Stay warm in any conditions: Sleep systems

[@HardcoreFourSix]

At the "survival" temp rating level, remember that you will not get a good night of restful sleep if you are uncomfortably cold. For a short term event, this may not be a major issue; but after a couple of days of poor sleep, your mental and physical capabilities will be seriously degraded. Equally important to the sleeping bag is insulation between you and the cold ground.

[@dgarner2693]

What Military Issue pad designed to be used with these?

[@ColdGrapeDrink]

How does this Channel not have more subs?! Very underrated Channel and content! Thanks for all the great info

[@PreparedAirman]

The algorithm doesn't like me lol

[@cripplers8]

One of the BEST no nonsense channels out there. I always share this with my friends…..

[@gracemorningstar396]

For sure!!

[@ourtechwriter]

Just lucked out at a garage sale getting an M-1949 mountain sleeping bag in great shape! Fluffed it up, slept outside in KS, near Ft Riley. So cozy. Need to get a Gortex bivy for it. The bag is about 8 lbs. No chill at all. I out an 80/20 wool in it. Best ive slept out. Old Airman here, 80 yo, 67-71. Still have some spirit!

[@TAVAAR7]

Years ago I was deciding between the ESS Recon bags or Carinthia bags. A buddy had a Recon so I decided to try the Carinthia and haven't looked back. I got the defence 4, tropen and liner (and a MSS bivy) for a multi-layer system thats good all year. For hot summer just use the liner. For shoulder seasons the liner+tropen is usually fine. For winter and bad shoulders the liner+Defence 4 is plenty (had it out in -6F on a 3.2R pad and it was fine). If its super bad than Id take all three and a bivy. Considering what it provides its got a really good function to weight/bulk ratio. Good sleep systems might be a bit pricey at first, but theyre an investment that pays off pretty quickly with use. I also appreciate that they give 3 ratings: comfort, comfort limit and survival. Good companies will typically give a comfort and survival, but I haven't found any others that list 3 (at least as of when I was looking into getting a good set up).

[@lightstrider8239]

My sleep system consists of the following: DD 3m x 3m tarp, DD frontline hammock that can be used as a hammock or as a higher tech bivy, DD underquilt for the hammock, SPLAV thermal pad that slips in between layers in the hammock The above setup generally covers my shelter needs and def good for summer and warmer weather alone. For my cold weather options to add in I have the USMC sleeping bag and the USMC bivy, along with a Snugpak poncho liner that has sleeves and hood, as well as the Snugpak Jungle bag. So with this combination of everything, factoring in clothing and underlayers and yes even the ECWCS level 7 suit I've stayed quite toasty down below freezing temps.

[@GlacierPilotGst]

Sitting in my tent testing out a new quilt in 20 degree weather, this was top video to watch this morning!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good video PA! In Texas, we "generally" do not expect real cold temps, here is my sleep system: A mammoth 100% wool blanket (queen size o.d. green). I sewed 550-cord around edges so it can be tied to a USMC zippered woobie. For even cooler temps, I use a sea to summit adaptor coolmax bag liner and a snugpak s.f. bivy. For extremely cold conditions, I use a Wiggy's bag that is rated to -20 (I keep in my truck during winter because it is very bulky).

[@xingmenneigong]

In QLD Australia peak winter overnight is only around 50F/10C so the swagman roll and bivy for winter is perfect and in summer I swap the bivy with a hammock. Too easy! I do love the wool blankets and made one that zips up with a cotton sheet sewn on the inside to fit with an canvas poncho that also zips up to make a bivy. Thanks!

[@azhomeboy2000]

Those are great products you showed. Plus the different options. I use the Carinthia defence 4 on most my winter outings here in the AZ high country (around 8000 ft elevation). Temps get into the low double digits. Ill use a swagman roll or a wool blanket inside the bag for extra warmth.

[@txwarrior50]

Really good video. I'm using a Dutch Arctic bag rated down to -30 degrees that I carry in the truck. Before I had a Korean war evac bag about 10 lbs rated to about -60 degrees if I remember right.

[@brianmurphy6760]

I agree that this is probably the most underrated channel, and I don't understand it. I really look forward to your content, and how you present them. The content is honest, informative, and shot very well. I use the military modular system. Where I live does not get as cold. I am going for that recon 4 bag, and the special forces bivvy. I also am looking at the wooly mammoth blanket. May have to leave my army blanket home if I get that. I always go out on foot, so always looking to cut some weight. Got some great new stuff to get thanks to this video. I love your vids, man. Please keep it up. You do need more subscribers, and deserve them. I spread the word I can promise you that, Thank you!

