How to assemble USGIMSS (modular sleep system) - YouTubeModular Sleep System tips and tricks.
I recently purchased two of the newer issue military sleep systems, one in the older woodland camo issue and the other in ACU/digital camo, to upgrade some of my existing bug-out gear.I wanted to do an in-depth review.
I love the fact that these sleeping bags are American made.Many of the largest outdoor vendors make a lot of their gear in China, so I try not to buy from them if possible.
The high production quality of this sleep system is what you will notice first.The large and durable zippers are designed for quick exits in an emergency.The material is light-weight but does not feel cheap.If you look at the straps, buttons, or fabric, you will see that great care was taken in choosing the right kind of materials to support our soldiers in harms way.
Most of the China-gear they sell is lightweight, but it won't hold up to the demands of soldiers.
The Goretex bivy sack is the outermost layer.A bivy sack is an outer shell that protects the user from the elements such as rain, wind, and snow.The next two layers are the Patrol Sleeping Bag and the Intermediate Cold Weather Sleeping bag.
Each layer is designed to be used in different ways depending on the climate.If you combine all three layers together, you have a sleep system that is rated for -30 F.
The compression stuff sack is the final component and it allows you to compress all the layers down to around a foot.
The system can be used in a wide range of temperatures and climates.You can leave your tent at home since it has a bivy sack.It is your one-stop shop for keeping warm and dry.
It's fairly easy to put the sleep system together.Combine the bivy sac with the patrol bag if you are sleeping in warmer climates.The Intermediate Cold Weather bag with the bivy would be used for cold temperatures of -10 F to 30 F.If you want to sleep out in -30 F to -10 F then you need to combine all the bags together.
Each bag has snaps that allow it to be used with or without one another.When they are combined, they act as one unit.If you need to leave the bag in a hurry, you will not get tangled in multiple layers of bags through the night.
All military gear is tested.The ratings and specifications are always accurate.If the Army labs in Massachusetts say a sleeping bag does something, you know it does.
It is important for me to test things personally if you have been a regular reader.I haven't been able to give the military sleep system a fair shake because we are still in Summer in New England.I will put it through a New England winter in the new year.
What is not so hot with these sleep systems is pointed out in this review.The weight is the most important for me.These sleep systems are very heavy compared to the other bags you can find.Durability comes at the price of weight, so I am okay with that.Since I would use these as my shelter, their weight would be saved.
The size is the biggest negative for me.These systems are large when compressed.It's too big for most backpacks.They are easy to attach to the outside or bottom of your backpack.
camo patterns on the bivys are the last negative.I don't like Woodland camo or ACU and prefer Multi-CAM in my area.It is an easy process to blend these systems into the surrounding landscape since I am not wearing these bags while mobile.
You can find a wide range of prices for these bags online.On the high side you can get a brand-new ACU issue system for $600 and on the low side for around $120.
The key is not to buy new ones.You can find the gently-used surplus ones at your local army/navy surplus store or on eBay.The ones I have seen look pretty good.The bags hold up well.I bought the ACU camo system on eBay for $160 and the woodland system for $125 at the local army/navy surplus store.
If money isn't an option, there are other sleep systems that are better such as the Wiggy's FTRSS sleep system, which is made in the US and is very durable and excellent quality.
For the price that the surplus military sleep systems go for, you can get a fantastic, quality-made sleep system at a fraction of the cost of other bags on the market.
It is important for you to be aware of the many different sleep systems on the market.Many sleep systems are being peddled on eBay and elsewhere for around $50 to $80, but in reality they are nothing but cheap knock-offs.
The NATO Stock Number is called the NSN and it is what you will want to look for.This will help identify the bags.These numbers are sewn on to each bag, compression sack, and bivy.Here is an example.
The original sleep system was designed and made by Tennier.The sleep system consists of a black compression stuff sack, an intermediate cold weather sleeping bag, and a patrol bag.
The updated sleep system was designed and made by Tennier Industries.An ACU pattern camo Bivy Sack, an urban-grey colored Intermediate Cold Weather Sleeping Bag, and a foliage-colored Patrol Bag are part of the sleep system.
I was curious about the size of the bags.Most bags feel claustrophobic to me because I am on the bigger side of normal.I'm over 6 feet tall and over 250 lbs.
Good question.The smallest bag in this system is the Intermediate Cold bag, which is 7 feet long and 2 feet wide at the widest point.
