A comprehensive look at the Canadian Army Sleep System.

In this video we take an in depth look at each piece of the Canadian Forces sleep system and find out why it has been in service for over 50 years.

[@BorderCollieMom]

Lived with Inuit years ago, their stories of the military were hilarious. Transporting metal objects in sleds behind skidoos. Inuit tried to show them and were dismissed, “no, we’re specialists”. -40 C the military generator was destroyed. Inuit packed heavy fur around the sled for a reason. The Inuit entertained me for hours with their Canadian army stories.

[@darryllzwiers7257]

Gotta learn from the people who understand the environment aye. Here in NZ the maori still would whoop our white asses in NZ bushcraft. To them it's just another day. Us white folk really have to learn.

[@ScrapMetalPanda]

I grew up on a reservation where the army training program had to be saved by the old women who were at church. They couldnt get a fire going in the tundra lol I can only imagine watching 60 year old women showing up and laughing while they get their camp set up.

[@edwardmartel5104]

Slept in mine outside under the stars at -42 and was very comfortable. The only problem I had was getting out of it in the morning; it sure was cold.

[@troycallan4776]

I guess Im randomly asking but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@troycallan4776]

@Anders Kaiden Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and im trying it out atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@troycallan4776]

@Anders Kaiden it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much you really help me out :D

[@anderskaiden3583]

@Troy Callan Glad I could help :)

[@frankmartel3428]

Hey we got the same last name im from Quebec hope you doing well with this profile picture ;P

[@andrew1575]

See, the trick to a heavy sleep system was to join the armoured corps so your truck could carry it for you :P

[@francharvey6117]

In the field as a cook I wish I could use it more often XD

[@bhogalsblades1922]

Ya unless they put you in a LAV and make you get out and walk everywhere lol

[@bagelsecelle9308]

ok tanker

[@andrew1575]

@@bagelsecelle9308 oh that's too much credit haha we rolled in Gwagons

[@AwesomePlayers]

Never had an issue with the weight in my Cougar.

[@Tsusday]

Can confirm the hood is the best part of the winter kit of the sleeping system. The amount of times it saved my head a rough cold. The liner is not used anymore in 98% of regiments I think. We use the cadpat ranger blanket (also called "The Canadian") BV bag is nearly always on the sleeping bags to protect it from humidity, humidity is the real killer of winter/night in those sleeping bag, hence why we sleep nearly naked if not fully. I still have the self-inflatable bed mat+the brown rolled foam bed. Use the brown mat just cuz it's faster to pack up and quieter when on field ex. In the summer we usually run, one sleeping bag inside the bv bag, and the ranger blanket. In the winter, dual sleeping bags, bv bag, ranger blanket+hood. (My personal setup, but tends to be similar to others of my unit)

[@ledzepandhabs]

When in the CF, my Valise was always packed with the same sleep kit, even when in the arctic in summer. 2 shelter half (my tent, the other my ground sheet), bug net, outer sleeping bag, silk liner, thick rubber air mattress. No matter where they sent me I slept like a baby and the Valise had space for many other things. In lower Canada the tree's and bungee cords made your house, in the arctic you wrapped you shelter half around your bag and as it moved up toward your head it straddled your ruck to form a rudimentary tent about 2 feet long so you can breath. The CF had the best sleeping kit. The key to cold survival is always the same and remains so today, keep your kit clean and dry and always sleep naked, never introduce excess moisture. Cold wet clothes and boots are bearable to put on the next day as long as you have had good sleep. Bad sleep means useless soldier!

[@oliviersimonneau4932]

Infantry reservist here, they have actually changed the liners, we now have cadpat liners that have a zipper which can be unzipped all the way so the liner can double as a blanket

[@TheGordohhh]

4 years with the 4 Field Ambulance in Lahr Germany, and these sleeping bags were amazing during Winter Warfare training exercises. Even though I had to share it with my SMG, it was incredibly warm and comfortable. What a drag it was to have to crawl out of it at 4 am for a piss.. As a medic, A lot of exercise when I was tasked as medical support, I was fortunate enough to be able to sleep in the back of my temperature controlled Mercedes Benz Unimog field ambulance. Good times!

[@mikepritchard8310]

Great demo. You're right about it being the best. I used in in 1975 in Churchill and at Coral harbour in the arctic for 6 weeks. Never failed me at that time or at any onther time during my 23 years. Sure would like to get my hands on one. We only had the 5 pieces with the air mattress at taht tim and we would make couches in the 10 man tent systems. Job well done.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you.

[@maplecreek662]

I did a bunch of winter camping in Army Cadets as a teenager, The surplus sleeping bags we used were awesome.

