As an older Marine (72), I am partial to Marine things. I use the USMC bivy because it keeps the bivy off your face. Also, it has the bug screen for nights you need ventilation. When not using the sleep system, I use the USMC poncho liner. It zips up on three sides.. That makes it much easier to get in and out of, either stand alone or while in the bivy. All of this is combined with a REAL military poncho. The poncho and the poncho liner fits snugly in a military butt pack. For added comfort we do use civilian air pads for insulation as well as comfort. My wife and I are both 72 and comfort is very important I have two set ups in each of our vehicles for me and my wife.
Gortex bivy bag and multi layered parachute material sleeping bag for summer in warm climate. You are spot on about the bivvy bag as get home shelter. Good detailed thinking and excellent presentation from you, as usual!
I have found that the GI Bivy Bag and a GI wool blanket covers me down to mid-30s. However, I also am not bothered by "rough wool" as some are. I usually keep a second rolled up to use as a pillow. Just what works for me, and fairly cheap.
I have the US Army 5 piece sleep system. 3 bags: Bivy, Patrol and Intermediate Cold. 2 compression sacks: 1 large, 1 small. Carry only what you need. I was a US Army Infantry Officer, commissioned 16May80. I love this sleep system. It's better than anything we had back then.
One small note. My Carinthia bivvy shelter(micro tent) is special goretex, breathing fabric too . But I agree 100perc, if you are using poncho shelter, use standard goretex bivvy together with poncho. If you will be in bad weather with wind solo poncho is simply not enough as shelter but together with bivvy it is more than enough.
Hey Boonie. Another great video as usual. I’ve used just the bivy bag and woobie during field exercises during warm weather in the Northern Hemisphere and jungle exercises in Panama and Honduras. Weight and mobility are key factors, when speed is of the essence. The military never really teaches you things like this, you kind of have to figure things out yourself, which is bad. Unless you have someone who has been down those roads before, assigned to your squad, platoon, or company. These kinds of things need to be taught in basic combat training, or even to people new to the hiking/camping, or survival scene. This is why it’s important to break down your gear from time to time to assess your gear and change things out for different weather conditions and situations, to replace pieces of gear with something that’s new or improved, or even a different type of mission in a different part of the country/world. Just like communication equipment. There are so many different types of radios, that people are biased towards, they don’t take the time to consider that there are people who have limited budgets or even limited incomes. This is why I’m glad I came across your videos. You at least take budgets into consideration. Thank you. 🫡
Thank you for posting this! Great insight! I remember the first few field problems I went on after I got to my duty station after basic. I had to Unlearn a lot! I was blessed to have excellent NCO's and Troopers that had been there a while. I also remember my meeting with our 1st Sergeant when I reported, he told me " first of all you need to forget all that bullshit they taught you in basic, pay attention to your sergeants and they'll set you straight." I am with you completely on comms and your statement on budget constraints! I really appreciate that you recognize I want to help the average Joe. There are hundreds of channels that cater to "The Pro's" with big budgets. Also, I'm no "expert" on anything. I know what I know and I share it. I appreciate you, and thanks again!
I always enjoy your videos. And this one’s no exception. I appreciate your letting people know that some readily available surplus equipment is actually superior to much of the high priced name brand gear. Case in point; the military sleep system gortex bivy bags. I was blessed enough to be able to affordability piece together a 3 piece system a couple years ago. I just stayed patient and watched the new postings on eBay. I think I paid just under $160 all together for a woodland camo bivy, a patrol bag and black intermediate bag; all in excellent condition. Last winter I used the bivy and black cold weather bag for an overnight in a hot tent (no stove). It was 27 degrees outside, 38 degrees in the tent and 65 degrees in my sleep system. I was loving it! Can’t say enough good things about that surplus equipment. I’m just very fortunate to have it. Thanks again for all you do to offer grounded, realistic, helpful advice. Very much appreciated!
