The Modular Sleep System & How Soldiers Actually Use It

[@GruntProof]

Extra info: 1. Each bag has a large tag at the foot that explains everything from temp ratings, to configuration, to care and maintenance. 2. To clean, machine wash and dry on low heat or hang dry. Dryer re-animates the bivy's DWR 3. Store in the large carry bag 4. I had two systems and had to turn one in so I kept the newer sleeping bags and the old, much cooler woodland bivy. Here is the old school sleep system before the MSS; the Ranger Roll: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnTWkJWjgr-Vo6s

[@tony7106]

Woodland camo is 👌. My tags are so worn and faded they are unreadable

[@lejohnson513]

You never explained why you liked the woodland camp bivy better.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

@@lejohnson513 I'd be interested to know why as well. But 6 months and no reply to your post :(

[@shadownexus1]

It's an awesome setup. One lesson I learned the hard way, is to not wear a bunch of your snivel gear while inside of the sleep system. In the freezing cold, get down to as few layers as possible. Then stuff your extra layers at your feet so they aren't freezing when you put it back on the next morning.

[@Nalu.Emperado]

As a Army Veteran I have used this system probably over a thousand times. It works great and keeps you dry and warm even in teen weather blowing wind and rainy. Comfy over not being covered. Good job and good video. 18 years and miss it but picked family over finishing career. Wouldve lost my wife if i hadnt due to a life threatening illness. Take care god bless.

[@CptnSavage]

As a full time care giver for my wife [20+ years retired army veteran '92] GOD BLESS you for choosing your wife over the army! Prayers to you and your family mate.

[@Nalu.Emperado]

@CptnSavage thank you and appreciate it. Same for you taking care of your wife for over 2 decades. God bless you and your family.

[@TeurastajaNexus]

@@slappy8941 Not many muricans seem to know how to write English properly.

[@Rule-of-Threes-Survival]

Family is always first.

[@IronSharpensIron127]

​@@Nalu.Emperado howz it brotha. I was stationed at Schofield Barracks for 7 years. The first time I went to PTA, I just pulled out my bivey because that's what I used on Oahu.... Big mistake 😂😂😂😂 it gets cold on the Big island. I pray you and your family are doing well, God bless.🤙🏼

[@Roman6Alpha]

Right before I got out, I bought a brand new set that was still in the plastic wrapping from one of our NCOs that got issued it and never used it as he had 2. Best $50 I ever spent.

[@nosurrender4824]

$50!!!!!!! They're $475 now! 😳

[@kurtrussell5228]

@@nosurrender4824 not if you're patient.....keep your eyes open, they're out there for much less

[@narutobroken]

@@nosurrender4824 I was going to say, even beat up ones go for 3 times that

[@orilion1820]

​@@nosurrender4824you can piece together the system in good condition for $250-$300. Ebay has some decent sellers.

[@bparkerfool]

​@@nosurrender4824 I literally just bought one for 249 lol

[@HostileTakeover2]

It's pretty true of all bags that unless otherwise stated, you have to assume the temp rating is only survival rating anyway, not comfort rating.

[@williamdrylie7951]

January 6th 2023 camping at Turtle River State park. It went to -8 F overnight. Gear = Alps Mountaineering 4 season 2 man tent with footprint. Self inflating mattress (Thermarest R value 7) M1949 feather sleeping bag, green outside sack snug pack over that. Inside the bag was an M1944 wool bag liner with alps mountaineering poly liner inside of that (to keep off the wool). Outside temp at 7:00am was -8 f according to tent thermometer, small clip on on my duo fold long underwear read 85 f. That old junk kept me toasty. The alps stuff new, the M1948 and 1944 liner was mine from mountain warfare school USMC. I tried to turn it in when I left but supply didn’t want it. Didn’t want my Asnes skis either. I got up, had coffee and pot roast MRE, broke down, stuffed old Alice, strapped on NATO skis, and skied my 72 year old ass to the van a mile and a half away. That sleep set up weighs about 11 and a half pounds with heavy mattress at almost 5 lbs. Had my 1911 with 5 clips, my M1A1 Springfield scout squad with 5 20 round clips. Alice going in at 85 pounds and 69 pounds leaving. 3 day trip. I reckon I might have one or two more winters like that then too old and rickety to do it anymore.

[@wgpken]

Mine was stolen at Fort Irwin before we deployed, I sent it up the chain of command. I went through deployment in Afghanistan without one. After we got back I filed a flpl and my CO denied it. I had to go to a pawn shop outside of Fort Lewis to get one, $350. Thank you to my chain of command.

