about comfort its about survival. Carry what you need to survive. When you think it sucks it could always be worse.

[@vincegonzales6196]

Good information..the poncho is a important item of kit..back in the day if you didn't carry your buttpack you had a rolled poncho tied on the back of your pistolbelt..in summer I would carry a sleeping shirt, wooly hat and poncho..that would do me fine..always carry chow on your body, lickies and chewies ..Vince g 11b Infantry

[@daven953]

I'm 62. My min load out. Easychair(on wheels) bag of jerky bag of m&m(big bag) down comforter on top of a nice soft queen sized mattress( I don't sleep on the ground anymore) coffee pot coffee grinder gazebos with bug screen. Oh and a 19 year old to pack it around for me. 😂 Seriously, the man has some common sense from experiences. For those wise enough to listen.😎

[@zacsmith6736]

There is definitely differences in peoples temperature tolerances. However You should always be prepared for changing conditions or unforseen eventualities... You should know yourself and your gear, what you can tolerate and remain combat effective.... Another consideration, if you are wounded or injured and have to stay out for any length of time your temperature tolerance will be reduced, and keeping warm becomes more critical...

[@steveturner3999]

Always nice to see experience imparting wisdom and options. Always expect to be stuck longer than anticipated. If you get used to carrying this amount of gear it becomes normal, not extra. Five words no one likes to say: I wish I had brought………………………Miserable conditions grow exponentially with age and so should wisdom. You are wise Randall.

[@dreb222]

I love my snug pak jungle bag and woodland bivy combo. Little bit of extra bulk, but it absolutely delivers in almost every situation except freezing temps.

[@donnierogers3299]

Doing S&R here in Texas weather it's land or on water long stents are the norm. So I packed for risks ahead. It would be as light as possible but prepared. Now that I'm old cold and I don't like each other so I eat and warm up even if I don't need it.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

Check out the Swagman roll from Helikon-Tex. More water resistant than a Poncho liner, converts to an actual Poncho as well. Just more versatile in my opinion. I've spent many a late night watch in a PB with that over me, hiked in the 30's with it over me and my pack, stayed comfy. It's legit dude.

[@bendover4496]

What’s the PB refer to?

[@1mataleo1]

That sniper veil/netting is such a great piece of kit. I always carry one into the bush. When out in colder temps, it is amazing how much more warmth they give if used as a scarf. They will stop heat from escaping through your neckline, yet they are still ventilated, so they won’t make you sweat. In warmer weather you can tie it around your head like a bandana to keep the little bastard mosquitos and flies off of you. Definitely an essential item for me

[@lessharratt8719]

And remember. Altitude is a huge game changer. I live at 500 asl. I may end up panning a creek at 4000 asl by late afternoon. The kit that would have served me well at home is no wheres adequate at my night camp.

[@emcoulter4459]

Nice Bonnie Blue Flag patch

[@caleblebaron1179]

i like to just bring a few hoodies or sweaters and put them all on then use that as insulation from the ground, I'm a side sleeper so i don't know how well it would work for a back sleeper.

[@Stratinvllc]

I'm 37 years old. I got rid of some weight by switching from a 15 inch free floated M lok handguard on my camp carbine to a 7 inch free floated M Lok handguard. It's half the weight.

[@ManInTheWoods76]

The greatest weight to return items I've identified THROUGH EXPERIENCE are as follows: 1. Steel water bottle filled with boiled water, wrapped in shemag or towel gives you supreme heat for 5-6 hours. 2. Six or seven large hand warmers. 3. Large lawn leaf bag to make a mattress if able. All three of those options are small and portable for summer loads. I'd give up the bivvi for those 💯 I'd i could choose only one of them or would be the hand warmers, stuffed in my clothes. For supreme comfort, there's the gas powered passive hand warmers that use glow flame. Jonez brand or something like that. It saved my life in a 33 degree F rainstorm once

[@Swisswoods]

Excellent video again as always. The snugpack jungle bag also works great inside the insulated Jerven bag to beef it up. C.

[@Gundyadventures]

Great ideas to think about. I appreciate the context of your “why” Definitely things to think about.

[@theintrovertedcalifornian5047]

one of the best realistic channels around I appreciate the time and work put into it.

[@brenton1865]

Man it don’t take much when it’s summer time to still be miserably cold, just having the right amount of dew or just after a storm goes through it’s freakin cold. I feel you wouldn’t be an asset if your up all night tired cold an miserable cause you didn’t bring that little extra gear

[@ClarenceCochran-ne7du]

I do appreciate you pointing out that "Where You're At" is going to determine and affect what you carry. There are basics that one will need that are the same across the board, but what you carry in Tennessee is going to be different from what I'd need here in Colorado.

