How Soldiers Sleep in Extreme Temperatures | Army ECWCS

[@Mowgli127]

An old British Army trick is to tuck the foot of your sleeping bag into your empty ruck sack. It creates a layer of dry air that acts like a mini foot heater. Sounds crazy but it works in cold Canadian and Norwegian winters. You can also throw your boots in the ruck sack and keep them from freezing. After all, the ruck sack is empty and is more than big enough for your feet and sleeping bag...

[@GruntProof]

That's a good idea

[@tomsitzman3952]

On ski touring the back country at minus 20-30 below the back pack went over the bottom half of the sleeping bag and the boots were my pillow, I use a small tent most of the time.

[@eljefe1153]

Awesome idea 👍

[@sokyoutdoors588]

I was in the USMC in the early 90's. We would put our boots inside the waterproof bag that we carried our sleeping bag in. We carried to much other useless junk in our rucks to use them that way.

[@likestohunt758]

Thats a great idea. Im definitely going to do this. Thanks!!!

[@AndreFB69]

Tired of advertisements disguised as field tests. THIS is a real test. That 's why I subscribed. Thanks for sharing! Cheers from Brazil.

[@TAVAAR7]

Sleeping out in the weather under the stars isn't the weirdest thing people have done for living conditions....voluntarily packing themselves into concrete containers living stacked on top of and smashed between each other, now THATS crazy.

[@shoottothrillphotoWI]

Amen, Brother!

[@AndreFB69]

Perfect!

[@brandyhouston2105]

Thanks for making the coldest video I've never experienced 😎lol

[@mikuspalmis]

This is so true. We think alike on that.

[@daegan00]

We live in a

[@cpreston942]

Thanks!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@isaiahvalenzuela1925]

You don’t sleep, you just patiently wait to be woken up.

[@mrv.3768]

Truer words have never been said

[@ColemanOutdoors]

I'll have to admit that even though it's miserable being cold while trying to sleep, that actually looks really fun. Some of the best memories as young boy scout and even as an adult freezing my cheeks off while camping. Great stuff, dude!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@ljrandom147]

​@@GruntProof I have the same MMSS Bivy and I love it. I used it in 2 days of wind and rain a week and half ago. Most of my gear is military surplus. I have the Marines ILBE Rucksack( full set for 200), MMSS bivy, Af N 4B Extreme Cold Artic Mittens. And so much more. Great stuff

[@ljrandom147]

Cowboy camping is the best kind in my opinion

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

Also it sounds counter productive but in this sort of weather snow is an outstanding insulator. You can make a simple cave for your bottom half and get in, or even a full snow cave if you can be bothered

[@JakeW100]

Smoke a bowl of weed you’ll warm right up and pass out😅

[@marcuslvstad6067]

Norwegian army tip: brush off the snow from your boots and place them under your knees outside off the bad. This keeps then dry, increases bloodflow too your feet and you take up less space (great for when your in a team tent and everyone hase the same boots)

[@TurtleOverdose]

noen som har vært ute en vinternatt før ;)

[@PennPearson]

When I was an infantry platoon leader, in Korea, my soldiers and I usually slept this way. It's very easy and comfortable. Tents are time-consuming and not necessary. If it rained or snowed, we'd put a "shelter half" over us. No problem.

[@darthsarcastus1064]

Just been issued the UK version of the MSS. Such an improvement on what has gone before but the issue is getting the grunts to pack for the situation, they will always go for the lightest option meaning they'll take the lightweight bag with the bivi in the winter and freeze their butts off. Our old bag was multi purpose but relied on layered clothing to deal with different climates. Our bivi bag isn't zipped so we have to slide ourselves into the bag from the top which is an issue when the whole shabang has been screwed up in your bergan for hours and you're trying to set up tactically in the dark without light! Number of times I've sat on my webbing cursing trying to force my feet into my dossbag while freezing my butt off in the rain!

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

We used to get those insanely massive arctic bomb bags to be fair. I loved them despite their comedically huge size. Sent a load to ukraine last winter and they were appreciated in fixed positions like trenches,

[@billnotice9957]

In my Cold Weather survival skill with the Marines. The biggest no no is to go sleep sweating. Sit outside in your under clothes for 5 minutes. Then layer up slowly. Do not wear your clothes sleeping. Don t be afraid to sleep in the cold. You wake up shivering before freezing to death. (Unless intoxicated, exhausted or in shock.)

