nice set up thanks for sharing I can not hike these days I have to take my truck so I take a cot I'm helping my grandkids make a cabin that we use to camp out I do appreciate you for taking your time to share with us I enjoy watching
Great video and very useful information. Thanks! One thought I'm toying with at the moment is the addition of some Velcro on the sleeping bag and bivvy bag to help keep the hoods of each aligned. Maybe I'm a restless sleeper but I always seem to manage to get myself and the 2 hoods tangled. Any feedback on that idea?
+John Masters That sounds like a damn fine plan! I guess as long as the velcro is glued to the bivvy bag as opposed to being seen to it, that would work really well. Let me know how you get on with it. Thanks again for viewing and commenting 👍
Have seen somewhere else the reccomendation to make a couple of thin lines of ordinary silicone on a tent floor to keep sleeping pads in place. This might also work for this
I've just been putting together different setups this year as upto now I've always used tents. I now have both a hammock setup and bivvy. I will definitely try this idea of all in one as I like the idea of out the bag and roll out. Thank for the video.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful, thank you Doug👍 If you aren't yet a subscriber it would be great if you'd consider hitting that sub button 😀
Very good. I only use interior bags for small items that I don't want to have scattered all over the pack. The "stuff sack" for my bivy and sleeping bag is the pack itself or a separate bag hung on top or underneath the pack. My sleep system is also preassembled. I am also a US Army veteran and have acquired the habit of quickly deploying as well as packing up my kit. I think that Military training and experience is a definite asset for hiking/bushcrafting/camping. Thank you very much
Hi Thomas and thanks for checking out this video and commenting. It sounds like we have some very similar experiences and practices. I've discovered through my channel that many ex-military people all adopt very similar skills and processes, even if they weren't serving in the same National army.
Hi Mark Kilkenny and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it 👍
Great video. I like your ideas about sleep systems. I’ve been using the patrol bag (I’ve got the complete ECWS system) with changes similar to the ones you mentioned. The Gortex bivouac bag was much heavier (about 1.2 kilo) than a similar bivouac bag I bought (about 0.4 kilo) but I will use the military issue bivouac bag in the winter. I’ve also put a space blanket in the bivouac bag with the heavy sleeping bag on cold nights. One thing I’ve done differently is to use just a sleeping bag liner and bivouac bag on warm nights but I live in the southern US which might see warmer nights in summer than you experience. Keep up the good work.
Hi Views and Reviews and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. On some (rare) occasions it's also been warm enough to sleep in just the liner here in the UK, although not as often as the times I've spent sleeping in the Middle East/Africa in the past - now that was a lightweight sleeping system! ;-) Don't forget to sub if you'd like to see more from my channel.👍
The Bushcraft Padawan thank you for responding. My comments were meant to be suggestions. I feel you might’ve had more experience than I’ve had sleeping outdoors (a few years have past since I was in the military lol). Press on.
Hey Craig. Thanks for the video. Working my way through your videos. Like the sleep system. Can I ask what are the trousers you were wearing in this video? Cheers.
Can you please post a link to that drybag? Does it act as a compression bag? (as in, does it have a valve that lets air our and doesn't let air in?) Thanks.
Nice set up and I was wondering if a fleece liner would work just as well as the silk one I can get the fleece one easier than the silk one also what is the temp rating on the bivy bag and all three of the sleeping bags that you use and good idea with the sleep mattress what kind is it and is it military surplus or something else and how thick is it when inflated?
Hi Robert Miller and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm sure a fleece liner would work as well, i just prefer the lightweight nature of the silk liner as well as I believe that silk has some natural antibacterial properties (I could be getting that wrong!). There is no temp rating on the bivvy bag and I don't recall the temp ratings off the top of my head I'm afraid of my sleeping bags. As for the Thermarest mat, I have done a detailed review on it elsewhere on my channel, just search for 'thermarest'.
They're a good investment although tbh most of the time I just sleep in clean dry socks with powdered feet..I hope you manage to find a pair for yourself.
...great video Craig. It is amazing how much Soldiers all around the world think the same way and use similar adaptations. I really like your system. Thanks.
Hi Jeff, it's good to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well? I guess a shared sense of purpose, hardship and constraints forces us to adopt very similar mindsets 😉 Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment it's really appreciated.
i really like your tips ie booties, ear plugs, pee bottle. i have always avoided the idea of bag liners because i turn over a lot in my sleep and dont like the thought of being constricted by the liner.
