Snugpak Special Forces Sleep System

[@andrewjohnston4127]

Ok,almost 4 years later are you still using this sleeping bag system?

[@johnjames218]

Excellent review Ben. i have both systems US GI MSS and Snugpak Special Forces complete system (which does not come with the bivi sack, so to me its not a complete system} for me the one major change i would make to the Snugpak system would be to make it side opening, my reason for this is that if you are to hot while in the bag and you unzip it, you become uncovered as the zip is down the middle, whereas with the MSS you can unzip the bag and still be covered as it opens on the side. the other thing about having a center zip is that you end up with three sets of zip ends in your face

[@mrbakerskatz]

Nice observation, I've never used the snugpac system but I have 4 MSS(2 bag systems) but only 2 bivvies to work with .

[@joeyjones9041]

I have the Modular Sleep System and with it, you put the thicker intermediate cold weather bag inside the thinner patrol bag, then they both go inside the bivy. This looks pretty cool tho. I would also like to add that you can get the woodland camo version of the Modular Sleep System brand new for less than this Snugpak system.

[@marcus11619]

This dudes about to take someone to flavortown

[@joejcm8144]

Also the Special Forces Bivy Bag does not come with the Special Forces Combo Sleep System. It is sold separately..some companies like ours include it all in one system at a reduced price.

[@dylanbooth78]

hi, great review. I just thought I would comment to let people know that when joining the two bags together the special forces 1 goes on the OUTSIDE. the special forces 1 is slightly roomier to allow this and also when done the correct way you can still use the baffle inside the special forces 2! hope this helps someone out!

[@russhay422]

Just read this on their site myself, had paused the video to go look again and you are correct. This sleep system looks A+.

[@joejcm8144]

TheTyrial86.... yes when you purchase the whole system complete it comes with a compression sack large enough to fit the SF 1 SF 2 and Baffle plus the optional SF Bivy Bag The Snugpak Special Forces Combo System comes with 4 compression sacks 1 sack for each of the 3 components and 1 complete system compression sack.

[@BarryDutton]

Another great review Ben. I had not heard of all this til today, and it is hard keeping all the bags and bivys and options straight with all the options etc. You did a nice job of all of that for us, thanks as always. Really informative.

[@livingsurvival]

+Barry Dutton thanks ;)

[@BarryDutton]

+Living Survival and I have not forgotten about that tarp/bag idea you gave me a week ago on your forum either to save money. Great idea but that is what we expect from you. (: I appreciate your work man!

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

One of the many things I like about your channel, Ben, is you always review really sensible, no nonsense gear. Some gear, of course, you end up liking better than others, but that is to be expected. You can't like everything equally. Thanks to your reviews, I am becoming quite enamoured of Snugpac, their tents and bivies, and now their sleep system. Thanks, Ben!

[@James-ke5sx]

Nice system but I went with 3 separate sleeping bags starting from their lightest to their Antarctica w/ fleece liner, SF bivvi and an Arctic mat. Canada

[@bustercrabbe8447]

Could you provide a demonstration in the snow, rain, or high wind?

[@UrbanSuburban010]

I just may have found my next sleep system. Great review Ben.

[@livingsurvival]

UrbanSuburban Something you buy once.

[@prwoolrich]

what an excellent system I like the fact that it has the center zip thanks for sharing.

[@joejcm8144]

Hey Ben Great review You made a mistake though; when you are using both bags the Special Forces 2 Bag goes inside the Special Forces 1 Bag. This is because the Special Forces 1 Bag is for warmer weather and has no neck baffle. The Special Forces 2 Bag has a neck baffle because it is for colder weather. If you use it this way you will be warmer. If you put the Special Forces 1 Bag inside the Special Forces 2 Bag you loose the neck baffle.

[@livingsurvival]

good point.

[@LaconianConcepts]

This is correct. The SF1 bag also has a reflectatherm layer (the SF2 does not) and it will reflect back more heat when on the outside of the system.

[@TedMotcheckIII]

I love snugpak products. I mainly use the jungle bag (has mesh over head for bugs) paired with a bivy.

