This Civilian / Military Tent Sets Up in 1 Second! - Catoma Improved BedNet System Bug Tent

[@nicholassorensen9035]

Former marine, those tents are super lightweight and nice in a pinch, but getting them back in their carry case takes equations no grunt was ever meant to contemplate. About 95% of us simply racked out under the stars using just the sleep system. THAT is a fantastic piece of kit if you can find/afford it.

[@terrydanks]

I have a similar spring type thingy as a photo blind. Easy to set up. Getting it back into its compact state? "Fugedaboutit!" Telling that he didn't attempt it in the video.

[@eastender74]

As a former Marine we had our poncho along with some pitching tent sticks and we loved it 😅 if you were by yourself you had a half tent and if you had a second with another marine you had a two sided tent.😂

[@BM-ms3gr]

@@eastender74sounds familiar 😂🫡

[@JonesHand]

I was caught up on drug/,pot charges, thank you for your service. This looks like a bivy.

[@nicholassorensen9035]

@@JonesHand yes, if you’re referring to the sleep system. It’s an old style camouflage waterproof bivy sac. Inside that is a black cold weather sleeping bag. Inside of the black bag is a green warm weather sleeping bag. You can sleep inside both simultaneously for ultra cold weather. I’ve slept in that system out in the open directly on top of snow before and I was fine. Put your boots and clothes inside the bivy with you but outside the sleeping bags and they’re still dry in the morning. It weighs 10-12lbs all totaled so it isn’t light by any means, nor is it slim, but for me it checks warmth and dryness in any conditions and can even check the shelter box if needs be. It can cover everything you need when you’re done for the day. They’re available online, eBay/amazon, and in surplus stores. Just get the highest condition you can afford and you won’t regret it. I keep one in my trunk at all times, and have one for every family member.

[@red1072]

My team worked with Marine infantry unit a few years ago in Africa. The Marines used these and we had the old mosquito bars. A little trading later and I had one of these. Great piece of kit. We were not really annoyed as much by mosquitoes but, ants scorpions and camel spiders were everywhere. This worked great!

[@Maryland_Kulak]

I have one and went camping with it recently. It’s impossible to sit up in it! I finally figured out that I could sit up if I unzipped it, but then you’re letting insects in. I’m a retired Army officer, so I can see why the military fielded it. Camouflaged shelters need to be low so they won’t be spotted. In the Army, we used our camouflage ponchos as a tarp so this could fit under a knee-high poncho hooch and be super stealthy in buggy conditions. This is good for stealth camping. It’s kind of miserable if you’re not trying to hide. I found a very inexpensive insect mesh tent body on Amazon that I set up under a tarp. It’s much more spacious and comfortable.

[@Xeno-M.]

Completely agree. For rec use a tent is much better. But for what these are intended for, including setting up a shelter where you can’t set up a tent, such as under low tree branches/bushes, or emergency/stealth camping, these will do.

[@tleechapman6991]

I had a pole break. Sent it back, free repair and return. Excellent customer service.

[@stevedallas6122]

Same here. The poles dry-rotted eventually and they just replaced them. Awesome...

[@warriorpoet193]

Dude I just found 1 today 2 hrs ago at a thrift store for 5 bucks.Almost passed it up but the coyote color on the bag caught my eye.I read the directions on the inside and pulled everything out.Came with a good tarp and the stakes are much thicker.Older model maybe.Havent deployed it yet hope it's good.Im stoked!

[@Im_With_Stupid]

The one in the video is the "civilian" version (translation: cheap imported junk). You may have found a legit USA made version, the one that's actually used by the military.

[@SteveAdams-u3d]

Lucked out and got one myself for the same price at a yard sale years ago. Deployed it when I got home and it was good to go. There definitely nice to have.

[@fuglbird]

US made: $300 China made imported by the military: $150 China made parallel import: $5 This is the same principle as for guitars, cars and motorcycles.

[@zachariahlee3393]

I've had this pop- up bug net for 7 years..bought in a yard sale for $25.00 I have never had a problem & indeed I use it with my tarp system #bomb proof.

[@johnf128416]

As FMF Corpsman in Mojave Viper & Iraq, this thing was great with a fan to increase airflow as being that low to the ground & the tuba being as tall as it is, prevented most air flow from reaching your body. It does retain heat, but does not collect condensation. Keep the Tarp off & maybe elevated toward the inbound wind.

[@kirkw1740]

I have seen that old video and still remember it as it is one of my favourite products you've reviewed.