Thanks for watching and commenting it's really appreciated. I must admit that when I'm at home I toss and turn, however when I'm 'on the deck' I seem to do so a lot less. I hope you enjoy the rest of my channel, please don't forget to subscribe if you do 😁👍.
Great video. I do a lot of similar things. I’m all about expedient setup and tear down (especially since I’m the last up in the morning and I have to eat breakfast and drink coffee before I’ll tear down). Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback, I also like to make the most of my sleeping bag time too! Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
Good video, just putting together my basha kit (ex army) for the first time in 14 years ready to wild camp as a spot of recce work prior to taking the kids out in surplus kit as it's reliable, cheap low vis, and if they change there minds I won't have blown a packet as I want them to develop a sense of adventure! Just scored a new British army Modular sleep system so I'll be giving that a whirl, what are your thoughts on it? Not sure I could lag in a bottle in my doss bag though - too much to go wrong for me there! And where's your issue love sock? 🤣🤣🤣
Hi Matt, thanks for dropping by, watching and commenting it's really appreciated. I left the Army way before the latest modular sleeping bag was issued, so I've got no first hand experience of it tbh, sorry! I handed the issue love sock back to the QMs as I was being demobbed 💦😉
@@TheBushcraftPadawan same here, I tried the system in freezing conditions the other day and it was too warm (-32°c rated) so I'll drop to just the medium weight bag and keep the inner (summer) bag for just that. Give it a go if you get a chance - £35 brand new! British army lightweight Modular sleep system.
Thanks Luke/Emma I appreciate you watching and commenting. I'm interested to hear what aspects of your own sleeping system you're considering re-thinking...? I hope you find my other videos useful too.
I do exactly the same thing but don't stuff my sleeping mat between the bivybag and sleepingbag as this gives me some trouble when sleeping. Speed matterrs to me, I don't want to be going through the hassle of putting all the stuff in separate compression sacks when it's raining. Gives you more time to enjoy that first hot brew . Good video mate
Rude Hi there! Sorry for taking so long to reply, your kind view and comment slipped me by - apologies! I'm all for maximising 'brew time' 😉! Don't forget to hit that subscribe button.
Hi Craig and thank you for taking the time to watch you comment it's really appreciated. My trousers are Fjallraven Vidda Pro. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel.
i use to pack my sleep system but im trying to use the compression sack as i have got rid of my issue bergan and now have a Berghaus-Military-Vulcan-Size-2 which as a separate area for my sleeping kit which im still trying to get the hang of using
Robin Killingsworth Hi Robin, my 'civvy mountaineering' pack is also Berghaus which has the separate section at the bottom. I quite like the idea and find it useful on the rare occasion I use that Bergen.
I use a very similar system but more budget friendly, British army goretex bivvy bag, cheap blow up pad, british army arctic bag, stuffed into a cheap orange survival bag, still playing with sleeping mats not found a perfect one yet though, will try the eyepad and ear plugs next time I'm out, good video as always Craig
Hi there and thank you for the feedback on this video. The boots I'm wearing had previously been issued to me when I was in the Army. They have long since fallen apart since recording this video. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
Steve Mc Dermott Hi Steve and thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. I'm pleased to hear that you found the video useful, let me know how you get on.
Thanks Craig. Some good tips in there. I already do the sleeping bag straight into the rucksack thing, which I reckon uses the space most effectively. I've now got a few more tricks to add to that - so thanks!
I'd never thought of keeping my mattress in with my sleeping bag & bivi bag for instance; also I really liked your ideas around the bits n pieces you keep in that little secret pocket in your sleeping bag. Great to have things so close to hand. Keeping the liner in there as a 'just in case' item is a good idea I thought; I agree they are useful but can be a bit of a faff & a bit twisty in use, but definitely good for a temperature boost. I've seen the "P" bottle thing before but have never dared to try it!
Kenneth Herrick Thanks Kenneth, I appreciate you watching and commenting. I've used a pee bottle for years, as long as you're very careful, it works well. If you haven't got a steady hand though it can be a disaster.... 😉 I'm still working on what to do if you need a crap though...
my kids are advancing through Scouts making the move from bumper camping with aged heavy kit to hike in kit. It's time to start updating the kit in steps. I have 2 kids and me so making the transition overnight is out of the question. thanks for the tips and hacks.