[@whatabouttheearth]

I use a: ---Thermarest pad (rolled tight with 2 bunjee cords), ---Kelty Cosmic 20° down bag, ---USGI Bivy sack (trust me on this one. Semper Fi), ---Sea to Summit eVent dry compression bag (compressed tight) In the stuff sack its smaller than that stuff and down to 20° (probably 10°) I used this for years as a homeless traveller after getting out of the military. I dont like messing around with sleeping systems, you can throw this down in pouring rain and be ok. You dont need a tarp under it, and you can roll it up really fast if you need to go in a hurry. But you wont get wet, worry about sticks or rocks (too much), and youll stay warm.

[@dahartman88]

Looks tough and warm Ben thanks for sharing.

[@livingsurvival]

Derek Everyguy Thanks for watching.

[@benterwellen]

Great setup, I have the MSS Long which took me years to find.......these cant be beat.... ty for sharing

[@livingsurvival]

ben terwellen Didn't even know they made a long. thanks for letting me know.

[@benterwellen]

The XLong is about 6" longer, im tall and the regular MSS doesn't work for me, the XLong are very hard to find, I finally scored a brand new ACU one on Ebay, it took about 2 years....

[@mrbakerskatz]

I just put a bead on the one zipper that I need to use ,when I have multiple zippers . Awesome bags but I don't see the ATACS bags on Amazon .

[@raptorfalco4823]

Another good very good video on Snugpak sleep system I love it. you're one of the several guys that I watch on a regular basis I apppreciate all you do for all of us. I am in the market for a new sleep system mine has finally worn out. You keep up the good work !!

[@livingsurvival]

Raptor Falco 48 Yeah this or if you can find a like new MSS for around $125 which is just a little heavier and of course not brand spanking new.

[@heavykiin9337]

wish they would have had a bug net. maybe on the bivvy or special forces 1 bag.

[@DDDYLN]

Will this fit a 6' heavy muscular man, who wears a size 48 jacket? My upper body circumference is 58-60". I can't fit in most normal mummy bags, unless I have someone else zip me in, and then I cant move my arms!

[@05generic]

This is off subject but have you ever encountered a tiered backpack systems with three sections that buckle or zip together, or can be used separately, and have shoulder straps that are transferable from one section to another? I would want the largest section to have a hip belt, and the capacity of all three sections would need to total about 48 liters. I've wondered about this for awhile as I've often thought it would be great to have get-home and winter gear bags that could also supplement a b.o.b , instead of three completely independent units.

[@livingsurvival]

05generic Look into the military issue ILBE Gen2. Can be bought like new for $125 or so and they have a tiered assault pack. Also 5.11 makes their Rush 72/48/24 to be tiered.

[@05generic]

Living Survival Thanks.

[@michaelstjohn6086]

Living Survival Doesn't Snugpak make a Rocket pack that is modular? Only Snugpak product I own is the Jungle bag, seems like high quality. I'd really like to try the patrol poncho.

[@livingsurvival]

Yes they do.

[@feralwoodcraft]

When you say bad ass, I'd have to agree with you. I'm impressed. Thanks Ben.

[@livingsurvival]

Feral Woodcraft thanks my friend.

[@BarryDutton]

+Feral Woodcraft agreed

[@551taylor]

Looks good, but just the 2 bags would cost $700 to ship to the UK! Possibly $1000 with the bivi bag too? Who can afford that I wonder?

[@stefan-D]

How is the sleeping loft now? In synthetic fiber sleeping bags this should probably diminish greatly, which is not the case with down sleeping bags. This is supposed to be one of the biggest drawbacks of synthetic fiber sleeping bags. But I do not know if this is exactly the same, if you unpack it again. This one is supposed to have a quality as good as that of Mammut (ajungilak). What could you do for experience here? And with the heat loss after a while? Above all, it means yes, if you wash it once, is up to 50% loft lost and he does not warm properly?

[@livingsurvival]

I leave my bags unpacked and hanging in a closet when not in use.

[@robertwestermeier7301]

Why do you put the sf1 inside the sf2? Sf1 has to be the outer layer when connect.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Over all the kit looks great. I like the center zip and camo. Definitely lighter weight than an MMSS. Looking forward to your after use review. Thanks. atb Opal

[@livingsurvival]

Opal Preston Shirley I will surely do a follow up.

[@LtSurvival]

Great review . this system beat in weight the canadian force sleep system whitch must weight more then 10 to 12 pound, but it can protect you from the cold in the arctic. usualy around -40 f .