Try it out at a surplus store.The guys selling stuff are pretty cool.It will give you a good indication if it is too tight.
Wiggy's sells an excellent sleep system with long/wide sizes.It is an excellent system and you will be paying a bit more.
Does anyone know how to wash these?Can I carry these in a backpack?
Most bags have instructions on how to wash them.A lot of them can be washed in a front loading machine.Unless you want a shredded bag, don't wash in a machine with a center agitator.Then you dry off.
Cadets are slightly taller than the normal size, but still come in the older woodland-camo sleep systems.
You should get a Wiggy's if you have the money.I've read good reviews of them.Military is not cheap.I did it if I was poor or had too many bills.I use a mummy bag as a large roomy bag.The larger bag is 5 degrees and the smaller is 25 degrees.I bought my wife a roomy rectangular bag and a women's sized mummy bag.Hers is not as warm as mine, but with a few tricks, she will be warm.I bought her bags at a discount store for $90.We don't have the gore-tex covers that are as durable.It is cheap to put a tarp or poncho above.I hope this is useful.
The comments bugman made were great.Wiggy's bags are pricey, but I love them.Thanks for the great ideas on how to keep warm.
Roll of Gore-tex fabric can be found at many Army/Navy stores for a good price.You can make your own bivy.
Is there a way to print an article that doesn't take up a lot of screen space?It's a pain to fill in the blanks when I print the article out, but I like to hand out articles.Great stuff,RangerRick.
Which browser are you using to print it?The articles can be printed in the browser with no issue.Text would be cut off with Internet Explorer.Selecting the "Print Preview" option will give you the option of changing the view percentage.Let me know if you still have problems.
I am in the armed forces and have an issue with it.It is good for what it is made for.Some of my friends use it as a camping bag.In a wide range of climates, the modular system works well.If you are a hot or cold sleeping, the temp ratig is close.In Afghanistan, in a tent with no heat, I used the whole system and my frog longjohns and was still a bit chilled, so I would worry about anything below 10 degrees.
The system is flexible.I would take my patrol bag and 3 day pack with me when I jumped from base to base.I had an aftermarket compression sack that I put at the bottom of my blackhawk bag.It works well for the military.
For the money, you could probably get something better.It is very heavy.
I live in the NW.I want to know if the stuff sack is enough to keep the bag dry.How is a waterproof bag used?Inside or outside the sack?
The sack that comes with the sleep system is not waterproof.You have some options.You can either purchase a waterproof stuff sack from a third-party vendor or do what I do and ensure that both sleeping bags are securely inside the Goretex bivy before putting it in the stuff sacks.Even though the stuff sack gets wet, the bivy will keep the two bags dry.
I have been in the military for a long time and used this bag during Cold Weather Mountain Training.I didn't feel warm in it.I lightly wrap my feet after taking my poncho liner.
I use the issued Polypro longjohns and a fresh set of socks to keep you warm, remember to hit the sack with dry clothing.
The ISO mat is another thing to remember.This will keep you off the ground and make you a little more comfortable.
What color is appropriate for desert use?Is it possible to have these in desert camo or coyote tan bivy?What is a good source?David, many thanks.
I would choose the ACU digital bivy for desert camo.There are no other options besides woodland camo and acu.
There is a large and a regular size.The large size is what you would need.The author should post the actual part number for both sizes here.Sandy.
The ratings on these bags are very generous.I have been very cold in these things.If you use this bag in that temperature, you may freeze your fourth point of contact off, but I am almost certain they must be rated for survivability.
I think you are correct that they are rated with the assumption that you will have the appropriate clothing for the climate.There will be errors given that is a relative variable.
Is the system compatible with the different year models?Is it possible to have the green patrol bag from the woodlands, then the urban intermediate from ACU, and then use either bivy color?Is the snap positions and specifications the same?
I have a complete woodland set with the ACU intermediate bag mixed in as a replacement for the black bag.
The black bag has a bib at the front neck area, which is the only difference between it and the improved bag.The ACU intermediate bag snaps in the same locations as the woodland Black bag.They both feel like they have the same thickness.
All items of the sets are interchangable because the snaps on the intermediate bag are in the same locations.If I needed the intermediate bag, I would choose the improved bag.I don't know if the Regular Length version has the snaps in the same place as the EX- Long version.
The abuse it can take has been proven with the military, so I would be happy with this one.Wiggy's bags are more expensive than others.