You're very welcome, I'm glad to hear that my channel is proving to be of use to you and of course your kids. Please do consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
After action report... 3 assembled sleep systems. 1. Three season mummy bags in compression socks from Amazon warehouse $25 usd +/- each 2. Sleeping mats $8 each 3. Fleece blankets as liners $6 each 4. HD Emergency blankets/shelter orange one side reflective other clearance $5 each. 5. Future update amazon $12 sleeping bag liners About $140 for all (before updating) Setting "sleeping on the ice" after a indoor hockey game on the stadium floor covered by a 1 inch hollow plastic shell so about refrigerator cold air but 25°f one inch below. Set up reflective side down then mat with reflective folded over facing up (reflecting cold down, mat, reflecting heat up) then bag and liner and thermal pajamas. Myself and two preteens slept warm. My son made the mistake of cacooning himself and having exhaled vapor settling on the bottom of his system, lesson learned.
An excellent discussion on your sleep system. I’m glad I subbed you. I don’t have any winter camping experience, although I have put two of my summer sleeping bags inside each other to extend my camping into the late spring and early autumn. I just bought a four-season tent and a cold weather sleeping bag from Amazon. When I saw your orange bivy it reminded me of the orange bivy that I’m thinking of using. It’s the SOL escape bivy. I’m hoping it will do the trick.Thanks again for this video!
Muskrat Jim Hi Jim and many thanks for taking the time to watch this video and comment on it. The reasons I use an orange bivvy bag (as opposed to more often seen olive green / camo) is that already owned it (so it didn't cost me anything!) and I'm mindful that as I'm often out in the woods on my own, it's probably a good idea to have some incredibly Hi-Viz material should I ever need to attract somebody's attention.
Using the bivvy bag to stop the air mattress moving is really great idea (I too move around alot) and next time I see a sale on I'll look for one. Question, I'm starting to try out hammock camping I was wondering if this would be a decent alternative to an underquilt for the moment. I'm still trying to find a UQ that's got a good temperature range for Scottish weather that's in my price range.
On the surface it certainly appears that an inflatable mat would be a viable option. However, if you search around on my channel, you'll see that I also attempted to use my Thermarest in a hammock and had less than an optimal night's sleep! 🤣😉
Hi Steve, I bought the sleeping bag in about 1994, before I even recall Snugpak being a 'name' as such - we always used to refer to them as 'Softies'. Will you be giving the packing tip a try for yourself?
I hear what you are saying . I'm pretty sure of my ways and skills till I watch Far north Bushcraft and Lonnie shows me that I us my fork and spoon wrong lol (love that guy!) I learn something new every time. Thank you for your video as well.
Hi Jack and thanks for your kind feedback, it's really appreciated. I too am a big fan of Lonnie from Far North Bushcraft and Survival, I've learnt a great deal from his channel.
I put a piece of tyvek under my bivvy bag to help keep it clean and add a touch of protection against mat punctures. Because the tyvek is so light, it's no bother to me to use a double size sheet folded in half. Between these layers, I've sandwiched a mylar space blanket. Works well, tbh, and could probably be used as a supershelter type thing in an emergency. Not that emergencies have ever happened to me in the UK lol
Hi tom byfield and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and provide your own take on this subject, it's really appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
The bottle has been a god-send to me over the years, especially when I was serving in the Army..... let's not go into details about what happens if it's a different call of nature though ;-)
Like I said working my way through your back catalogue. Love the 'P' on the pee bottle. Still using my old issued OD bivvi bag. My wife says, ' throw it out and buy something new'. Do you ever use the softie jacket and trousers as a sleep system? Cheers Sel
Hi Sel and thanks as always for dropping buying and commenting. I'm a big believer in "if it ain't broke then don't fix it" - if the old Olive Drab bivvy bag is still working for you - why replace it! 😀 By the time the Softie jacket was being introduced into service I'd already purchased my own decent kit using Buffalo kit, so I never really experimented with the Softie to be honest.
Love the video... from an old school army background, I relate to exactly what you are doing. Can I suggest one thing, check out the modular sleeping system that we are using in the Army now, gives you a lot of options and is basically a copy of the US modular system (which is superb). Interesting to hear what you think of your blow up bed now? Good idea sticking it inside. I personally like the simplicity and weight of a normal NATO rollmat (i however do add a lightweight silver space blanket layer, which they use in insulation).