[@livingsurvival]

Lt Survival I bet ;)

[@dgs9000]

Nice video Great piece of kit & made in the UK

[@livingsurvival]

Dean Sturrock You bet.

[@AdaptorDieChannel]

I have the regular SnugPak bivvy as well as the Special Forces 2 bag and it seems pretty narrow. It is a pain in the ass to get the sleeping bag zipped up and the bivy almost compresses the sleeping bag. Is the Special Forces Bivvy that much wider? Thanks!

[@RootsLion]

shame dem no do that pattern anymore arg

[@clips4165]

Thank you for a great in depth review.

[@livingsurvival]

Clips you're welcome.

[@rogerbressette1779]

Thanks ,great review glad I watched this before buying the USGI MSS , I have a snug pack bunker tent and they do make great products , found a deal on one of these used which I will now purchase :)

[@kwerner]

Great review Ben! The best one I've seen on KZbin. Pretty cool that you were able to review the ATACS color too.

[@livingsurvival]

kwerner I thought so too!

[@240weatherby3]

I am 6'2" and 250 lbs Would you recommend this bag for a bigger guy like me?

[@LaconianConcepts]

They also make a “long” version of the entire system as well. I’d think if you got this and the expanda panel you’d be sitting pretty.

[@jasonmcdaniel7878]

Awesome sleep system! I like the versatility of it! Great for bug out bags or for camping! Also do those zippers get in the way when your head is inside there? Looks like they would be right on top of you when you zip it all the way up.

[@livingsurvival]

Jason McDaniel Nope, your head is above.

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Great review, I have the MSS actually 2 of them. But I wish they had center zips, Not really too keen on the ''Baffle'' system just my opinion of course, I live in Yellowknife Canada and it get's really really cold here. I've seen it get down to -50 celsius daytime high, I will be taking a winter survival course and I am going to use the 2 black bags and the Bivy. I was watching a video on sleep systems the other day by Dave Canterbury and he said I don't recommend sleeping in your boots unless you're on the run hahahah....

[@mikearonson8201]

Which insulation material is used in the bags?

[@charliereyes372]

Ben, you're my hero. Do you think this baffle will fit the softie elite 1 and 3 combined? Love your vids Ben.

[@livingsurvival]

Not sure, you could probably email them.

[@livingsurvival]

[@TheTyrial86]

Does anyone know if snugpack has a compression sack for when the whole system is attached for storage?

[@badjujuR6]

Cool system but at $500+, I will keep using my USMC 3 season sleep system. My area never really goes below freezing and I have never even come close to being cold in the USMC sleep system. And if it ever does get 20 and below, I can just throw a wobbie in with me and that should solve the problem. As far a packing it, if you do your part and pack it correctly, it packs down to about the size of a foot ball, weighs about 4 lbs, and stuffs into its own compression dry bag. And it only costs about $200.00 brand new on Ebay.

[@livingsurvival]

+badjujuR6 that is a nice way to go as well.

[@countdracula774]

badjujuR6 Late response with regards to the Snugpak Special Forces Sleep System with regards to price , i hear what you are saying $500+ is expensive . In the UK we have the same problem when it comes to buying made in the USA gear very expensive for us . An example the K-BAR USMC Tactical Knife they sell for $160 here , the Snugpak System Complete is less than $300 here for us , so it is not to overly expensive here for what it is .

[@johndoes2434]

I tried to link a must be my phone but there's no multicam and six colors they offered orc run and $124 for a bivy bag is just outrageous I can get it for awhile cheaper

[@bigazzj1346]

Great review. $490 for this system or $100-125 for a surplus military sleep system. Easy decision for me. Thanks for presenting options though.....

[@livingsurvival]

BigAzz J You bet, thanks for watching.

[@IY6C]

Awesome sleep system

[@livingsurvival]

Isyour6covered® Very versatile.

[@stefan-D]

would you rather recommend the snugpak complete system for normal civilian private purposes or another variant? Does the complete system SF have disadvantages for a person outside of the military, even with the medium-zipper?

[@justgivemethetruth]

Great video ... but I am sure you could have found a louder more windy place to make it ... better luck next time! ;-) How much do those things cost ... that is real nice.

[@livingsurvival]

+justgivemethetruth HAHA, yeah I have since modded my camera to deal with the wind.