[@PreparedAirman]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@papahogdog155]

Digging the channel, you hit on a lot of ideas or things I've powdered that other channels don't go into as much.

[@James-ke5sx]

Great info. My system is a Snugpak Antarctica, Antarctic sleeping mat, regular rolled mat. fleece liner, SF bivvy and I'm just about to pick up a Thermarest neoair today. Canada. World is going crazy.

[@ChudActual]

I use a Swiss link Italian officers wool blanket,swagman roll, and a MSS and it’s my go to set up for cold weather during hunting season.

[@lvoss4life]

I always used the woobie as a pillow for my sleep system during my 3 years in alaska.

[@tomsitzman3952]

I have been using the MSS method for years before I ever heard of MSS. You did a good job of showing how to mix and match. I'm a big fan of the Sea to Summit bag liner. It is made of Hollow Fill Fibers making it twice the warmth of a single thread fiber the same weight. They are synthetic fibers that are hollow, like Alpacka or musk ox fur. I always carry my light weight bivy bag. This summer I started experimenting with a micro fiber bag, made from two beach towels 72 inches by 32 inches sewn together to make sleeping bag. Fast drying and about 2 pounds. If you plan to extend the temperature of your down bag with a wool blanket remember that loft is insolation. Make sure you put the wool blanket inside you down bag to keep from flattening the down bag The loft of the wool blank is more important than its weight.

[@preparedpodcast]

Great Video. I love you Channel. Keep going! I used a dutch issued Ponchliner with a thermal cloak (liek the fjellduken) and a puffy jacket to sleep under a tarp at about -2 Celsius/28 Fahrenheit and survived. Its all about the layering. Beste Grüße aus Deutschland!

[@robertboutin6232]

The Naturehike light weight sleeping bag is pretty decent as it's extremely water resistant and packs down to almost nothing in it's compression sack. I've paired it with a sleeping bag liner and slept comfortable at 30°F with base layer clothing on.

[@OCCULTPREPPER78]

Ty for a really informative video on cold weather sleep systems

[@JohnH.Winstead]

I've used my mss the the proper ECWS base layers in - 10 and I was plenty comfortable.

[@joshlittle3613]

I will say in my experience the issues sleep system can be great if you have a new one. Typically the ones you are issued have been through several soldiers. They’ve washed them multiple times, compressed them, and just beat them up. The current one I’ve been issued is pretty beat up. It doesn’t retain nearly as much heat. Once it hits below 20 deg it’s a pretty shitty time. Old venture to say if it dropped below 0 I’d be in some trouble…

[@lynnheckart9366]

For car/tent camping have used cheep Colman big 5# bag with a 0 degree Colman mummy bag inside to 30 degree below.. Put on clean (dry) wool socks and poly under wear don't forget the wool stocking cap.Bag cost was $60 but 20 years ago. can use all or one bag depends on weather. not backpacking stuff!!

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

I have an old US military extreme cold weather sleeping bag that says it's rated for -50 f. I got for $100 at a surplus store. Tested it in the back of my pickup with only 2 packing blankets under me. It was -4 or -5 f with wind chills of -25 to -30 f. Believe it or not, I got way to warm and had to unzip it part way. I put a double thick fleece blanket over me and slept fine until the morning. That's when I woke up in pain because my hand was out from under the blanket. I think with the goretex bivy, you might actually be able to get down to -50 f and live.

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

@@duffelbagdrag That's true. My bag is kind of old, but it's in near perfect shape. Plus, I'm a fat bastard that's good with just a t shirt down to the mid 50s.

[@garyyanyan4566]

I have the same bag used it in Germany's black forest woke up in morning with 2 inches of snow ontop was warm as toast​@@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078

[@robertjackson1407]

Thank you 😊

[@a45456565]

Thank you😺

[@tomrobinson7817]

I use a military wool blanket, a jungle blanket from Snugpak, a 10 degree sleeping bag and a bivy. Or I'll use a wise owl Hammock, Hammock tarp and under quilt in place of the bivy if I'm trying to stay off the ground.