[@protectpersevere2030]

Spot on video man, anything that can boost morale/performance with a minimal weight penalty is worth it. It the Deep South where I’m at in the summer investing in those newer ultralight hammocks, even those “chair hammocks” are an absolute God send even on short patrols to take a break and not get eaten alive by ants and other bugs. There are some that are literally weightless and can almost fit in a cargo pocket.

[@StevenRoberts-m8v]

Thanks for sharing this with us!!🤝👌✌️👍💪🥾🤙🫡🎯

[@latigomorgan]

I'll carry 2x6 mil 55 gal plastic drum liners in my kit. They disappear in the bottom of a butt pack or rucksack and weigh almost nothing. But, fill them with leaves and you can have one of the most restful nights you've ever spent on the ground. Run a couple poles through them for an improvised litter. You can also use them for overhead cover in the rain - build your OP with it on the bottom, then camo with dirt and brush. If you have to leave it, you haven't left a hard to replace poncho behind. No poncho? Cut head and arm holes in one. You are only limited by your imagination. I haven't tried painting them for better camo. So, I don't know if spraypaint would stick to the plastic or not.

[@OperatorOG]

year round on lejuene only used a tarp and an iso mat

[@Boogeyman1976]

I tend to over pack, but I can always ditch unneeded supplies if needed. In my location the weather can change drastically and fast, so you better be prepared.

[@Cooldude-sc1eu]

Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star.

[@isatq2133]

Hurrah!

[@lugdan]

I was Infantry in one of the last leg Infantry Divisions; the 9th ID back in the 70s and spent many nights freezing in a poncho liner. Ever since I have spent a fair amount of time thinking about light sleeping systems and I always keep a small deployment bag ready to go; mainly out of habit and I still don't feel "ready" if I don't have one, but it's also handy for trekking or light camping, or added insurance on day hikes. My guess why you sometimes hear people talking about using a poncho liner down to 30 degrees F is depending on the temp, but during winter usually we would go out wearing fatigues, a layer of thick wool pants and shirt, then field pants and field jacket - we are talking about 4 layers here. So my guess is the trick to sleeping in a poncho liner was the thick wool pants and shirt. You might shiver with cold all night, but you'll probably still be able to function as long as it doesn't get much below 30. The last point I want to make is I've always wanted to replace the poncho liner with something warmer and while I haven't tested it yet, the iclimb blanket uses thinsulate insulation, which insulates when compressed or wet. I'm not sure the iclimb blanket uses enough insulation for my purposes, but it packs down small and doesn't weigh too much, so it may be just a step in the right direction, or part of a more complex solution. Right now for camping I use it as a liner for a down quilt and it works great. I do have it in my little deployment bag as a poncho liner replacement, but I'm a little nervous about that until I test it out - my guess is it's good by itself down to about 60 sleeping in your underwear. I also have a small down throw 50" X 60" that packs down real small to supplement the thinsulate blanket in the deployment bag, which is fine for trekking or light camping, but it doesn't insulate well when wet and anyone who has spent weeks or months outdoors when it's wet actually doing stuff, as opposed to just sitting around a camp fire knows what it's like when everything is wet, even though you have waterproof bags, so I'm hoping for a thicker thinsulate blanket eventually.

[@scrapperstacker8629]

When I was in the Army 88 to 94. I carried a lot of stuff like power bars MRE goodies and first aid stuff in my pockets. Freeing up my but pack for gear. I find that a lot of guys forget about pocket carry items.

[@curtisrussell9121]

I bought and used the catoma tent and fly when I was in. was light and quick assembly/disassembly

[@calmolly1]

Great post. I do the same with a bivvy. Throw some warm gloves and a watch cap on, snuggle up in the bivvy and it’s not bad. Throw jacket over your legs and warm jacket on and I’ve done a dry 34F like that comfortably. But I like it cold too. I sewed a #10 3/4 zip on my Snugpak Jungle blanket so I can throw it on like a poncho. Great for those chilly nights standing stag. Group 1 Equipment make a really good version that has a lot more loft but is a lot bigger. I don’t like poncho’s, just get a good tarp. My go to is one sold by Kit Monster in the UK. It’s 3m by 3m. Weighs no more than a poncho, takes up a fraction more room. But damn you can get three of you nut to butt under it in a thunderstorm and stay dry. If you set it up right. TRC Outdoors sells an almost identical one too. If I’m taking a pack I have a folding British sleep mat cut down to my torso length and cut to width to fit in my patrol pack. I slot my dry bag in the middle of it in the pack. TRC sells a Cizero suit. A great extra layer. Super lightweight. I always have a set with me. They are also great for dry sleep clothes. Throw my wet clothes on the sleep mat, bivvy on top. Your body heat that escapes will dry a bit and and keep your wet clothes at least a tad warmer. I well remember being sent to an OP for 4hrs and being relieved 3 days later. I keep an “mre” meal, at least 3 brews and Plenty of snacks

[@richardhansen342]

Grunts are used to suffer, is so true from the way we were treated that's what I figured we were paid for, along with knowing which way the bullet left the barrel. The rest of my training was so amatuerish it was a waste of good sleep time.