[@PREPFORIT]

great sleep system. I really like the multi cam Thanks for the. review.

[@livingsurvival]

PREPFORIT thanks for watching.

[@bobamos3628]

Looks like a great system. Ya know, instead of adding an orange draw cord to the middle zipper, why not just remove the two outer cords as when you need them the bags will be out and in front of you. Leaving the center one would let you know, in the dark, the one to use. This would also decrease weight. I know it is a little but when added up, a little at a time becomes a sizable weight. Just a thought.

[@livingsurvival]

good point.

[@DrDennis]

Great Video review again Ben on a Snugpak item I didnt know existed. Great sleep system.

[@livingsurvival]

+DrDennis77 thanks.

[@johndavidcopeland1617]

how wide is the bag as well as how long is it. I'm 6 foot 275 poundswill I fit

[@lazyroman1346]

Holy fuck

[@TheTyrial86]

bwhahahaha. I am about your size bro, most bags are going to be tight. Even the military bags.

[@charliereyes372]

whats up dude, i have a softie elite 1 and softer elite 3 that I use together through out the year, is the baffle for this compatible to those 2?

[@rocky.racoon]

Great question

[@wjf213]

Good video. I think I would put a bead or something on that middle zipper rather than changing the color of the 550.

[@livingsurvival]

wjf213 That would work as well, thanks for the tip.

[@adammorgan2670]

Nice system but pricey. I will however, enjoy the system vicariously through your video!

[@livingsurvival]

Adam Morgan Considering a Military Sleep System is higher when new the price isn't that bad. Especially if you were to buy two sleeping bags and a bivy it would be about the same price.

[@adammorgan2670]

Living Survival you're right about its cost in relation to a brand new military sleep system. Not a bad deal in that regard.

[@davidwalsh49752]

How much is the whole system in euro pls

[@greyman003]

Thanks for the video. I just bought the system and couldn't work out how to fit the two together. Obvious in hindsight.

[@livingsurvival]

greyman003 it took me a minute too :)

[@bushcraftprepper2755]

I'm actually looking at getting a new sleeping bag so I might get that

[@livingsurvival]

Bushcraft Prepper It is nice for sure.

[@bushcraftprepper2755]

Living Survival German military surplus is good because it is waterproof as hell and compact if you want it to be

[@rakehell404]

Has this system been tested as extensively as the military sleep system?

[@LaconianConcepts]

It has a nato stock number for the British military so maybe not the same service life, but real life grass growers have used them in the sandbox. Having both, I think the size weight performance ratio is much higher on the Snugpak than the MSS. If you plan to drag it behind a truck on a dirt road then the MSS beats it, otherwise my back likes the Snugpak. The SF1 feels warmer than the patrol bag to me too (which is my 3 season bag after retiring the patrol bag to my son).

[@glock907]

Will the exit baffle work on the army system?

[@LaconianConcepts]

No the zipper size is different. The MSS system is bomb proof (I have 2 of those as well - they’ve been retired to my 2 boys) but overbuilt for regular bush adventures. The zips on the SF are big enough to remain durable, but not so big they add a ton of weight (like the MSS ones do).

[@jnairac]

Did you camouflage the SF1 and SF2 yourself? what paint . You got any tips ? pm me pls contactmail

[@LaconianConcepts]

No they made that factory for a while. I believe the only camo they offer now is multicam.

[@Creamteam69420-s]

Your like the outdoorsman guy fierie

[@iametoh]

I just got this system in Multicam, I want to know if anybody has been able to roll and stuff it back their sacks just like it came. I can not.

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

It’s not meant to roll. Both synthetic and down will retain loft better and for longer if you randomly “stuff” the bag back into the stuff sack.

[@240weatherby3]

how did your winter test go?

[@livingsurvival]

its never been cold enough to use all three. i did use the heavy bag in a tipi and was hot.

[@zombieland6484]

Besides, you need to do some sit ups. Especially when you're talking about, Special Forces.

[@Next72Hours]

t looking system.. and great video thanks

[@livingsurvival]

***** thx

[@MADMAX353]

Did you get these separate or all as one system?

[@livingsurvival]

all as one system.

[@MADMAX353]

could you advise where you got it...I like the ATACS camo but can't seem to find a location that sells it as a complete system.

