Tips to help you get the most out of your USGI Modular Sleep System. Tips and tricks apply to both the ACU Digital Camo 5 Part Modular Sleep System and the Woodland Camo MSS.
Great system, super durable but for civilian use I would say there are better options. The technology is just old so the system weighs a ton. The green patrol bag is supposed to go down to 32F, but even wearing my entire ACU, insulated boots, level 3 fleece, and goretex tops and bottoms, I'm only barely comfortable at 40F. Granted we don't usually use the sleeping pad but still
The sleep system uses your body heat to keep you warm so the best way to use it is completely naked and put your uniform at the bottom so it’s nice and warm in the morning
Can I ask what yall would suggest for civilian use? I'm thinking of using a snugpack ionosphere and lightweight small packing bag and pad, granted I'm in Wisconsin and plan on doing more winter trips in the coming years.
I bring plastic bags from the shoppette or any store so that when my boots get muddy i can stick them in the bags and stick those into my sleep system to keep them warm for the morning without getting my stuff sack or sleep system dirty. It also does a good job of keeping bugs out of my boots as well.
Good report. Try inverting the storage bag if you plan to stick muddy boots, etc inside. Then, you don’t dirty up your sleep system when it goes back inside. Really like your arched insert to keep bivvy fabric off your face.
Excellent video, thank you. Just picked up a mint system for $95. Back when I was in all we were issued were the extreme cold weather bags. They were ok but had their limitations..
That was a Fun video, best bang for your buck, I've slept in mine comfortably with a piece of reflectix as a sleep pad in -35 C with 40 kmh winds in a snow storm.
I think you really know your stuff, very impressed with this video! I have an MSS bivy like yours, really like it for cold temps and wet conditions in Ontario, Canada. Looking forward to more videos!
TIP/TRICK = I wear Buff Headgear around my neck/head/face before crawling into my sleeping bag which is inside the Gore-Tex Bivy. Buy keeping my head, brain & neck @98.6º, my body will continue to circulate warm blood to my extremities. I've read all the replies to date & added my comment to several. HOT HANDS for hands or feet goes a long way to keeping those extremities comfy warm anytime, anyplace. I only have the outer Gore-Tex bivy. I put my Eddie Bauer Kara Korum Mummy Down Filled sleeping bag inside to keep it dry. I have & use the Military Thermarest mattress to keep me insulated from the cold ground. I've used this equipment inside tarp & tent shelters. Any & all sleeping bags will keep the person inside warmer & drier their inside a Military Gore-Tex bivy. I've "subscribed" & rang the notification bell.
I got a good one and I coated it right away with gortex spray but the bag is so good that the spray just beaded all over. Hand to wipe many hand into the puddles to smear it all over. Best piece of kit ever
If you want to make a acu bag actually camoflaged I recommend eather spray painting a small amount of od green on the bivy or making a 4th layer that's hunting bind camo material doing this allows you to stelth camp on a budget or just get rid of the annoying acu color
If you get down to your silkies, you’ll be surprised how much warmer you are. The bag is able to insulate way more of your body heat with is the real secret to a sleeping bag.
Great Tips and review. Just got Back from a camping trip. First time I really got test my system. I was impressed. I used the Green Patrol and the Black intermediate bags together without the bivy while sleeping inside my USMC Combat 2 man tent. I think at night it got down to the 40's and I was snug and warm in my pajamas and socks. Awsome system. Only small Cons for me is its more restrictive tham my Coleman Big Basin Bag. But not terrible. MMSS is more of a mummy bag. Also I noticed that the velcro that secures the zippers will snag the material on the bags. Especially when you put the bags in the Washer. I guess you just have to be careful and kerp the velro fastened prevent snags. Wondering if you or others have noticed the same problem with snags. Other than that I love the system. I'm 5ft 9inches 250+ and I feel lenght wise the bag is about perfect for me. I think taller people may find it a little short or need to bend their knees some inside. I'm a bigger guy but once inside and situated I dont feel to constricted or clostriphobic. Also for extra warmth I'll throw my Military "Woobie" blanket inside also. Mine is Woodland Camo and seemed to be in new/unused condition $109 Shipped on Ebay
maybe a stupid question... how well does the mss or uca bivy cover work with other bags? Im thinking of picking up a kelty tuck -20 bag and fitting the bivy cover over it.
