U,S,ARMY MSS SLEEP SYSTEM VS. 1949 MOUNTAIN BAG HEAD TO HEAD REVIEW

THE U.S. ARMY 1949 MOUNTAIN DOWN FILLED SLEEPING BAG VS. THE CURRENT ISSUE U.S. ARMY MSS SLEEP SYSTEM. I HAVE USED THE 49 MOUNTAIN TYPE OF BAG FOR OVER 15YRS IN COLD AND EXTREME COLD WEATHER CAMPING. THE MSS SLEEP SYSTEM I HAVE BEEN USING FOR THE LAST 5YRS AND I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE PERFORMANCE.
IN A HEAD TO HEAD 49 MOUNTAIN BAG VS. THE MSS SLEEP SYSTEM WHICH ONE IS BETTER. WARMER AND A BETER VAULE ON THE SURPLUS MARKET.IN THIS VIDEO I WILL SHARE MY THOUGHT ON THE HISTORY AND MY PERSONAL USAGE OF THESE SLEEPING BAGS.
1949 MOUNTAIN BAG,MSS SLEEPSYSTEM,WHICH SLEEPING BAG IS WARMEST,BEST VALUE, FASTEST, BEST CHOICE, MILITARY SURPLUS SLEEPING BAGS REVIEW,BUSHCRAFT KIT,BUSHCRAFT GEAR,BUSHCRAFTSLEEPING BAG,

[@samsanfratello7549]

put the Gortex bag on the 49. Best of both worlds.

[@ricksilver7398]

My thoughts exactly

[@Jan-PeterHe]

Thougt the same 😂 greetings from germany

[@user-ts1fp4nm9y]

Agreed!!!!

[@timlacy2284]

I had a mountain bag when I station in Neu Ulm, Germany from 1980-1982 , it's a great sleeping bag. I'm a 60 year old U. S. Army vet. I still got my old Alice pack and other TA-50 gear. Great video you doing a great job on teaching the Blackie 's way.

[@baird329]

I've have had a ms sleep system for 19 years. One that was issued for 5 and my own for 14 years. The Gortex got me into bivy camping. I have a couple tents, but I only use them if I'm staying at a location for a few days. Once I used the Gortex bivy in a desert rain storm for the first time I was a believer. Rain storms in the middle east are no joke. Then again a lot of my camping is done as an enhancement to other activities like fishing or kayaking.

[@Convoycrazy]

I could not believe how warm the 49 is. I love the down. I’m a hefty guy (40 wasteband) and there’s not a whole lot of extra room inside but it’s manageable. I like the MSS because I don’t wake up covered in feathers and there seems to be a bit more room inside but the 49 does feel warmer, I think you’re right. Great video

[@buckshot4428]

Thanks for sharing Blackie. When I was a kid and first started hunting I didn't have any hunting clothes with the exception of a plaid shirt. It was cold here in ne fl and I was freezing. One of the guys had an extra jacket which was an insulated Army issue lined jacket. That was the ticket. My tent was my Boy Scout no floor and no sleeping bag. We froze that night - not much sleep. Breakfast was extremely good that morning.

[@jlambert6084]

I was in the military probably last year they issued the Extreme Cold Weather bag. I also have the mss. I was comfortable sleeping in our trailer with no heat all night long in 13 degree weather in the extreme cold weather bag alone.

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

This was awesome ! Thank you so much sir

[@margaretgibson7063]

My thermometer read 9 degrees here in Angelina county, Texas and my MSS kept me warm with no heat in my house. First time in my life power failed in winter and was out for 3 days. All my appliances are electric. Good thing I'm into bushcraft. It saved my life, literally. As you know humid y is high along the coastal States. It made the difference. I have camped out in -30 before and I was never as cold as I was In February. All my propane appliances we're in storage in Houston, now it's her in the house and I use it now instead of my electric appliances. I just cracked a window. I have a carbon monoxide detector so I'm safe using them. I think I would have been better of going to Crockett National forest and camped out until the weather broke. Great Video as always. Thank you.