[@Bones575]

Aww man, I'm so sorry!😢

[@ralphwatten2426]

When we had an explosion at our local refinery I was able to grab two MMSS and our tent and some canned goods, the Coleman 2 burner, one of our cats and the dog and get to a closed for the season KOA and spend the night safe. Next day they got the fire out and we could go home. The most time it took to bug out was catching the cat. I'm really glad I had the sleep system ready to go. Thanks for the vid.

[@RAINSMAN79]

Few years back the winter freeze and blackout in Texas had it 20 degrees inside my home. The cold weather bag kept me and my dachshund warm. But I’m sure the army doesn’t issue a dachshund to each soldier.😂

[@samuelclayton4405]

Brother TA-50 has sure changed over the years. I enlisted Feb 1976. Our bed rolls consisted of, Shelter Half, Air Mattress ( the rubber lady), Mountain Sleeping bag ( 10 pounds of Goose Down) with Bag Cover, one Wool Blanket, Five tent pegs, therr tent poles and one tent rope. Sure is different.

[@exsanguinenation]

That's the first time I've ever heard her called a 'lady'! lol

[@devildogcrewchief3335]

If memory serves me, I believe it was a rubber bitch.

[@sheldonbromen2603]

I always put a poncho liner/woobie in my system as well the full system with an added poncho liner plus sleeping in the cold weather clothes I've slept in -40 f in northern Minnesota not a comfortable experience but a survivable one

[@soonerfrac4611]

I enlisted in June of 2k and our during basic was essentially still that.

[@jeffthomas7734]

I have an old mountain bag with goose down. I've slept in below freezing weather and never knew it was that cold. Loved it.

[@robertphillips93]

Cowboy camper here, and I like to carry a torso-length piece of thin foam for use under the inflatable mat inside the bivy. Keeps the damn thing somewhat in place, and folded up on the outside of the pack, its good for sitting or kneeling on hard pokey stuff.

[@asmith7876]

None of this existed when I was in, but I was POG. We had a gun system on an APC to haul our stuff around but we still slept outside, no room at all inside the vehicle. We were issued the Extreme Cold Weather bag…10 pounds of feathers, canvas, and brass zipper. Packed down to the size of trash can 😂😂. But I’d wake up in the desert in winter, knock the snow off, toasty warm. So damn big you’d have to have a Sherpa without an APC to carry it! 😅

[@darcy8567]

I'm living on the streets in Raleigh,NC. I have been using a rectangular fleece liner with a Ridge Rest cell foam mat inserted within it, covering it all with a woolen blanket. A hoodie rolled and stuffed within its hood, and stuffed inside a 6" stuff sack as a pillow, and I've been good to go Since Helene passed through WNC, the temperature has taken a fast dive, so I am purchasing an ACU system (no tent) I appreciate your video. I believe I will be quite satisfied. Thank you. By the way, One Tigris has a tent footprint on Amazon for $21. Its about the same as a 6" stuff sack and will work as a footprint to protect the bottom of your bivy. Just a thought.

[@tony7106]

I took the old black cold intermediate bag on its own to single digits in Minnesota. Slept in just a fleece base layer and woke up sweating. Shelter was just a tarp and ridge line. Love that old system!

[@seldomseenn]

I took the black bag with the bivvy to about 10 F in Utah. Woke up freezing at 4am

[@ulflyng]

@@seldomseenn It's always at 4am....

[@josephjohnson6849]

​@@ulflyngcoldest part of day

[@friendofcoal]

A great instructional and informative video on the MSS. We used the old mummy bags back in the 80's with the roll-up stiff foam mats. Big bulky SOB's.......

[@petek2832]

The bag you didn't dare get wet or it wouldn't ever dry out....god I hated those tings. I was glad we were "light" infantry and rarely ever saw them out in the field. Most of us sucked it up as much as possible. I remember a few times sleeping in my snivel gear and MOPP gear.

[@Gundyadventures]

I was gifted one of these sleep systems. I absolutely love this system!!! I use hunting. Got caught in 15 deg low over night. I was warm. My buddies in their high dollar fancy stuff were super cold. My sleep system goes with me on EVERY outdoor adventure.

[@rowvelations]

Excellent video! Bought complete MSS for under $100 about 12 years ago. I have used it(patrol bag in summer, winter bag in winter) every night of those 12 years(minimal use on the bivy). Recently just applied a strip of ripstop tape to a torn seam in the footbox of the winter bag. Great piece of gear.

[@moosespeak6140]

I did -46°F in this system with winds blowing 50 mph last winter outdoors in Bonner,Montana. I had 3 layers on and had to activate 6 handwarmers place 3 on each side of me spread out. I thank God and Army Rangers as my father was a decorated Army Ranger from the Vietnam era and passed on his skill set to me. At one point i hated my dad as a child becuz he was so hard on us. As a grown man I thank God and my Dad each day in life now.