I put mine to the test last weekend.The tent has a wood stove.The temperature in the tent is about 40 degrees.I forgot my sleeping mat.I used both bags.I got cold when I found anywhere I made contact with the cot.It was enough to wake me up several times a night.Trying to place aluminum foil between the cot and bivy to reflect some heat.The sleeping bag remained dry even though it had a lot of condensation on it.
It is great to hear of personal experiences with the bag.The lack of a sleeping mat will keep you from being warm due to the loft of the bags being compressed and no insulation between you and the cot.I am doing some experiments with a cold-weather hammock and am facing a similar issue due to the sleeping mat sliding around at night in the hammock leaving me cold and uncomfortable.
I need a compression stuff sack both vertical and horizontal because I have a Wiggy bag that was issued to me.The sack looks perfect, but can't tell if it will be big.I need to make it a little smaller to fit in my duffle because the issued bag is 11′′ by 20′′.The length will be fine, but I'm not sure it will hold up with only that bag in it.Information would be helpful.
The Wiggy bag may use the compression sack that comes with it.If it were possible, the standard issue sleep system would still compress more because the straps that you pull to compress it still have more slack to tighten, so a smaller bag should tighten up some more.There are no guys in your unit who would be willing to test out the compression sack with your Wiggy bag.
Unfortunately, no.When the border crossing into Serbia was torched in July, I was in Kosovo as a police advisor and we had to stay in tents for several nights.The stuff sack with the bags doesn't fit in my duffel bag very well.Someone is coming back a compression bag for me.This seems to be the ticket since most of them only compress height, not girth.Thanks for the information, I think I will try it.
If you only have your tidy whities and all the bags that are rated to -20, you will be free to use them.The system must be completed with the use of ECW long johns.If you are only going to wear scivies, you need to subtract 20 degrees from the lowest temp.Preferably use a sleeping mat.Take along a poncho liner.The air route, DUH.
Not all of the bags are rated at the temperature listed here.The ACU 5 piece is not good enough for -15 degree.I was in 14 degree weather over the weekend with my ECW, skivies, ACUs, and my cap and it was still cold.
It is possible that the difference you are seeing is due to the combination of the Army lab ratings and full issue ECW clothing.I assume you only had underwear?
Thanks for the review.The other sleeping system will be looked over by me.You talked about something.This military as well.Do you know what other bags Tennier makes?Great job!
The bag I used was the standard woodland camo bag.I found the bag very comfortable and long enough for me to easily sink my entire body into it.During the ice storm in Oklahoma, I had one of the best nights of my life sleeping on the ground.It felt like 20 minutes, but it lasted for 6 strait hours.I had to get out of my bag to see that everything was covered in ice.
If you can find a real military bag, you will be happy with its size, comfort, andDurability.
If you look at the label pictured, you will see that the instructions for each article are documented on it.I have been in the Army for 5 years and just spent a week in my barracks.Although they slide around on the plasticized mattresses we were on, my bag was very large with regard to room both in height and width.Since my bag has a different NSN than the one in the picture, I took the time to verify that my size is regular.
The military ratings can be lowered if you add the poncho liner to it.I slept like a baby when I used this system with liner on top of a Korean mountain in February.I didn't want to leave my bed in the morning.
X-long NSN # 8465-01-452-1688 has a camo green patrol bag and a black intermediate bag.
I enjoy reading reviews.It was very helpful to learn new products.If anyone is still looking, we have the 4pc Modular Sleep Systems.
I don't know if the bags are made right or left handed.
What weights are used for individual components?The Interwebs give different estimates of weight for all four components and shipping weights for the individual components.My old ArmyMSS was not fifteen pounds.
I will try to get the individual component weight for you.
The Nsn number is 8465-01-591-9571, can you tell me what it means?
Bivy is not waterproof.I woke up with a half inch of water inside after a rain shower.To waterproof, we used thick trashbags for contractors and threw it in the trashbag.Wrap a tarp around the whole thing if you are camping without a tent.
Put your sleeping bag in a trash bag and put it inside a compression sack.
I haven't slept using a poncho liner in 40 years.I am hoping to do snow camping in my old age.I don't need a bivy sack because I use a tent.Do you know what the system's temperature rating is without the bivy sack?
I got my mss from a surplus store.I put a tent floorsealer on it in hopes that it will make it waterproof, as mine was not 100% water proof.It was 17 degrees when I used it, but I had to shed a layer as I was hot.I use a self inflating air mat between the bivy bag and intermediate.You can feel the water in your sleeping bag if you put it in the hot water.I have a bag that is the same weight as the mss.