[@stevescuba1978]

2% comfort that will change your experience....dry socks, underwear, and a shirt. Every pack in my home sits with a headlamp+batteries, a bic lighter, and a stick of fat wood. If i bring any gear at all, that goes with me too. Also, i pack a knife, and carry a knife and lighter on me.

[@ToyodaMaster-tq6ht]

The Angolan rain ponchos are the best. Button/snaps & grommets built-into the edges. Two button together into a tent with a floor. Also used as a ground cloth or light sleep bag. Three button together with shared center pole for a larger tent. Excellent design!

[@davidmcpherson9260]

When I was in Korea, we deployed with some ROK marines for an exercise. 8 of us had a GP-medium tent, cots, sleeping bags and a pos diesel heater. It was in January and was getting down to about 30 degrees over night. We were cold till we saw what the marines had. Poncho, liner, field jacket and liner, gloves a scarf. In their butt packs, some cooked rice and some kind of dried meat. Tough little f@$kers. I always though our guys carried WAY to much ...

[@billb5732]

So what is the bottom line? Poncho plus Snugpak SF Bivy? This is a useful tip, thank you. (Suggest repeating the bottom line at beginning and/or end of the vid, because 15 minutes of chat is entertaining but not real clear.)

[@theintrovertedcalifornian5047]

the poncho liner with a poncho and some 550 cord are a must in my humble opinion but I see your point of view cause your training is way more current than mine.

[@user-eo4ps7re5e]

Deleted my butt pack a few weeks ago for some smaller, less cumbersome pouches and put all the extra stuff in a small pack. Never been happier.

[@Minuteman4Jesus]

My bare minimum necessities are water & a good filter to draw more if a source is around, a decent tarp (good for so many different things), and a couple sticks of instant coffee into a canteen cup. Yeah, that means I need fire, but check out the BCB Fire Dragon folding stove - it's super lightweight & small. Brent 0331 recommends it too.

[@eddiealvarez5493]

You speak with Much wisdom grunt! Especially on the age manner. Stay strong - 😤

[@randym6439]

Never bothered with headnets. Use a piece of skeeter coil.

[@SaraJamharian]

A simple and light sleep system FOR ALL SEASONS is a GI patrol bag (light bag) with bivy. Wearing whatever you need to make it through the day plus the bag and bivy has worked for me from summer to subzero. After all, why strip down when you have to be up in an hour or two for fire watch? It weighs little if any more than a poncho liner and poncho, but works much better. It also fits into

[@renegade501]

A wedge from an old parachute was always my "go to" summer blanket / sun shade 11 bush 79 - 89

[@aaronsgunsmithing]

Some kind of thin blanket sewn up like a sleeping bag to go inside the bivy would be nice. One that rolls up pretty slim like the Bivy.

[@46camper50]

I usually on a couple hour patrol take enough to stay the night . Although it wouldn’t hurt me to bring enough for a couple of nights . Once I get my new place I’m going to put out a couple observation posts that are more permanent. That way I can just leave some things there .

[@elduendeoscuro]

Look at the Patoo wool afghan blankets. Each one is unique, the one I use in summer is about 130x260cm and weighs about 500gr, It's more compact than a woobie and you can wear it; and combine very well with a poncho and a thermal blanket.

[@russhay422]

Solid advice there. I’m in a colder zone here in 🇨🇦 so even in summer it can get down to the low 40’s and I might consider a wool blanket along with a bivy. Snugpak is great may get that blanket or the thing with the Mylar sewn in. Real game changer for me is supplementing Taurine. 3000mg 3x/day takes 15 years off recovery time and sleep like a baby without being at all groggy on waking.

[@jeffcooper9363]

I have to chuckle - I spent about three hours one night trying to sleep in 25 deg temps with the woobie system. I had an early breakfast....

[@ifell3]

I quite like those softie jackets. They pack down really small, haven't done any comparisons against the poncho liner. But it's wearable rather than a putover.

[@4ngry_Raccoon]

Try out an M1941 pack system. Enough room around that for the poncho, shelter half, and blanket, rolled in a horseshoe around the top.