Hi Paul, thanks for watching I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I was vaguely aware that the Army had switched it's sleeping system to something more modular but haven't taken the time to dig into it any further. I did a review video (link below) on the Thermarest mat after a few years of use, I hope you find it useful. th-cam.com/video/yOdbHFnwLWQ/w-d-xo.html
My DIY heat reflective 5.7 ounce sleeping bag is added to my 40 deg. F quilt for temps. down to 25 deg. F It packs down to 1.75 in X 3 in X 7.5 in. Additionally, I have my DIY heat reflective clothing including my anorak, leggings, fingerless gloves, mittens, socks and overpants - added if necessary. Both my anorak and over-pants weigh a mere 6.15 ounces and pack ultra small. My pair of zippered leggings weigh a mere 1.1 ounce.
Prepper Del Cheers Del. I know that for most wild campers / bushcrafters there's probably no need to worry about getting bugged out and crash packing, but I thought it might be useful for some people out there. I appreciate you viewing and taking the time to comment - stay safe.
Hi there and thank you for taking the time to watch my video and comment. I did try to add links when I originally published the video, however most of my kit is so old/I'm so ancient that most of it just isn't in production anymore 👴👍
Hi welshboyoo7 thanks for your feedback on my video, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Please consider subbing to my channel if you'd like to see more from my channel
Definatly a squaddie way of packing (feet still in the Bergen for extra warmth and quick to pack as its already 1/3rd in and comfort with the cut down foam mat 🙄) how I did mine in the 90s and still do today I also keep a warm dry set of clothes in the bag to change at night . Has lots of advantages I also think it actually packs better as there is no wasted space and will always compress as you put more kit in . But fills the main compartment and makes it stable when less kit is in especially as my side pouches carry relativity heaver kit
Hi Darren Fraser and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm not sure about my Bergen weight tbh Darren, what I do know is that it's nowhere near as heavy as it used to be 'back in the day' 😉
One addition you may want to consider for cold nights is a watch cap, also called a toque, a toboggan, a stocking cap or a chullo. Ray Mears website has the best I have found it's merino wool and new zealand possum fur. Silky soft like angora and warm as a hug from a child. It can really make quite a difference. I actually slept in mine the day after I received it in the mail. It was 15F no sleeping bag a thermorest pad a alpaca wool blanket wool clothing of various types and I slept like a babe in its mother's arms. The next night I used my -10F sleeping bag less clothes but same cap and slept even better. Even though it was -15F that night. Just a thought. I like your sleep system. I haven't used a bivy since I was in the USMC. I hate mummy bags (personal bugaboo). I make a sort if cowboy bedroll with a tarp instead.
Hi there and thanks for watching. Apologies for my delay in replying, I recall reading your comment but clearly failed to reply - sorry. I do indeed carry a warm hat in the colder months but it's kept in my coat pocket/on my head, so I didn't really consider it a stand-alone piece of my sleeping kit. You raise a very good point though so thank you for sharing it and your experience with others. 👍
They certainly could be. I personally don't like sleeping in socks, whereas the bivvy boots are quite loose fitting so I prefer them as an alternative. Thanks for watching and commenting it's really appreciated, don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel.
@@TheBushcraftPadawan I saw a currently serving soldier with the rank of ‘Captain’ say he also uses and recommends bivy boots too so your in good company 🤷🏻♂️👍🏻
interesting video, I use a british army bivi goretex mummy type and a british army three season mummy bag, I don't use compression sacks either, after watching your video I may get a silk liner if I can find one cheaply as I am on a very tight budget
I meant to ask this in my original comment... when you opened your dry-bag, you pulled out a couple of small items before pulling out your sleep system. I saw you put them back in as you were closing your bag afterwards. I’m curious as to what they were.
Hi Jim, well done on spotting those! One of those small dry bags contains my spare socks and foot powder and the other one contains a dry set of base-layers i.e. long sleeve thermal top and long-johns, should it be cold enough to require me to sleep in them. Depending on the time of year that 2nd dry bag may also include a very lightweight fleece and perhaps spare hat and gloves.
i have done the the pee in the bottle years ago and its a great idea for cold weather , just push the bottle between your feet....warm feet. sounds bad but in very cold temps you do what you have to do. ear plugs do another job, they keep insects out of your ears while you sleep. the silk bag liner...in the army one guy wore silk nickers and long silk stockings "no one laughed he WAS a hard bastard" he knew lice and ticks could not live in silk and Salisbury plains do have them. and the Scottish highlands are full of them. hence the buddy system. peace pall.