[@theelherbeeno5142]

What cadet corps?

[@waltermc3906]

The bags used by Cadets Units aren't surplus, they draw them from DND stores, then return them afterwards.

[@SgtLogOfWood]

Quick question: What is your favorite stuff to find in rations?

[@barryfirth1187]

Spent many nights on a op with no shelter, just shove the sleeping into a snowbank and crawl in. Over in Bosnia, we would crawl into the sleeping bag with the bivvie bag ,a couple of sticks to keep the flap off your face. Wouldn't get wet no matter how hard it rained! We have good kit!!😁👍🏻

[@user-kp1ei7mn3x]

7 months in Bosnia in mine (98). U.S. Army.

[@panthermartin7784]

I have the complete kit, took it elk hunting in November sleeping outdoors no heat, temp never dropped below -10 of course but when you wake up toasty warm and the cows are chirping 150 yards away its a completely amazing feeling and sight . And yes, your gonna want the outer liner bag makes a major major difference when actually sleeping rough .. great stuff.

[@lib556]

Best way to assemble the bags is to: a. turn inner bag inside out. Lay flannel on top and secure ties at the foot and along one side to the top; b. turn inner bag right side out and secure remaining ties; c. turn outer bag inside out, lay inner bag on it and repeat tie down procedure; d. turn bag right side out and finish tying the ties. Hood was great (and necessary in the arctic - only time I used it). Too bulky otherwise. I slept with a toque (wool or fleece). Small and light. 1 bag with poncho liner inside was good. Unlike you, we always brought the bivvy bag - wetness sucks. At least with the BB you had a moisture barrier. I'd be more likely to ditch the bulky, heavy sleeping bag than I would the BB. In times like those I'd usually have 2 x poncho liners. It wasn't unusual to be in a situation when no shelters could be built due to tac sit or time etc. Often we'd crash in the open by unrolling a BB with a PL in it. Note, the BB can be oriented with the longer part on top of the head as a sort of rain cover.

[@Furniture121]

The "new" Ranger blanket was issued to me in '06. It was amazing, and it hurt my soul when I had to turn it back in.

[@twomstone_17]

Worth the price to "lose" it and pay it out

[@troubledseed]

Not sure why you didn't just claim it was "Lost" on an exercise and then not have to pay it out.

[@troubledseed]

Also just walk into a Canex and buy one. They sell them everywhere.

[@Furniture121]

@@troubledseed I try to avoid stealing from my employer... lol

[@splorkio]

Same. I've been trying to find one to purchase, and there aren't any online. I'll have to check surplus stores for the rest of my life.

[@AssasinOMC]

Can confirm still issued gear, and the ranger blanket I love that thing.

[@michaelclayton978]

I was on the Aircrew Arctic Survival Course in the '80s in Resolute. We had a blizzard go thru one night when it was -47 C with 40 degrees of wind chill. Slept like a baby in Arctic survival tent using this system. Great piece of kit. Same with the mukluk system. You could do a show on them as well.

[@matt4048]

I know it is an almost 45 year difference, but any suggestions for the course? I am going in January - I like survival, but I am quite thin and get cold easily!

[@JonathanQShrimpling]

Im in the Air Force and haven't touched a valise since basic, but this video was great and informative, and your enthusiasm clearly shows Thanks for the awesome video!

[@bdfic]

Bruh the bivvy bag is the SECOND BEST piece of kit I have just, be careful not to close the bag over your face cuz uh, you might not wake up. The ranger blanket is #1 (I use that at home when lounging around)

[@hurleyfrank666]

the gerber go #3?

[@bdfic]

@@hurleyfrank666 It would be #3 but I never got one :/ so I guess I'd give that spot to either the rain jacket or the small pack

[@MrJeremyfelix]

@@bdfic I got two Gerber and still use my Leatherman instead. It’s a matter of personal opinion 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@evalynchuran8684]

I love your info. I am non military or CAF, but Ilove you guys education. I absorb it all. Thank you Sir for your sevice.

[@michaelmulligan0]

That is an impressive winter sleeping system.

[@johnredburn3760]

Well done ...my first down sleeping bag was an inner CF bag, no zipper, and a squarish cloth hood you folded around your head and then put the two ends through a button hole and pulled tight. I serve me well for about 10 yrs then it became a dog blanket. Keep it up ...the videos

[@robertkelly4647]

I think you've covered all the bases. When I joined the reserves in Ottawa in 1978 none of the local units had enough sleeping equipment to issue to everyone to go to the field. So the QM had to borrow from other units in the weeks before hand. Then they had to collect them up, get them cleaned and returned to the other unit. Of course each unit had their sleeping bags very well marked. Eventually more sleep systems were procured. We called the sleeping hood the KKK hat. Most of us just wore a toque in the winter, but they were a good piece of kit. I was issued the Cadpat Ranger blanket in 2005 before going to Afghanistan. It was a great piece of kit. It was about the only thing I wish I didn't have to turn in when I retired.