[@disgruntledconservativevet1798]

I keep this complete system with a poncho liner in my truck, and one in my Jeep. When I was BOG in the sandbox I liked this system because you can configure it anyway you want. I live in the mountains so I’m always prepared for at least the rain if I get stuck somewhere, and when I go fishing or hunting for the night, this is my go to system. Any elevation above 4000 ft can be unpredictable and cold if your not prepared.

[@gunnarisaksson8677]

I am a Swede and bought a surplus NATO equipment for arctic warfare. I live in the northern part of Sweden where it gets real cold during winter time. It has a summer bag and a winter bag. The summer bag fits very well in the winter bag. I guess with the Bevy I could sleep outside in - 40 degrees centigrade. It is a great equipment.

[@miltonhill3022]

Good on you for posting this. I've had my MSS kit for about 5 years and I can confirm as a guy originally from Bermuda who now lives in Canada, that the whole system with my inflatable mat inside the bivy sac that I've slept out in -30 degrees celsius/-22 Fahrenheit. It works.

[@topendgold9284]

Ex Aussie grunt here. I am happy to see you use bungys on yoour shelter, i watch some clips with guys setting up lines and taking 15 mins to put up a hootchie (tarp) bungys and your set up in a minute or 2. I also used a bivvy, and a light weight sleeping bag, down to around zero C (32F) . I have been cold, but only a couple of times. Good presentation mate.

[@GruntProof]

🍻😎

[@araiakunin352]

Last year, I ran across this channel when I needed a new cold weather bag. Before the video was even over, I was searching for one of my own and before long I found an unissued ACU sleep system. After last winter, I'm sold on the performance of this system. Keep the videos coming

[@miller8097]

I absolutely love my MSS, I bring a tarp with me as well but sleeping under the stars with it is an experience everyone should have.

[@proehm]

What you grow up with does make a difference. Going to the gulf coast in January: Locals - Puffy coat, Tennessee - Flannel jacket, Michigan - Long sleeve shirt, Canadians - Wife beater.

[@wahyasaquii7563]

Ha! True story. …from Madawaska, Maine. 👍

[@tomritter493]

Man shit sure has changed we used canvas cover ,sleep pad green cardbord lol and two linners and your clothes 2. Always 2 long john paires pant liner ,m80 nycos and shirt 65 field jacket if its going to get cold 2 jacket liners we stayed good. Thank for shareing your knowledge

[@irishinctech254]

There is a really easy way to fit all 3 components of the Sleep System in the small stuff sack. You gotta have them fastened together and zip up the outermost bivy layer to keep everything cohesive, you take the foot end of the full combined system and begin stuffing it in the sack, no rolling no folding no nothing, it takes some finagling but it should all fit in the end and fully covered by the stuff sack and abled to tightened down by the straps, the added advantage is because everything is fastened underneath the bivy it acts as an extra layer of water protection for the winter and patrol bags.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

I've got an OG Woodland Bivy, love that piece of kit. Usually I just use the Bivy with the light Jungle/ Patrol Bag until harsh winter hits, then I have to go to a modified ECWS using an extreme cold-rated bag with the Bivy in tandem, good to -35F generally (with worn layers can go much colder comfortably). Good stuff!!!

[@GruntProof]

🍻😎

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

@@GruntProof 🍻😎

[@harrisdail9939]

Yes it does matter how the bivy is laid out. The woodland side is cut to face up. Otherwise your head on on the ground or mat and the bivy covers your face. It is specifically made and cut for the camo side up

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I have a bivy and use it quite often, but I certainly wish that I had one back in the 1970s. As a Ranger, we had to travel light, so we primarily just used a poncho, poncho liner and sometimes a wool blanket. In the artic, yes we had heavier/bulkier bags, but that is the only time we used them.

[@GruntProof]

🍻

[@sniperforce34]

I purchased the MSS back in 2015 and used it twice, the jungle bag and bivi kept me warm in fall conditions only used the winter bag twice as well, it about roasted me alive in 20 degree weather, good system

[@CptnSavage]

Retired from the army in '92, long before this cool sleeping system. WISH I'd had it in the '70s and '80s. Thanks for the explanation and suggestions on making it more effective.

[@thegiant573]

We lost power in Afcrapastan. In our tents all I had was a cot with a plywood board and thin egg crate mattress, poncho liner and the med level bag and a PT cap. It was 20 degrees inside the tent. I slept very comfortably.