[@johnburgin7478]

I’d like the 49 just because I enjoy things from the past . As you said nostalgia. Thanks for showing this

[@badoldbiker368]

Thanks for sharing Blackie, both those bags are certainly very nice. South Western Australia has similar weather, I have an old Pilbara bag and a 100% wool blanket for those cold nights, nothing better than being nice and warm snugged up in a good sleeping bag when its frosty cold.

[@randybradley7427]

I have the down filled bag and got me a gortex bivy for it. Bomb proof love it. Sleep in one since I was a kid. Got a cooler bag for summer. Great video

[@g4njawizard916]

thanks, very informative video! I actually bought 2 used M-1949 for 50 bucks here in Germany.

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

What a comprehensive review of these two bags! I never had the pleasure of using a military surplus sleep system. Surplus military standard equipment is usually desirable and durable. All of the bags that I have are designed for backpacking and fit easily inside of my bivy bag. So for winter weather, I use a lightweight beg (20 to 40 degree), bag liner, and an outer bivy bag. Works pretty well for staying warn and dry. Packs down to a smaller size than the two surplus bags in this video. Thanks so much for the information. Be safe! - Tennessee Smoky

[@rapaljenut]

Hi Blackie, just found my M1949 mountain bag, didn't realize what is was until was your video about MSS sleep sys.. Thanks for the info. Was drafted in 1969 and use this bag to stay warm in Germany.. Used it for many years after that!

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

As always thank you Blackie for sharing your thoughts on things pertaining to bushcraft and the outdoors it help me alots.

[@blackoracle69]

My pleasure

[@careycraig4360]

Great Video! Great Information! I just purchased a 1949 Mountain Bag off the internet. The same person was selling a " 1945 CASE,, that appeared to me to go with the 1949 Mountain Bag so I bought it as well. The CASE is in Excellent Condition and the Mountain bag is in USED with typical signs of wear like patches but still lots of life in it. Total Cost $80 . so I am a Happy Camper in this regard. Your INDEPTH DESCRIPTION of the two types of Military Sleeping Systems was VERY GOOD you covered all the bases. Thanks for taking the time to make this video and Happy Camping!

[@Zappa870]

I got mine in 2021 at a surplus store. I am always going there checking stock. I walked in one day, and spotted the '49. I checked it over and found it to have a very small hole with a couple of feathers poking out of it. I paid $65 for it. I laid it in the yard on a tarp and sleeping pad with temps in the teens Fahrenheit. It was very warm.

[@mrbakerskatz]

I’ll say, it’s much colder up here in Ohio …….uphill both ways ! I passed up an M1949 when I was younger because I wanted more versatility . Love my MSS . Thank you sir !!

[@Hoonozit]

I feel fortunate. When I moved from SC to the Northeast I was able to pick up a 49 Mountain bag at a tag-sale for 10 bucks. I didn't know what I had but neither did the seller, apparently. No burns or tears, the seems spit out a feather here or there but it's in good shape. Thanks for the info.

[@MichaelR58]

Good video , I like my surplus bags , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@user-ts1fp4nm9y]

I agree with you Blackie, the 1949 Mountain is my favorite by far!!!!! I bought one in the bag in 1977 brand new for $55.00.They also made an Arctic bag to slip the Mountain bag inside of which I have one of. I'm not sure of the temperature range but it says Arctic on the inside and the foot and not to expect it to be as warm as the Mountain bag.I have 2 Mountain,1 Arctic,one Extreme Cold Weather and 1 Intermediate from the earlier runs( feathers and synthetic mix and plan to get 1 more each of the last 2 before they all disappear.I also have 4 of the Gortex Bivys plus a couple of the original green bivy's that cam with the bags.I only car camp or motorcycle camp these days so weight is not a major problem and they work well in my camper.They can keep the MSS sleep system.The intermediate bag seems to weigh about the same as the Mountain bag(7-8 lbs.) but the Extreme Cold Weather Bag weighs about 10 lbs. And is extremely warm(I think they're rated new at - 20 degrees Fahrenheit). Thanks for all your experience you've shared with us over the years and Safe Travels!!!!!!