Sportsmans guide has the UCP bivys on sale fairly regularly, picked up a couple of mine for about $55 new in package. Add a couple Rit dyes for another $10 and some elbow grease and its great for the price. I add a sleeping bag liner for 60°f+ and then a poncho liner for down to about 55-60° or swagman for about 50-55°. Below that I start using the Carinthia Tropen, then the Defence 4 (gets me down to around 0°f comfortably) and both for into the negatives. With all it starts to get a bit stuffy feeling inside the bivy especially for someone like me who sprawls in their sleep, but its still plenty warm.
This is a pretty comprehensive presentation on the topic of bivvy bag systems for bugging out/getting 'home.' MY head is spinning but I believe I have an answer from this video for making a workable system. If being actively sought in a hostile environment, I would be more inclined to hunker down until conditions allowed me to move on. Motion is a major giveaway. If on the run, I would not find myself defenseless but the weight and placement of ammunition would also affect my planning.
You keep showing everyone the great rit dye trick, youre gonna drive up demand on the old acu stuff brother.. (you got me to dig mine out of the back of my truck and dye it, turned out pretty good. More of a brown woodland type camo now)
I hope that a lot of folks that have the UCP gear (that rarely uses it due to the colors) see hope in it's usefulness when dyed. RIT has hundreds (if not thousands?) of color formulas on their website. So one could definitely find the best color for there environment. Brother, if want to add more good quality gear to you kit, DYED UCP is a great way to go! Have a very blessed day!
Fantastic instructional video John, really top notch! I am lucky enough to have the four part USGI system that I traded for with an aircraft refuelling Tech Sgt many years ago and serves me well. On a day hike I use the British Army bivvy bag with a Snugpak Jungle blanket rolled up with it. The Brit bag is lighter weight and has no zip but is a good improvised shelter in case things go sideways on a hike. Bivvy bags are massively under valued low profile virtually instant shelters that are great to combine with a poncho for a more regular shelter. Great to have you back brother, God bless you and yours! 🇬🇧🇺🇸🏴
Thank You and Awesome Comment! I picked up a Snugpak XL Jungle blanket last fall. I used it a good bit over the winter and really like it. I will definitely try it with the bivy bag. Thanks for the tip and your support!
I have this one. It keeps the wind off you, which will keep your warmth next to you. I've used mine with a fleece liner and Thermostat pad with great comfort. I also have a ultra-thin bag that packs down small enough to fit in my pocket but I need to be careful where I sleep. I always come back to my GI issue. I like the side-entry as well. If your sleep pad is inside the bivi, and is too wide, the top of the bivi will compress your down bag causing you to lose insulation.
Iv always used a bivy and a small tarp, It just works for me and something iv used since I was a kid, and iv used it in all 4 seasons in kentucky where I live. And most of all it can be set up super low and almost invisible quickly.
I have the 4 piece gi sleep system in woodland. For summer i keep the usmc poncho liner that has a zipper to go in the bivy in my pack. For winter i add the patrol bag and can zip up the pouncho liner zipped up into a double layer to put between the top of the patrol bag in between it and the bivy for extra insulation. I have not tested it yet but that should provide a good bit of extra warmth. I'm in East Texas so I'm not likely to see temps near zero degrees often. I have switched to the newer USMC bivy because i can zip it all the way up and keep it the scorpions and ticks at night.
I got the patrol and intermediate bag in compression sack $40. Then, I found woodland bivy for $20. All on FB market place, all in new condition. I'm happy.
Amazing Score!!! I don't have FB so I use eBay and with patience I have found some great gear at very good prices. But when you see that great deal and the dealer has a great rating, you gotta jump on it if you can because the deal be there long. IMHO the only way you could have gotten a better deal is it someone gave it to you. Awesome!
That all would still be fairly compact if I were to use my Medium MOLLE Ruck. If the hammock was a rapid deploy with built in bug net it would still afford quick set-up and tear down.