[@kanik096]

Swedish winter survival course: You had winter clothes, a empty water bottle, a knife a fire steel, a sleeping bag not rated for winter temp, a small backpack (30L). Only thing You had extra was 1 extra pair of socks. Rest was what You wore clothes wise. Average temp was -25C during night it was -35C. No tent or bivy bag. We built shelters, new shelter type every night. Simplest was first night just a one roof of branches to shield from above. Then different snow shelters as group. Last night was Everyone alone. That was after Everyone had to jump into a hole in the ice to get fully submerged. That used up 50% of our clothes. (We just wore underwear snow blouse and a pair of borrowed wet sneakers when We jumped into the ice water) after that we undressed all and put on the dry clothes - the snow suit and underwear. And start a fire using firesteel. After that We where sent back into the Woods alone. Now with a empty water bottle and no cooking gear not even a empty can that We had as a group. We had to melt snow in the waterbottle against our body. Or put snow in a sock and hang it up near fire and let it drip into the bottle. No food except what You forraged in the forrest with a 50 cm snow cover. So basically pineneedele tea and some Moss. For 5 x 24 h while moving on skis in a mountain region. After that You knew that You can survive anything for atleast a couple of weeks if You got your Mora knife fire steel and a empty bottle of some kind. During ”summer survival” We didnt get a sleeping bag or winter gear rest was same kit as in winter survival. Instead We had a raincoat. 5 days like that. It was october in a mountain area so it started snowing. No sleepmat in winter or summer. We had to make it out of branches. So after this, getting food, sleeping in a tent on a sleeping mat was pretty cosy. Haha

[@SchMasHed]

I bet you hiked 30 miles barefoot first uphill both ways with a with a baked potatoes in your pocket to keep you warm and that's what you had for lunch. lmfao.

[@kanik096]

@@SchMasHed i bet your a insecure baby

[@Glatidoz]

​@@SchMasHedSERE/survival training is exactly like this here in the north as described in the original comment. Source, the exact same training in Estonia + talking to people from Finnish units.

[@petergreenwald9639]

Once I learned about the Mora knife I bought two. Probably buy a couple more. I have never needed to use them as I have several old Chicago Cutlery knives I bought over 40 yrs ago when I worked in "cattle disassembly." But one is in my vehicle for "survival" and defense. One is in my office a few inches from my hand if anyone busts in my house door and it's too late to grab the 9mm which is a few feet away. I bought two MSS outfits about 10yrs ago and I used them many times for casual camping. My winter kit includes an REI brand bag rated to -20F I bought in the early 80s.. I've slept in it at xmas time camping on the shore of Lake Superior on the Minnesota side in -10f to -15f. That said, holy shit, you guys know how to "winter!"

[@theCRYSISgamer]

@@SchMasHed😂😂😂😂

[@thaddeusmikolajczyk4518]

I bought the complete MSS system about 4 years ago and use it all the time. The coldest I have sleep with the system is 20F under a tarp. With the complete system I had to strip down to base layers since I was too warm and didn’t want to sweat. Good video I enjoy all your adventures/ grunt proof tests. Thanks for your service.

[@abdelhaksabri8191]

1 year ago and first comment wow

[@peterpohwat5292]

You realize that the full MSS is rated to -30 F?

[@proctortoad]

I have taken it down to -20!

[@talesoftheredpill7542]

I slept in the Modular system in the late 90s in Alaska at -50 inside a snow shelter, with poly top and bottom a woobie, and a bear suit. Never been so cold in my fkn life, but I'm alive

[@nathanhollingsworth413]

@@talesoftheredpill7542saw -42 in Korea with a gen 1 mss and a bear suit .. slept comfortably . Nose and feet were a touch cold .. but for a Georgia boy not too bad

[@operationseekingtruth]

I’m glad the Grunt wasn’t tilted.

[@kst357]

I've taken my MMS winter camping here in the upper Midwest and never once felt like I was freezing. What I don't like about it is that it's heavy compared to cold weather civilian systems, and the cold-weather bag feels too confining since I like to turn over & flip sides a lot while I sleep. Unless it's below freezing I leave it half-way unzipped & zip up the bivvy cover. I'm a Viet Nam era vet in my 60's and because of the weight of the full system I no longer take it on hiking trips because pack-weight is more of a concern than it used to be, but I always keep it in the back of my truck as a part of my emergency survival gear. I've also used the MMS in the rain under a tarp shelter & never got wet. For what you pay for a surplus rig I think it's the most dependable & versatile system out there in that price range.

[@snuffle2269]

I have an old, down polar bag, inside of my black ECWS then Gortex. My "summer" bag is separate for use as a pillow (head warmth) if I am transported out to a winter bivouac. I am sure they got rid of the down because of cost but they are so warm if you fluff them up before use. I do remember maneuvers in 70-72 on West German border duty and waking up in the snow. We had a native Eskimo in our unit who thought nothing about running around in his long johns and starting up the engines of our 113s and 5 tons. Bless him.

[@travisodr6393]

Brings back memories. Wish we had cool equipment like that in the late eighties.

[@MrFreeGman]

I was recently reading the memoirs of a trapper during the early 20th century who used to sleep under the stars up in Northern Canada during the winters. They'd throw some spruce logs together for elevation from the snow and use bear or caribou hides as a sleeping matt and blanket. They'd keep a fire going beside them as well, waking up every hour or two to stoke it. They learned this from the local natives who had been sleeping that way for centuries. It's kind of amazing how adaptive and resilient humans can be despite our physical inferiority to most wild animals in almost every respect. "Truly, there are many hardships attached to camping out in the North -- but hardships don't hurt anybody. They certainly build up a man's resistance to the cold." - A.L. Karras

[@octanebrain1917]

What book is this?. Would love to read it. Thanks!

