Improved Combat Shelter - ICS - Preview - The Outdoor Gear Review

[@GruntProof]

Used mine on a 20-day road trip through Eastern Europe on a training mission. Held up even on concrete and in heavy winds!

[@1Independentrider]

The reason it is so dark is so the soldiers can sleep better in the daytime and so you can use light and stuff at night without giving your position away.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

You are absolutely correct. - Luke

[@bradtidball]

Was just about to say this too

[@GruntProof]

yup

[@donettatrump2025]

Please let me know if there is a solution because - Worst tent you will ever sleep in. You cannot set up in it or touch the sidewalls. Besr with me. Loved the look and now hope for a solution. That said, it's literally useless for sleeping with the rain cover because it's design insures zero moisture wicking. Resulting in a wet, soaking wet tent simply a terrible design. Compare setting inside of a sealed car, how the windows become humid. This tent is VERY VERY small as a result the first test night me sleeping bag and pillow got soaked! Night two and three went sightly better, by completely opening the back and with screen only in front but sadly still very inconvenient. Water was on NEARLY every inch of the inside. Tried machine washing many times to remove any heavy sealant, never use the rain cover. Either way you're likely dealing with a wet tent by morning.

[@donettatrump2025]

@@TheOutdoorGearReview how did it work for you in the field ? Test it in snow and rain yet?

[@ruppertb320]

I loved this thing. Spent many nights in it, including in winter, while in the Army. I would put my wobbie (poncho liner) in between the fly and the tent, which held a lot of heat in it.

[@jojorumbles8749]

I got mine used on ebay for about $130. I dyed it chocolate brown, seam sealed evwrything, waterproofed everything, replaced the poles with new ones, patched all the pinholes, and sewed a small loop on the inside to hang a lantern.

[@MrBallen114]

Im going to add a velcro attatched pouch to mine.

[@ccrider77]

That external screen with an internal zippered door is actually a great idea. Allows you to partially open the door to see out side without opening the screen to let bugs in.

[@denisberger9657]

If this is the standard issue for U.S. Soldiers today this is tremendous. It is a 100% improvement over the old 2 man pup tent that I was shackled with for my 34 year career in the military. It would be like sleeping in a hotel room.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Denis I bet there is a huge difference between then and now. Be well my friend. - Luke

[@tc556guy]

They did away with the old canvas shelter halves by the time I retired on 2012, and these were being issued.

[@Thecabalsgimp]

I was issued this in '11. I loved it. Set up and tear down was quick. Nothing got wet. Never had a problem with wind.

[@tylerbax9328]

Nvm

[@tylerbax9328]

N vm

[@nilodrallub7812]

If it keeps light out , it ALSO keeps light in. Stealth camp ?

[@cky3396]

You've come a long, long way luke. Fun to watch these older reviews.

[@ItsJustZark]

My Infantry unit finally got issued these about a year ago. They are great for when you are encamping for a few nights. Generally I pack mine for the field if I know we will be staying somewhere for a while. Personally if we stay somewhere for a night or less, I generally "rough it." (sleep pad, poncho liner, and a poncho) I like to sleep light incase we have to pick up and go, I find the issued sleeping bag system takes too much time to pack up and store. My ICS came issued with some seam-sealer. I highly recommend using it, just in case. I sealed up all the seams on the bottom of the tent, stitches on the rainfly, etc. I slept in mine for 2-3 weeks straight and didn't have any major problems.

[@digitalfields]

Just wondering if you were in a hot or cold weather area? Does the blackout features of this tent make it hotter in the sun or does that help keep it cool? By the way keep up the good grunt work, cause when you get out you'll miss it! "Delta Death Merchants 1-41st Inf" Hooah!