I added gypsy snaps to a woobie and have been able to make the bivy slightly warmer without going overboard. The next time I do it, I will add some thicker canvas squares on both sides of the woobie to attach the snaps to. The gypsy snaps help a the woobie to not move around, just like the gypsy snaps on the intermediate and patrol bags. The gypsy snaps on the woobie will connect to the poncho also.
I HAVE HE SAME BIVVY AND USE A LINER IN HE SUMMER MONTHS AND ADD A OVERSIZED SLEEPING FOR COOLER AND COLD WEATHER . i DON'T LIKE THE NEWER ONES . BECAUSE I'M A BIG GUY , I FIND THAT THIS WAS MY ONLY CHOICE . i SLEPT I THIS BIVVY ON MY WAY HOME AFTER MY CAR BROKE DOWN 40 MILES FROM HOME FOR 2 NIGHTS . COLDEST NIGHT WAS AROUND 42* . REALLY LIKED THIS VIDEO ! 😁😁😁I'M GLAD SOMEBODY FINALY SAID IT , THE MILLITARY PONCHO IS CRAP . IN THE RAIN YES THROUGH THE BUSH , NOT A CHANCE . 😡😡😡
Thank You! I am grateful for you sharing your real life experience with the Bivy in a "Get Home" situation! I know it's only my opinion, but I always share it as honestly as I can. I'm thankful you appreciate that.
All it takes is a couple pin holes to let the water in and if it's against you clothing, the fabric wicks the rain in through the holes. We had rain suits (Gumby Suits) but we never wore them in the field. They made too much noise and they were hot.
You might want to check out SOL's Escape heat reflective, breathable, wind and water resistant bivy, 5.5 oz, $35. Provides about a 15 deg F warmth. They have another Escape bivy but with zipper and toe box, costs and weighs more..
Are all the ucp and woodland camo bivy's goretex? I was sold a 'brand new' woodland camo bivy that was made by Wiggy's. It had taped seams that are deteriorating and no typical tag you would see on usgi items. The seller said it was military issue and I didn't know enough or look at it close enough when I bought it.
Could be a Chinese rip-off one. And Sue doesn't sound new to me. But all the USGI bivy bags I'm aware of are Gore-tex. Beware because I mail ordered and immediately returned it to the seller a "Surplus" 🙄 complete MSS because it was obviously made in Chi-na.
It's a patch I design years ago. I designed several Christian Moral patches as a business attempt. It failed. Here's a video about them. th-cam.com/video/epBwYehb1wY/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Boonedockery
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As an older Marine (72), I am partial to Marine things. I use the USMC bivy because it keeps the bivy off your face. Also, it has the bug screen for nights you need ventilation. When not using the sleep system, I use the USMC poncho liner. It zips up on three sides.. That makes it much easier to get in and out of, either stand alone or while in the bivy. All of this is combined with a REAL military poncho. The poncho and the poncho liner fits snugly in a military butt pack. For added comfort we do use civilian air pads for insulation as well as comfort. My wife and I are both 72 and comfort is very important I have two set ups in each of our vehicles for me and my wife.
I need to pick up a USMC Bivy! Thanks for sharing this!
Gortex bivy bag and multi layered parachute material sleeping bag for summer in warm climate. You are spot on about the bivvy bag as get home shelter. Good detailed thinking and excellent presentation from you, as usual!
Thank you! Much appreciated!
I have found that the GI Bivy Bag and a GI wool blanket covers me down to mid-30s. However, I also am not bothered by "rough wool" as some are. I usually keep a second rolled up to use as a pillow. Just what works for me, and fairly cheap.
Awesome! That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing, Wool Is Da Bomb!
I have the US Army 5 piece sleep system. 3 bags: Bivy, Patrol and Intermediate Cold. 2 compression sacks: 1 large, 1 small. Carry only what you need. I was a US Army Infantry Officer, commissioned 16May80. I love this sleep system. It's better than anything we had back then.
I agree! It is head and shoulders above the canvas and down sleeping bags issued to us in the early 80's!
Goretex bivy is a really good option. I keep a jungle blanket in my pack at all times too.