Gortex will leak after a while in the rain. Eventually it absorbs water I used to have a gortex jacket that would eventually get soaked even when treated with a repellent. Water would bead up at first but after several hours in the rain would start getting damp. I used fleece liners or field jacket liners but they would start getting damp to. Gortex dries fast. I never sleeper out in the rain in the Gortex bivy was always in a truck cab or in a tent, or on a GI cot with poncho spread out over the top. Can't go wrong with the poncho. And wear polypropylene long johns in extreme cold.
I've slept through a shitload of heavy downpours in one of these bicycle touring in the middle of nowhere. Bought it in new condition, not used, and it never once leaked a drop or got damp. I wake up with puddles between my legs too sometimes, and yet completely dry while others are miserable from soaked tents they had to set up in the rain lol. I am going to use a simple small lean-to tarp because the rain is a bit loud hitting it through the night. If goretex does leak, there's a certain spray treatment you're supposed to use on it, forgot the name of it, but it's easy to find. The only real issue with this bivy is it needs a bug net mod (there's videos showing them on here).
I've worn Gore-tex jackets & pants & boots for years. Only the boots eventually started leaking & I'm assuming that is because the gore-tex seams split open from all the walking/flexing of the leather. I've NEVER had a Gore-Tex jacket absorb water. Gore-Tex as a membrane to keep water out is the absolute BEST membrane, to date, that is currently being manufactured & sold.
I use All free and clear in a new kitchen waste container and hang it outside for a few hours and then put it in the dryer on fluff with no heat for a short time
So I got one of these from my Dad, and wanted to take it backpacking. On the intermediate cold bag it says it can go down to zero, is that by itself, or is that in combo with the other two?
fill a nalgene bottle with hot water and throw that in the bottom of the bag, it will help keep your toes nice and toasty. Might as well throw that pee bottle in the bottom on the bag too!(definitely ganna keep the pee bottle in mind) (just don't go and accidentally drink from it)
For backpacking purposes and you know the conditions are say 40F and clear skies, would you recommend just using the intermediate bag to reduce weight?
Nice video, can you clarify what you meant by reviving the gortex? I always thought that once it start to leak, you have to patch or seam seal that section. Otherwise, you're going to have a leaky bivy. Thx!
@@funbobtime ahhh, I understand now. Thank you for letting me know that bit of information. I appreciate you taking time to respond. Keep on having fun in the outdoors!
I will hold for years of use and abuse withoit loosing the waterproofing. I used mine travelling around the US for years when I was homeless after I got out of the military, I didnt have that pro lem at all and I beat the crap out of it.
They aren't made together but just throw the pancho liner in and cover up with it and breath, once you breath under a pancho liner you'll be super hot bery soon. Thats what we did in the military, we never used the pancho liner with the pancho.
And cities and Rocky mountains and snowy environments.which well the camo it's called ucp not acu,referring to universal camouflage pattern,which it's actually pretty universal as long as you are not using it in a woodland environment or transitional environment which is also exactly what ocp does for environment in Afghanistan.it would've been great if the army decided to use ocp and ocp for different deployment soldiers like the Marine corp does. However it's not a bad camouflage
I only get wet with them. Paramedics like them for 20mins to get a patient warm then it’s a normal blanket. But if you’ve made one work I would love to see that video. Happy new year
Yup Ive used mine up here (Michigan Upper Peninsula) In the Extreme 20s..good thermals and a decent ground pad insulation..But everyone sleeps different.
For those who want to get some use out of the old ACUs/DRMO'd ACU's for whatever purpose, dye the UCP (ACU jacket, trousers, headgear/cover) with Apple Green Rit brand dye with vinegar and non-iodine table salt. It gives it a more green appearance. There are videos of the process on TH-cam.