[@Rob-ji7fx]

There is nothing warmer than a coyote or wolf quilt. Coyotes have wool, and make excellent blankets, they are heavy though. Fox is lighter and almost as warm.

[@TheMauser98a]

When I was in Korea in 2011-2013 we as a company would all sleep outside in the dead of winter as cold weather training. Basically it was to give the younger soldiers confidence in the multi layered sleeping bag system. As a old NCO I had my personal extreme cold sleeping bag (old style) , I slept very well and showed the soldiers that the older sleeping bags were just as good as the newer system. Funny thing I was the only senior NCO (SFC) present the rest of my fellow seniors and all the officers made excuses why they could not participate. Typical HHC leaders. Oh well it was good training .

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

I find the secret is ground insulation. If you have that really sorted you will be fine

[@JMGeranimo]

I slept in Korea in the late 90's in one,(old down style) we were in the field in winter, woke up and rolled over with the bag unzipped and the snow on me collapsed in on me lol. Quick wake up. We did the cold weather training also on a cool day. Old Camp Gary Owen.

[@Foose3535]

You are a good nco salute you

[@shinerbockdoc]

Cp. HOVEY soccer field

[@vivian2217]

​​@@shinerbockdocthat's where our unit went sometimes from Camp Nimble 89/90. Unfortunately we were on time leaving out motor pool during blizzard conditions and arrived at Camp Casey gate or Camp Hovey gate just as the post commander shut down all traffic and field operations. We were stuck setting up a tent as unfortunately 1 of the heaters didn't work. Luckily I drive a 7000 lb crane at the time and started in there with the window slightly open nice and toasty.

[@nateminegar6974]

Out of all your videos this is the one I keep coming back to. I love winter backpacking, cold weather, snowy overnights. Would love to see more of these.

[@brucedalwin2184]

In basic training at Fort Leonard Wood I slept at about 19 below. I had a 2-4 AM guard duty shift. We were ordered to sleep in our pup tents inside our sleeping bags, sleeping bag cover (heavy canvas), in our underwear. I was sweating all over my legs so I had to put on long John pants to keep my legs from sticking together. All that ancient prehistoric crap weighed about 170 pounds. About a 15 mile march at that temp and in snow was lotsa fun. Then the drill sergeants lined us up and harassed us. A good buddy was a full blooded Indian from Colorado. He was a 5 year electrical engineer from U Colorado. He was physically Jack Dempsey’s identical twin and he was pretty near as tough. A wonderful guy but you simply didn’t mess with him. A drill sergeant, who was also an Indian, got in his face and barked “I’m coming into your tent tonight and steal your rifle. Garcia, my buddy, stated the drill sergeant in the face (an absolute no-no) and barked that if “I see your fucking face in my fucking tent I will kick your fucking teeth in!” He should have been arrested. Instead the DS said “ I changed my mind! I don’t think I’ll be coming into your tent tonight!” The whole platoon including Garcia cracked up. The Sergeant defused a firecracker. I was awaked at 1:30 for my 2AM guard shift. Me and another guy sat on a log in the snow at 20 below and chain smoked. Then we packed up, had breakfast, and started the walk back before dawn. Good ole Army! My wife has a nephew who lives with us. He will be camping in freezing weather (again) at the Canadian border. His complete equipment less food and water is about 30 pounds. Our sleeping bags were about that back in 68!

[@fiendeng]

I know one that's getting the grunt approval. the Canadian military cold weather gear / sleep system is ffffking bananas!

[@mtnman1]

I laughed out loud at 14:07. The absolute worst part is getting out of the warm bag, lmao.

[@coryknox7934]

Haha, when he put the boots on I felt that shit! Gave me a shiver..

[@mtnman1]

@@coryknox7934 pffftahahahaaa! If you know, you know, lmfao!

[@richardross7219]

That is all new stuff to me. My TA-50 is from 50 years ago. My air mattress fell apart at 30 years and my ponchos disintegrated at 40 years. The medium ruck, canteen sets, and harness are still good but heavy. I've still got a woobie but no poncho to match it anymore. Nice video. I would have considered putting a poncho over your setup and boots. If you use hand warmers, put them in your boots a couple hours before putting the boots on. Good Luck, Rick

[@timb.7614]

Man, this venture was absolutely insane. I watched it because I started winter camping here in Ontario Canada. I am a total novice but went out at - 29C in a cold tent. The experience was incredible! My only problem was my feet got cold in my bag after a few hours. Everything else was fine outside of dead batteries. My safety was having my car nearby just in case something went wrong. I would love to find lighter gear that I could carry in a pack. Anyway, my hat off to you. I was so excited to see you setup on the snow. My wife and I agreed that you didn't look cold at all. Thanks for the lesson on cheers from Canada 🍺👍

[@oldsoldier181]

One thing we did, when I was a grunt (14 years in the trade), was put our boots into our wet weather bag that we kept our sleeping bags in, and stuffed them in the bottom of the bag. Me, being shorter, always had room. Even with the old school cotton bags, that I was first issued. I was one of the "test units" for the MSS when Natick Labs was developing them. At the time, I was a Nasty Girl here in MA, and a few of us were given the bags to try out. Slept in freezing rain a few nights, none the worse for wear. I honestly thought it was a miracle product at that time :)

[@MP-kr3mh]

19:16 A sidenote: the Savotta mat has been in use in finnish military for the last ~30 years. They can take HEAVY misuse by dumbass conscripts for numerous years, so they definitely have a grunt proof status already 😉

[@jesper509]

Yes, there is a differens in "hard use" and "misuse". Everything can be destroyd, i take care of gear that can save my life.