[@ianmurray4081]

I recently picked up a complete unissued MSS system and half of another one (new?) for $25 Cdn. @ a thrift shop. Pairs well with the marshmallow suit and boots that I bought at another second hand shop. Cheers 🍻 take care and stay frosty ☃️ 🍺🫵🤟🇨🇦🫡🇺🇸🤟🫵🍺☃️

[@forbiddencue1101]

Quickly becoming one of the most useful channels I've come across in years🤙🏼🇺🇸

[@LifeInMontana]

Thanks! I bought one just for the Bivy. Love it! God bless!

[@tjfm59]

picked up the bivy an both bags a couple years ago. recent managed to stuff it into a 20 liter compression sack, a 30liter would be better. in a month or 2 the set will go back into the truck for winter. live in minnesota.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Great presentation. Putting your sleeping pad inside the Bivvy make perfect sense, instead 0f under the bivvy. The inflated sleeping pad is no part of the trapped air insolation, and you can't roll off of it.

[@CDNR711]

Yes it does matter which side the bivi bag goes on the ground, the one in the video has a breathable goretex top and waterproof bottom. If you place the gore side down it doesn’t allow moisture to evaporate.

[@GruntProof]

Never noticed a difference

[@CDNR711]

@@GruntProof I found out the hard way LOL those bags suck when soaking wet

[@jonsonnenschein1253]

We didn't have this sleep system in the 80's when I served. The old cold weather bag, along with a woobie and shelter half worked okay but it wasn't designed for anything below freezing. I purchased this newer sleep system several years ago for hunting and it made a huge difference, especially inside a tent. Fall and early winter months in Wyoming can get a little chilly at 9000 feet.

[@MWoodslore]

Great Review Bro In these troubled times I think every household should Have an MSS System for each person. We do. My bivy and patrol bag is always with me. Have even used the Intermediate sack in Ground blinds Deer Hunting

[@Elizabeth-tg7jo]

I live in AK and the MSS stays in my truck all year. It has seen mud, fish guts, 8 deg temps. It would keep me warm if I went flying off the road in a no-cell area during winter. I could also use the bivy as something of a sled to bring supplies in case another motorist went off. TY for the video.

[@TinyGoHomes]

I got a 6 piece kit in my hummer for down to -35c. It’s very rare I use it all together but it’s definitely a smart move to have the full kit.

[@G1NZOU]

Love the added knowledge of the difference between what the designers intended and how it actually gets stored and used in the field. People do (sometimes rightly) deride Mil-Spec but the bivvy looks to be an exception, looks fantastic for its age, our British army one doesn't include a zip for emergency egress which makes it slightly warmer and more water resistant but at the expense of faster egress, although zipless does mean one less thing to fail.

[@AndyCinDallas]

I have the MSS already but bought the Klymit insulated pad after watching this. Thanks for sharing your experience and tips.

[@roberttravistext5091]

Thanks very much sir for the video and your service, love from rob in Wales UK.

[@artcianfanojr]

I am pretty lucky that the local base, formerly know as Ft Dix, has a private surplus store. Was able to get the ICS used in great condition for $120..

[@VarRedo]

Interesting to watch. The Swedish sleep system is designed to have the summer bag inside the winter bag. The advantage is when you have to wash it, the summer bag dry faster. I'd like to see more of the stoves used in the US army. How would the grunt prepare food in the field when there are no MRE's available.

[@GruntProof]

No MREs? We'd starve

[@VarRedo]

@@GruntProof Our average temperature is 46°F, and generally it's too cold for the FRH to heat the MRE, especially during the winter. I guess you might have the same issues in the northern USA. How do the grunts heat their food when it's freezing temperatures?

[@petermayonejr.3420]

Always great hearing from you Randall! Very important and essential subject matter!

[@GruntProof]

🍻😎

[@Mohawks_and_Tomahawks]

As a Northern Canadian and Rocky Mountain Backpacker, I want that whole sleep system! How can I get my hands on one of these systems?

[@andrewgagner2927]

Love seeing these getting used, as we weren't allowed to take them out into the field (late 90's, 1/505, 82d).. they'd show up for a bunk and junk inspection and back into supply they went; i imagine if you hit an army navy store in Fayetteville in the late 90s, you could find some pristine examples of these f'ers. Thanks for the video, stay well.

[@rjtwocircles]

As you did, I added an inflatable sleep mat to my bivy bag and jungle bag. I recommend a bellows bag for inflating and a quick release air valve on the mat. For extending the temp range and comfort level, a friend added a down blanket he keeps in his bivy. It adds very little weight, and it doesn’t seem to add any size compressed. It’s never gotten wet from the outside. He uses it on top of his sleeping bag inside the bivy. When it’s too warm, he either takes it out or sleeps on it. He has not yet pushed the temperature limits, but he thinks it may be close to the Intermediate Bag. It was crazy cold last winter, but he couldn’t get out at its coldest. I thought I’d try a relatively cheap down blanket to see how well it worked. Most of these blankets are definitely not Grunt Proof, but like the inflatable mat, it will protected a lot by the bivy. If it works, I’ll find a better quality blanket.