[@yvessioui2716]

What memories it brings back. Around 1973-75 I was a commissionned officer working with the CIC (related to cadets corps) and went for a 2 week camp at Resolute Bay, well in the Arctic. That was the first camp of this sort for cadets. We used that system to sleep under a poncho roof hold by walking stick(s) or hold by rock wall(s) built on site. If I rememeber correctly we also had something like your hand- inflatable mattress, 'baby bag', liner, inner, outer and hood. We were told then the whole system was good down to -40° C by itself, no roof or wall... We were there during the 2 warmest weeks of the year. So unless under -10° C we should not use the outer bag. The liner was flanel, there mainly to keep the inner cleaner and get a warmer touch than with directly touch cold nylon. We were told to get in there nude as much as possible. The liner was also useful to get the inner cleaner if you remember you can take inside the bag a piece of clothing to give it some warmth before putting it on or any piece of equipment that can be dirty. but still need to be kept warm. The outer baby bag was much helpful by cutting wind and lessen abrasion on the outer part when some part get off the mattress. The hood was helpful under -10° C against wind and cold to the face and only for the moral over -10° C. It was with that whole experience up there that I learn the biggest impact on being able to differentiate between saying 'I am cold' and 'I am frozen'. The seocnd expression carries a sense of urgency misleading our own psyche because it is like being sure we woud die soon. Being cold is often more petinent and surely more positive. That experience confirms me in my love with the North. So some years after as a civilian I went teaching to the inuit in that nice north I still love today at 65 yo.

[@pakman184]

Fantastic overview! Currently serving and I can happily say most of this gear works phenomenally well. As you mentioned, only one of those bags is usually ever needed and the Ranger Blanket makes the liner obsolete. The one thing I'd recommend is ditching the Mustang Mat or the Zlite-style issued mats for a civilian version, neither are good at all. Don't forget to bring a pillow!

[@SgtMjr]

This has to be one of the best reviews of kit I've seen. many TY'ers ramble on waaay too much making the presentation longer, jumbled and less informative. You hit all the points and gave the info straight forward and complete. Outstanding. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you, I was also unimpressed by the existing videos on the subject.

[@robedgington8420]

this brings back memories...... I think that the system went back into the 70's. I was in the CAF from 79 to 87 and use the system. I only saw the hood during training

[@sirridesalot6652]

When I was in the Militia in the 1970s this was basically the system we used. Now I do winter as well as summer camping and I wanted a versatile system that could be used in all seasons. I looked at civilian sleeping bags before buying the Canadian Forces Modular Sleeping bag. I figured I could use the outer bag and liner when it was warm outside and then combine everything if needed for a winter trip. Recently I bought the bivy bag. I use an ex-military OD foam sleeping pad I bought surplus in the early 1980s. Don't have to worry about punctures with the foam pad.

[@RobClaypool]

Slept on a cot using the black betty mattress and CF sleeping bag for 6 months during my tour to Croatia in '92. That mattress was super comfortable!

[@mikedambrauskas9377]

Great presentation...pretty accurate on all counts. The only thing that I would add is a demonstration on how to properly put the inner and outer and the liner together properly with the tie downs. Start with the outer liner turned inside out then lay the inner on top, attach together and repeat with the liner. Then you flip all 3 back into each other and Voila. This way, the liner and the inner aren't getting all twisted while you sleep.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thanks

[@journeyman7189]

Great presentation Tell. That new ranger blanket is pretty nice. I've never understood why most of the ranger blankets do not have a hole for your head to make it work with the poncho. Nate

[@lafflaff2676]

Better than the horse blanket the army issued. I actually ordered a new ranger blanket before christmas on Amazon..

[@dougpirko211]

Essentially the poncho hasn't been issued in 30+ years, the ranger blanket (issued) is quite recent.

[@davebona9592]

The ranger blanket was more effective wrapped tightly around your body than having a hole cut in it. Many a day sitting on my ruck wrapped in my ranger blanket under the poncho. High living was a sterno can heating your coffee between your legs....

[@rickblackwell6435]

Somebody really thought that new blanket through. Good to see.

