Improved Combat Shelter - ICS - Army Tent Review - Hardcore Camping Gear

[@ogsavage1928]

Yes, I'm late to the party. Your shelter obviously did not come w/ setup instructions. Your stakes: It comes w/ 7 - 4 corners + 1 on the rainfly pole at the ground. This leave 2. Depending on your orientation to the wind, use them for either the front or back guy lines. Also, this is a combat shelter - your "storage pouches" those are called your ruck sack. You only unpack and use what you need at the time and when done you repack it in case you need to move out. Someone said in another comment that this is "not a camping tent". This is basically a combat survival shelter and frankly perfect if viewed in the proper context. You need to actually spend a night in a "Bivy tent" this isn't that.

[@michaelprue9024]

Understand this is a shelter for SLEEPING in - in theaters of combat operations. It’s NOT made for civilian weekend warriors. So yeah, it’s going to be low to the ground. It’s blacked out inside so a soldier could sleep even during the day if needed (or afforded). It just big enough to SLEEP in, and you also have to remember it’s made for soldiers, not over weight out of shape old fudds like us lol. That being said, I want one as well. It looks like it’ll be a great addition to my bug out pack, better made than the old pup tent I’ve got, and lighter.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

I agree, 100%. I just think there are better options on the civilian market that achieve the same goal. Maybe check out the Stella tent. Seems to get good reviews.

[@Thee-_-Outlier]

As others have stated its called the "Improved Combat SHELTER" not the improved camping tent. Mine is like new. Paid $80 plus $15 shipping. Has blackout lining for day sleeping, has a 4th season option and is pretty darn water and bullet proof. Its main downside is weight for a small one man, but thats prpbably due to the the blackout liner and heavier grade nylon grade material which is a valid pwrsonal choice to dislike the tent, but its an equally valid reason to like the tent. The main point is this is not the shelters fault for the negativity. Most people here watching this are well of aware of these so called negatives. That said there are other youtubers who do use terms like "palace" when describing the size and that is for sure false, you're Right about those ppl.

[@stewarttrains98]

I was issued this tent and later was told we could keep them. I did keep it. My only real complaint is it definitely traps heat in the summer, even if you leave it where both side have just the open mesh zipped only. But for me, using it now for camping, it works for keeping me out of the elements. As for the ceiling height, trying to change inside if needed, definitely sucks. I learned quickly how to just adapt to it and make use of what I have.

[@greatwhite88]

I’m 6’4” 225. It works fine for me. It’s my biggest one man tent. If you want bigger get a 2 man

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Cool.

[@greatwhite88]

@@hardcorecampinggear yeah,

[@BarnabyWild13]

I’m 6’4” 235. Thanks for the info!

[@jamess.829]

The problem really is that it is made for military use. That means that we rarely used it and did so only when the weather made it absolutely necessary. It was made to lay in and sleep for a couple of hours. Not all night and not every day. We used them fully dressed and ready to go. No luxuries or conveniences were needed or expected. It is durable and water proof. Not meant for camping or people who are looking for a lot of bells and whistles. By the way I'm 6'3" tall and it worked for me exactly as it was designed to do.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Thanks for your insight. I know there are a lot of guys who love this tent. Just wasn't for me.

[@jamess.829]

@@hardcorecampinggear We didn't really love it. We appreciated that we could sleep alone compared to the shelter halves and it kept us dry.

[@guyshamblin9032]

It's not a "camping tent". Also, if you put the poles in the innermost holes its a little higher giving you a little more head room.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Thank you for your comment. I agree-- it doesn't make a very good camping tent. ;) I believe I did use the inner holes, if I'm understanding you correctly. I did a more recent video on how to setup this tent and I show a closeup of which holes I put the poles in. Thanks, Adam

[@solomonkane223]

Keep in mind that this was NOT designed for recreational camping. Its a sleeping shelter for use in combat situations within a military environment. "Comfort" not a priority... shelter from the elements in a small and durable package was.

[@IAMGWH1]

Yeah & maybe great for stealth homeless living!

[@gilgsn]

I'm 6'2" and I love my ICS! Yes, the lack of sitting room makes it hard to remove clothes, but it's a small price to pay given the performances. You just need to plan in advance. Pockets, yes, that would have been nice. The light blackout is great. I've used mine high in the Pyrenees as well as in Florida in the summer. This tent does it all, well worth $200, even today!

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Seems like it would be way too hot for Florida summer.

[@gilgsn]

@@hardcorecampinggear It was pretty hot, not my choice for warm climates..

[@Inkling777]

I had a used backpack that smelled like old socks. Repeated cleanings only made the smell go away for a little while. Obvious something was breeding in there. Then a cold spell hit where I live with temperatures dropping to 8 degrees. On a hunch I left it outside for a couple of nights. I've not had a problem since. That apparently killed whatever was making the smell. You might try something similar with a freezer.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Are you the same Michael Perry who used to run the CERT program in Reno, NV?

[@5mjc]

After all it is a low profile keep out of sight military shelter. For soldiers toget there head down. Out of the elements. The wind and rain. Better than a bivy bag

[@edm9704]

ADam, Thanks for your review. I am actually trying to find an Eureka TCOP, but they might not be made any more. Do you know where I should look?

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Hi, Ed: Thank you for your question. Is this the one? colemans.com/u-s-g-tent-one-person-combat-tcop-unused Because of everything going on in the world right now, a lot of mil-surp stuff is getting hard to find.

[@edm9704]

@@hardcorecampinggear The tent that you just identified is the one I want. I today bought one of those through eBay.com, and my need is satisfied. Thank you for jumping in with information.