Thanks for the review!I was wondering if anyone could answer a question for me.Is it possible to sleep on the ground with these bags, or do I need a sleeping pad?I know that the outer sack is made from water proof materials and the bags are designed to work in very low temperatures, but I can't find any information on whetter or how to use them.When there are a lot of water on the ground, I think of -25-40 conditions.Any information would be greatly appreciated.
You need a sleeping pad.The bivy does not prevent body heat from being lost due to the ground being hot.
I bought a bag and have been testing it inside of a cold RV for the last couple of nights.I look forward to using it this spring and summer because it kept me warm.
There is a question about storage.Should it be stored in the stuff sack or in a closet?Is folding the gore tex bivy okay?Should it be rolled up as well?
If possible, I would hang it.You can pack it up before you use it.There were no issues with the folding bivy.It is not going to damage it if it has not been sitting in the sun getting damaged by UV rays.
After 4 years leading the troop, I recently stepped down as scoutmaster.The bags were given to the troop through surplus property.
I have a personal experience with cold weather camping.First of all, I don't like it!If one makes you freeze when it's 70, I'm cold blooded.).
I used a cot all the time.After laughing her head off at me, one of our adults said, "Goldie, what freezes first...a bridge or a road?"I am a bit dense.
I have to ask, why would you sleep in a hammock in the winter?I don't understand it.
The boys like the bags and they sweat in them.Not me!What kind of long johns do you get now that you are in the military?The ones have the world ones.
Hello!I need some help with this off topic.Is it difficult to set up your own website?I can figure things out pretty quickly.I don't know where to start when it comes to setting up my own.Do you have any suggestions?Many thanks.
Hey!That question is off topic.Do you know how to make your website mobile friendly?My blog looks weird when I look at it on my phone.I am trying to find a theme that can fix this problem.Please let us know if you have any recommendations.
I fit nicely in the genuine military sleep system bags.I hope this helps.
You can't beat this system for money.I got the bags off of Amazon for $50.00.They are heavy and bulky and will keep you warm.The two are about 10 lbs.My FF Swift is 2 lbs heavier and keeps me warm at 20 degrees F.The Swift is well cared for, but is not machine washed.
The system cannot be matched by any commercial bag company.It pays for itself even if it only lasts one season.It will last forever because of the way it is built.
TheMSS is in new condition at Uncle Smas Retail Outlet.At times.Individual parts are also sold by them.
Uncle Sams Retail Outlet has the components for sale at decent prices and will even sell the entire systems for about $100.
Would you hike the AT with the military?What is the issue system?What would you suggest for such a long trip?Thanks.
What hammock do you have?My sleep system is my biggest concern as I am about to do an A.T hike from GA to ME.There is a lot of information regarding equipment.I will be hitting the worst terrain when I go from south to north.I was homeless in Maine and got the mil.sleep system.It was amazing.It would have been stolen if it got stolen.Whatever.The war never ends.I want a system that will suit me in all conditions when I set out on this adventure.There are so many brands nowadays that I am having trouble deciding, but the mil. system served me well.Maybe both.I don't know.Any suggestions?Both weight and $ are concerns.Thank you.
I have a hinesy.hammocks are tough in cooler temperatures.You can attach an insulative layer on the outside of the hammock if you choose to get a 4 season hammock.
Since the insulation gets compressed on the hammock, the cool air sucks your body heat away, even with the sleep system.You have created a nice thermal break with the external thermal layer.An emergency blanket should be placed between your bag and the hammock bottom when sleeping inside.It helps a lot.