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

I have the Mountain M-1949 bag and like you said it is an extreme cold weather bag it only leaves my gear room on the coldest of camp outs which is dead winter here in Upstate N.Y. I do pair it up with the gortex bivvy and it is pretty much bomb proof at that point but she is heavy and if I have a method of conveyance weather it's a snow machine, ATV or even a polk sled I'm taking it with me. Great video Blackie.

[@billdavis1963]

Same here

[@texasroots]

Exactly what I was thinking watching this. Pair the goretex bivy with the M-1949.

[@suqmacoknbals4929]

@@texasroots i use the a poncho liner laced into the m1949 as a liner, inside the patrol bag buttoned into the bivy.

[@texasroots]

@@suqmacoknbals4929 if all those layers are expanding to their full potential that is a very warm setup. I tested my mss last weekend without the bivy, in a tent, low 30. I was wearing two medium weight base layers. I was hot. My cold weather bag inside the patrol bag lofts up to 4.5-5". How high does the m1949 loft up? Typically 5" loft is a 20 degree bag.

[@markpoore3260]

I’ve had the military MMSS system for years it’s always been a great bag for me I slept in at 0°

[@Ammo1313]

I had one of these down sleeping bags as a teen and used it until the fabric gave out. Warmest bag I've ever had.

[@jimmysails994]

Had one of those for years. Very warm.

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thanks for the info Blackie, I have never heard of this bag. I hope to get my hands on one. There used to be a great surplus store near me when I was a kid and in my teens where I would buy my camping gear, I had bought a down military sleeping bag there in the early 1980's, I think it was a newer version and called the extreme cold weather bag, it was down and it was heavy and bulky but it didn't look like your bag it was the dark green OD inside and out. Wish I still had that bag now, even at that time I spent close to $75 for it.👍

[@lowtriggerweightjay7331]

The new issue bags are only considered intermediate weather bags. That M 1949 is considered an extreme weather bag, you can take it below 0 and be snug as a bug.

[@jackieeastom8758]

Had both,like the mss very much!

[@toddgibson9861]

My first bag was one the old mountain regular down bags with waterproofed canvas case that it laced into. I was warm, but my MSS that I was issued much later in my careen was the better bag. I had the syn-fill mummy intermediate bag most of the time between the two.

[@jwgbmp40]

Thx for this vid Blackie! I just found a bag with the cover for $10 at a Michigan antique market. I had to sew and repair two snaps on the cover, the bag is pristine!

[@user-ts1fp4nm9y]

Nice score!!!A little nylon thread and a needle can work wonders!!!!

[@66bigbuds]

In 79 my ta-50 included a mummy bag cold weather with duck down. They gave me the same bag in the desert when I did basic in Elpaso tx. As they did in Germany. But they were not labeled mountain. But they were very old.

[@Zongshenfurshur]

i just picked up a M1949 mtn bag, like new for 10 bucks at a yd sale. i hope to do some camping with it this summer

[@johnboleyjr.1698]

I was issued a mountain bag, and a Gortex liner with my TA-50 gear in '99. That 1949 is amazingly warm, like you said, and when paired with the Gortex liner, is a dream. You know, as long as you don't mind the weight. LOL I took mine everywhere from Bosnia and Kosovo, to Afghanistan and Iraq. I still want an MSS though. Same weight, or lighter, and way more versatile over a broader range of temps. And seeing as how, I have evolved into a Polar Texan at some point, the MSS would be more than warm enough for me.

[@pauljones9746]

Ive slept in my MSS down to -15F. It took what seemed like forever to get warm in it. And thats with ME getting as warm as possible before getting into it. My father served during the Korean war and he's slept in a '49 in -30F. Sometimes having to crawl over to the fire, just to thaw the zipper out. I have an old down army bag but its in pretty ragged shape. Might have to dig it out of storage

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

I've got an ICW bag that's been my go to for almost 2 decades. I haven't spent a night outdoors in ~10 years, but I recall it keeping me toasty in weather far colder than it's rating. I usually had to leave it unzipped as it was just to warm. The only problem with it is the weigh. It' been stuffed in an MSS system stuff sack for as long as I can remember, stashed in a parts vehicle I aso use for storage, as I don't have room in the house to keep it. Hoping the mice don't get to it. I paid ~$40 for it, via mail order in the early 2000's, when we didn't even have internet at the house.