[@ItsJustZark]

Sorry for the late response. We were in "hot" weather (Ft. Knox KY in June). I haven't tried it in the very cold weather, yet. The black out feature keeps it cool for the most part. But I have noticed it sometimes will keep heat in. I guess it partially depends on where you are, humidity, and if the tent is in direct sunlight. It can also be a drawback in summer time. I usually crack mine open at night other wise you might get "rained" on from your own condensation from your breath. But over all ventilation in general is very nice in the ICS Hope this helps

[@Marcellolin22]

Im a line medic, when i go with my platoon we cant use our tent. Just put up a poncho, sleep pad for comfort and the greates army invention ever made and never failing, our WOOBIE. honestly, i can sleep anywhere with my woobie on me. Like a cuddly bear with this nasty boot.

[@Scott64a]

The second set of grommets on the tent corners is for stakes. The grommet on the rain fly is also for stakes. You're meant to stake down all four corners of the tent, then stake down the rear three rain fly grommets. The rain fly is only supposed to attach to the tent using the clips. It's a great system, too bad the one I ordered came with holes in it... Have to send it back I guess.

[@robertsbushcraft]

I have one in the woodland camo and I love it.

[@ShoutOfCoffee]

I think I just felt in love. Tough, waterproof, 4 seasons, perfect size. Exactly what I'm looking for. ❤

[@KittenBasket9736]

Love this Tent! When we got to use it in the army it was super fast to put up and gave you your own little world after two or three weeks in the field its good to get away from everyone

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with this tent my friend.

[@jamess.829]

Yeah, it sucked sharing a shelter half tent with someone, even a friend. That's why we rarely used them.

[@jamess.829]

You missed the top section of the tent that the two long poles are supposed to go through. It raises the center of the tent a bit and makes it more stable. Also your poles need to go through the inner grommets and the outer ones are for the stakes if needed. The tent is stable enough to pick up and turn if the storm comes in toward the front of the tent. The weight of the tent is nothing to us compared to all of the other gear we carry in the field and come to think about it we rarely use a tent in the field unless we plan on being there for a while or the weather dictates some shelter. You have to remember that this was designed for military use and the fact that there are no pockets or conveniences' is because in the military doesn't use convenient in their vocabulary. We have to be ready to pick up and move right now so most stuff is packed away or on our bodies. This tent is a huge improvement from anything else before it in the military.

[@jameskerlin6081]

Thanks!

[@carlcox7332]

I would love to see a side by side comparison of the ics, tcop and the litefighter. The ics is the cheapest out of all of these systems. I see them regularly for around 90$ on ebay.

[@bettersteps]

Would love to see follow up videos on this tent.

[@bigstick5278]

I own both models Eureka and the ORC. Both are close to the same Eureka a little more attention to detail. That blackout material is great until the sun starts hitting it then you start cooking. I've used it in the winter, dropped a towel over one of the roof vents stick a Nalgene bottle with hot water down at the foot of your bag and this tent keeps you nice and warm.

[@westchelsea]

Was there ever a followup review for this tent? I am very interested to know how it performed in the winter. I'm a longtime subscriber, thanks for the reviews!

[@dreded7961]

still waiting on part 2 ;) wanting to see what everything weighed etc and if you got/will get it under 5lbs :p

[@pjsbusa]

That would have been nice on winter reforger in Germany 1985.

[@jango67]

My unit used these for a whole week and these tents are excellent, loved it

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

jango67 Awesome! Thanks for sharing your experiences with them. - Luke

[@lopan1698]

My old TCOP woodland (Never turned back in after being issued to me on an RFI, but paid the FLIPL on it..) is the toughest, ugliest, lightest, and most waterproof piece of kit I was ever issued. The poles are tough as nails, requires no stakes, and the waterproof tub is deep and has never leaked even with snow runoff gushing around the tent.

[@mason6556]

T Sheehan what brand tent are you talking about is it the eureka?

[@adayinthelife9655]

I have the combat shelter in woodland came and I love it. The only problem is that is performs very poorly in sub zero temps. I recently used it in the Adirondack Mountains, upstate NY. The temp while I was setting up the tent was -6. While unpacking the tent, the interior blackout coating ripped off in several spots and the rain fly wouldn't stretch enough to get the pole on it. It took 30 min to finally get it to work. Also, after a -20 night, some of the seam tape began to peal off. I still like the tent, but I've definitely discovered it's limitations.