[@andyball9872]

I’ve had a USMC surplus for many years, it’s been used in the bush and the jungle on many deployments. Worth its weight in terms of carriage and space in a field pack. Long stints in the jungle require a place to get out of the mosquitoes and ants. This is the one piece of kit I don’t deploy without.

[@kenniegarner3848]

This takes up a lot of space. Are you lying or you just do not know what you are talking about?

[@andyball9872]

@@kenniegarner3848 I slip it inside, fits in the bottom of my field pack with a sleeping bag liner and dry cams. What I meant was that it is worth the sacrifice of the space it takes up for a good nights sleep away from the biting creatures. It can go under the lid of the pack but that usually means it gets snagged and can get damaged. Northern Australia is not a pleasant place to sleep without a net mate. Be my guest and have a go.

[@bashisobsolete.pythonismyn6321]

camping out in Northern AUS? brae! you're built tougher than me. rezpex!

[@harrymills2770]

@@andyball9872 I'd much rather deal with the cold than deal with creepy-crawlies. It seems like a very efficient bug shelter. Pair it with a tarp or poncho and you've got it covered.

[@cuz129]

Great communication skills, always. I always feel like I've had a man to man conversation. Strength and honor. As men, this is how we are supposed to be.

[@JimCook]

This just made it onto my motorcycle camp gear list

[@matthewpatacsil3796]

My dad used to have two of these and I'm on a quest to find them to try out in an ultralight pack now that you've reminded me.

[@Tom-pk4ye]

I bought two of these because of your first video. I LOVE these tents.

[@riceburnr2005]

I’ve had one of these for years and still going strong.

[@BlesamaSoul]

Managed to get one of the US made versions over 5yrs ago and still going strong, I have the fly kit (rains a lot in the UK) and it does work ok with the main body if you have the time and patience to set it up, likewise water and wind proof coping well with some rough weather. However, as you say the best way to use this is with a free standing or hung tarp and sleeping within it. Keeps you bug free and slugs off you if it is damp/wet. Another point to watch out for is you have to watch your backpack size with the round package of the Burrow you cannot use a v small backpack or you may have to affix outside on some as it is too wide. Small issue to manage and in most cases it will work well for warmer weather in UK/Europe and with the fly in colder weather. Use a Nato foam roll mat underneath the Burrow floor to protect it and provide additional insulation, use your air/blow up mattress inside.

[@dinkaroubles]

Ive been rocking a Catoma for a few years now, ever since seeing your original video. Love this thing. Mine is a USMC surplus one and I'd love to get a fly for it, but forget it at these prices! Burrow + Tarp just got me through a backpacking trip through Shenandoah National Park.

[@cobbler88]

Yes. The tarp option on the website comes in 114x80 size, so that's probably the ballpark people need to be in when doing it themselves on the cheap.

[@elvismikel2271]

This reminds me of a beefy version of the Sansbug Pop-Up Screen shelter. The Sansbug is primarily a bug shelter to be used on a cot in a non-bugnet tent. It doesn't have a "bathtub floor" nor tout being waterproof or resistant. Scouts use them at summer camps a lot. $55.

[@qwq203]

This is what I've been looking for to use on my twin bed in my woodland cabin. Love nature, hate bugs. Thanks

[@MrKingArthurhk]

MRE for bears.😂😂

[@jant4741]

What I was thinking😂

[@danielmeans9539]

Umm...no tent can stop a bear lol 😂!

[@AudiaciousLife]

Which any tent is. . . .

[@Dirtbaghippy]

I call my hammock the bear-rito if I take it to sleep in.

[@CatDaddySteve]

My exact thought 😅

[@jacobsmithjr]

This is just what I need when I'm camping in my old van.

[@orion3253]

@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse insects. They use these kind of tarps on bases with cots as a replacement for hanging mosquito nets.

[@eileenspamer-kw3kz]

watching from uk housebound granny love the outdoor videos

[@banzaii6285]

Can't believe you didn't show us how that thing folds back up 😁...looks very convenient.

[@zachariahlee3393]

Oh I can promise you it is Madding at first until you do it afew times. I use a tyvek ground sheet is a must.

[@jimsteele7108]

That’ll happen in the second video I’m sure

[@SasaBestulic-m3x]

Its' immpossible.

[@PSALM_6012]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpaoZGlteqiVgq8si=f8TZ8MJwLkDI_kpB

[@SCOTTEDM]

@@jimsteele7108 After LOTS of practice, ha.

[@royc.ssgt.8787]

I have the IBNS and the tarp that is issued with is and had no issues when it rains. It also works great on a cot.especially of you get the top of the tarp close to the IBNS. I did find out that they make a foot print that you can add to the bottom of the IBNS to keep from damaging the floor.i like this set up.