[@mlm_academyofficial2041]

Conscript-proof is a higher rating than grunt-proof.

[@MP-kr3mh]

@@mlm_academyofficial2041 My words exactly 😁

[@finnberglander7816]

The Savotta mat is solid gold.

[@jepulis6674]

@@mlm_academyofficial2041 Is it though? Do you think the army or marines in US attract smarter than average people?

[@RomeoEdward]

Best review I've seen on the MSS. Thank you. Army combat Vet.

[@markbucher7609]

When I went through Arctic survival school at Eielson AFB, the warmest it was was -16. Sleeping at night in our snow shelters, I stripped down to my polypros, in the MSS. Great school, enjoyed it big time. I'm from northern MN originally, so as a kid, snow camping was what we did for fun.

[@talesoftheredpill7542]

I went through Artic Survival training at Fort Greely Alaska. We slept in snow shelters we built, it was -50 outside without the wind chill........was in -75 on one field problem, I think we where in the Yukon Valley, can't remember

[@Bob-z1y7d]

Im in northern MN born and raised.....coldest camping ive done was -38.

[@jameskerrigan2997]

HHC 2-1 infantry scouts lead the way. Wrestled a two quart out of the mouth of a huge wolf winter training at ft Greeley 1998

[@jameskerrigan2997]

​@@talesoftheredpill7542MRE grape jelly makes great gun lube for the 60 at 50- or colder.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Great skills and great advice mate. It humbles me because I recently got into problems in Scotland at two degrees below freezing because I trusted the weather report, took the wrong gear, and didnt optimise the gear that I took. Sorry about the pigs. For what its worth, one time I was camping and badgers tried to steal my beer. We recovered it all but the tooth marks in the cans were hilarious. (If they had just asked nicely I would have poured one out in a bowl for them)

[@roberttolley5055]

I've slept in o degrees with bunny boots and 1970 super insulated cargo, pants. Carhartt black lined jacket. In jeep driver's seat. The mt top wool bibs, jacket camo, are not warm enough

[@SCOTTBULGRIN]

I appreciate your dedication to this channel Randall. I hope I never have to use my gear in such cold conditions, but if I do just know your video has helped prepare me for it. Thanks 👍

[@GruntProof]

Cool thanks!

[@DocFischer]

Oh btw. in such a setup I always drape my Goretex jacket over my boots, so no rain or snow can get inside

[@darthsarcastus1064]

Good idea, I'll usually wear my boots (situation dependent) with the laces undone inside a waterproof bag which I usually carry my sleep system in. I'll turn it inside out and slide my feet in them into my sleeping bag. Keeps the crap on my boots out of my bag and any moisture is dissipated during the night meaning dry boots in the morning. Problem with leaving boots outside in freezing weather is they freeze which is a bitch when you have to stick them back on.

[@richardyoung1398]

Nice. I learned this trick mountianeering with my father as a kid

[@jacksquat9307]

Whoop tee dew!

[@tedb.5707]

Gear has changed so-much since I was hiking and camping in the Boy Scouts in the early 1970s ...mostly with Army Surplus gear. A couple of the adults were hard-core Appalachian Trail-level outdoor adventurers so we had better gear than most.

[@steveturner3999]

Thanks for showing us how it's done! I have the MSS and have never tested it in these conditions. I am now convinced I made a great acquisition especially since I got each piece over time and at a super good price. Thanks again for all the tips you provide to us. Really love your channel.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks! Yea it's an awesome set

[@glorybound6983]

Being older, at deer camp I tend to sleep with my face covered with a lite cover to warm the air I breath so I won't catch cold or get a sore throat.

[@JohnSmith-vb6jx]

I was dealing with that on last weekend's winter camp trip. Throat was raw in the morning. I'll try just using my shemaugh next trip. Thanks.

[@johnnylesley5450]

In the early 80's we had the old cotton long johns, cold weather parka and pants, the extreme cold weather sleeping bag and we froze our hind ends off. Since I've been out I've been able to acquire all the good equipment the army was starting to issue when I left. Sure wish I had it when I was at Ft. Riley, KS and Bad Hersfeld, W. Germany.

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

An absolutely brilliant demo bro, thank you, I'll be more prepped now 16 lb winter pack is awesome. All the very best. Harry

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good video and I completely agree with your comments regarding mil-spec gear vs civilian gear being more durable. Yes its generally more heavier, but will outlast civilian gear! Technology has improved dramatically over the years! Back in the 1970s, we (2/75 Rangers) only had wool clothing, poncho and liner. In Alaska of course we used artic clothing. Today I use the Gore-Tex bivy, sleeping bag or poncho liner and an inflated sleeping pad.