[@doncarlo5]

that's exactly what I feared most, so this is no good for ... let's say, snowboard hike up in the Rockies with your buddies ... shame !

[@mherlo5858]

its only rated for degrees f unless you are using Celsius?

[@walterrussell7584]

Are used it it was Super hot inside And my Pole sleeves-were stuck together awesome tent for the fallif you can get over the weight

[@joeylandry4933]

When I was a young troop I would have gladly traded my canvas shelter half, metal stakes and 3 wood poles for this puppy. Of course back then who cared about 6 pounds give or take 😉

[@everwharesismine]

I have watched a couple of your videos and I would like to say...thanks... your very clear, concise and "down to earth" on your reviews. good luck and keep on doin it! respects phillip

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Thank you greatly for the kind words Phillip. Be well my friend and take care of yourself.

[@bettersteps]

This is a very popular tent. You never did do a follow up video like you said you would do. I love your channel and own this tent. I would love watch you use this ten for a few nights of challenging weather in order to give an accurate and honest opinion.

[@hurpaderpp]

I love how any time I need a review on some outdoor gear Luke has had his paws all over it already haha.

[@brandonpalmer4180]

i found it for $80 at a flea market in sweet water

[@kevinlee6580]

Amazon has them for about $120ish

[@cankeco]

we really enjoy your reviews. seems you're the only reviewer that answers all those thoughts I come up with. question; how's it breath? condensation or over heating over other tents of same size? we're only able to find used, what repair issues are most common? do you think it could be ran w/o the fly, under a tarp, or should we stick with bivy tents; the new skeeter net tents?

[@Bikepacking]

I love this tent i bought 2 of them in 2024 for 50$ it bombproof

[@bsainc6444]

ever going to do more with this tent ? would love to see a real test

[@cky3396]

hey did you ever do a long term review of this kit? im curious how it held up under different conditions and with condensation. ive seen this tents interior blackout/graphics liner "melt" over time and stick to itself on the inside after some storage time.

[@davidbrewer4669]

Fantastic video , fantastic tent. Sure beats the shelter half I carried.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

I bet brother.

[@dieseljunky8505]

I just bought this same one new on ebay for 65$ now. Waiting on it to arrive. Looks like an awesome tent for moto camping. Can you post a link to your set up video on this? I've yet to locate it. Thanks and great video

[@darekkrzepicki]

hi there , can you please share your exerience on motorcycle camping with this tent ?i bought mine yesterday , preper for mc trip to reach polar circle in Norway , take care

[@saovbleidd]

pretty nice tent here, i must put this in consideration for my next tent. the weight is not an issue for me since i am a pack mule when it comes to carrying loads of stuff while walking long journays.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

You're the man Samuel. I'd love to see a picture of your pack when it's fully loaded. :)

[@saovbleidd]

haha, thanks :) i'll remember to add it when i get my stuff from to storage when we are nearer to summer, i am not much of a winter camper :). meanwhile i got some camping stuff here at my instagram page if you wish to take a peek ^^ instagram.com/vargren

[@tratzum]

I noticed my new Soldiers got these tents issue at Fort Riley around 2015. Pretty useful tent and easy to pack and shove in Ruck sack. I haven't seen any other installation issue these since. Of course that camo pattern is now phased out as well.

[@thesaltyoldparatrooper6035]

Great review, but I'm watching it in 2022 and other options have since presented on the market that I had also considered. I deliberated between the ICS and Litefighter I, but the ICS won out after I scored a "new" one on ebay for $90. I was hesitant because of the stated weight, but after studying the Litefighter I system I learned that, with their cold weather kit included, that kit comes in at a full 7lbs. Michigan weather really necessitates 4 season capability. I haven't tested the ICS yet, but for $90 I just couldn't pass. The lack of pockets isn't a big deal to me and I love the interior blackout element. (Stealth camping benefit). I understand that the ICS is well passed it's relevancy date, but it doesn't seem like there was ever a follow up to this prelim review. If you were so inclined to do a "throwback" review I suspect there would be great interest. Take care, and S&H!