[@geraldoutdoors245]

I remember floating down the Petawawa river rapids on that old inflatable black air mattress. To fluff up the down I used to to put my sleeping bag in the dryer, no heat, with a pair of running shoes to tumble there would be feathers everywhere. Great video

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thanks! I wanted to touch on washing and care but that could be whole video itself.

[@ericlaperle1978]

The sleeping bag carrier is still available in army surplus stores but is not issued anymore in the army, it has been replaced by a similar system that lets you compact it to make room for more gear. Same thing for the liner and the inflatable mat. Very efficient system but too heavy and bulky if you're organizing a long trek. The BV bag IS one of the best piece the army has had produced, works extremely well under humid conditions. I once crossed a lake with my rucksack inside the BV bag and floated across

[@blaXkgh0st]

Great video! I wasn't bored once the whole video. 🤙

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you, thats what I was trying for.

[@chrisnevergrowold330]

My memory of those bags were from my time doing Basic at Cornwallis. Every single one of them had a ripped inner lining at the feet. Freezing was part of the experience lol. Embrace the suck! Thanks for the memory! cool vid!

[@MarcLombart]

Sir, I was in the RCN reserves in 1978 and then the RCA reserves in 1987, the sleep system I used is not like that which you demonstrated. I remember the sleeping bags as being two piece, not three. Also the hood was a simpler affair, a hood with arm straps, but no part to wrap around like you show at the six minute mark. I remember it once turning around while I was sleeping. Woke up with my face covered by it, fell onto the pile of gear that was next to the truck bench I was sleeping in. Both times I had that air mattress you show. Very simple to use, durable. My second one I kept for a while after leaving the army, used it until 2000, when a buddy I lent it to got holes in it. They worked surprisingly well.

[@erictrudel1164]

Veteran here, you brought me back in the past my friend! I remember having good night sleep on the black inflatable mattress. But I agree it was a little narrow

[@miker5502]

This was a great video...I have this system and it is a great cold weather kit if you can find one in good condition...bought mine surplus while working at CFB Greenwood in 1975 and it has held up really well. Back then they were much cheaper to buy and I felt it was a steal at the price I paid. $50 cdn dollars. I’m sure they are going for much more today, but given how well they perform and last they are worth it. Cheers...and stay warm camping ⛺️.

[@JohnTaylor-di8vr]

I do a lot of spring/summer/fall hiking in ontario. I just use the bivvy bag and the sleeping bag liner. Perfect and light setup

[@craigpierre2765]

I loved the bivvy bag. I remember jumping into a snow bank with it to see how long I could stay in there...super cozy with all the pieces together.. the ranger blanket was a must everywhere we went and was a useful piece of kit... the other one was the US raincoat and liner...far superior to our crappy jacket..

[@62Cristoforo]

This is exactly what I was looking for. We were given the inner and outer downfilled bags, as well as the cotton liner, plus the carry bag. We also had the self-inflating under-mattress for outside sleeping, and aluminum framed cots, if we were sleeping in the armouries. I was so impressed with the system I recently bought the pieces from various surplus stores, 30 years later. Thanks for the video!

[@OshawaBushcraft]

You are very welcome, this is exactly what I do this for. Have a great gay.

[@petesheppard1709]

Very interesting! The idea of an inflating bag for the Rubber Lady is really ingenious!

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I love my Canadian sleep system, owned it for years and most of it was a gift from a friend. I also once owned a hood made by Woods and dated 1949. Maybe a miss stamp but it was neat. That is one I should have held on to.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Right? Part of me wants to try and find the oldest components i can.

[@joeydepalmer4457]

no the stamp sounds correct. this system was based on the post ww2 to 1960s system

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

@@joeydepalmer4457 oh ok. Well that speaks to long life as I have also seen bags marked in the 1950s.

[@JohnsonShoreInnHermanville]

No hood in the ''70s. Would have been nice! I was cold sometimes and never had an air mattress that didn't go flat. Loved my wool blankets and shirts though.

[@richardallard3408]

I used it in artic several times and it keep me warm.

[@williamblaney3316]

I miss having this piece of kit but they wouldn't write it off for me when I retired from service. Used everywhere from in combat to the arctic to the desert. Always warm, but, not always dry.

[@fremen321]

This best upgrade to this system for me was i bought a civilian fleece liner (coleman or whatever) instead of using the ranger blanket or issued liner and never had problems with wetness after that. ran that system from the back of a bv206 in tromso, norway for a full month and never had the shivers from getting cold again.