[@WillN2Go1]

Good video. It's great to see such a comprehensive system well presented. In 2016 I bought a very simple Minimalist Bivy at an REI parking lot sale. Best $12 I ever spent. It's just got a mesh window. In Japan at the Mt Kitadake hut, 9500 feet, I went outside to sleep in the blowing rain (unvented kerosene heater). I had all these plans on how to make a waterproof cover for the bivy, that I still haven't gotten around to making.... What was immediately obvious at that moment was: Just turn the whole bivy to face away from the rain. Also the air mattress (I use the Klimit as well) inside the bivy keeps you and your bag above any water that gets inside. I always use an inflatable pillow. I've made pillows from t shirts and padded dry bags, but nothing is as good as the basic air pillow (I also use the Klimit). Something I always do. Attach some paracord to both sides of the pillow so it can tie around the air mattress to hold it in place. I also always have some kind of sleeping bag liner. I guess it's like the Jungle Bag in this system. Near home it'll just be 2.5 yards of fleece folded over and stitched to make a bag. (Forget zippers.) If I'm traveling, I'll bring a Thermorest Reactor Liner (rolls up smaller. I'll even use it in hotels, hostels.) The final part of any sleeping bag, bivy system is how you use it. Super cold? Zip everything up so only your face is sticking out. Super warm, just sleep on top of your bag or liner, but inside the bivy (keep the bugs off.) Open or closed up tight gives you a lot of range. In the California desert temps often vary 50f between day and night. Non desert places have less range during a day. Also a bivy below your chest should be as flat and airless as possible. If you have a big tent like space down there condensation forms and makes everything wet. And I like to have a pair of dry wool sleeping bag socks. The final part of not just my bivy/travel set up, but every time I go to sleep? Black or dark t shirt over my eyes. Even a tiny amount of moonlight can disrupt sleep. (I also try to sleep on my side, no snoring - probably helpful in a combat zone. No snoring means better breathing, means a great night's sleep.) I just sailed for three months, when we got to the north Pacific it was cold 8C 46f, I used a SOL Emergency Bivy $25, and the Costco down comforter I happened to bring and the Reactor Liner, I also slept in my layers (mostly merino wool which even after 24/7 for a month never stank. right against the skin layers, did stink, and undies, drip drip? that stinks. I changed these every 5 days or so when I showered. The other thing I added to my bivy are some grosgrain loops. This way if I'm on any kind of a slope I can stake it to the ground, or run some paracord to my other stakes. When I was first using my system in Dorset, England in 2018 I often woke up in the morning with two feet of the bottom of my bivy sticking out under my rain fly. I like roll top dry bags, they're easy enough to make. I'd want a system like the Modular in a roll up dry bag. You can sit on it to compress it so when you roll and snap that top it seals and stays compressed, when you cross that lake you have the buoyancy if you needed, but what you don't have is water seeping in. (I think if you get the compression bag six inches below the surface there's enough water pressure to seep into it. Of course I haven't tried this with this system.) And final bit of my nonsense? I once lived above a discotheque. I learned to sleep through anything (or I'd have lost my mind.) On the sail boat we were bouncing and slamming a lot of the time. Imagine dumpsters hitting your house several times a minute all night long., while you're being flipped like a pancake. I slept right through it, but if someone whispered my name a couple of times or some odd noise occurred I'd wake right up. People talk about love and money, but sleep is just as important.

[@mdog1615]

I’m up in the Canadian Rockies , usgi bivvy with patrol bag on top of a Savotta FDF ground mat does me for summer in the mountains. Come fall through winter into spring I use a Carinthia defence 4 with the bivvy & roll mat but I also add a klymit insulated inflatable mat in between the bivvy and sleeping bag. I sleep in lightweight merino base layers and have never been cold enough to notice.

[@petek2832]

We didn't have the MSS when I was in....however, I have recently purchased on for a trip to the Adirondacks this fall. Looking at temps in the mid-twenties at night. I have a decent tolerance for cold being a northerner, so my plan is bivvy, cold weather bag and a poncho liner. I figure that with some snivel gear and my fairly decent sleeping pad, I should be good to go. Originally, I wanted to do the patrol bag/bivvy but I couldn't find any credible source for that combo's temp rating. I think it better to err on the side of caution. I don't mind humping the extra weight around. Excellent info, great video.

[@GruntProof]

The jungle bag gives you a lot more warmth at the same bulk than the poncho liner.

[@jeffthomas7734]

Great video, I have one and I learned something. I like the "Options" with this system. I also have a goose down filled bag that works well in very cold weather that I like but it doesn't have options and probably can't be used for anything but cold weather.