[@chrishartleroad5827]

I like mine. Now I even color changed it to a kelly/ Apple green. With dye, because it was just to light. But the price was so great. I got mine used like most are. But price was under $60.00 + $11.00 shipping.

[@urbanjungle9600]

Grunt Proof review brought me here!

[@commanderstud2417]

I wonder how it does in the wind?

[@chunkafunk81]

watching you in 2021. man you have put some muscle on. you look great. great no bullshit reviews as well. love your channel. thanks for all you do:)

[@danofiremano]

I'm liking this one better than the Hunker-1. But that mesh door is kind of weird on the outside! The weight is a small price to pay if it works great. My tent is 4.5 #'s and really doesn't have room for gear or any kind of vestibule. It sucks in the rain too so I just might have to consider getting this one after you use it & show us the value! Thanks again.

[@1FAST91SONOMA]

If you had to choose between this ICS and the Litefighter 1 which would you choose and why? Genuinely curious if the Litefighter one is worth the extra expense since this tent seems to have more features per dollar, for example... 4 season VS 3+1 with optional add-on, blackout VS not, fullsize door VS half door, etc. The Litefighter has more setup options but also significantly higher price. You can buy the ICS for $70 used or the LF1 for $150 used plus $150 for ground sheet and cold weather add-on kits. You could get 4 of the ICS for that price. Sure, you have 9 total setups with the LF1 but that won't matter for most people who will use 1 or 2 (standard setup vs cold weather) and the ICS can do those. I have a LF1 and after watching this video I ordered a couple of the ICS tents to check out and/or gift to family. The biggest selling point for me was the blackout capability since I work nights any way.

[@olddominionmedic1519]

Did you ever do an actual review of this?

[@goodredman]

Never did see a follow up to this video of the tent being used. I have this tent as well as the similar size LiteFighter One man combat shelter in coyote color. I can actually use the temples from the coyote one which is a spider pole set up they work with the improve combat shelter. You can also switch around and use the polls from the improve combat shelter on the one-man combat shelter coyote colored. There actually seems to be more floor space in the improved combat shelter. I would choose the improve combat shelter with some slight modifications if I was going out into colder weather. I know there’s a kit for cold weather you could put on the LiteFighter, but it’s possible to use the pole and better coverage coyote rain fly from those newer LiteFighter tent with the more heavy liner from the improve combat shelter. It makes a very good cold-weather set up that retains heat better as you’re not dealing with a screen porch type mesh inner. The combination of the twotent systems works very well for me.

[@walterrussell7584]

Are used it it was Super hot inside And my Pole sleeves-were stuck together awesome tell if you can get over the weightI only paid 70 bucks from mine

[@dudebig5404]

Sometimes.. I am just clicking around when I find LUKE... I always enjoy your company... thanks for the visit. lol You do a great job. It's like you are talking to ME>>> anyway... Peace... Be safe.

[@PerryP-t7j]

Where can we purchase the ICS tent, it would be a good addition to my camping gear

[@GruntProof]

No pockets is lame, so I used heavy duty stick on velcro patches to hang some gear

[@hobocyclistmike8558]

i love my Eureka TCOP

[@zepplyledson9622]

I'm a fan of just using a tarp for camping, but I've been considering a "real" (LOL) tent. To many close encounters, with the wildlife. I've been looking for a 4 season and watching a lot of reviews. I do have to say, I was liking the Hunker 1, until I seen this ICS. Even though it's a bit heavy, I think it's the winner! Thank you much, for the video!!! I'll still take my tarp, as an extra cover/wind break.

[@GONEWILDFILMS]

Is the bottom tub that plastically stuff or thick nylon ??? Thanks for the awesome review.

[@Dmac6969]

Where is the review on this? Can't seem to find it anywhere

[@lanceisbell3139]

The darkness of tent also allows light to not be seen from the outside i believe its called blackout or something so this would be a great stealth tent if the colors were different, i love this tent tho just got it last night spent the night in it its great

[@mitchlindeman7033]

wondering if you have a line on the owners manual? I did not get one with mine. would love a PDF

[@jamess.829]

Google it. You can find one in a PDF.