[@toddmaccullouch9973]

Best canadian sleep system video I've seen , great job. The valice now is a gortex compression bag used with the new over-rated rucksack. We are waiting on the new sleeping system which is supposed to be synthetic fill. Keep up the great work.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Let me know when you get a look at it.

[@toddmaccullouch9973]

Just a reminder to your viewers , the CAF sells the old sleeping systems because they have done their job. Meaning they are not as efficient or effective as they once were. So most of the surplus store finds will not keep them warm at -40C .

[@justadude7820]

@@toddmaccullouch9973 good, can't wait to get rid of my sleeping bags that's from the 70s

[@jeffho1727]

Loved my bivie bag. Great with just a civie fleecy liner. You could sleep in a snow bank with that thing. I did hate the air mattress , kept sliding off.. That new liner looks great.

[@matt4048]

Fun fact, we are testing a new sleep system - it is basically the same thing but the liner is synthetic and softer. There are also more sizes - as a 6"4" person I have always had trouble with the older system, as good as it is.

[@edwardmorawski5493]

Just found your video. Excellent overview! I was in the Reserves 1973-90 and used this kit quite frequently. It's excellent kit. As has been already mentioned, it's best to sleep naked but I usually pulled in my clothes to warm them up before getting up and getting dressed.

[@derekoegema6490]

Currently in the army. My sleep system is from 1974. I never used inside liner, the ranger blanket that’s issued now is way better.

[@tonypreston1426]

Great vid! In the early 70's after TQ3 we made sure that stretchers were available when out for an extended field stay 😆.

[@jjt1093]

Fond memories of those from service days, Only downside was if set up all day -30 getting into it was a heart attack shiver Simulator LOL or the morning piss getting out of it LOL, The bivy bag is the best I have ever found and thankfully still have my old one :)

[@drogoreuak1347]

well done good sir. You did an amazing job. This system is just wonderful. When i am done my time in the CAF I will purchase this system because it was durable and able to handle any weather. So comfy, and so dry. Love this piece of kit.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you

[@RonaldJMacDonald]

You should cover what soldiers do to prevent condensation. If you wear too much clothing, damp clothing could cause hypothermia when you are back in the field. I would take off my outer clothing, but keep it in the sleeping back so it wouldn't freeze.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

For sure, there was a lot of info I had to leave out to keep the video a reasonable length.

[@wheelervette]

Great video! I was in Army cadets from 1974-1981 and the reserve Army in 1983-1984 and 1986-1988. Early issue compression sacs where almost dark green black and way too small. May have been for an earlier issue bag. I was never issued a hood and didn't even know they existed. We also didn't get the bivvy bag just a thin nylon slip cover. Again great video!

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you. Those are some great examples of how the army was able to update and improve on this system over the years

[@marcdemmon208]

Same thing as yuo bro did yuo get your regimental now reissued

[@RodNaugler]

Three comments on the rubber mattresses: 1. the inflation bag was designed to keep moisture from your breath out of the mattress. In cold conditions, the moisture would freeze like a stalagmite and bridge between the cold ground and you. 2. Yes, these air mattresses insulate in the cold. The dead air trapped in the mattress does not cool as fast as the surrounding air. Compared to the 'self-inflating' mattress, which is open-cell foam, the single air chamber cools faster than the open-cell foam. The z-light is closed-cell foam which cools the slowest. 3. If you lose the air-plug, a Bic lighter will fit into the hole and seal the mattress. I have 4 here that have cut-off Bic lighters tied to the nozzle.

[@bnpplumbers8171]

Was great kit and I kept mine after 20 years of service, change it out before I got, never used the chicken hat or that foam. We had to hump that crap so weight was a factor. Kids love it to this day...

[@dwaynerobertson383]

Wow. I do not believe a more comprehensive review could be done for this system! Excellent job, Tell! I love this system, but the weight? I have already dumped the old-school mattress; I never take it with me. I am about to dump one of the bags as well now, and thank you for that advice! It certainly is great gear. I'll just keep what I don't need to lug around in storage...until I am camping on Baffin Island in February! Peace, Tell!!

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thanks brother.

[@shachora5900]

i used to live in canada and had one of these i used it a ton and still have it!

[@c18888]

I have an even older Canadian army bag my dad had received for working outdoors. With the liner he said it was warm at -60’F, I have never used it’s down liner with the bag, Some of its one way snaps have failed but even at minus 20’c I never snapped the bag closed, so I could slip a foot out to cool down.

[@zrig1]

Of all the kit issued over the years, the sleeping bag is by far the best. I never used the hood, however it was mean to work with the old wool scarf. When buying a used setup use a flashlight and look for light shining through the bag. Save your 20 bucks. The new mattress is a brown hunk of foam.