[@shawnlunsford5310]

I always went the extra step and stuck a wool blanket in my sleep mat because even wet it retained most of its ability's to retain heat

[@TheTEXMIKE]

travel light freeze at night.

[@robertsmith3829]

I have an older M81 bivy and and woobie. I use all the time during our winter here in Florida, which isn't much. But just a few days ago we had temps in the low 40s and i was toasty all night with just the bivy, woobie, with normal pants and long sleeve shirt. It had been an underrated system but is catching traction, especially within the civilian market.

[@cgmiller82]

I've been using this system for a few years winter camping (for "fun")… there are a lot of really good tips here! Thank you!

[@davidowens1424]

1995 I was with 3/4 and we were tasked with testing this gear (along with the gen 1 gortex) Ugly side note, we had the crap gumby suits for water protection before that. Anyway, this gear quickly became a the fav. Of course we had to turn it all back in and get our old gear back. That was sad.

[@WhiskeyThree]

I ran the 3 piece sleep system in a lightfighter 1 tent with winter cover, I added foam pad and an insulated blow-up pad. I wore silke weight and waffle top down to 5 below and was just fine

[@bdgackle]

I love this system for civilian recreational camping. It's indestructible, and being able to just toss a snapped together bag on the ground to make camp is just an awesome convenience. It's heavy though. That much is true.

[@user-neo71665]

Picked up my woodland bivvy at a thrift store new in bag for $5. They had it labeled as a tent without poles. I did have to pay $15 for the patrol bag at the same store. Southern arkansas and I've never needed anything more but when it gets cold my butt stays at home.

[@GruntProof]

Dang man that's an awesome deal

[@stuartallen8684]

British Infantry in the early 80’s we only got issued a mediocre poncho and bulky overweight down bag. We had to private purchase GoreTex bivvy bags, sleep mats and synthetic lightweight combination sleeping bags if we wanted to upgrade our kit. Some guys used US issue poncho and poncho liner in warmer weather…prized items. We finally got better kit issued in late 80’s. Brings back memories. Love hearing that grunt mentality spoken by the experienced. Great channel.

[@GruntProof]

🍻

[@beetooex]

Bloody hell. Did they not change anything but uniform between the 1958 and 1990 pattern gear?

[@stuartallen8684]

Well, in the mid to late 80’s we finally got Kevlar helmets, high leg combat boots (still not great) and roll up sleeping mats issued, but that was about it if I remember correctly. Prior to that only the Airborne had useful helmets so Infantry used DPM combat caps or sometimes Regimental berets in the field. Some guys private purchased SAS/Para Bergens, others bought olive green Berghaus internal frame types. Most of us used multiple 44 or 58 Pattern water bottle pouches as utility pouches for our belt kit/fighting order (and ditched the 58 Pattern rear pouches and poncho roll completely). Some guys used German Para boots to replace the old DMS crap. Other popular items scrounged or purchased (mainly from Silvermans or Survival Aids) included rigger belts, tropical DPM combat trousers, Para smocks and SAS windproof smocks, but again it was all down to individual initiative to get your kit sorted, not the QM! If someone was still using only standard issue kit that was usually a sign of a disinterested individual, although I think in some of the Guards Regiments the level of bullshit uniformity may have hampered individual initiative regarding personal kit. I was a Light Infantryman and luckily individual initiative is part of Regimental culture there. I can’t really understand British infantry today complaining about their personal kit…we’d have killed for it!

[@stuartallen8684]

@@duffelbagdrag Right back at ya mate. Much respect and many thanks. My Battalion was soldiering in South Armagh (Northern Ireland) when the Falklands happened so we didn’t get to go. We went soon after the war as garrison just in case the Argentines made a second attempt, but they’d had enough. For now. A steady and determined fighting spirit is something of a characteristic among British infantry. I think it’s in our blood and heritage. Personally, I’ve always valued the US Armed Forces as solid allies. I think sometimes NATO has left too much of the global burden on US shoulders. Thankfully that seems less so more recently. There will be difficult days ahead, stay strong, stay true, and God bless you.

[@NicCageForPresident2024]

Damn lugging those around with everything else was fun. Depending on how ridiculous the command was we used to prefer to leave the heavy cold weather section if it wasn't going to be very cold at night.

[@66bigbuds]

As an old army veteran I loved the wooby and it was the only synthetic we had. My outfit wasn't issued them. So we bought them. They thought air defense didn't need them. But we went to the field too. We had coyote fur lined hoods on our field jackets. We had duck down in our cold weather sleeping bags.

[@DMF716]

I've got 2 of the 1st gen versions. The black winter, green summer and woodland bivy with black stuff sack. I have one extra bivy never used.