[@jason7033]

Cone on. Green patrol bag is more like a 40 or 50 degrees like the swagman roll

[@coreybax5649]

Excellent video, thank you sir! I've been getting by with a combination of multiple woobies and a mylar blanket in a goretex bivy, but am considering upgrading to the MSS bags after this video.

[@EMF0009]

I know this video is 7-8 months old, and you likely arent going to see this comment. I am curious about how you'd feel about a hybrid Quilt/Sleeping Bag like the UGQ Outlaw Hybrid. I have 2 that are 950 fill, 10F rated , Wide, Long, and all M10T fabric and overstuffed. The whole thing weights 2.5lbs. In total it cost like $650 each, and I can easily use them in warmer conditions like a blanket, or close them up like a sleeping bag, and have taken them down to 20F (very comfortable) so far and ill test them lower this winter. Just thought you might be interested in a down-filled bag that can get you to low temps, but doesnt take up a huge amount of space and weight. I also use a Thermarest X-therm MAX for my pad. Thanks for the vid, and cheers.

[@zakkmiller8242]

Great info as always! Thanks for the upload brother.

[@axcx5951]

Great content - as always! Your channel is a huge knowledge database.

[@raxks3663]

love the video super infomative god bless your soul

[@personal.YouTube.channel]

I made my own civilian version of the MSS Sleep System..... I bought a QUALITY ultralight Bivy that all about 5°. Then I did my research, and I took my time to find a lightweight down 0° sleeping bag. The I bought a Sea Summit Reactor sleeping bag liner ( it adds about another 10° ) IT actually works good to about -15°. It all weighs about 2.10 lbs for what it is it's impressive. ( I think ) That doesn't include my winter 5.2R sleeping pad.. 17oz Or my ultralight down footies Or my insulated clothing I've got. ( ultralight ) layered system:to wear. All together I've never had to use it all yet. BUT I have been down to -26° I'VE NEVER EVEN COME CLOSE TO GETTING COLD !

[@heathhand2424]

I used a MSS for years very good set up for me. I now have a Wiggy’s SS which is a better system in my opinion. They supply bags to the military also.

[@haydenwalton2766]

good video mate. I pref the better quality bushwalking sleeping bags myself, but great explaination of all layer techniques

[@AndreFavron]

Great video...for Americans: for us Canadians and the rest of the world that uses the metric system I haven't got a clue what temps you rated them as. :(

[@PreparedAirman]

I would recommend a conversion chart. That what I use when I listen to Canadian/ outside the US KZbinrs. www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-att-us-rvc3&sca_esv=595140811&sxsrf=AM9HkKn9J50WxUtX9QKm3lA_13a_gJ1aPQ:1704220090338&q=conversion+table+temperature&tbm=isch&source=lnms&prmd=ivsnmbhtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi14OnIqr-DAxWtJDQIHVQFC9wQ0pQJegQIFBAB&biw=384&bih=693&dpr=3.75#imgrc=MLjC1FynjIMjSM

[@JohnJones-op8uf]

Thank you...

[@isabelstokes4042]

I get mixed up because sometimes you use fahrenheit and sometimes centigrade. Could you clarify this please?

[@BigNTiredIron]

I slept in a surplus wool blanket as my only blanket during a fall storm and the tent flooded... took me awhile to notice I was sleeping in water lol but it stayed warm even literally underwater. Wrung it out and got a fire going wrapped up in it till daylight and the storm passed. Upgraded to a Recon 4..... SOOOOO worth it...

[@petepete66]

Perfect thx 🔥🔥🔥✌️😎✌️😜👍🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀 combinations are perfect… be prepared always for everything… 😁✌️🍀🔥

[@dalevodden1359]

I need the Gore-Tex bivy to finish my sleep system know where I can get a excellent condition one cheep

[@terrycallaghan8269]

As a member of the Canadian Forces I have use the our sleep system as low as -45 was reasonable comfortable.

[@jory6781]

I have personally used everything that you show me And they've all worked great for me, im currently messing with my own interpretation of mixing stuff just to save weight it's the snug pack special forces bivi with The Sol escape bivi and the Swagman roll, so far i haven't had problems down too 16 degrees Is fahrenheit but more tesing with that is to come.

[@Nade375]

Ive been out of the Regiment since 08, so what's the issued cold gear multicam gortex jacket being used these days? Are they still using a multi part system like the old M95 Field Jackets, or the Gen II fleece base layer with a gortex hardshell?