[@nic-hol-assgrain6574]

I found a 64 dated mountain bag at the flea market in great shape for $20 and I put it through the washer with woolite and dryer on low for 2 cycles of 60 minutes and that seemed to completely dry it but it is true that the dryer will break it down and make holes in it. Great bag for outdoor use even if it does get a little damp

[@stevencunningham4680]

An IDEA : Why not take the Gortex cover from the MS sleep system and put it on the 49 Mountain bag ? Then all bases are covered.

[@stevencunningham4680]

Goretex not vortex. Stupid spell check.

[@williammccaslin8527]

You can do that if you like, others have

[@adventuresofmommabear2264]

That's what I'm thinking of doing. I also have the 49 but mine comes with a outer case/layer made of a canvas. They are tied together with a with a thick lanyard. However,I know that's make just water resistant not water proof.. so I may just get the gortex outer shell as a 3rd and final layer. All bases covered,yes???

[@scottcatchot1598]

thanks,never heard of the mountain bag

[@coyoteblue9733]

I've woke up covered in snow in an intermediate and a Poncho Liner and was completely comfortable

[@marco529]

I just bought a Dutch Goretex bivy cover and use my Redhead sleeping bag in it.

[@johnwilhite6610]

I have one used it the 5th grade on a camping in the 70s my father just gave it too me about two months ago at my uncle funeral he asked me if I wanted it because I always asked him about that sleeping bag plus my Uncle left me all of his military gear as well and yes I agree the 49 is warmer and I grew up in Michigan and spent time all I do is take two contractors trash bags gorilla taped together and pull it over it until I can come up with a better system I'm thinking about weather proofing the cover then beeswaxing it down like to here some feedback on idea's

[@norbertogandara17]

I own a Army Air Force bag which is heavier but definitely a warm one. It is a bit short but I have used it since I was in grade school. It is filled with feathers.

[@brandonwebb5256]

I was issued an extream artic bag when I was stationed in North Dakota....Looks alot like the 1949.... I will tell you I used it at negative 30 and I had to get out of it and use it like a blanket. Was way too warm. Also had some kind of barrier I crinkled almost like it had a space blanket sewn into it... Still have it at my moms house.... Prolly need to go get it and put it back in service... It is a great bag.... Also have you ever thought about getting an extra gortex bivy for the 49? I bet it would work great.

[@ericwitt4586]

I lucked up and found an extreme artic sleeping bag it’s thick and heavy too it’s at my off grid cabin which is in the extreme weather of Cohutta wma !! Lol it does great and I ain’t gotta carry it lol !!

[@markpoore3260]

You can use a gortex bivvy and the 49 bag then you have a hell of a system

[@canadafree2087]

I have two of the green patrol bags, they will fit inside each other. I only have the Canadian bivy which has no screen and no face cover. It may be lighter than the US Bivy but offers less protection.

[@byronnelson2549]

Iam 61 and found a Military Mountain sleeping bag at at a surplus store 30 years ago for a little $. It 's the only one I've seen since then. If you see one you had better grab it. In 2005 I was Imin Afghanistan and was issued a German sleeping bag. It was fabulous. There were records of all gear issued so sadly I had to turn it in.

[@joshuasmith6319]

I was issued both at different points in my military career and would use both if needs be, but if I had a choice I’d go with the IMSS.

[@virginiacopeland108]

Thumbs up!!! Clark

[@hagman1077]

Hello Blackie- Im catching up on older videos. I speak from experience when I say that my field artillery unit with 10th Moutain Division, upstate N.Y; we actually field tested the US Army MSS system that they have used for years- I mean out in the field in winter time with sub-zero conditions and it worked. That being said; I was also stationed up in Alaska with the Arctic Brigade and we used the old school mummy bags which I believe had goose down in them. Every year, we would have to spend the night with just the sleeping mat on the snow and the bag. Criteria was that you had to spend at least 6 hours in the bag with temperature below 10F. If you went out and 3 hours later, the temp got above 10F, you would have to come back and do it again- it used to be called "Wintered Over". With all that, IMHO, the old school army bag is my favorite for warmth and the MSS has its system going for it with the nice Gortex bivy. Anyways, just my 2 cents. You and Mrs Blackie be good-

[@Aware_of_myshelf]

WAAATTTTTSSS UUUUPP BLACKIE!!!!!!