[@greenhousegrower3830]

Ive done -32 degrees Fahrenheit in the Adirondacks, Ive done -35 in Fairbanks Alaska. Adirondacks is more brutal and harsh and unforgiving with the humidity. Ive used a ranger roll with an old military E.C.W goose down before.

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

15:15 ..in Canada, we stash the boots way down at the bottom of the sleeping bag overnight...

[@mardariondavis18]

Get to courage to get up was so relatable lol I remember those mornings

[@SurvivalistChick]

Great video. When I was a kid in Missouri, in the summertime, my hippie aunt used to lay down a huge feather tick on a sheet of plastic with sheets to cover up with, and all us kids would pile in their with her and sleep under the stars. We'd usually wake up with the dogs licking our faces. Best nights of my life. If the cord on your mat breaks, just use a piece of paracord with a jamknot. It's lightweight, unbreakable, and holds tight.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Cowboy camping in the winter...that's how it's done! However, being a wuss I slept in my hammock with two underquilts, a Snugpak top quilt and a zero degree bag on top under a framed canvas tarp. The temperatures were in the low 20's fahrenheit. I hated to get out and make coffee but nature called as well. Great stuff, Randall! U da man!

[@GruntProof]

Yea I can't do hammocks in those temps

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Sweet overnighter! The mss is a sweet system! Excellent test of equipment. Looked fun man!

[@GruntProof]

Yes sir!

[@angloedu5499]

Most military from really cold regions such as Alaska, Canada, and the Scandinavian regions such as Finland Russia are trained to do the following when sleeping out in the elements for more than one night. They build a cold air pit. Ask any Swede, Norwegian or Finn what this means, they’ve done this throughout their winter training and now North Americans and Europeans are realizing. The Inuits and other Eskimo clans have always done this when traveling throughout the Arctic, only not above frozen water.

[@matthewnewman7187]

Great video. What you should try is to get a hold of one of the older m1949 mountain down GI sleeping bags. Put that inside your Gore-Tex bivy. Also either take your boots off or keep them on but put them inside your sleeping bag inside the bag that you stuff your MSS into. Also throwing a hot hand in there will keep your feet warm all night. If you really get cold,stuff the GI M1949 Mountain down sleeping bag inside the intermediate cold black bag. You'll never get cold again.!

[@cosmicinsane516]

The modular sleep system was the only piece of army kit I was impressed enough with to go and buy my own from the surplus store when I got our.

[@fordwk]

Going to watch now. As always, thanks for the great content :)

[@tehunter6569]

Spent 4 years at Ft. Wainwright (11B) back in the late 80s, early 90s. We had the old Type 2 extreme cold weather bag. It was good for about 4 hours sleep down to -45F. We would never think of leaving our boots out in the open like that. We always slept with our boots under our bag otherwise you would wake up to frozen boots and instantly cold feet. If we need a little extra we would stuff our poncho liner in the bag.

[@MrKdub1970]

Manchu 4/9 1988-1992

[@friendofcoal]

Been to Graf a couple of times. We had the old mummy bags and the white wool long-johns (man did they itch). I'd put my boots in a plastic bag and place the bag in the bottom of of the sleeping bag. The coldest time we had was running PT early morings at Ft. Sill. The wind chill took the temp down to -20F.

[@earthling01]

Ahhh Graf, good times!

[@rob-lh7jd]

I loved my MMS kept me from freezing to death bunch of times in the Army. Especially at Fort Polk. Good memories.

[@occamscudgel204]

Good video. Just recently tried the gen1 intermediate bag and bivvy under a tarp in 30F with just lightweight bottoms, top, wool socks, and a watch cap. I was very impressed. Looking forward to trying whole system in colder temps. Enjoy your videos, especially the field applications of some of this gear. Thanks for putting the work in.

[@melrichardson2392]

What's good for my military brothers and sisters is good for me love you all thankyou.

[@Giskeoutdoors]

Great stuff dude! Totally agree on the historical perspective, this is what we have always done. Modern civilization is just a blip, and to me at least, it feels good to connect with the more primal side of things.

[@henkerr]

totally. Modern Civ's a temporary lie

[@1233hund]

insnt there a compression bag for the sleeping bag. It take all your space in your rucksack.

[@frozennorth6527]

I've used the newer mss at -30f and was cozy, close it up and leave a small spot near your head open to help with any condensation and some fresh air too. Stuff your outer layers down around your feet for added insulation.

[@glorybound6983]

The Hawk of Graf, burrrrrrrrrr! Brings back memories of Army 1976-78. Recon.

[@adamb7426]

I always turned my boots heel to toe and layed them on each other at a 45 degree to keep that morning moisture/dusting out. Cool video 👍

[@JohnSmith-vb6jx]

Yeah, and it pays to loosen the laces and shove something down in them to keep them open for when they freeze. Best to find a way to bring them inside your bivy when you sleep.