Very nice system For me space is a premium, so I take the slower way of individual packing my bag, bivi and liner in compression sacks need to try out the p bottle :)
Hi Neeman Callender and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers!
In winter with my Defence 4 Sleeping Bag I use a Softy Thermal Reversible Jacket and Trousers, with Dutch Army Bivi Boots and Hood. Very Snug in a Dutch Hooped Bivi.
Guess I went to the same school as you as thats how I pack for ground dwelling, however, I have 2 key differences, I prefer the issued closed cell mat, its what I used whilst serving and its never let me down. I prefer it to an inflatable mat as it cant be punctured and they weight isnt that much different. and I keep my mat on the outside of my bivvy bag, so far ive never rolled off, probably due to sheer luck more than anything else, but my rational is the mat cost approx £15 and my bivvy bag is approx £60, the mat protects my bivvy from punctures. The second major difference is I dont use a pee bottle. whilst i can see the advantages, with my luck I'd end up swamped. I much prefer hammocking these days, I use the DD Frontline hammock and the old model snugpack underquilt, very toasty, I still strap my roll mat to my bag incase my hammock fails, i can ground dwell in minutes. Funny storey which explains why I keep my sleeping system inside my bivvy bag, many moons ago whist serving we were on patrol and ended up doing a river crossing (only chest deep so we waided through), on the other side one of the lads couldnt walk, his bergen was way to heavy, turned out his sleeping bag soaked up half the river and must have weighed about 23 stones. Needless to say I learnt from his mistake that day. Thanks for sharing all the best BFP
Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave such a detailed comment on my video, it's really appreciated. Thank you also for sharing the rationale and logic behind your own sleeping system setup. If you'd like to see more from my channel in the future then please consider subscribing.
William Coleman Hi Will, I'm glad you liked the video and I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Please don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more 👍
and for those that use a stuff sack ... tie it to the draw-cord on your sleeping bag ... and never untie it, - stuff from the foot end and everything works - and you'll never loose the stuff sack again!
Good stuff even if I can't imagine ear plugs for myself (I've had girlfriends wear them). Are there no dangerous animals in Britain? I wanna know if some wolves are sniffing around... So that I can prep my pee bottle, if nothing else.
The Bushcraft Padawan Humans are the most dangerous animals about anywhere, I imagine. Still, where I am in southern Arizona, we have bears, cougars wolves (if I'm East) wild horses, open range cattle and such. Even an elk could ruin your night. And I just want to know what's around me.
LOL, "donkeys years" is a term used in some parts of the UK to suggest "a veeeery long time" - I have no idea where the term originates from to be honest, it's weird isn't it?
The fire had died down but the full moon lit our camp. There you were.. purple silk liner, booties and a pee cup you must have got up to empty...that frozen momment! My life will never be my own!!!
David Klein LOL, I like the picture you've painted 😉. I don't have a bladder the size of a space-hopper, so the pee bottle is big enough to wait until morning to be emptied.
2 sleeping bag to bulky i had old bag then just cut the upper piece off made it 1 piece but i own sewing machine then not that bic problem make something made the ( snugpak artic mat )
I appriciate to be honest how you use a sleeping bag and still consider it bushcraft...ive gotten so much hatred for using a tent amd bringing water jugs
You raise a good point Javier, the inclusion of any form of artificial material/equipment could easily be considered "going against" the ethos of Bushcraft.
nice set up thanks for sharing I can not hike these days I have to take my truck so I take a cot I'm helping my grandkids make a cabin that we use to camp out I do appreciate you for taking your time to share with us I enjoy watching
Thank you Sir. Those are just what I was looking for. Something a bit less warm than my down booties. Take care and good travels.
No probs
Again some little helpful hints! Thx 4 sharing!
You're very welcome Armin, I'm glad you found it useful.
Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
@@TheBushcraftPadawan already done since a long time 😊
Great video and very useful information. Thanks! One thought I'm toying with at the moment is the addition of some Velcro on the sleeping bag and bivvy bag to help keep the hoods of each aligned. Maybe I'm a restless sleeper but I always seem to manage to get myself and the 2 hoods tangled. Any feedback on that idea?