Great system, super durable but for civilian use I would say there are better options. The technology is just old so the system weighs a ton.
The green patrol bag is supposed to go down to 32F, but even wearing my entire ACU, insulated boots, level 3 fleece, and goretex tops and bottoms, I'm only barely comfortable at 40F. Granted we don't usually use the sleeping pad but still
The sleep system uses your body heat to keep you warm so the best way to use it is completely naked and put your uniform at the bottom so it’s nice and warm in the morning
Can I ask what yall would suggest for civilian use? I'm thinking of using a snugpack ionosphere and lightweight small packing bag and pad, granted I'm in Wisconsin and plan on doing more winter trips in the coming years.
32°F is the survivability rating not the comfort rating.
Pack a Woobie with the bag
I bring plastic bags from the shoppette or any store so that when my boots get muddy i can stick them in the bags and stick those into my sleep system to keep them warm for the morning without getting my stuff sack or sleep system dirty. It also does a good job of keeping bugs out of my boots as well.
Good report. Try inverting the storage bag if you plan to stick muddy boots, etc inside. Then, you don’t dirty up your sleep system when it goes back inside.
Really like your arched insert to keep bivvy fabric off your face.
Had the same thought
Excellent video, thank you.
Just picked up a mint system for $95.
Back when I was in all we were issued were the extreme cold weather bags. They were ok but had their limitations..
Tested mine in the feild -5 Fahrenheit snow winter campout got used works great
That was a Fun video, best bang for your buck, I've slept in mine comfortably with a piece of reflectix as a sleep pad in -35 C with 40 kmh winds in a snow storm.
The entire system? Or did you use a personal sleeping bag? That's pretty damn cold
did you use the reflectix inside or out of the bivy?
My son is in the army (12) years now. The acu bags are known to leak. He went thru 3 before he got one that was good.
Outstanding video. This is absolutely the Best Review of the MSS. Thank you for all of the tips and advice. Much appreciated.
I think you really know your stuff, very impressed with this video! I have an MSS bivy like yours, really like it for cold temps and wet conditions in Ontario, Canada. Looking forward to more videos!
*Boot liners* are the best investment you can make in staying warm in the field
TIP/TRICK = I wear Buff Headgear around my neck/head/face before crawling into my sleeping bag which is inside the Gore-Tex Bivy. Buy keeping my head, brain & neck @98.6º, my body will continue to circulate warm blood to my extremities.
I've read all the replies to date & added my comment to several. HOT HANDS for hands or feet goes a long way to keeping those extremities comfy warm anytime, anyplace. I only have the outer Gore-Tex bivy. I put my Eddie Bauer Kara Korum Mummy Down Filled sleeping bag inside to keep it dry. I have & use the Military Thermarest mattress to keep me insulated from the cold ground. I've used this equipment inside tarp & tent shelters. Any & all sleeping bags will keep the person inside warmer & drier their inside a Military Gore-Tex bivy. I've "subscribed" & rang the notification bell.
Sound advise. I have the woodland camo.
I got a good one and I coated it right away with gortex spray but the bag is so good that the spray just beaded all over. Hand to wipe many hand into the puddles to smear it all over. Best piece of kit ever
If you want to make a acu bag actually camoflaged I recommend eather spray painting a small amount of od green on the bivy or making a 4th layer that's hunting bind camo material doing this allows you to stelth camp on a budget or just get rid of the annoying acu color
If you get down to your silkies, you’ll be surprised how much warmer you are. The bag is able to insulate way more of your body heat with is the real secret to a sleeping bag.