[@michaelchattick3589]

Buds three of then. And I. Dressed damn near exactly as you are took snownobiles into Olympic forest in January to do some ice fishing in Jan. we used ypur sleep gear with canvas outer, ground mats and a tarp pread over makeshit shelter at 4 degrees F. we did pile snow blocks around us under tarp and kept 3 or 4 12 hour emergency. Candels.. Burning. head covering is a must.and our canvas outer cover. Had a flap to protect face. Froze my ass off most of night Butdid sleep several hours. We stayed two days three nights and found out initial cold soon disapeard. Took an hour to warm enough to be comfortable. Full moon on snow lake banks and ice was one hell ofan adventure and the fish we caught were best fish ever..Inside tent was 20+ degrees., outside just about 8F. surprized hell out of us when we seen elk at almost 5000 foot elevation with snow between 3 to4 foot deep.'lWe had cheap break hand warmers at feet. as malita unit we pack them as false heat signals to slow or confuse heat sensored pursuers. place some damn hand warmers in boots in plastic bag. damn good flic and thanks it brought back some great.memories. yet I took an hour hot shower when home. if young would look up your grouund mat. Bones to old now.

[@Alex-xj6ff]

Hey! Grabbed an mss up last week and have spent 2 nights in it at around 30-35 f was very nice and warm! Going on a couple night trip soon in the wilderness wanted to test it out. Glad I bought one after seeing some other videos on it! Keep up the good work!

[@GruntProof]

Awesome!

[@garymorris216]

I've had the MSS for 13 years now and still love it. Heavy beast, but it is an absolute fortress to sleep in. I think I've only slept in the complete system once. Serious overkill for the winters where I live lol! But slept in the heavier bag ONLY last night at 13°F and was very warm. The MSS really isn't what you want for general backpacking trips, just waaaay too darn heavy. But I think it's an absolute must to keep in the kit for SHTF scenarios. You're not dying in that sleep system!

[@Heywoodinator]

Awesome video and so educational. Thanks for doing a video using a sleeping mat. It is great to learn about how soldiers do it (use this gear in the field (and while camping))! This gave me a lot of great ideas for my own camping trips.

[@GruntProof]

Our issued mat usually goes into the bivy

[@Heywoodinator]

@@GruntProof Thanks for the knowledge. Will implement!

[@robertwebell]

Good vid. Did arctic warfare course in northern Canada got down to low -40C. Got to be careful to stay dry. Anything in your bag will get damp. We stripped down and let our clothes freeze outside. In the morning, beat the frost out of them and you are dry and warm. Never put your wpn in the bag as it will get condensation on it and then freeze solid. Our 3 pc bags are down filled and groretex bivvy. Keep up the good work.

[@CRDODGE47]

Remember back in the early 1980's at hunter army Air fild in savanna GA. I was on guard duty at a ammo dump and was given a pickaxe handle and a radio, around 2 in the morning heard some noise. Investigated it was a bunch of wild pigs invading our perimeter I did not challenge got in a spotter pot and let my comender of the relief know. He said let them pass. Lol

[@henkerr]

it was piggsy

[@jameshalfhill9919]

I was at hunter in the early 90s I know that ammo dump

[@CRDODGE47]

@@jameshalfhill9919 was the hogs still bad

[@jameshalfhill9919]

@@CRDODGE47 Yep

[@jamesmoody5961]

25 degree f temp with mss and no tent. 15 f degree with mss and tent was cold but i slept decently. Was in mississippi during the winter in the field.

[@waltersobchak3903]

You should try out comparing the gen 1 ecwcs system to the gen 3 y’all got nowadays🤙

[@GruntProof]

That's coming up!

[@waltersobchak3903]

@@GruntProof can’t wait🤙

[@shawnr771]

The sleep system issued in the 80s had a carry sack. When our boots were muddy or wet. We would turn the carry sack inside out and put our boots in it. Then push it down to the bottom of the bag. Any clothes I took off I would wrap up and put under my head as a pillow. The next morning they would be nice and warm. I found a MSS at Surplus store for $150.00.

[@americanpatriot6918]

Great video! Definitely surprised you didn't bring any food, and I didn't see any water either. I use a Kylmit sleeping pad, because I like having at least a few inches of air between me and the ground. I was not in the military, but I totally agree with you about the quality, and rugged value of surplus gear. When I winter camp, I bring the marshmallow bottoms too. I don't have those booties, but they looked pretty awesome! Instead I layer a few pairs of thick wool socks, which definitely always keep my feet warm. I use the waffle tops and bottoms, along with a midweight thermal wool top and bottom under the marshmallow suit. If I'm not going to have a fire, I always bring a small propane stove, and the British Dragon fuel tab stove that the British military use as a backup. My favorite winter camp meals are definitely Mountain House. You definitely did a great job showing how to make it through the night with minimal military gear. Awesome stuff!! Keep up the great work brother! I love watching your videos!!!!🤜🤛🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@RioSul50]

I remember back in the mid 1980's a buddy and I went "hunting" in cold weather. It got to about -25 to -30 deg C that night. We slept in my van and I had a sleeping bag good for (as I recall) -20 deg C but all I can tell you is it was very difficult to sleep as the air was biting cold. That evening before sleep we had a campfire (there was a picnic table as it was a government camping area)and the police drove by. They waved, smiled and kept driving. My buddy had a drink (wine) on the picnic table and it froze on the surface quickly and he had to break the ice to get to it. In the morning I tried to use the Coleman stove but it would not light (naphtha). When I finally got it to light it became a blazing fire. After putting out the fire with snow I warmed it up some in the van (thankfully the van started) and eventually made coffee. The coldest I have ever been was at work at about -60 F.