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

If it had a rain fly, I’d buy one right now. It would be perfect for motorcycle camping

[@nicholasromano1422]

There is a rainfly named the Wolverine. There's one pole that archs over the EBNS from head to foot and stakes out with 6 stakes. Good amount of vestibule space but somewhat restricted airflow. Not bad, though

[@Tom-pk4ye]

If you get the Wolverine you get the full kit with rain fly.

[@renegadearms]

I retired about 3 or 4 months ago from the Army and some of the gear they get now is alot cooler than those shelter halves I hated that were issued when I first joined, also the litefighter is an awesome tent that I still use on the civilian side today.

[@Xeno-M.]

+ 1 on the Lightfighter. Minus the weight it is a very versatile and innovative shelter, especially w/the winter kit !!

[@renegadearms]

@@Xeno-M. Agreed

[@samhill3496]

Cool, good kit for motorcycling and hiking with a tarp. It can work and work well. Fast and compact.

[@myself248]

This looks SO cool, I wish they made an XL version for us giraffes! I wonder if a little extra stake-work could pull those ends out and give a little more useful length. Hmmm.

[@beautylovewisdom8032]

This is perfect for my visits to the Amazon. We stay in dorms and I need protection from bugs at night. I have something similar to this but it doesn’t fold up as compact. Traveling with it is inconvenient, but this would be much easier to travel with. Thank you!

[@ppolleunus]

Maybe finally what I'm looking for, thanks 😀 Can't wait for the next video about the tarp!

[@davegoodridge8352]

Looks like it would be good in hot buggy weather. Hope your back is feeling better.

[@casper3130]

I have the USMC Woodland and the Coyote Bednet with the Rain Fly's and I think they're great backpack tents.

[@balpalBCTtralin]

I'm a big fan of one man, low lying tents. I'll never forget the time I showed one of my friends, and they called it a coffin lol

[@laskatz3626]

Love it for star gazing, sleeping outdoors in my own yard.

[@ike780]

Ive had one for about 5 years. It works.

[@frost8077]

That looks really cool for saving space and time. My state has dry periods which can be hot and full of insects, so I could use this for nights where I can enjoy the night sky, and if I do need a rain cover, I already have a tarp and cordage. You're right though that the price does seem quite high. My 1-person tent of similar size cost me under $50 if I remember correctly.

[@Tajarim88]

Slept for years on the hike in a modified toddler - tunnel, that deploys in a similar way. Not having to work for a long time before getting some shuteye is neat.

[@ShawnIrwin-rj5tc]

Thanks for the cool reviews. I really wanted these to work for me. I bought a pair of similar, new nets from a surplus website. Trouble is when you try to fit a sleeping pad in it. Things get tight. I guess you can put a pad under the bug net to save space. Or just buy a hammock.

[@brianc1651]

My local Army-Navy store had a bunch of these two years ago. Packing it up took some learning, so I haven't used it much.

[@JohnyMac-tb6ms]

Looking forward to the follow-up (part 2) episode on this tent. 73

[@dannimac777]

I used a Bivvy Tent in the mid sixties in the Peak district, dirty off white canvas, two mini poles. Sole purpose was shelter and warmth. Great up on Bleaklow but you did tend to awake eight inches lower than when setting up.

[@nicholaslafferty3928]

I really liked this when it worked. Got a MYOG mid tent using just one hiking pole these days. Only trouble I had with the IBNS was the fiberglass cracked in the cold winter weather. It looked like there was a company on amazon (which I bought a poncho from) they had a version of this that might have a metal type of poles but they were not clear enough about it to be sure.

[@KitCreep]

I’m literally in the process of making a video on the older Woodland camo version of these. Such a great piece of kit. And a great video!

[@cobbler88]

Solid info. For people who think this is an obvious win for a 1P backpacking option and that all they need to do is pick up the rainfly, you may want to consider this: I went to the Catoma website. They do offer a rainfly kit for the tent called the Wolverine Rainfly Kit. Cool, right? No need to worry about compatibility. The problem? The rainfly weighs 2.6#. On their own website, they say that this tent plus the rainfly kit weighs in at 4.5# total. Probably not the weight point you're considering if carrying an entire tent on your back, I don't imagine. You CAN go the tarp route. I'm not sure it's less of a hassle to be able to use when you're out and about, but even this - when added to the Burrow - comes to 3.5# if you use the one from the website. Luke brought up making sure you have a big enough tarp. The one on the website is 114x80, to give you a ballpark about where you might need to be with any tarp you get. I'm having trouble running down the price of this tarp (the Gopher Tarp System), but there are two Kelty tents that offer a bit more room (87x31x40, LxWxH) and come with full rain flys that each weigh about the same, depending on how you pack them. They're $110 each.