One small note. My Carinthia bivvy shelter(micro tent) is special goretex, breathing fabric too . But I agree 100perc, if you are using poncho shelter, use standard goretex bivvy together with poncho. If you will be in bad weather with wind solo poncho is simply not enough as shelter but together with bivvy it is more than enough.
👍👍👍👍👍
Hey Boonie. Another great video as usual. I’ve used just the bivy bag and woobie during field exercises during warm weather in the Northern Hemisphere and jungle exercises in Panama and Honduras. Weight and mobility are key factors, when speed is of the essence. The military never really teaches you things like this, you kind of have to figure things out yourself, which is bad. Unless you have someone who has been down those roads before, assigned to your squad, platoon, or company. These kinds of things need to be taught in basic combat training, or even to people new to the hiking/camping, or survival scene. This is why it’s important to break down your gear from time to time to assess your gear and change things out for different weather conditions and situations, to replace pieces of gear with something that’s new or improved, or even a different type of mission in a different part of the country/world. Just like communication equipment. There are so many different types of radios, that people are biased towards, they don’t take the time to consider that there are people who have limited budgets or even limited incomes. This is why I’m glad I came across your videos. You at least take budgets into consideration. Thank you. 🫡
Thank you for posting this! Great insight! I remember the first few field problems I went on after I got to my duty station after basic. I had to Unlearn a lot! I was blessed to have excellent NCO's and Troopers that had been there a while. I also remember my meeting with our 1st Sergeant when I reported, he told me " first of all you need to forget all that bullshit they taught you in basic, pay attention to your sergeants and they'll set you straight."
I am with you completely on comms and your statement on budget constraints! I really appreciate that you recognize I want to help the average Joe. There are hundreds of channels that cater to "The Pro's" with big budgets. Also, I'm no "expert" on anything. I know what I know and I share it. I appreciate you, and thanks again!
Another great vid John. You really got the wheels turning with this concept. Thanks
Thank you Very Much!
Great info brother.
Thank You! I'm glad you think so!
I always enjoy your videos. And this one’s no exception. I appreciate your letting people know that some readily available surplus equipment is actually superior to much of the high priced name brand gear. Case in point; the military sleep system gortex bivy bags.
I was blessed enough to be able to affordability piece together a 3 piece system a couple years ago. I just stayed patient and watched the new postings on eBay. I think I paid just under $160 all together for a woodland camo bivy, a patrol bag and black intermediate bag; all in excellent condition. Last winter I used the bivy and black cold weather bag for an overnight in a hot tent (no stove). It was 27 degrees outside, 38 degrees in the tent and 65 degrees in my sleep system. I was loving it! Can’t say enough good things about that surplus equipment. I’m just very fortunate to have it.
Thanks again for all you do to offer grounded, realistic, helpful advice. Very much appreciated!
Your Very Welcome AND Thank You! If I can't keep things real, I'll just stop doing it.
Sportsmans guide has the UCP bivys on sale fairly regularly, picked up a couple of mine for about $55 new in package. Add a couple Rit dyes for another $10 and some elbow grease and its great for the price.
I add a sleeping bag liner for 60°f+ and then a poncho liner for down to about 55-60° or swagman for about 50-55°. Below that I start using the Carinthia Tropen, then the Defence 4 (gets me down to around 0°f comfortably) and both for into the negatives. With all it starts to get a bit stuffy feeling inside the bivy especially for someone like me who sprawls in their sleep, but its still plenty warm.
Thanks for sharing this! I'd love to pick up a couple Carinthia bags!
This is a pretty comprehensive presentation on the topic of bivvy bag systems for bugging out/getting 'home.' MY head is spinning but I believe I have an answer from this video for making a workable system. If being actively sought in a hostile environment, I would be more inclined to hunker down until conditions allowed me to move on. Motion is a major giveaway. If on the run, I would not find myself defenseless but the weight and placement of ammunition would also affect my planning.
Excellent Point!