[@bigstick5278]

I have this tent and yes it's a bit flimsier than the Eureka. But some of the extra features of this tent I wish was on the Eureka and vise versa. I have never broke a pole on any one of the two. The eyelets for the fly pole is a weak looking link on the ORC. I am going to bring it to a shoe maker and have him sew a heaver strap in that location I can do my one brass eyelets.

[@thomasguerrero7289]

Did you ever review the military TCOP one person tent in woodland ? I ordered a ICS for a winter tent but the surplus store sent me the TCOP one . I wanted to get the USMC 2 person tent in woodland for the summer instead of a one person . If so what’s your take between the TCOP and the ICS also the USMC 2 person ?

[@mr.skeptical3071]

How warm is it in winter? Looks like you would burn up in summer

[@leelizardwilcox6271]

Have you done a review on this tent yet? i just bought one i hope i like it.

[@restistance4387]

Did you ever do a instructional video on how to put this tent up?If so could you give me a link

[@webursio]

Hello,. I got a couple from ebay, but the tent didn't come with the poles... can you tell me de size of the poles???? I must to find :(

[@alanqueen9350]

Although the improvements are significant, and a good thing, this is not a 4 season tent (it would not hold up under high winds) Mountaineers have long had multiple tent options that are bomber under inclement weather. (Black Diamond, North Face and many others)They range from single layer 2 pole singular designs to 6 pole double layer. Perhaps the US military should take a look at the tent options from outdoors manufacturers. I have slept in multiple high locations under inclement weather in a variety of these tents. Not always pleasant but the tent never gave way to high wind.

[@cbdyna]

Are the poles aluminum or fiberglass?

[@burnerjack01]

Must have gain a lot of popularity. Add at least $100-$150 to your estimate. Luke, just found your channel. Really like it. Good presentation, straight to the point, no 'blah blah blah'... One question: If you had your choice, would you pick the ICS over the Snugpack Scorpion 2 or the the other way around? My use will be general backpacking (maybe) but more likely, motorcycle camping.

[@tubesurfing]

Do you know if this one is chemically treated?

[@prwoolrich]

Thanks Luke I've been looking for a one man bivy with a side entrance for better accessibility the four season aspect is an added bonus it does seem rather dark inside but I don't regard that as a negative overall the vestibule running down the whole length of the tent is more than ample for stowing gear hopefully the price on EBay will remain the same while I save

[@terrygeersr3697]

figures they would issue something like this after I moved to a division level assignment. Beats a poncho hooch all to hell! great review BTW.

[@BrianRossman]

Totally agree with the reviewer that 6.5 is a bit heavy. Haven't packed a 4-season tent, but my 3 season tent is about 1/2 that weight, at almost 3x the price. It is nice to see the army starting to use 15 year old backpacking tech, now if only we had internal frame packs...

[@terrygeersr3697]

Brian Rossman doing a 10 day trip to Isle Royal next September. Saw the Red Lions with these ICS when I visited their TOC in May, I love the side opening door vice entry from the end.

[@sanfranciscobay]

Brian Rossman An external frame pack is superior for weight carrying if you are staying on trail as compared to an internal frame.

[@newdefsys]

Thanks for the review. Was about to pull the trigger on a pup tent, but this is so much better in every way !

[@ReifenbergerBobby]

How big is the vestibule? Do you think it’s possible to put a motorcycle in there at least partially?

[@BiologicalUnit2380]

did u ever take the ORC ICS out camping? I want to know how it handles rain/storms . thanks

[@BiologicalUnit2380]

did u ever take the ORC ICS out camping? I want to know how it handles rain/storms . thanks

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

I haven't been able to get the ICS out yet. Hopefully soon though. - Luke

[@BiologicalUnit2380]

TheOutdoorGearReview Go camping with it. Let us know. Thanks.

[@seanprosser5420]

Hey Luke, did you ever end up shooting a full review for the ICS? I'd love to know your impressions after having had time to use it a few times...maybe a flashback review? Keep up the great work, and all the best to you and the Family.