[@johnwilhite6610]

My father has had it since he was in the military

[@swampfox5329]

Just bought one with cover off of eBay for 35.00. Received it yesterday and it just came out of washer. The bad is I had to do some sewing on it and it had what appears to be blood on it, hence the washing machine. I am hoping it fluffs up once it is dry. If everything is good then I want to experiment with using an extra Patrol bag on the inside of it to give it some lower warmth ratings.

[@cortevens]

I got my brothers sleeping bag , he passed away in 2019 . Its green military color but narrow at the feet . I slept in it two nights had to sleep with it unzipped halfway it gets warm . Need to unroll it see if their is any markings of where it came from .

[@gregedwards1921]

When I was in the Bouy Scouts in 1964 that's what we used

[@robertevans8126]

shared

[@camojoe83]

Until i got a Kifaru slickbag, my dad's Mountain bag was my all time favorite. Wasnt as warm as the arctic/extreme bag when you really put the weather to em, but the mountain bag is the only one I'd consider carrying for any real distance. Those old green canvas bags are great for vehicles, not so great for a hiking trip. Seriously cant recommend those Kifaru bags enough. Throw em right on the ground, wet and get in em with your boots on if you gotta, they're tough as nails. I would still buy another mountain bag if i run across one, tho. Thats how good they are.

[@briargoatkilla]

I haven't pulled the trigger on a slickbag yet, but it's on my list for sure. I still run different components of the MMSS depending on time of year. I got an older wiggy's, too. You'd say the slickbag is definitely worth the money, huh?

[@shoresharp8349]

Hey Blackie how do you keep from getting ticks and chiggers in the warmer months?????? I'd rather deal with snakes and ticks and chiggers.

[@gunner4373]

As a 10mtn ranger I'd like to say that our training is mostly in NY lol and a small amount in CO.

[@blackoracle69]

awesome thank you for your service

[@flitdek]

What about the intermediate cold weather Down and poly filled Sleeping bags? dated DLA 78 (DLA -100-78-C-0306) what is their Temperature rating? How do they compare?

[@Heisenberg000.]

Mine is the full light green and my tag is a little bit different but it does say mountain M 1949 type 1 it also says Featherfilled on the bottom so is this not the one you have?

[@texasroots]

I've climbed into a MSS and 1949 now. There is alot more room in the MSS bags; they are wider and longer than the 1949 Regular bag. I am 5'10" 150lbs and it's a snug fit for me in the 1949 Regular. I am surprised it's not roomy up to 6ft. My head is against the top of the 1949 bag and my feet are against the bottom. I can move my head but I do think I am compressing the down at the ends. Wish it was a couple inches longer. Any idea what height the 1949 Regular and Long bags are rated for?

[@BurtGummer85]

Does the 1949 bag work the the mss system and bivvy cover?

[@coyoteblue9733]

MS Sleep System plus Poncho Liner for Canada

[@mikebunch3189]

why not use the gore tex cover on your m49 ? i use one on my regular mummy bag .

[@johnfortwengler4496]

Blackie will the MOUNTAIN bag fit in the goretex cover that should get rid off the disadvantage

[@blackoracle69]

yes it will fit inside but will not snap in place as the mss does

[@RootsLion]

13mins.. id take da 49 IN the gortex modern outter . why mess about lol :) ps id av a flipping llama t carry it tho haha :)

[@adventuresofmommabear2264]

A friend of mine gave a 1949 mountain sleeping bag. Large mint condition with a outer layer (case) tide in together. It really is in pristine condition. I have looked on eBay and several other outlets and I'm yet to find the two together I see lots of the 49 but very really or actually never have I seen the one that has the case with it it's like a coverall. Really neet. I am trying to find another outer layer with Gore-Tex to help keep it dry because I know that it's not okay to get these sleeping bags wet, due to the down feathers. I have found a few gortex outer shell. All pretty pricey. Do u have any suggestions? And thank you so much for your knowledge in the outdoors and sharing it with us. Looking forward to it next....