+John Masters That sounds like a damn fine plan! I guess as long as the velcro is glued to the bivvy bag as opposed to being seen to it, that would work really well. Let me know how you get on with it.
Thanks again for viewing and commenting 👍
Have seen somewhere else the reccomendation to make a couple of thin lines of ordinary silicone on a tent floor to keep sleeping pads in place. This might also work for this
I've just been putting together different setups this year as upto now I've always used tents. I now have both a hammock setup and bivvy. I will definitely try this idea of all in one as I like the idea of out the bag and roll out.
Thank for the video.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful, thank you Doug👍
If you aren't yet a subscriber it would be great if you'd consider hitting that sub button 😀
Very good. I only use interior bags for small items that I don't want to have scattered all over the pack. The "stuff sack" for my bivy and sleeping bag is the pack itself or a separate bag hung on top or underneath the pack. My sleep system is also preassembled. I am also a US Army veteran and have acquired the habit of quickly deploying as well as packing up my kit. I think that Military training and experience is a definite asset for hiking/bushcrafting/camping. Thank you very much
Hi Thomas and thanks for checking out this video and commenting. It sounds like we have some very similar experiences and practices. I've discovered through my channel that many ex-military people all adopt very similar skills and processes, even if they weren't serving in the same National army.
Don’t know why I have never thought of stuffing my bag in my bivi so it’s ready to go.
Simple but a game changer.
Hi Mark Kilkenny and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it 👍
I've all ways looked at sleeping boots and discounted them getting older gonna try them cheers.
I've always found them a blessing in the colder months. Let me know if you decide to purchase a pair and how you get on with them.
Great video. I like your ideas about sleep systems. I’ve been using the patrol bag (I’ve got the complete ECWS system) with changes similar to the ones you mentioned. The Gortex bivouac bag was much heavier (about 1.2 kilo) than a similar bivouac bag I bought (about 0.4 kilo) but I will use the military issue bivouac bag in the winter. I’ve also put a space blanket in the bivouac bag with the heavy sleeping bag on cold nights. One thing I’ve done differently is to use just a sleeping bag liner and bivouac bag on warm nights but I live in the southern US which might see warmer nights in summer than you experience. Keep up the good work.
Hi Views and Reviews and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
On some (rare) occasions it's also been warm enough to sleep in just the liner here in the UK, although not as often as the times I've spent sleeping in the Middle East/Africa in the past - now that was a lightweight sleeping system! ;-)
Don't forget to sub if you'd like to see more from my channel.👍
The Bushcraft Padawan thank you for responding. My comments were meant to be suggestions. I feel you might’ve had more experience than I’ve had sleeping outdoors (a few years have past since I was in the military lol). Press on.
Views and Reviews All good suggestions and something I encourage folks to do in response to my videos, so thanks for adding your own suggestions.
Hey Craig. Thanks for the video. Working my way through your videos. Like the sleep system. Can I ask what are the trousers you were wearing in this video? Cheers.
Hi Russ, they're Fjallraven Vidda Pro trousers. Here's a review I did on them.
th-cam.com/video/50c2zQZKSTQ/w-d-xo.html
Can you please post a link to that drybag? Does it act as a compression bag? (as in, does it have a valve that lets air our and doesn't let air in?) Thanks.
Nice set up and I was wondering if a fleece liner would work just as well as the silk one I can get the fleece one easier than the silk one also what is the temp rating on the bivy bag and all three of the sleeping bags that you use and good idea with the sleep mattress what kind is it and is it military surplus or something else and how thick is it when inflated?
Hi Robert Miller and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
I'm sure a fleece liner would work as well, i just prefer the lightweight nature of the silk liner as well as I believe that silk has some natural antibacterial properties (I could be getting that wrong!).
There is no temp rating on the bivvy bag and I don't recall the temp ratings off the top of my head I'm afraid of my sleeping bags.
As for the Thermarest mat, I have done a detailed review on it elsewhere on my channel, just search for 'thermarest'.
Those bivvy boots look amazing, it's the cold feet that really get me and can't sleep from it. They gotta be worth investing in 👍
They're a good investment although tbh most of the time I just sleep in clean dry socks with powdered feet..I hope you manage to find a pair for yourself.
These are the kind of hacks that are the result of years of experience. Very nice!
+Ken Schafer .... and many nights early in my career of getting it wrong and going cold and wet!