You keep showing everyone the great rit dye trick, youre gonna drive up demand on the old acu stuff brother.. (you got me to dig mine out of the back of my truck and dye it, turned out pretty good. More of a brown woodland type camo now)
I hope that a lot of folks that have the UCP gear (that rarely uses it due to the colors) see hope in it's usefulness when dyed. RIT has hundreds (if not thousands?) of color formulas on their website. So one could definitely find the best color for there environment. Brother, if want to add more good quality gear to you kit, DYED UCP is a great way to go! Have a very blessed day!
Fantastic instructional video John, really top notch! I am lucky enough to have the four part USGI system that I traded for with an aircraft refuelling Tech Sgt many years ago and serves me well. On a day hike I use the British Army bivvy bag with a Snugpak Jungle blanket rolled up with it. The Brit bag is lighter weight and has no zip but is a good improvised shelter in case things go sideways on a hike. Bivvy bags are massively under valued low profile virtually instant shelters that are great to combine with a poncho for a more regular shelter. Great to have you back brother, God bless you and yours! 🇬🇧🇺🇸🏴
Thank You and Awesome Comment! I picked up a Snugpak XL Jungle blanket last fall. I used it a good bit over the winter and really like it. I will definitely try it with the bivy bag. Thanks for the tip and your support!
Its a great system even for a guy 6' 2" and 265lbs.. I also love using my '49 down bag in it for Northern MI deer camp.
Down Is Amazing Insulation!!!
I have this one. It keeps the wind off you, which will keep your warmth next to you. I've used mine with a fleece liner and Thermostat pad with great comfort. I also have a ultra-thin bag that packs down small enough to fit in my pocket but I need to be careful where I sleep. I always come back to my GI issue. I like the side-entry as well. If your sleep pad is inside the bivi, and is too wide, the top of the bivi will compress your down bag causing you to lose insulation.
Awesome set-up! Thanks for sharing this! I've used fleece liners in the past and I think they warmer and feel better against the skin than woobies.
Love my mss sleep system.
So do I! As long as you have the right pack, it is a year round masterpiece of sleeping comfort!
Love my GI bivy bag.
I use a Walmart brand summer bag in it...
Get a good bug net!
Florida says, "Howdy!
Tell Florida Boonedockery Says Howdy Back! I lived in Florida for about 8 years when I was a kid!
@boonedockery7220
Yes, Sir'...
We gonna keep it warm for ya...
Iv always used a bivy and a small tarp, It just works for me and something iv used since I was a kid, and iv used it in all 4 seasons in kentucky where I live. And most of all it can be set up super low and almost invisible quickly.
Agreed completely! For regular camping (our kind of "regular" camping) that is an awesome stealthy set up! I've used it many times.
I have the 4 piece gi sleep system in woodland. For summer i keep the usmc poncho liner that has a zipper to go in the bivy in my pack. For winter i add the patrol bag and can zip up the pouncho liner zipped up into a double layer to put between the top of the patrol bag in between it and the bivy for extra insulation. I have not tested it yet but that should provide a good bit of extra warmth. I'm in East Texas so I'm not likely to see temps near zero degrees often. I have switched to the newer USMC bivy because i can zip it all the way up and keep it the scorpions and ticks at night.
Great Ideas! Another commenter mentioned the USMC Bivy and how much he liked the screen. I am goin to have to pick one up!
All fantastic choices, thanks
Thank You Brother!!!!
I got the patrol and intermediate bag in compression sack $40. Then, I found woodland bivy for $20. All on FB market place, all in new condition. I'm happy.
Amazing Score!!! I don't have FB so I use eBay and with patience I have found some great gear at very good prices. But when you see that great deal and the dealer has a great rating, you gotta jump on it if you can because the deal be there long. IMHO the only way you could have gotten a better deal is it someone gave it to you. Awesome!
@boonedockery7220 yes sir, I use ebay sometimes. Last ebay purchase was litefighter 1 brand new $200 bucks. I enjoy your content, keep it up.
Yes sir, I use ebay sometimes. My last ebay purchase was a litefighter 1 tent brand new 200 bucks.