[@Kathy-vt3eo]

I'm from Australia. I'm trying to prepare a bugout bag for when times will get rough. I've been going over all the possibilities of a sleep system, yet trying to keep it as light as possible. I don't have any real knowledge of what will work and what won't. It can get around 8C - 9C at night here which is 46.4F - 48.2F. My idea of a sleep system would be in this order; a ground sheet, a 1 person tent, air mattress and a foil insulation mat (not sure which goes on the bottom - mattress or foil mat?). Inside of an ultralight LW180 Waterproof Cotton Sleeping Bag, I am thinking to use a flannelette sheet and an 80% wool blanket. And finally on the very top, a woobie (nylon and polyester). Would this system work and keep me warm? Thank you in advance, Kathy

[@PreparedAirman]

You will probably be cold with the woobie around that temperature. At least in my experience, i was. You could always add a sleeping bag liner to give you some extra warmth. amzn.to/4dLq4cf

[@ericwitt4586]

I have an older military exsreame artis bag it’s heavyweight but very warm

[@jason7033]

Have you tried the snugpak softie 3 ?

[@Cameroon110]

Good video as always brother have a good weekend

[@RambosandRadios]

Whats the lowest temp you can sleep comfortably with just the Recon 5? Im setting up a bug out bag and looking for an all seasons bag

[@pierresampedro3645]

I saw German soldiers use the sniper sleeping bag. I have one but have not been able to clean it . I like the concept because you wear it as a coat. Also, I don't know to what temperature it can go. Do know about it. God Bless

[@monofox595]

So My current set up is a Helikon Tex Swag man, thermarest sleep pad, and a canvas East German poncho tent (plash palatka) since you can sleep my a fire without worry of holes similar to wool. I am thinking of adding a the Sea to Summit liner to the kit. But would you suggest anything else to bump this maybe for a 10-20s zone system?

[@ScottyD0578]

Check out the Kifaru Woobie and Doobie. Thanks

[@dalemeyer8207]

I learned stuff Thanks

[@louiemorris9598]

I'm a sleeping bag junkie. I have all kinds of brands.I have bought a lot of new ones. But I tell people keep a look out. They can find great gear for cheap. I got like new MMS sleep system at a thrift store for $50. I got like new North Face twin degree bag for $10 at Goodwill. With a little luck and looking. They can get good stuff. You don't have to be the coolest kid, you just have to be prepared.

[@drewspencer9769]

How about The Kifaru Doobie?

[@PreparedAirman]

I haven't personally used it.

[@DATODATOHERI89]

sleeping mats?

[@PreparedAirman]

Yes, I use a variety of mats. I didn't include them in this discussion.

[@litsci4690]

Saving up for a pair of bunny slippers.

[@cripplers8]

Great gear review as always! The BEST deal I ever got on EBay was the full 4 piece MSS back in 2013 for just under $60 complete only because the black intermediate bag had a couple of small cigarette burn marks that didn’t effect the integrity of the bag and I’ve been using it for all 4 seasons camping and it’s never failed me. Since you did a sleep system any chances on doing sleeping pads & hammocks unless I’ve missed them?

[@PreparedAirman]

Soon 😁

[@mjw975]

What are the clothing assumptions to get the MSS down to -40F?

[@PreparedAirman]

No assumptions fact/design. The MSS + the ECWCS gen 3 (lvl 1 - lvl 7) will get you that rating.

[@ianmurray4081]

@@PreparedAirman I also add some polar fleece socks and mittens along with a balaclava. I have had a lot of luck with a winter construction hat liner that covers the head and shoulders, it also has a detachable face mask 😷. Think along the lines of those gas mask hoods. Cheers 🍻 take care and stay frosty ☃️ 🇨🇦🫡🇺🇸⛄️

[@stevemontana5974]

What's the coldest temperature you've been in with that Duckworth jacket? I've been looking at getting the Brooklyn Armory Parka because it's supposed to be as warm as the marshmellow jacket but if this one can handle the cold just as good then I might get this one instead because I like the idea of wool insulation. What size is the one you're wearing?

[@PreparedAirman]

-14 degrees F so far. I expect I will see -50F sometime before spring. I'm currently wearing a Medium but if I were to get it again I'd go a size larger.