[@redensign1757]

I was in katimavik (government volunteer program) in the 80s and we went winter camping when it was -75c with the wind chill. we borrowed those sleeping bags from the local militia and we were totally comfortable.

[@aaronkellar6583]

this is mostly accurate, with the new rucksacks we did away with the sleeping bag valises and just use a compression sack, also the ranger blanket now replaces the old liners.

[@JayM409]

One of my COs was very tall, about 6'7". As quarter master of my Reserve unit, I ordered him one of the extra large bags. It's the only one I ever saw. We didn't have enough sleeping bags to go around. A radio truck would get one complete sleeping bag. The two people not on shift would split the two parts between them. This was common until the late 80s. Air mattresses were Unicorns. Everyone had heard of them, but no one ever saw one. In the late 80s the floodgates opened and we started getting proper kit. If you ever lose your air mattress plug, a maglight flashlight will do the trick.

[@AndrewSmith-rp6ee]

Thanks for the excellent video and your service. Suggestion- I grew up using the black Betty and other surplus gear and developed my own versatile and lightweight sleep system after research and experimentation and 30 years or so of testing. The zlite pad is great if you are not a side sleeper, very tough and affordable. I use a -12C down mummy bag (1.4 kg) with a light 10C synthetic overbag (0.5kg) that works to boost the temp rating and keep moisture from your body from condensing in the down. A cheap substitute I also use is a poncho liner that is folded over lengthwise and sewn up 2/3 of its length and along the bottom (800g). This can be used inside a breathable bivy to increase temp rating and keep dry. I recommend the 2gosystems velar reflective tyvek bivy (300g). I also have a poly cotton sheet liner that can keep the down bag clean (450g). I have used this system to sleep comfortably on the snow at -35C (would require more than a zlite underneath).

[@ryaniam22]

Curious though, to prevent moisture building up inside the down bags with extended use do you have to use an overbag? Is there really any other way? If so why doesn't these systems come with an overbag? These are basically two down bags inside a goretex like bicycle which seems like all things goretex would build up moisture inside the bag eventually. Although I hear goretex works better the colder it gets outside

[@AndrewSmith-rp6ee]

@@ryaniam22 There are vapor barrier bags you can use inside a bag, which keeps moisture from moving out into the down. You could use a reflective mylar bivy for this purpose. Downside is it would get pretty damp overnight. I've never tried it. Most people never really use down in cold temps for multi day trips, so it's not widely known how significant the condensation issue can be. In my system there doesn't seem to be significant moisture buildup inside the tyvek or goretex bivy, and it dries quickly. Another alternative is a wool overbag, which I have tested.

[@ryaniam22]

@@AndrewSmith-rp6ee Well most people must use down for multi-day trips if the entire Canadian Forces has two down bags for prolonged actic conditions in their system. That's like 50000 active personnel that have it in their system. Seems like someone has a solution or it's not really a problem and is much exaggerated.

[@AndrewSmith-rp6ee]

@@ryaniam22 Well, you might want to try weighing your sleep system, spend a night out in cold weather, then weigh your sleep system again before it has a chance to dry out. Imagine that weight gain accumulating night after night. There have been arctic expeditions where they didn't account for drying out sleeping bags and it didn't go well.

[@AndrewSmith-rp6ee]

@@ryaniam22 and it's better to have a synthetic outer bag, because it can be dried more easily and doesn't suffer loss of insulating properties as badly as down when wet.

[@bradlocke1924]

Hey man thanks for the memories. your pretty much dead on with the gear. I also never used the liner. We were issued American ranger blankets that I used all the time. I also remember the mosquito bag that would shelter you from the bugs. Also remember what a nuisance it was for the mustang pad on a cot. You couldn't move it would slide all over the place.

[@fnusecurity5112]

Kinda of looks like the US Army Sleep system when I was in. Had a Light bag, Heavy Bag then a Gortext Bag tat you could use in winter or if rain was possible. Nice system comapared to the Big Green bag we had when I first went in the 80's. Straight up Cold weather bag. Summer time, was only good to sleep on top of it, with a Poncho Liner.

[@darrylday30]

Nice presentation! Thanks for showing the assembly. I used mine at -47. No hood but I improvised and put my parka over my head. I didn’t have the liner or bivy either so I slept in my base and mid layer. I didn’t have a sleeping pad so used spruce branches. It worked great.