[@Buckaroomedic]

Great video GruntProof! I used my old Thermarest ¾ length air mattress the same way you demonstrated. I always snapped the jungle bag into the ivy tho, I hate it when I get all tangled up inside the bivy! The woodland camo bivy and jungle bag is still my go-to for backpacking/foot patrol.

[@DevonWestbrook08]

I’m from the gulf coast here in Mississippi and I have used the MSS in northern Virginia during winter. I have taken it down just below 0. It’s not bad just a very cumbersome system that typically took up way to much room

[@franknunally8098]

While in the military, I never had to deal with any of that as I joined the USAF. However, I have had to deal with that as a HOMELESS VETERAN. When one is homeless, one is limited to what they can carry. Durring my incremented time as a homeless vet, I have had to sleep in some rough places and when I did get an all weather sleeping system, things did get more bearable as thunder storms and floods had less of an impact; Insects & Winters were more bearable. Naturally I've caught flack from the other branches, but I have spent a total of 3+ years with and without the above sleeping system and I will say I'd rather have it than not. I am from SW Louisiana, so I hate cold weather. Yet I have had to sleep in All weather conditions, both night & day, to include durring a bitterly cold blizzard in Nevada. Trust me when I say this, my old coonass is no longer the lean mean sexy machine that I use to be, I barely fit in the sleeping system any longer and my movement is not that of a young healthy man. Even with this decrepit old fart that is overweight and ugly enough to break camera's with a smile, I am still absolutely grateful for the sleeping system, even though it has seen better days and is no longer 100% waterproof.

[@josephjohnson6849]

Yea I'm thinking of buying it via statement of charges

[@marrty777]

That’s really not an unreasonable system for anyone. The lightweight backpacking target for weight for one’s pack, shelter, and sleep system is 10 lbs. That’s not far off the mark, and you’re getting very tough, versatile stuff.

[@ModelCreatorSL]

bivy + poncho liner == very good option IMHO (when not too cold)

[@jonb1428]

Just got the large mollie with the assault pack also got the medium mollie got various pockets and waist bag I think would appreciate being shown how it all goes together and interlocks. Absolutely excellent kit take it everywhere with us rucking in Cumbria in the Uk all the best J

[@garyfoster738]

Great video. Retired in 94 from the Army. When I was with the Rangers at Fort Lewis in the '70's, we used to do the what they called the ranger roll. We would go to clothing & sale and buy a extra OD green poncho and the sleeping bag cover (canvas) and make a lightweight sleeping system. This was good to about mid 50's. Later on when they came out with the m81 Woodland camouflage Poncho we would buy that and the new poncho liner. I use that system many times until we got to Germany.

[@brushbum7508]

Thank you for your SERVICE ! TAKE CARE..

[@jamesmayo3827]

Hey ranger. I was a Lewis in the late 70s i was hhc.

[@garyfoster738]

I was a young PFC mechanic with 542d Maintenance Co. I was re-assigned to B Co, 2/75 for the purpose of testing new equipment with the Rangers in Yakima for awhile. Yakima firing Center, you were either burning up or the Hawk was bitten your ass. Used two versions of this. Green poncho and poncho liner. Or, shelter half and poncho liner. Memories, Cold Wet Rain, Red shorts, white t-shirt doing PT. @@jamesmayo3827

[@dananorth895]

Picked up the the older camo bivy for cheap about 7-8 yrs back and added patrol bag. But I finally picked up the old korean down winter bag which I use singlely with the bivy and its perfect. Just bought a self inflating military mattress and it was stolen before I even had a chance to use it!

[@joeydepalmer4457]

When I was in the army, we had (from outer to inner) Bivi bag (green), sleeping bag outer, sleeping bag inner (basically same as the outer but with ties - I never tied the two together for ease of getting in and out of my sleeping bag),sleeping bag liner (also was to be tied inside the inner sleeping bag but I never did for the same reason ease of movement), sleeping bag hood (slipped on like a parka hood with out the parka; I never used it as I put on a full parka); sleeping bag booties,, stuff bag for storage. when everything was layed out, you either had an air mattress or a round pad. Sleeping bag system rated down to -50 though we never slept in -50 to actually test it, just -40.

[@mrgutz101]

man the ALICE Ruck is the best, I was one of those guys that got away with the bivy abd a ranger roll in korea. As a machingunner I needed my load as light as possible, those 7.62 rounds start to wear you down. So many terrible memories and I love it!

[@AldoSchmedack]

Got three of these. Used em down to -10⁰F with all bags used and was too warm. Life saver in bad conditions. It's big, and heavy, but is worth it. It's almost instant shelter.