[@stevemontana5974]

@@PreparedAirman Ok, thanks for the info. It was -25 out here this morning just to the west of you towards the mountains. I think if it keeps staying this cold then I'll get some good use out of it this winter.

[@AmazonWebService98]

check out bushcraft spain wool blanket, those are the banana's

[@knicksfan46]

good stuff!

[@edwo6648]

Poncho liners suck below 70 degrees, hell depending on the temprature differential from high to low, they suck below 80. Think NTC going from 120 daytime to 85 night time, poncho liners suck.

[@PreparedAirman]

Just depends on what type of sleeper you are. I use them around 55 to 60 degrees no issues. Although the ones I use are newer ish about 10 years old or newer. If you use older ones they tend to lose loft and warmth.

[@edwo6648]

@@countryboy91br LOL ever spent time at the NTC at ft Irwin?

[@garrettmandrell9722]

Thoughts on the Kifaru Doobie?

[@PreparedAirman]

I haven't tested it so I can't say on the performance side of things. From what I can see it's still a sleeping bag/blanket. It doesn't have the modularity like the Swagman roll. But that's what I can observe from photos and description of product.

[@bricketdabrown9607]

Well worth the asking price taken the doobie down to 10 with just a hoodie and clothes.

[@dalevodden1359]

The 4pice military sleep system that 4th bag it all about money 💰 💵

[@bigchief4044]

Western Mountaineering for the win.

[@bobdicecco4511]

If the bag says 0 degrees add 10 to 15 degrees

[@dakotashireman6404]

I saw bigfoot. he was right there!

[@JohnJones-op8uf]

Biggest issue I have is mummy bags are to narrow for my chest/shoulders. Recon5 is 33 ". I would not be able to zip it up. For backpacking I've converted to quilts. I still use my MSS for rucking and over nights in northern michigan winters.

[@seahawk2158]

First video I have watched and it screams SERE....PS drinking............

[@billjames3148]

OK good video. BUT ... If your 74" tall and 24" wide or more(covid 30# ) most of these bags will be like a ... putting on a wet suit with all the stuffing of the other bags. So option#1 spend more money for a bag that fit's and #2 the temp rating of the bag. So as with all things money will buy you happiness . I use a Wiggy's zero oF bag and a bivie cover and the pad. doable with the weight 6-7 lbs. but your not too frozen to the ground in the AM. Biggest thing is insulation, get off the ground . Wind brakes , and Happy feet the USMC boots for sleeping these are super warm.

[@PreparedAirman]

Not Everything will work for everyone. It's good you have found a solution that works for you. Most will never get that far.

[@billjames3148]

@@PreparedAirman Thanks for the reply,Yes it has been a chore to find a size that works.Good video you make concise and on point.

[@pyeitme508]

Wow cool

[@007cheeesepuff5]

swagman roll inside a carinthia defence 4 or 6 and you can sleep in a polar bears butthole indefinitely. wear the swagman like a poncho while getting in and it just traps that heat, plus if you need to pee in the middle of the night, it makes it so easy.

[@ChrisWilliams-hm1nx]

You stay warm with these winter systems without a sleep pad? I thought a sleep pad is required to keep warm from the ground.

[@PreparedAirman]

Yes, I always use a sleeping pad. I just didn't go over sleeping pads in this video.

[@ChrisWilliams-hm1nx]

@@PreparedAirman oh okay. Thanks for the reply.

[@dalevodden1359]

No it's all about money that is why they make it 4 bages when you buy them you don't just buy the whole system it's one bag at a time it's all about money 🤑 💰

[@Pineconepicker1]

What the hell is a sleep system?

[@Bradley-b1h]

Damages/trauma undone

[@0mcparty145]

You forgot Marines...is it because we eat crayons?

[@0mcparty145]

@@duffelbagdrag 😂

[@edgarlara-p2b]

sailor...please just say sailor

[@PreparedAirman]

What are you talking about? Lol

[@loyaltyisroyalty5616]

I froze in my modular sleep system at 15 ℉. Came home and bought a down quilt lol

[@PreparedAirman]

Was it a new or used system? It could have been worn out.

[@loyaltyisroyalty5616]

@@PreparedAirman it was definitely used. It was my own kit from when I was in the army. And they don’t show 18y/o kids how to properly wash these items. So was probably my own error.

[@loyaltyisroyalty5616]

@@duffelbagdrag I used a pad but it wasn’t a good one like I have now. Thanks for the input!