[@dougpirko211]

Hey Oshawa. Great video. 1. I miss that inflation sound of a platoon getting their black betties ready. 2. We first got the Therma-rest pad in '91. 3. In 1981 we were issued a "Frost Cover" for the sleeping bag system. It was a thin silk-like nylon bag that unlike the bivvy bag was designed just to prevent condensation getting the Outer Bag damp. I never saw them again after '81. 4. Staff used to make us tie all the ties, liner to inner, inner to outer (and outer to frost cover). This was literally the first thing we stopped doing once we were no longer recruits!

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thanks for sharing brother, I love hearing these. Its a shame that no museum displays a collection of these preices, id love to assemble a set of every component.

[@hurleyfrank666]

FYI the bivy bag now comes in cadpat too but seemed less resistant than the old one. Its an awesome sleep system IMO, great job!

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you.

[@TraitofSiNN727]

I still have my cold weather sleep system and everything included. I bought a fleece liner for and use my Scottish wool blanket and I'm super warm when I do my winter camping. Unfortunately I had to buy the army bivvy bag and it was a hefty price of $95.67 CDN at the army surplus store in the market in Ottawa.

[@AwesomePlayers]

My hood was made of felt. Worked great. Had a few great sleeps in the old canvas tents at -27C.

[@bryanjaeck4828]

Good job, I liked the video, I will not be doing much cold weather camping anymore but I enjoyed the video.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you

[@canadianoutdoorsurvival]

Great video Tell. Best one I've seen that describes the components. I've always wanted to get one of these but had to opt for the more expensive synthetic Carinthia system as I am one of those odd fellows who is allergic to down feathers. I really like the new poncho liner and wish some of the civilian manufacturers like Rothco or Mil-Tec would make one with the head zip.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you. It would be nice someone would make a poncho liner with a full zipper and a lightweight high performance insulation.

[@canadianoutdoorsurvival]

@@Yeetman216-oh2fe Thanks Brother will check them out

[@canadianoutdoorsurvival]

@@OshawaBushcraft Found this on Amazon. Kind of expensive though and not as cool as CadPat, but has the zipped head hole. www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08DTNHHFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@jeanjcaron]

Great video for anyone that does know the system. Typically I would jump into the flanel then crawl into the inner. The rubber mat was the best.

[@jwalsh9978]

Been using this sleeping bag for 28 years. The cotton liner is no longer used in the Canadian Forces. We are now using a ranger style blanket. Any9ne over 6 foot 4 were measured for a one piece sleeping bag and were permitted to keep the sleeping bag when they released. The rubber air mattress is no longer issued in the forces. For a while we went with a self inflating system mattress but it was easily punctured and failed to inflate during extream cold. We are now given a foam bed roll which provides a barrier from the cold ground.

[@careycraig4360]

Excellent Video! Very informative. Just the information I was looking for and explained in an understandable way!

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you, that's what I was trying for.

[@mannylozano-damm6466]

Excellent sysem, will be looking for one completed in good shape. Thank You

[@mike3325able]

Asking us to watch our language was actually such a respectable thing, damn

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Thank you.

[@timsummers870]

I can confirm that my bed is what I want most after watching this video. 😹

[@kessybergeron2296]

I bought a US poncho liner back in the day and added a long zipper making it a sleeping bag liner or summer sleeping bag. Also managed to get myself a silk liner and still have it. was great in the summer. I eventually got a Recon2 sleeping back for the summer and spring/fall temperature pending. I lived by that addition or substitute kit.

[@Surdeuxroues]

Very useful content! I was going to buy the Canadian Army sleep system for a bikepacking trip but in lights of your video, it's way too heavy for a cycling trip. Thanks for the video.

[@CF_Sapper]

Unfortunately they ruined the bivey bag, and the new versions put a zipper on it. There is a new mattress that is used with the mustang for colder weather, its a simple foam yoga mat that works fairly well and is pretty light. the ranger blanket is great but I took the snugpak light sleeping bag and put that in and with the three bags have sleep snug in -50.

[@cruithin4773]

I just realized after watching this that I was short changed when issued my kit. I never got a hood. Even so, I still had trouble getting out of my kit on those cold mornings.

[@merrick3627]

The new mat is pretty simple. It's just a roll of coyote brown eva foam with a couple fastex clips sewn on. It's not a full replacement for the mustang one, but they're both issued so guys can choose which one (or both) to use.

[@MeEraVideo]

There`s also the metal basin (or plastic basin for airforce & navy personnel at basic) that goes on top in the bivy bag. Not many people appreciate that piece of kit.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

The big bowl? I forgot about that. Is it still in service?