[@taxtrograve707]

Supposedly we are headed back to glaciers taking over again. This is mighty important information. Another great video!

[@jamesvickery308]

Makes me appreciate an old-fashioned 100% wool blanket

[@billjenkins2763]

Hello from East Central Mississippi. Have 2 sets of these and love them. Stay safe.

[@danieljones2183]

Excellent class you conduct some of the best

[@kuzinit2374]

I got a older style , took out the winter bag and replaced it with a older style bivi , also got a one man combat tent , dumb camo that you can see from a mile away , plus I got a giant camo tarp to make the whole system as a base camp , the winter bag makes a nice ground pad but I also use a yoga mat

[@Johnny-mb5jg]

Thanks as always.. I watched this video and started searching for one, I just scored this system for $50 never been used. I hope to test it soon here in Georgia

[@mulhall72]

Navy Corpsman here, I've had mine since 93. At 6'3" I never could fit in the intermediate, at all. Summer, kinda. Bivy by itself, game on. I always heard of the elusive unicorn long MSS, but never saw one. Bummer.

[@brushbum7508]

I came up with 1, but the bags were still normal length. Damn it. TAKE CARE..

[@bugoutbrad8395]

Thanks Randall. Got me thinking about. My mix and match equipment. To do a good combo. Cheers 🍻

[@frankshort1448]

There's no school like old school been there done it young man you definitely learn from your mistakes

[@internetrules8522]

I got this system used about a month ago, it came with a tear in the patrol bag so they sent me another. Now I have a 4 bag sleep system!!!!!

[@richkostner3381]

Who did you buy it from? Sounds like good customer service. I'd like to check em out.

[@funbobtime]

Sounds like someone is sick of answering the same questions over and over again! 😂 Great vid! Always good and to the point! Wish this video was around 10 years ago! It took me forever and a day to learn half of these tricks! Thanks!

[@ItsNotFate]

Crazy how much it weighs. It’s been a lo by time since I’ve been in, and to think my whole backpacking kit now weighs less than just that sleep system.

[@scottysurvival]

This was great video. I definitely learned some new tips👍💯. That sleep system is extremely tough never have ripped the buttons apart just zipper, but dang it held up well when you ripped it open on the buttons. Probably would say you wouldn't be able to do that on other sleep systems. Tough tough. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I am good for -5 Celcius or a little more with the bivy, summer bag and the liner from my old flecktarn parka (with a wool toque and socks of course). Done it a few times over the years.

[@socrateszues6024]

Thank you brother, very useful knowledge for a novice going to a certain training in louisiana soon.

[@wesley20991]

Awesome video, I am a marine and have used the mss more times then I can count, one thing i have seen is the army bivvy bag I have seen issued ones in same grey color as the compression sack. We always had the woodland bivvy. The other thing they always taught us was in cold weather the bags only work well if your almost stripped down to nothing bare skin creates the heat inside. We have used these bags in Korea down to way way below zero it sucked feet are always cold in the morning no matter what but you will survive. Thanks again another awesome video.

[@GruntProof]

Get the Wild Things Tactical Booties. Your feet will never be cold again

[@wesley20991]

@@GruntProof it wasn’t a problem in Iraq but Korea was the worst lol.

[@msmax1138]

my bivy and green patrol bag go everywhere with me when motorcycle camping, good for most weather im gonna be riding in, if its really cold (below 30 for us southern fellows) also have a synthetic 20 degree mummy bag, that will get me into the single digits combined with the patrol and bivy bag. I also love elk and mule deer hunting out west, hunting high in the mountains i have woken up with 20 inches of snow on the ground and over my tarp and been fine. I use a good a good r4+ rated sleeping pad. im also from mississippi and dont do cold well at all

[@DJF1985]

I wish we had that gear in the 80’s in the USMC infantry. I remember when the Army got the new Gortex gear; we were sooooo jealous.

[@herringbone5035]

I got this system as I was ETSing. I never had the pleasure of sleeping in the field with this. We made do with the green farm mat, ponchos, poncho liners, for mild nights, and the "intermediate sleeping bag," the old heavy ones, or the Artic sleeping bag which was heavy as hell. Also issue the shelter halves which we seldom used except maybe a ground sheet. We made a lot of use out of our field jacket liners too, mostly without the field jacket shell, the vortex was not issued yet.

[@frankrosebrock4424]

Valuable information, many parts also applicable to other sleep systems. Thank you.

[@mrs9740]

This arrived just in time for a trip I'm going on tomorrow. I have the British version and am not a grunt so didn't know how to pack it 'properly' thank you very much for the informative video you have a new subscriber :)

[@EdwardHurst2323]

Most down sleeping bags are made from Pertex and have waterproof down a rain resistant cover is good because you use a tarp over the top