[@markd1672]

Great review. I am getting this

[@ronaldcoleman1323]

I checked Amazon. This bag is for rich people. Over $600 for the multicam.

[@WorldMotox]

is this military issued?

[@livingsurvival]

Tactichris nope.

[@sidorgan969]

I think it is in the uk

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

+SPARTANPOWER Made in the UK and, as the name suggests, issued, where appropriate, to British special Forces.

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

***** How do you know that?

[@godofawesum223]

because standard issued gear lists are a matter of public record. But more than that there is basic deductive reasoning. Special forces don't operate in any more or less adverse weather conditions that standard forces operate in. If Anything standard forces actually operate in more adverse weather conditions than special forces do and for longer periods of time. So why would they be given their own special snowflake sleeping system? Military branches like to keep their gear procurement as simple as possible meaning everyone is going to get the same sleeping system because there is no reason why any one would or should receive anything different.

[@bashfulbrother]

They want $500 for this whole system on Amazon. I too shall stay with MSS. I don't know what's going on with Snugpak and their prices.

[@livingsurvival]

+bashfulbrother MSS was more expensive when new brother.

[@LaconianConcepts]

I know it’s a pretty penny (and I work damn hard for my dollar) but the quality and workmanship is really there. They are a UK company employing people at a good wage and this line is made in Yorkshire. Their customer service is top notch and they are more than happy to answer questions about products even if you haven’t bought anything yet. Compare the pricing to Patagonia, north face or marmot, which are made in Asia sweat shops and similarly priced bag for bag. The dollar to pound offset doesn’t help either.... Btw: I’ve never received a dime, free sample or so much as a social media mention from them... just a pleased customer trying to help someone else decide if they want to drop that kind of coin. I’ve also switched from the MSS to the SF and I’m not looking back. Comfort, weight, and pack size are better - no question. YMMV

[@derptothemaxclearly]

Holy smokes I wish we were issued these lol

[@livingsurvival]

Jaysun Duran :)

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

I think i purchased this system from you. Hahahha cool seeing it in the video

[@livingsurvival]

what??? cool .

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

Yeah that was me up here in Canada that purchased all that sleeping bag stuff from you the whole gambit of snug pack stuff hammock and h all that. Think it was last summer maybe or the summer before

[@livingsurvival]

Oh yeah that's right i had to ship it all across the line ;)

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

The stuff is coming in real handy I gave the snugpak Hammock to my girlfriends brother he is a police man in the Philippines, they go out on maneuvers in the jungle often and he was notgetting any sleep out there due to his crappy sleep system I think the Hammock has helped him a lot. When I went down there a few months ago I gave him a little tutorial on hanging a tarp in the Hammock as well.

[@jamesbailand4311]

Unboxing videos are not review videos.

[@patrickhasley8568]

500 bucks? That's really steep.

[@livingsurvival]

patrick hasley not really considering mil-spec stuff before it hits the surplus (used) market.

[@hrsey71]

that's capital C comfortable!

[@MITimberwookie]

Killer sleep system.

[@livingsurvival]

MI Timberwookie thx brother.

[@adamconnolly7478]

you skipped the how to do the baffle up!!!! thats whats driving me fucking crazy!

[@resurrectionx5952]

in night u don't see colors

[@daveb5276]

thanks for the overview; did you use it? there are a lot of reviews on snugpak products that prove there poor quality of manufacture! prove it will last with use!

[@livingsurvival]

+Dave Beaudry i have used it several times this past winter. holding up great. snugpak does have some quality issues with their stitching in other products but for the price it doesn't bother me.

[@daveb5276]

+Living Survival Thank You Sir

[@terrymeyers679]

Yeah, way more money for the same sleep system. Not worth the money. Buy the military sleep system. Don't pretend to be a GI Joe.

[@livingsurvival]

***** Compares more to a new MSS, the discount becomes from being used. Some would rather buy new than run the risk of some GI Joe pissing himself in his bag and then selling it to you.

[@terrymeyers679]

Living Survival Of course, buy new it's the american way. Please spend your money, the more , the better, the economy needs all the help it can get. Then you wake up.

[@brentjohnson7472]

I dont care of some guy pissed his bag. 20 bucks is 20 bucks

[@hornypervert3781]

The title is misleading. That is used by cheap forces that can not afford humvees