...great video Craig. It is amazing how much Soldiers all around the world think the same way and use similar adaptations. I really like your system. Thanks.
Hi Jeff, it's good to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well? I guess a shared sense of purpose, hardship and constraints forces us to adopt very similar mindsets 😉
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment it's really appreciated.
i really like your tips ie booties, ear plugs, pee bottle. i have always avoided the idea of bag liners because i turn over a lot in my sleep and dont like the thought of being constricted by the liner.
Thanks for watching and commenting it's really appreciated. I must admit that when I'm at home I toss and turn, however when I'm 'on the deck' I seem to do so a lot less.
I hope you enjoy the rest of my channel, please don't forget to subscribe if you do 😁👍.
Great video. I do a lot of similar things. I’m all about expedient setup and tear down (especially since I’m the last up in the morning and I have to eat breakfast and drink coffee before I’ll tear down). Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback, I also like to make the most of my sleeping bag time too!
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@@TheBushcraftPadawan done sir! I thought I was subbed but i guess not. We’re all good now! Cheers!
Good video, just putting together my basha kit (ex army) for the first time in 14 years ready to wild camp as a spot of recce work prior to taking the kids out in surplus kit as it's reliable, cheap low vis, and if they change there minds I won't have blown a packet as I want them to develop a sense of adventure!
Just scored a new British army Modular sleep system so I'll be giving that a whirl, what are your thoughts on it?
Not sure I could lag in a bottle in my doss bag though - too much to go wrong for me there! And where's your issue love sock? 🤣🤣🤣
Hi Matt, thanks for dropping by, watching and commenting it's really appreciated.
I left the Army way before the latest modular sleeping bag was issued, so I've got no first hand experience of it tbh, sorry!
I handed the issue love sock back to the QMs as I was being demobbed 💦😉
@@TheBushcraftPadawan same here, I tried the system in freezing conditions the other day and it was too warm (-32°c rated) so I'll drop to just the medium weight bag and keep the inner (summer) bag for just that.
Give it a go if you get a chance - £35 brand new! British army lightweight Modular sleep system.
After watching this video I think I need to completely re-think my sleep system. Great video of to check some more of your videos ☺️
Thanks Luke/Emma I appreciate you watching and commenting. I'm interested to hear what aspects of your own sleeping system you're considering re-thinking...?
I hope you find my other videos useful too.
I do exactly the same thing but don't stuff my sleeping mat between the bivybag and sleepingbag as this gives me some trouble when sleeping. Speed matterrs to me, I don't want to be going through the hassle of putting all the stuff in separate compression sacks when it's raining. Gives you more time to enjoy that first hot brew . Good video mate
Rude Hi there! Sorry for taking so long to reply, your kind view and comment slipped me by - apologies! I'm all for maximising 'brew time' 😉! Don't forget to hit that subscribe button.
Great improvements to an overlooked area! Really helpful, Thanks !
You're very welcome Leo, thanks for your feedback it's really appreciated 👍
Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks I enjoyed the video. I was just wondering what brand you your trousers were?
Hi Craig and thank you for taking the time to watch you comment it's really appreciated. My trousers are Fjallraven Vidda Pro. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel.
i use to pack my sleep system but im trying to use the compression sack as i have got rid of my issue bergan and now have a Berghaus-Military-Vulcan-Size-2 which as a separate area for my sleeping kit which im still trying to get the hang of using
Robin Killingsworth Hi Robin, my 'civvy mountaineering' pack is also Berghaus which has the separate section at the bottom. I quite like the idea and find it useful on the rare occasion I use that Bergen.
I use a very similar system but more budget friendly, British army goretex bivvy bag, cheap blow up pad, british army arctic bag, stuffed into a cheap orange survival bag, still playing with sleeping mats not found a perfect one yet though, will try the eyepad and ear plugs next time I'm out, good video as always Craig
Hey Sean, if it works - it works! Thanks for sharing your own setup, much appreciated 👍
Good kit brother. Where did you get the high boots??
Hi there and thank you for the feedback on this video.
The boots I'm wearing had previously been issued to me when I was in the Army. They have long since fallen apart since recording this video.
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Some nice tips there I'm building my sleep system at the moment
Steve Mc Dermott Hi Steve and thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. I'm pleased to hear that you found the video useful, let me know how you get on.
Thanks Craig. Some good tips in there. I already do the sleeping bag straight into the rucksack thing, which I reckon uses the space most effectively. I've now got a few more tricks to add to that - so thanks!