[@blackoracle69]

yes contact kaufmans militarty surplus in samson alabama 334-898-1770 tell them blackie sent ya and tell them you looking for a gortex cover..or the other cover is a vietnam era sleeping bag cover they should be able to help you and they ship if you tell then i sent ya they will go hand select the best one to send ya..hope this helps safe journeys to you

[@woodscraftlindsay789]

I had 1949 bag my wife sold it off on me 2 ft snow cascade mt 2 inch water in tent I was dry and warm

[@nealgrey6485]

Blackie, if you gave the lower range temp of the down bag, I missed it. I should guess ten to twenty below?

[@blackoracle69]

the bag war rated to 20 below in military service

[@Moroni108]

I'm sorry Blackie, did you say when you were coming up in "witchcraft" during the 70s and 80s?

[@paultrimble9390]

Either way can’t go wrong.

[@Thee-_-Outlier]

Hey bro, do you know anything about the center zip mummy bags issued from 1907-2000 made by Tennier?? They are labeled icw and ecw respectively. I accidentally ordered these thinking they were for the USMC 3 season bivvy and when they arrived they were super heavy and made of poplin cotton not nylon. I ask because these are not what I want but they seem nice and I may keep them for more car camping situation not hiking. Too bulky for hiking. The ecw alone is 8lbs. The ICW isn't all that much less maybe 4-5. Anyway are these good bags and are they warmer given how heavy they are compared to mss bags? Ig any input is welcom

[@user-ts1fp4nm9y]

Keep them. They're worth it and Tennier are some of the best made!!!

[@woodscraftlindsay789]

Had one tell 2001 ykk zipper on

[@dalevodden1359]

Yes but in order to get the same weather protection it takes 3 bags with the mss system compared to the mountain bag with the bivy the mountain bag is better in my opinion

[@stevenladrig9592]

I just picked one up Becky it cost me fifty bucks on eBay

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

I can't find one less than 400$, do you have any ideal where I can't get one around 200$? Not the 1949 bag, the MS sleep system?

[@richardgummere84]

JJ, I have put together a complete MSS by buying individual components from army surplus stores, antique malls and checking FB Market Place and Ebay. Yes, it's not as convenient as buying all at once and takes some time, but I have both sleeping bags, the gore-tex bivy bag and the compression sack for just over $100. Hope this helps.

[@blackoracle69]

kaufmans military surplus in samson alabama 334-898-1770 mss sleep system for 150 or less tell them i sent ya and they will hand select it for ya

[@seanthomasdowd]

British army "bouncing bomb" with synthetic filling and front half zip is also a contender

[@coyoteblue9733]

Camp Hail Colorado.

[@stevencunningham4680]

On my comment titled An IDEA it should be Goretex not vortex. Sorry for the mistake , I should have proof read.

[@L2FlyMN]

If you sleep in cold weather, put your next days cloths inside the bag, or you have to get out of a warm bag, & put on cold cloths in the morning, & that is extremely miserable.

[@heikoplotner2636]

The 1949 is ok, but the old UK or NL Sleepingbag is better.

[@robslagle]

why not just take the goretex with the 49 mountain to be safe water-wise?

[@swampfox7110]

You could.

[@shibblesshalzabot6320]

Did Blackie really just say he was into witchcraft at the 3:00 mark??

[@woodwalker8743]

Yep he did? Troubling I hope he clears this up...maybe just slip of the tongue?

[@thomaslinton1001]

The M-1949 has mostly chuicken feathers in it. Stinks when damp. The OD green is restricted to the canvas cover. The entire sleeping bag is tan. Know first; lecture second.

[@thomyafanaro4072]

The one I’m not cold in🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