[@UncleWayne5104]

I've had one of these (with the fly) for almost 20yrs. Never had an issue with it. I agree with the tent stakes though. Putting it back is fun. Every time you use it you are sort of like "How does this go again"?

[@Morongobill]

This would be great for touring, whether motorcycle or bicycle.

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Awesome looking setup have to say it.

[@docalexander2853]

I invented one like this with a 2 wheel axle that I could pull behind my Vespa Scooter. That way, I had a rain and bug proof place to sleep out if I wanted to while traveling. It had storage in front and back that wasn't in the way too.

[@crucialharpy101]

I think that tent would be perfect if I was going to go hiking but for camping, I prefer bigger tents. I like a lot room in my tent for camping. Great video. Thank you for sharing.🤗

[@stevemortillaro7201]

Love what you did to the kitchen and bathrooms…

[@DaGarbageDisposal]

Luke, you know I just ordered it lol. Thanks for the review

[@jamesborek8125]

Just got one in woodland camo! Both the tub and mesh. I'm really liking it. You're size estimates for people is spot on. I'm bigger than what you mentioned and it's very tight. It fits it's intended usage very well though. I use a usmc tarp with it, it's a perfect size.

[@alexbauer20]

I LOVED this tent when it was issued to me

[@BASSANGLER7MH]

I picked up a brand new one on an eBay auction for 75! It’s the military issued old new stock and I have to say it’s awesome. I’ve been looking for the fly kit but I think you just talked me out of it 🤙

[@orion3253]

Damn, they used to be cheaper.

[@kichwatembo6551]

I remember your review of the OG hill people gear kit bag has to be 10ish years ago, still have my kit bag

[@salsej]

Thanks for springing this on us!!

[@dman486]

Would like to see this tested with the rain fly. Thanks for the review

[@orion3253]

The flies Catoma makes for these are somewhat mediocre and not all of the ones they have on the surplus market are in good condition.

[@anon_234]

I bought this after your original review years ago and still use it. Great tent for the summer months.

[@joseligeiro]

I have one and use it in conjunction with a tarp and a German sniper sleeping bag. I never felt cold. In summer, I use a sleeping bag more suited to the season.

[@derrickduncanson9253]

Seen it in '16 hiking the AT. A Marine brother had one. Sweet pop up.

[@greeneyeddevil1]

Wow it’s been a while, glad to see a video from you

[@NJTDover]

Grizly Bear: Hmmm. Now food comes in a package.

[@zerohourtv256]

Montgomery Alabama? That's just down the road from me. Glad they made something useful and good.

[@ragequitpro9284]

Looks great for warm places with a tarp.

[@terryclair2914]

I like the look of that tent for motorcycle camping but would need a tarp cover a lot of the time. I would have also like to have seen the take down and stowing of the tent. In Part 2 maybe???

[@allo6569]

I particularly like your shades, very attractive, very dark, great if you want to hide your eyes on a shady day. I like them better than the tent. Great salesman😂😂😂.

[@terrellgarren7125]

Good review. I get the use case for military as I used the old shelter half tent many times in the Army. For motorcycle camping, I find the Lynx ALPS Mountaineering single person backpacking tent with an integrated rain fly for $99 a much better option. Likely used mine 50 times or so with no issue.

[@CW-go9vv]

Please do the canvas cutter lineup!! Best of the best.

[@Sakura__Ayane]

I had a IBNS with the fly that was a surplus from USMC, The glass fiber broke after a year but it's actually quite easy to be replaced by yourself. The tent actually was not that waterproof, a downfall can easily wet thought the fly which I already reapply 2-layers of DWR.

[@johnscannell4189]

I would use it! And, of course, I trust your reviews.

[@airbrushken5339]

In Vietnam, we slept on a ground sheet with a poncho/tide with shoe lases to keep the rain off us. (2/502 Infantry, 101st Airborne)... At least they gave the marines a "Swag". We used our two quart inflatable water bag as a pillow...

[@DinoWilliams-ce9mi]

How did u go with the bugs?

[@airbrushken5339]

@@DinoWilliams-ce9mi If you every watch a Vietnam War video, like from CBS or ABC you will often notice that the Troopers had a small white plastic bottle under their helmet strap. That bottle had DDT in it. Even though it was banned in the rest of the world they issued it to us. It didn't work on leaches, so every morning, you lit the "Free Cigarette" they issued us and light one up, have a drag and then burn the buggers off. Also centipedes were painful and the DDT had no effect I ever noticed. We were in the mountains on the DMZ boarder/Laos. The biggest things were snakes, cobras, bamboo vipers, and I saw two tigers while walking point.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Looks like a viable shelter solution, provided one acquires a suitable tarp, say, maybe a 7' X 9' heavy-duty reflective tarp in colder weather?