[@isaacwoods-q2n]

Pathfinder belmont blanket water proof 8x8 polyester woven fabric outside fleece inside can be put up as a tarp.

[@lordfairfaxpreparedness]

Great points, SFC! Sleep will make you combat ineffective, quick! Pack a little more "comfort" items, get some decent sleep in the field. Stay "combat effective" if it goes kinetic! Black Knights!

[@Captainpaulbtyhtr]

Look at the Kifaru Woobie , AMAZING ! Not for tropical but cool to freezing GTG !

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Good video. Put on a fresh pair of thermals on . That should get you down too 40 degrees and more. Hope it helps you or some one . Don't forget your sox gloves and hat. God bless. From Glenn CATT. In Massachusetts.

[@swalker157]

1. Windshirt should always be in a cargo pocket 365. Most versatile and packable garment. 2. Using something like the molle waist pack as a “bum roll” can give one more options for bringing more warming gear.

[@comaSF]

I never go out in the wilderness, or even for a trip, without my Sol escape bivy (OD green of course).

[@sawyerjt4]

For Florida, I’ve always kept a net hammock, skeeter netting, woobie and poncho for cover. In the last 20 years I’ve added the Thermacell… I like the loadout. Thanks for the insight. Question….where’d you find the Bonnie Blue Subdued patch?

[@matthewhackman5153]

Besides the visual camouflage aspect of overhead cover, I think it serves as an important shelter component, almost more so on clear nights than wet ones. This is due to the radiative heat loss. In addition to conduction (touching) and convection (moving as in a liquid or gas), we have radiative heat loss based solely on the differences between the absolute temperatures of the two objects. If the one object is you at 98.6F or 37C, and the other object is the clear night sky to all of outer space, which is a few degrees above a temperature of absolute zero ( -459F or -273C), then even though the the Stefan-Boltzmann equation (q = σ T(exp4) A ) says that the heat flow in watts is proportional (sigma; Stefan-Boltzmann constant, because, of course.) to the Temperature difference to the fourth power and Area exposed to the other temperature. (I apologize. I am an engineer.) Anyway, this means that if you put another object between you and the rest of the universe, instead of radiating heat away from your body to a few degrees above absolute zero, you are radiating to whatever temperature that covering (roof, tent, tarp, etc. (umbrella?)) which, although maybe the temperature of the surrounding air or even lower (remember it is now radiating its heat to the universe). But a tent or poncho or tarp doesn't hold much heat in i8ts thin material, so it can make a significant reduction to your night time heat loss. This is one of the reasons desert peoples have tents. They live in an environment of huge temperature extremes. (typically 25F/-4C night ant 100F/38C day. So having something over your head to reflect heat radiating in from the sun during the day and preventing heat radiating out to the sky at night, is a critical component of your shelter system, even if rain or other inclement weather is not expected.

[@magillagorilla1]

Love the OG LBE. Love the opening music - UFO - lights out in London.

[@thefucrew9865]

I used to carry one of the medics' space blankets (green on one side, silver on the other, with a rip-stop material) folded up in my buttpack. It lasted me from '86, through to 2022 (where we used it to reflect heat back up to our Pitbull on his bed, starting in 2009 until he passed away on it, after being with us for 21 years. He was buried with it, as a sign of respect, from one Soldier to the other 😢😭🙏❤🙏). That "space blanket" was used quiet a lot during the winters at Ft. Campbell, Ft. Drum, and Ft. Wainwright, as well as Camp Humphreys and Camp Casey.

[@pinkmistar15]

IMHO no sleep gear for recon mission. warming layers only. I found the goretex top and bottom was warm and provided rain protection.

[@davidomalley1392]

Heaviest item in my kit is the wheelchair. I feel it might hinder my team. Thoughts?

[@Z7d3nR4]

If you have enough guts and strength to pack a wheelchair, your team knows not to worry about you slowing them down. They are more likely to just be in awe over your determination.

[@asmith7876]

Is it a tricked out wheelchair like something James Bond would use? Cuz that would f-ing cool AF! 🤣🤣🤣 Seriously though, good on you for doing whatever you can do, my wife spent last summer in a wheelchair and it SUCKED.

[@SnakePliskin86]

I’m gonna start rucking tomorrow after work. Just curious, what weight should I start at? And what distance? Thanks brother!

[@SnakePliskin86]

I started watching your ruck series. Instructions unclear, ended up sleeping with my sister in law.

[@deltabravo1811]

Be glad you brought the bivy and 4k calories when you're out of ammo.

[@paulzimmerman3895]

Great stuff. Thank you for the tips!

[@Vule34]

Words of true wisdom!

[@408vonripper]

Thermo blanket sound great, yeah I use the snugpack bivy