[@davidsawmandave8731]

I have the mss, I also set the large Molle 2 , I love those items a lot I just wish they weren't so heavy It's comforting to know that if I really need this system I could really count on it

[@Jr-qo4ls]

Brings back memories. Needed some room for extra batteries, radio, ammo in that little ruck.

[@scottysurvival]

That's a great ideal using the mss bivy like a dry sack in the rucksack👌

[@matthewmorgan4759]

Very useful video. I bought the level 1 and 2 base layers with a wool watch cap and was a happy camper last night. Putting any unused layers down at your feet inside the sleeping bag was a great idea. Thanks man! Great job!

[@TheTarotCardGuy]

When i was in the CAD forces, we would loosen our boot laces, turn our sleeping bag stuffsack inside out, and then slide our feet inside it. Then we would slide into the sleeping bag. That way, if we needed to get out in a hurry, we could do so with our boots still on, and then tighten them when we had a sec.

[@TaivalOutdoors]

6:40 huh, I had no idea. Seems counterintuitive to put the heavier bag inside of the lighter one! About that Savotta mat: I think that's overall the weakest link in this sleeping system, not because the mat would be bad, but cell foam mats generally have R-value around 2 (although Savotta hasn't even measured theirs) so eventually you'll start to lose heat to the ground. I heard they're apparently making an upgraded version of the mat, will be interesting to see what they will change.

[@eturnerx]

The draft collars are in the intermediate bag, not the patrol bag and you want the draft collars close to you. DISC: I have a ECWS bags+bivvy, I'm not sure when the MSS got draft collars, but google tells me at least some of the black (intermediate) bags have draft collars.

[@kurtbaier6122]

I have used the old GI Mountain chicken feather bag with cotton duck cover and two wool GI blankets over it all down to 10F in the 1960s, and 1980s -2000. Down gear wasn’t needed for Vietnam Nam in the 1970s unless you were stationed in Alaska or up north. I had a lot of the quilted polyester issued to me. And I wore a wool base layer and polyester lLJs and later field coat and pants liners over that, and thick wool socks, and lined leather moccasin slippers on my feet to retain heat and in case I had to unexpectedly get up. I also had; GI pants and sweat shirt with hood, watch cap and scarf. And mittens. I used the issued wool inserts and leather gloves during the day. Which was okay down to 10 F. . I would wake up cold but would sleep for six 6 hours outside or inside a tent. I used leaves or newspaper, and the new foam matt when they came out for insulation. Coldest temps I’ve slept in the 2000s was -8F with a Wiggy’s zero ( 6lb) rectangular bag, with similar layers, but with down booties and a German military wool blanket over me. I woke up cold but I did manage to get 6 hours of sleep. Which is about what I need. I wish I had the Wiggy’s sleeping bag before I went into the Service and after it. Great technology. I rarely sleep below 30F now unless I make a snow trench or cave. No snow I don’t go.

[@zbyszek511]

Imagine wild animals sleeping in forest without sleeping bag...

[@crusader.survivor]

In super cold Canadian winters, I dress as warm as if I would just sleep outside without tent and sleeping bag. The coldest I've slept outside like this was minus 35 degrees Celsius! My most trusted cold weather clothes are a combination of American, Canadian, and Russian military clothing from Army Surplus stores. Military clothes are the most reliable and trustworthy of all types of clothes, especially in harsh environments.

[@freakyflow]

I get it from a armed forces view That the less noise/light/smoke etc you make. The better. Growing up in the Canadian north Even outside over night in -51c (around the same in F) You tend to remember Your native father teaching you how to make it thru all the seasons ...Winter without heaters : Cut down about 2ft of Spruce branches Not thick ones Make a bed This will keep you from the ground that sucks the heat out of you Rubber is a great insulator of transfering Heat and cold Think Truck/car floor mats as a topper on the spruce if you break down in the middle of no where ...He also used the car light to get a fire going No lighter? use a few wires and the battery Make a break wall to keep the wind off you...A log Two logs are even better side by side Stay away from long open areas where wind picks up making it colder However during the day Having some sunlight does help warm up a bit. And stay dry..If you are sweating in your outfit Unzip and cool down some Before you get soaked Otherwise you will freeze faster when wet Me And would Hunt Snare Fish 3 sometimes 4 days in a row A few times we bogged down for the night in snow

[@rbakken2999]

I was sleeping on the shore of Lake Superior with just my nose out. In the middle of the night, I felt something very cold and wet touch my nose. It looked like a wolf and we both jumped! Then I saw it wagging it's tail. so I figured it must be a dog and the thing laid on top of me!