Correct
Great Tips and review. Just got Back from a camping trip. First time I really got test my system. I was impressed. I used the Green Patrol and the Black intermediate bags together without the bivy while sleeping inside my USMC Combat 2 man tent. I think at night it got down to the 40's and I was snug and warm in my pajamas and socks. Awsome system. Only small Cons for me is its more restrictive tham my Coleman Big Basin Bag. But not terrible. MMSS is more of a mummy bag. Also I noticed that the velcro that secures the zippers will snag the material on the bags. Especially when you put the bags in the Washer. I guess you just have to be careful and kerp the velro fastened prevent snags. Wondering if you or others have noticed the same problem with snags. Other than that I love the system. I'm 5ft 9inches 250+ and I feel lenght wise the bag is about perfect for me. I think taller people may find it a little short or need to bend their knees some inside. I'm a bigger guy but once inside and situated I dont feel to constricted or clostriphobic. Also for extra warmth I'll throw my Military "Woobie" blanket inside also. Mine is Woodland Camo and seemed to be in new/unused condition $109 Shipped on Ebay
I was wondering when you were going to actually use a sample MSS for the vid. I didn't see it until you pointed it out
Thank you so much for this. Very informative.
Great vid
Good to see an up to date review on these Sleep Sytems.I own the Digital Cam set up.keep them coming.i subscribed🌲
Important is ! That everything is like outside, totally waterproof !!!
Mylar blanket for the wind. It is light and will reflect heat back to you.
I have one love it! Just wish I could get it with a left hand zipper. Nice review!
Just flip it over.
Put hand warmers in it . They well keep you warm on cold nights .
Thanks, Captain Obvious. Bob literally says that around 12:10.
What is that plastic peice you used?
maybe a stupid question... how well does the mss or uca bivy cover work with other bags? Im thinking of picking up a kelty tuck -20 bag and fitting the bivy cover over it.
it's bomb proof and lighter than a light 3 season tent. plus it's a survival shelter. fir the price. it can't be beat.
Gortex will leak after a while in the rain.
Eventually it absorbs water
I used to have a gortex jacket that would eventually get soaked even when treated with a repellent.
Water would bead up at first but after several hours in the rain would start getting damp. I used fleece liners or field jacket liners but they would start getting damp to.
Gortex dries fast.
I never sleeper out in the rain in the Gortex bivy was always in a truck cab or in a tent, or on a GI cot with poncho spread out over the top.
Can't go wrong with the poncho.
And wear polypropylene long johns in extreme cold.
I've slept through a shitload of heavy downpours in one of these bicycle touring in the middle of nowhere. Bought it in new condition, not used, and it never once leaked a drop or got damp. I wake up with puddles between my legs too sometimes, and yet completely dry while others are miserable from soaked tents they had to set up in the rain lol. I am going to use a simple small lean-to tarp because the rain is a bit loud hitting it through the night. If goretex does leak, there's a certain spray treatment you're supposed to use on it, forgot the name of it, but it's easy to find. The only real issue with this bivy is it needs a bug net mod (there's videos showing them on here).
I've worn Gore-tex jackets & pants & boots for years. Only the boots eventually started leaking & I'm assuming that is because the gore-tex seams split open from all the walking/flexing of the leather. I've NEVER had a Gore-Tex jacket absorb water. Gore-Tex as a membrane to keep water out is the absolute BEST membrane, to date, that is currently being manufactured & sold.
Yea the "waffles" are pretty nice
I just got one today for 50 bucks mint condition nice system
I use All free and clear in a new kitchen waste container and hang it outside for a few hours and then put it in the dryer on fluff with no heat for a short time
If the tape on the seems comes off use a heat gun to put it back. I've done and it works well.
I love my mmss... has saved my ass on some COOOOOOLD nights!!
Very good, Thank you very much
Good one! Thanks man!
They do make an extra long version for taller people.
yes but hard to find
3:55 though 😂😂😂
what size in packed condition?
So I got one of these from my Dad, and wanted to take it backpacking. On the intermediate cold bag it says it can go down to zero, is that by itself, or is that in combo with the other two?
fill a nalgene bottle with hot water and throw that in the bottom of the bag, it will help keep your toes nice and toasty. Might as well throw that pee bottle in the bottom on the bag too!(definitely ganna keep the pee bottle in mind) (just don't go and accidentally drink from it)
Army Navy store near me (Upstate NY) = ~ $180
don't store it compressed? so just keep it in a big loose pile?