[@WeShootBack1776]

I've got an ORC tent,same one issued to us , use it for hiking on the Appalachian trail now , its amazing, love how its completely dark with the flap closed , which was done for soldiers to sleep when they had down time say at noon in full sun . I'm 6 foot 2 and sleep in it just fine , its 97 inches long ,40 wide 32 high and weighs in at 6.5 lbs as far as storage pockets 😂those are only on civi tents ,storage in the ORC is called your pack , these aren't designed for living in it past rack time lol and its generally frowned on to have your gear all over the place in your tent so when you got to roll out you can go . I never heard an adult in my entire life though say that its too heavy to pack 😂Jesus man you'd last about 5 seconds in my club no offense, by the way if the orc is too short use the top holes to secure the poles ,theres 2 on each corner exactly to make it taller

[@Bikepacking]

Just let you know the loops at the front of the door are not for pegs but for timing up the door

[@simonsolo7750]

Thanks for the review. Good advice 👍.

[@karlmadsen3179]

Is the vomit smell a feature or a bug?

[@J3unG]

yeh. the vomit smell. i got my surplus last year and i unpacked it to check for parts and quality and it REEKED. i put it away during lockdown and set it up just this weekend and it still stunk. I washed it with a hose connected to a sprayer filled with white vinegar. smell went away. i'm leaving it in the yard for a couple of days with the slits and windows open hoping to get rid of it all. i'll go ahead and do the febreeze thing as a final step. hopefully the smell is gone by that time. good vid btw...

[@BarnabyWild13]

I left mine just set up for a few days in my living room. Smell dissipated.

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

When did you buy it? These are sold out everywhere. I got a used one and I'm patching it up. I paid $125. It was missing the repair kit and guy lines. Oh well. Also you can easily take that jacket off lol... it zips down. I'm similar size and this tent is fine for me size wise. There aren't really comparable tents to this on the market under $200 or with the blackout feature. For the inside I ended up velcroing in a little pouch but really I keep everything in a backpack. For inside I usually use a headlamp. I like using this as a surplus tent. All my gear in the pack and ready to go.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Thanks for your comment. I'll sell you mine: $195 plus shipping.

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

@@hardcorecampinggear I have one.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

@@daytonasixty-eight1354 Just curious: Why are you watching videos and looking at vendors if you've already got one?

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

@@hardcorecampinggear I just like seeing what other people think of this tent. I haven't gotten to use it much but I like it so far. The fact you uploaded this recently and bought one new was pretty interesting to me. This tent and bunch of other military surplus stuff is selling out everywhere. I wonder why? People suddenly interested in camping? I don't think so.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

@@daytonasixty-eight1354 Gotcha. Yes-- I think you're right. Part of it is that people can't fly, so they're buying RV's. And the one's who can't afford an RV (or like me... simply don't want the hassle) are spending more time camping. But I also think that you've got 50% of the population who are prepping for "hard times" and those are the ones who are likely buying a lot of the military surplus gear. Somebody also mentioned to me that COVID may have thrown a monkey wrench into the supply line. Hard to say. Thanks for your comment.

[@rickyscappino8937]

If you didn't sleep like yhe fairy tale the princess and the pea on top of 20 mattresses you might have been able to sit up lmao

[@maxsparks5183]

I’m 5’ 8” so the height of the tent is not a problem. My only complaint is it’s too heavy at 6 lbs, whatever ounces. I suppose this tent is meant for young, super fit soldiers to whom an extra 2-3 pounds is a non-issue.

[@restistance4387]

Would you mind making a video on how to put it together?

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Thanks for your comment. Will do. Don't forget to subscribe so you'll be the first to know when we release new content!

[@restistance4387]

@@hardcorecampinggear will do thanks

[@frankadams2401]

Thank you, I was going to get one, but not now.

[@dalewoods7308]

I was given one of these in basic training

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Thanks for your comment. What are you using now?

[@hitch7883]

Thx bud

[@mrbakerskatz]

Good review , I’m 6’4” and 306 # …..would this tent work as a poncho for me , Just kidding !! Thanks, I buy from Coleman’s too but being the yard ape that I am not much fits me !!

[@sb-cg3zq]

yep...thats some hard core camping...nothing says hardcore like a 4" foam pad

[@hardcorecampinggear]

It's a gear review channel not a camping channel. Have a nice day.

[@msjfarms5370]

Super

[@tom_olofsson]

Maybe Inspector 7 puked in the tent during QC.

[@richardreed6249]

You do realize these were built for combat troops, not for people that wanted to go glamping. It's meant to be a shelter in adverse weather. Or, for someone who just needs a place to sleep while camping

[@mitchforster5349]

My group all bought this tent They all smell like that Wash soap and water helps a lot Air out will eventually go away

[@hardcorecampinggear]

You are correct, sir! Thank you for your comment.

[@hightie1]

Well, if you put it up the way you are supposed to all space get better - head and vestibul.

[@tallgiant9822]

😂😂😂 Well it’s not meant to be spacious and the Hilton ! ITS ARMY APPROVED!!! 😂😂😂 hello!

[@ttss5726]

you need to top comparing civilian way of life vs military. its a military tent plain and simple its not suppose to be comfortable or have creature comforts.

[@ysloafer5895]

Don't you understand the meaning of a military tent? This tent is for soldiers and you have to learn the meaning of the low profile.

[@Mr808islands]

5'2 ics room convientional just rooomy lol the smell no comment 2 nd hand tent