I got out of the military 10 months ago, and have been using my sleep system in the field.Your ability to produce body heat is more important than your sleep system's.These ratings are meaningless if you can't produce that heat.It's important that you go in warm weather.If all you put into it is cold, you will get out of it.I went in cold and spent miserable nights in the full system.Sometimes I was able to warm up by a fire then enter the bag and sleep peacefully the rest of the night.The components work well together.It is convenient to be able tofasten the openings of 3 bags so that you only have to close one.If it is cold, you can close multiple zippers to stop the air leak.Put the sleeping pad inside your sleep system between the bivy cover and the cold weather bag if you find that you are sliding off of it.The piece of equipment is the bivy cover.I have slept through windstorms, rainstorms and snow storms without getting wet.I have never had issues with bugs inside, but they could get in through the hood if they wanted to.The flap that goes over the face keeps the rain off while allowing breathing room inside, and it is very easy to open and close.It will ice up when it's cold, like a tent.The amount of ice the bivy cover keeps off you is greater than that.If you have the ACU system, the stuff sack can be used to hold your boots and clothes.If you want to, you can sleep in your clothes.You won't have to change clothes in the cold, and it will help in colder climates.It's possible to use a poncho liner inside the sleep system for a little more warmth.Use the tan undergarments from the Gen III line to keep even warmer.I still wear these things.Combine those with a cap to keep your head warm and block light, and you are golden.The rest of the sleep system is too heavy and bulky for my purposes, so don't use it.If you do this, you don't need to worry about anything other than making sure your sleeping bag and bivy sack are on the same side.The best place to put the bivy sack is at the bottom of the stuff sack.Good luck if the sleep system is inside the bivy sack.
I believe the army issue I have is M-1949 Olive green down sleeping bags.They are rated very high.Someone wanted to know if Mountain meant extreme or intermediate.I'm looking for the answer to this question.Thanks.
Two of these were purchased from guys in the service.The old camo is mine.I had an experience that I hadn't before, but I absolutely love them.
On the camp out, I was in a field.The temperature was in the 70s during the day, but dropped to the 40s at night.It was wet between the sleeping bag and the bivy when I woke up the next morning.The outside of the bivy was wet.I wasn't expecting it to be wet on the inside.Is this the case for anyone else?Can the gortex go bad?The sleep system is almost new to the naked eye.Anyone?
Is the x-long version not wider?I don't know much about the x-long versions.
During 28 degree night, I used all three parts and a poncho liner, but was a bit chilled.Changed out the poncho liner for a GI wool blanket and it was warm.
The best advice for staying warm in a sleeping bag is to improve the system you use between your bag and the ground.
You are bound to get cold if you sleep in a sleeping bag with multiple layers of clothes, it is connected to the cold damp grass.Old fashioned air mattresses are not a good idea.
A car emergency foil blanket between your sleeping bag and the ground for $1 will help to raise your comfort level.
The military issue bivy sack is outstanding.I slept in my hammock in the mountains of New Mexico with a tarp covering it to keep the rain out.When I woke up the next morning, there was at least four inches of water in my hammock, because the rain blew in near my feet.I slept in a pool of cold mountain rain water because the bivy kept every drop of water off my bag.Buy that drink.
I own a Wiggy's Superlight Zero Degree bag and two complete systems.The kits are carrying about 11 lbs.The Wiggys are both warm.There is a need for a patrol bag and bivy cover.I camped at altitude in New Mexico and used a thremometer to check the temperature.At 3AM the outside temp was 26 degrees.Inside my Wiggys backpacking it was over 80 degrees and I was sleeping on the ground with a blue walmart foam pad under me.
I use the black intermediate bag more than the Wiggys because it doesn't get that cold in Texas.
Walmart sells a bag that is very versatile.It is possible to use it in the summer for a lightweight and comfortable sleeping bag or a blanket for sleeping on the ground.It can be used to add warmth to an existing bag, and it comes with its own compression bag.I think I could fit this thing into a cargo pocket on my pants.
Buy cheap Minitab 17 at http://www.ddgoshop.com.
A boy scout had to quit due to transportation issues at the age of 14 but was a life scout in the army.There was a bad boy in the field at Fort Jackson when it was about 12 degrees outside.We weren't issued sleeping pads so I took a lot of pine needles to insulate me from the dirt.The other SMs complained about how cold they were using the bags and the bivy and sleeping in waffles and silks because they didn't know how to camp.I slept with the heavier bag, bivy and waffle bottoms as he was the best bag I have ever slept in.I would sweat my ass off if I used the heavy combo.
This is a good purchase if you are new to camp.I would not pay over 200 for a set.I would like a multi cam bivy for camping on private property or something like that.
The bag is what you wear into it according to many comments over the years.I feel like that is all bags.I like to sleep cooler than most.
If you give the NSN number to the PX, they will see if they can get it for you.
Scored an Alice large pack with the bivy bag, patrol bag and black bag for 15 US dollars at a garage sale.A new load bearing vest was found at the bottom of the Alice pack.To test.Back in 1991, it was a whole level above our issue bags.The sleep system was loaded into a large granite gear compression sack.Once mounted on the rear rack of my dirt bike, I will compress more.