Thank you! I'm an idiot: I reversed the patrol and intermediate bags. No wonder the buttons never lined up!
Use a woobie for extra protection in very cold weather
Btw the acu pattern works well for turkeys and deer hunting too lol !
The plastic insert you use to 'elevate' the inside of the bivy: where did get that piece? Length?
For backpacking purposes and you know the conditions are say 40F and clear skies, would you recommend just using the intermediate bag to reduce weight?
I strongly believe is not call ACU if I’m not mistaking is call UPC
FunBob just a question can I use the two insets of the ACU on my woodland camo bibi cover ? By that I mean will it work well ?
I just back from a field exercise and it was 26 degrees. I used my entire sleep system and everyone out there froze their feet. It was terrible
Thank you for the useful tips!
The best way to find out what you really need is just get out and do.
Do these come in variable sizes? If so what is the largest size?
They make an XL for taller people, but those are harder to find
i dont even see the bag.... unbelievable.
Nice video, can you clarify what you meant by reviving the gortex? I always thought that once it start to leak, you have to patch or seam seal that section. Otherwise, you're going to have a leaky bivy. Thx!
@@funbobtime ahhh, I understand now. Thank you for letting me know that bit of information. I appreciate you taking time to respond. Keep on having fun in the outdoors!
I have some goretex pants they started leaking in the crotch... So I can 'reseal' them? Hum cool... Link?
I will hold for years of use and abuse withoit loosing the waterproofing. I used mine travelling around the US for years when I was homeless after I got out of the military, I didnt have that pro lem at all and I beat the crap out of it.
Funny comment in the video about the amazing camo.
Hi! How to use poncho liner with this IMSS system?
They aren't made together but just throw the pancho liner in and cover up with it and breath, once you breath under a pancho liner you'll be super hot bery soon. Thats what we did in the military, we never used the pancho liner with the pancho.
Putin loves UCP camo.
xcool friend !!! 1 A
I always sleep in tents tarps and hammocks with tarps....ditch the bivy and add a poncho liner
I beg to differ I think the ACU Camo sucks, it only works in rock quarries.
And cities and Rocky mountains and snowy environments.which well the camo it's called ucp not acu,referring to universal camouflage pattern,which it's actually pretty universal as long as you are not using it in a woodland environment or transitional environment which is also exactly what ocp does for environment in Afghanistan.it would've been great if the army decided to use ocp and ocp for different deployment soldiers like the Marine corp does.
However it's not a bad camouflage
@Duffelbag Drag But according to pictures and footages, they worked just fine
all good except the foil blanket, they are trash and will just make you wet in your bag
I only get wet with them. Paramedics like them for 20mins to get a patient warm then it’s a normal blanket. But if you’ve made one work I would love to see that video. Happy new year
Negative 20? I don't think so
Depends on the person just like he said. I hammock camp with this in the winter in Colorado.
Yup
Ive used mine up here (Michigan Upper Peninsula) In the Extreme 20s..good thermals and a decent ground pad insulation..But everyone sleeps different.
They say -40
I am retired Army I own one but I am looking for another
I supposedly just got a brand new one from AKmax. Hope that helps
All the worst camo ever comments 🤣🤣🤣 98% all sleep in a tent anyway, that camo sure comes in handy in that tent!
@@funbobtime 🤣🤣🤣 we call ‘‘em sidewalk spitters!
i can see it that camo is crap
62000 people are a little smarter …
Worst camo ever!
True! ACU sucks. But you can dirty it up and it'll look a little better
For those who want to get some use out of the old ACUs/DRMO'd ACU's for whatever purpose, dye the UCP (ACU jacket, trousers, headgear/cover) with Apple Green Rit brand dye with vinegar and non-iodine table salt. It gives it a more green appearance. There are videos of the process on TH-cam.