[@Vayneinsanity]

Very nice my friend loved the review i think that would pair good with a good size tarp an some home made or high quality steaks . 😊 keep up the awesome job .

[@edwardenglish6919]

Add a tarp, stakes, guy lines, hiking poles and you may as well take your Hubba Hubba.

[@edwardenglish6919]

@@Adjacorga Buy once, cry once. I bought mine about 19 years ago and it has been on many adventures with me including 8 days of rain in the BWCA last year. I will gladly spend $700 on the new HH.

[@ReasontoLiveAdventures]

Now that looks like a nice addition to my kit.

[@Suncity4]

Years ago mine came with Easton stakes, maybe cause I got one with a fly? Mostly used it on cots. Still have it.

[@rickkaylor8554]

Nice review - as usual. I always thought this was a cool idea and have read it is good quality. However, I have a Marmot EOS 1 that I've been using for a few years and it is a little bigger than a bivy and weights less. I recently got a Marmot Tungsten 1 tent that is a still a lot larger and weights less than the Catoma with the tarp for about the same money. I find bivy style tents maddening to stay in because you can't sit up. I find if you are stuck in a rain storm and can't get out for a while laying down gets really old.

[@WR3ND]

Fair price. I added it to my wishlist. Cheers.

[@tc556guy]

I was issued the original version of that while I was in Afghanistan. Looks like its had some decent upgrades in the newer version

[@jimp.7286]

I like it. A good bike-packing tent. I'd want the tarp setup too. Quite a price difference from made here to made elsewhere. Wish that wasn't so for those trying to support country of origin products but the bad economy here probably demands it. Cheers. 👍

[@michaelmeadows5142]

Damn mosquito flying at the microphone had me swatting at nothing! 😂 Good review and inspiring enough to purchase this for backup to a hammock.

[@adam346]

looks like a really good moto-camping tent, super light and can strap it up with other gear.

[@TonyLockhart-is6ov]

Had battlebox equivalent...was perfect, even in heavy rain.

[@ostihpem]

This is what I am looking for. You just hike and when tired or the night comes, you just throw yourself in the bushes with such tent, have some hours sleep and move on in the moring. Pretty quietly and under the radar.

[@The_bigbo55]

Im 6'4.5" and fit in this just fine. Once its paired with the Wolverine fly, theres plenty of space.

[@bradl2636]

I can think of a few actual tents that are much cheaper but an interesting option for those inclined to save a few ounces.

[@toddshook1765]

Backpacking could be good. If using car/truck camping I like idea of using cot to get off ground and tarp. Thanks

[@gwman90]

Idea for your future video on the tarp: I think it would be helpful if you could show how to pack the tent back in the storage bag so that we can see how easy or difficult it is. As always thanks for all of the honest, no-BS reviews!

[@luisgonzalez-mn6ge]

I was waiting to see you put it back together to see how easy it is or hard

[@McGruph]

Can't wait for the part 2 video!! Thank you 🙏

[@Ray-hr9tb]

The one that I purchased a couple of years ago was not waterproof at the head and foot seams. The fly supposively made for this isn't large enough to cover the head and feet seams. In a rain situation water will come in through those seams. It is good for dry summer nights and keeping the bugs out.

[@KennethBlackman-z7h]

Shot out to you from Oregon. Good video sis says hello too.

[@gliderrider]

I don’t watch all of your videos. But I remember when your flashlight burnt through!

[@stevedallas6122]

I have had one of these for years and love it. Small, light, durable, easy setup/take down. Not hammock/bug net light, but when you are going to the ground...awesome.

[@jeffreysmall2397]

I really really was about to go buy one, but you said 6'3" and under.....I'm 6'7" over shot it by 4 inches lol ....nice setup though. Great informational video my friend...simply and awesome job.

[@Nick-cs5yc]

Thank you for reviewing these items👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁

[@rawtothecore61]

Love the hi def camera

[@barrybri]

I bought a used surplus Catoma on eBay in excellent condition except the first time that I opened it ; the fiberglass pole broke into splinters.Repaired it to useable condition with duct tape.

[@ronperrault8182]

I'm going to look that thing up.

[@thorne79us]

these things are awesome but they get pretty toasty inside without a stiff breeze blowing

[@steveprasuhn9361]

Thanks Luke!