[@kato73jt]

I emailed Luke a while back about this same question. He said that he sold it before he got to do a review on it. He did say that he thought that it was too heavy and the quality was just "ok". Hope this helps.

[@james20k50]

I got one of these ICS tents but mine was in poor shape. Did some seam sealing and the tent is okay. It is very heavy especially when it gets wet. Also I'm not really a fan of the pole placement. I don't think Luke did it correctly in this video. Though I can't find proper instruction for this. But my pole placement, the inner goes up first and then the fly for the outside. If there is another way for these polls I would love to know. I'm thinking about giving it away.

[@JRJohnson1701]

How does this compare to the Tcop?

[@billhoggy4461]

Do you still have the tent usgi

[@joeowens8923]

Is this tent big enough for man and wife to sleep in if needed to ? Thanks

[@杨再道]

i have watched a lot of video,I've never seen what you share on our Chinese website !its just really really awesome !i like your video more !i appreciate it !

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Thank you so much my friend. Be well and take care.

[@jennyvikgarcia1075]

I have that tent and is absolutely awesome

[@georgeorgain8365]

Have you checked it out in the rain? Does it leak? When you were in the tent with it zipped. I saw some pretty major light holes. Have you taken notice of these? Nice looking tent at a reasonable price. I would hate for it to leak. Miserable if gear is wet.Let me know.

[@underboss157]

thanks i was looking for one to have when i go kayaking and camping.

[@kenallen7795]

This is not the video I cannot find it but you talked about the military sack Didn't you talk about the tent What kind of sack was that military backpack

[@samgrimm5865]

Luke, waiting for the overnight review of the ICS.

[@liquidmccloud6590]

We used these in basic, excellent tent.

[@Grizzly907LA]

How did the tent do?

[@josephlownes5138]

When is the review coming

[@guido10986]

Durability/usefulness is more of a priority than the weight. USMC ILBE made to hold 120 lbs. for example.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

How snow proof is it? Looks like it would collapse

[@joeowens8923]

Do you think me and wife would fit in this tent ? Thank ypu

[@CAPTDAVE55]

Got mine used for $85 on eBay in great shape

[@panzerabwerkanone]

Hopefully you have had some time and testing to tell us which military tent you prefer. The ICS or the MH Hunker1.

[@mandotorres1217]

have you taken it out yet ? wanna see it in action in the rain or snow. you said it was a 4 season tent?

[@mikepeach9395]

Great preview! Just been reading about these

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

I'm pretty impressed with it all in all. The weight of the thing is shocking to me though. The overall package isn' that big but when you pick it up, BAM, 6.5lbs.

[@jamess.829]

@@TheOutdoorGearReview That's because you are used to traveling light. In the military we travel pretty heavy and this tent is light to us.

[@noshame7472]

I wanted to ask you luke about ICS over the Lite fighter. I know that this video was done a while ago but I been considering getting the lite fighter but are enjoying my ICS tent. What is your opinion is the lite fighter an improvement compaired to the Lite fighter?

[@nathancrume6217]

Hi let me know if this is a 4 season tent

[@garyscott7114]

Hi Iv just pick up one of these tents. What would you use to re waterproof the fly? . Keep the videos coming favourite channel my friend

[@johnstevenson9429]

Just wish it had bug net on the rear entrance door. In hot weather with mosquitos you can't leave the back door open for cross ventilation without letting the bugs in..it gets a little uncomfortable

[@justinakers3196]

It would be a decent urban camo, But if you’re in an urban area, wouldn’t you just sleep indoors? I can only think of very specific Rocky and gravel type alluvial areas that that tents camouflage would make sense in.

[@averagebackpacker7006]

I love that tent I would love to have one

[@zander1960]

Can never understand why tents have inner pitch first. coming from UK the standard is always outer pitches first to give rapid pitching in bad weather thus giving an emergency shelter that enables inner to stay dry. Like wise when packing up. Inner down gear dry then outer into bag if wet.

[@justinakers3196]

I guessing the light blocking is so light can’t be seen from the outside at night. It is a military tent after all. It would need to be stealthy.