I do this but with a bivvy, hammock, woobie, poncho, and bug net material
That all would still be fairly compact if I were to use my Medium MOLLE Ruck. If the hammock was a rapid deploy with built in bug net it would still afford quick set-up and tear down.
I added gypsy snaps to a woobie and have been able to make the bivy slightly warmer without going overboard. The next time I do it, I will add some thicker canvas squares on both sides of the woobie to attach the snaps to.
The gypsy snaps help a the woobie to not move around, just like the gypsy snaps on the intermediate and patrol bags.
The gypsy snaps on the woobie will connect to the poncho also.
Brilliant!!!!
Used the complete mss system in the late 80’s in negative temperatures and I was snug as a bug in a rug.
I HAVE HE SAME BIVVY AND USE A LINER IN HE SUMMER MONTHS AND ADD A OVERSIZED SLEEPING FOR COOLER AND COLD WEATHER . i DON'T LIKE THE NEWER ONES . BECAUSE I'M A BIG GUY , I FIND THAT THIS WAS MY ONLY CHOICE . i SLEPT I THIS BIVVY ON MY WAY HOME AFTER MY CAR BROKE DOWN 40 MILES FROM HOME FOR 2 NIGHTS . COLDEST NIGHT WAS AROUND 42* . REALLY LIKED THIS VIDEO ! 😁😁😁I'M GLAD SOMEBODY FINALY SAID IT , THE MILLITARY PONCHO IS CRAP . IN THE RAIN YES THROUGH THE BUSH , NOT A CHANCE . 😡😡😡
In my day the rain would seep through the poncho, but it as all we had. US Army Infantry O-3, 16May80
Thank You! I am grateful for you sharing your real life experience with the Bivy in a "Get Home" situation! I know it's only my opinion, but I always share it as honestly as I can. I'm thankful you appreciate that.
All it takes is a couple pin holes to let the water in and if it's against you clothing, the fabric wicks the rain in through the holes. We had rain suits (Gumby Suits) but we never wore them in the field. They made too much noise and they were hot.
You might want to check out SOL's Escape heat reflective, breathable, wind and water resistant bivy, 5.5 oz, $35. Provides about a 15 deg F warmth. They have another Escape bivy but with zipper and toe box, costs and weighs more..
Will Do! Thank You! I've had the one on the video for years, so I really haven't seen what else is available. Thanks again!
Bivi + hammock.
Check out the one wind bivy shelter. No poles and only weights 16 oz.
I Will Do So, Thanks For Bringing It To My Attention!
That reminds me a lot of my OneTigris Backwoods Bungalow. I really like the sloped peak of the one wind.
Are all the ucp and woodland camo bivy's goretex? I was sold a 'brand new' woodland camo bivy that was made by Wiggy's. It had taped seams that are deteriorating and no typical tag you would see on usgi items. The seller said it was military issue and I didn't know enough or look at it close enough when I bought it.
Could be a Chinese rip-off one. And Sue doesn't sound new to me.
But all the USGI bivy bags I'm aware of are Gore-tex.
Beware because I mail ordered and immediately returned it to the seller a "Surplus" 🙄 complete MSS because it was obviously made in Chi-na.
No NSN # means no go.
I agree with the other replies.
@@nomadmarauder-dw9re watchey for fakeies Yankee.
Whats that patch on your hat? (Funny the stuff people notice and comment on huh?)
It's a patch I design years ago. I designed several Christian Moral patches as a business attempt. It failed. Here's a video about them. th-cam.com/video/epBwYehb1wY/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Boonedockery
Can the Goretex UCP bag be dyed?
Yes! th-cam.com/channels/dKykdGGZDhU_hZhG7nxzKg.htmlcommunity?lb=UgkxLCm4ZyJX2l5JPhN-ZAoB3rB26VIWMGQn
if u paid more than 30 for just the mss outter u got ripped
Well, I Got Ripped Times Two! I personally feel I got my money's worth, ripped or not....