[@garyteague9555]

Wow

[@glennhynes5263]

I've slept in -45C, in our Canadian version sleeping bag during 2 weeks of winter warfare training. Having to pee during the night is disheartening. Good vid. Lots of memories flooding back.

[@thatkajunguy8029]

As someone also from the Gulf South all I can say is Bbbrrrrrr, 😆

[@harold1733]

US Army infantry here. We never slept on missions. We had cold weather gear, but most of our pack was bullets and water. Even in training exercises, we would get maybe we would have one hour, and we would take turns in the middle of the perimeter and ready to go, completely wet from sweat, all gear packed up, ready to respond, etc. Always on the move. We would learn to sleep in helicopter rides (ultra loud), on the side of a mountain, on gravel, in a puddle of water, in snow, waist deep in a swamp, you name it. Sleep is for the dead (tired).

[@chrislloyd4984]

I have the full system that I bought for $100. I've slept in it a few times in -20C here in Canada with just some surplus Canadian army fleece underwear and have been very comfortable. Only problems with the system are the bulk and, at. 6' 2" it is just barely long enough for me. Otherwise, I love it.

[@bustercrabbe8447]

The MMSS is a glorified survival sack. It is only rated to 15°F above zero. It is perfect for FALL weather (i.e. hail/sleet/rain/snow). September, October, November, early December months. It is not a winter sleeping bag. It will kill you if the temperature drops down to -5°F below zero or colder - winter temperatures. This is a good video. 👍

[@bustercrabbe8447]

@@WeFightTheDark Thank you for your reply.

[@blueridgebushcraft8294]

It always seems like when you get comfortable then you gotta pee.

[@aar5pj]

An outstanding presentation - Thank you very much.

[@seantheboy64]

Great video, ☺ makes me feel normal watching you with all the shit people give me for camping out in weather

[@peetsnort]

When sleeping in the Africa bush during my 70s army the nights got increasingly colder until it froze the water bottle. It's all over once the sun gets up. No clouds in the winters of Namibia but you spent the last hour of night shivering in the inadequate sleeping bag. I am 64 and live in Herefordshire with my window wide open but with a 13 tog feather duvet. No worries or covid

[@JeffStan_56]

Did a winter training with my group in N. Idaho. Hike up a small mountain, full-gear. Set up base for training the next day. Sleep on 2' of snow in 14 deg F, Bivi bag w/black&green bags, no fires, red flashlights. Get up next morning and do force on force ambush training. Good training weekend, but it did suck, and no I didn't sleep well (we traded off watch rotations).

[@clairewyndham1971]

Im 70 and still enjoy camping in the winter. My limit is around -20, but It was somewhat of a crisis. Carry on Grunt

[@dopedreamz]

Former 10th mountain Watertown NY, but I’m from 2 hours north of that, in St. Lawrence county. We live like this 6 months of the year and I to this day use my cold wet weather gear, and mine is from the early 2000s not quite as nice as today. I also always used a old gi green wool blanket too, a touch of home.

[@jamesbrisendine]

Glad you like the sleeping mat. I'll be using mine for the first time next week.

[@sethmoking]

I cannot figure out the name of the sleeping mat he's using. Savanna? Sabata? Can't figure it out.

[@jamesbrisendine]

@@sethmoking Savotta FDF Sleeping Pad. I ordered mine through Varusteleka, which is in Finland. Be careful though, once you see some of the stuff they have on their website, it'll be hard to not get more fun stuff.

[@robertangelier4495]

Added tip for boots 1 line inside with radiant barrier, 2 pair of socks 2 at night take boots off and place hand warmer pack or larger inside of boot

[@sshep7119]

Late to this party, but a soltion for the boots that works for me. Keep a few pairs of disposable hand warmers. Before you bed down, heat one up and put it in one boot, then put one boot cuff in the other and sinch them tight. The hand warmer should keep the boots from freezing long enough for a solid chunk of sleep. If you can, toss in a second one. The real good hand warmers will keep the boots warm for a good amount of time. It is a lot cleaner than carrying extra provisions for the boots, or putting the boots in the sleep system. Sinching one boot cuff in another is how to keep the wildlife out of a warm boot in the desert when they aren't on your feet, still have to tamp the boots and stick hands in there to check either way.

[@johnburgin7478]

Thanks for sharing. Have to share to a cousin of mine that was stationed there late 60’s early 70’s . He was miserable with the cold 😁

[@fuexiong88]

Good Ole Army days. I hate doing it, but I miss doing it.

[@CA_Watchman]

Minus -10 is not cold. -35 to -45 that’s where things get uncomfortable. From Canada.

[@princegilbert925]

Great video, great details, takes me back memory lane.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@sandybass7291]

Thanks for the presentation. My brother was stationed on the Brenner pass in the Alpine winters in the early 50's with a BAR to stop or slow a Russian invasion (sacrificial troops). He told of how clod it got and problems with gear. Their equipment was not as good as it is today.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks! Those were the hardcore generations