[@rjstewart]

I was P/RES 89-94. We called the black rubber one the "Rubber Lady" and I don't ever recall a carrier bag for the "thermarest" or ever seeing anyone inflate one with an external bag. Side story, when I quit and did my paperwork I discovered that somewhere along the line I had returned my thermarest but it had not been signed off properly and I had to pay for one. I think it was around $30 at the time. I'm pretty sure the receipt is in my service record. (I got mine from Ottawa as a 180 page PDF on a CD-ROM a couple years ago)

[@chirsbom337]

Bag in bag, a pretty common trick to add usebility to your sleeping bags. As long as the outher dont compress the inner bag this is golden. The calculation for temp rating is X-(70-Y)/2=Z where X is your warmest bag, Y your coldest, and Z is the combined temp rating. Also, outher bag should be fiber, the inner down, not the other way around. Moisture gathers at the outher layer.

[@billpetersen298]

In the 70's I went to, an all boys school in Alberta. We did a dog sled trip through the Rockies. Used army surplus bags, plastic sheet on the snow, sheet on top of us. One night there was a dump of snow. You sure get up, in a hurry. Great trip. But not like the movies. You break trail, in deep snow, for the dogs. The sled weighs half a ton, with dog, and people food, kit, etc.

[@u2fanforever1]

OMG those 74 type air mattresses. I remember blowing those up shivering, or sweating or swearing... Thanks for the flashback.

[@Scuba4realz]

Those mattresses are old in this video, new issued is a foam roll with no covering. It does however have clips to hold it closed. I have not used it because I do like to stay dry and warm. Personally I use the thermarest egg carton looking one. As for the bivy bags, the new ones do have a zipper and are water proof. Best kit to have to stay dry while racking up a few Z's. I can confirm the sleep system works well. I have used it at -56°C, but I was in a 10man tent with a Coleman stove as a heat source.

[@mafmaf6417]

Loved the CF sleeping bag. Served in the mid to late 80's stationed at CFB Calgary and Wainwright. It was heavy though. Being short I always felt like I was going to fall backwards, but I was never cold, sometimes just the opposite. Never used the hood, just pulled the bag over my head.

[@YoungGunsCanada]

Great system, when I got out I made sure to buy a surplus one and still camp with it to this day. The Gortex bivvy bag is the best.

[@unclecrunch9581]

Thanks for the coverage on this bro, I've used it in a many exercises, some in the winter, it has never failed me, or the other troops. It works best when you sleep naked, and keep your tomorrow's clothes between the inner and outer bags so your body heat warms it for you. I know guys who were kept alive by these in -60C with no tent.

[@unclecrunch9581]

I would like to add that there are also loops and laces between the layers to fasten them together. And the 'dream hood' as we call it, truly is a thing of dreams :)

[@jeanjcaron]

I got out too early. That poncho liner !!!! Best kit ever.

[@DarthTigger]

Slept in mine at -56 on Exercise. Never inflate the Black betty by mouth. Condensation from your breath will get inside the mattress and form ice crystals in cold conditions. I got my Thermarest arround 1994 ish and I hated it. The Black betty was far superior. We got the Bivy bag in the mid 90s and we still slept under our "Shelter Half". The valise was never really waterproof. We always lined it with a triple weight garbage bag. I liked my liner. it was comfortable. We were issued American style "Ranger Blankets" in the mid 90s, and in the summer I often left the bag at home and just the ranger blanket, Ground sheet and liner.

[@joeydepalmer4457]

The full winter sleep system plus tent used to either get strapped down/stored in the trucks/snow mobiles or stored in a toboggan (and yes i probably spelt that wrong, sorry). that is why weight did not matter. You are the only person i have heard NOT tie up the inner and outer sleeping bags together. I have put them together like you have because i seemed to have always been issued with an inner and outer bag that the ties did not match up. Great Video! and I would not mind seeing you do some videos of the history of canadian combat gear and uniforms from the 1968 to 1990s time period. oh 1 other piece that ou missed (not an issued piece of kit but purchased through supply) was the sleeping bag booties/artic socks (sleeping bags for your feet)

[@OshawaBushcraft]

I dont thing I have tied the bags together since basic training. Never fallen out.

[@Inlinetodie]

Perfect representation and amazing guide to the proper winter sleeping system. Sounds like you may have been Frobisher and James bay brother.

[@OshawaBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@maximebrault6211]

Great video. We do have a new waterproof "valise" or sleeping bag carrier which is easier and the new rucksac have a pouch for it as well in the bottom.

[@miklmiklmtrcycl6009]

At 192 cm or 6’3.5 I ordered an x long bag set. The army merely spliced another 20 cm onto the end of both inner and outer. I never used the liner and maybe used the hood once in 33 years.