Hi Dave, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Which specific tricks did you pick up from the video?
I'd never thought of keeping my mattress in with my sleeping bag & bivi bag for instance; also I really liked your ideas around the bits n pieces you keep in that little secret pocket in your sleeping bag. Great to have things so close to hand. Keeping the liner in there as a 'just in case' item is a good idea I thought; I agree they are useful but can be a bit of a faff & a bit twisty in use, but definitely good for a temperature boost. I've seen the "P" bottle thing before but have never dared to try it!
JeepsterDave You need a 'steady hand' 😉
Nice video mate. Good to keep the basics well practiced. Thanks for your service.
Cheers John, I appreciate the feedback and kind feedback.
That pee bottle is very smart. If anyone has ever gotten warm and then had to pee the last thing you wanna do is get out of your sleeping bag.
Kenneth Herrick Thanks Kenneth, I appreciate you watching and commenting. I've used a pee bottle for years, as long as you're very careful, it works well. If you haven't got a steady hand though it can be a disaster.... 😉
I'm still working on what to do if you need a crap though...
Jeff Smolder just be careful using it if your groggy mate!
I think the volume is a tad on the small side, for me at least. Age cometh not alone. McIntyre.
my kids are advancing through Scouts making the move from bumper camping with aged heavy kit to hike in kit. It's time to start updating the kit in steps. I have 2 kids and me so making the transition overnight is out of the question. thanks for the tips and hacks.
You're very welcome, I'm glad to hear that my channel is proving to be of use to you and of course your kids. Please do consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
+The Bushcraft Padawan
subscribed & hit the bell
@@patr10t762 Then you my friend, are a 🌟!
+The Bushcraft Padawan
check out my channel, maybe there is something you can glean.
After action report... 3 assembled sleep systems.
1. Three season mummy bags in compression socks from Amazon warehouse $25 usd +/- each
2. Sleeping mats $8 each
3. Fleece blankets as liners $6 each
4. HD Emergency blankets/shelter orange one side reflective other clearance $5 each.
5. Future update amazon $12 sleeping bag liners
About $140 for all (before updating)
Setting "sleeping on the ice" after a indoor hockey game on the stadium floor covered by a 1 inch hollow plastic shell so about refrigerator cold air but 25°f one inch below.
Set up reflective side down then mat with reflective folded over facing up (reflecting cold down, mat, reflecting heat up) then bag and liner and thermal pajamas.
Myself and two preteens slept warm.
My son made the mistake of cacooning himself and having exhaled vapor settling on the bottom of his system, lesson learned.
An excellent discussion on your sleep system. I’m glad I subbed you. I don’t have any winter camping experience, although I have put two of my summer sleeping bags inside each other to extend my camping into the late spring and early autumn. I just bought a four-season tent and a cold weather sleeping bag from Amazon. When I saw your orange bivy it reminded me of the orange bivy that I’m thinking of using. It’s the SOL escape bivy. I’m hoping it will do the trick.Thanks again for this video!
Muskrat Jim Hi Jim and many thanks for taking the time to watch this video and comment on it. The reasons I use an orange bivvy bag (as opposed to more often seen olive green / camo) is that already owned it (so it didn't cost me anything!) and I'm mindful that as I'm often out in the woods on my own, it's probably a good idea to have some incredibly Hi-Viz material should I ever need to attract somebody's attention.
Excellent reasoning.
Using the bivvy bag to stop the air mattress moving is really great idea (I too move around alot) and next time I see a sale on I'll look for one. Question, I'm starting to try out hammock camping I was wondering if this would be a decent alternative to an underquilt for the moment. I'm still trying to find a UQ that's got a good temperature range for Scottish weather that's in my price range.
On the surface it certainly appears that an inflatable mat would be a viable option. However, if you search around on my channel, you'll see that I also attempted to use my Thermarest in a hammock and had less than an optimal night's sleep! 🤣😉
Great video mate...not a lover of Snugpak myself...but love the quick deploy and packing tip
Hi Steve, I bought the sleeping bag in about 1994, before I even recall Snugpak being a 'name' as such - we always used to refer to them as 'Softies'. Will you be giving the packing tip a try for yourself?
I hear what you are saying . I'm pretty sure of my ways and skills till I watch Far north Bushcraft and Lonnie shows me that I us my fork and spoon wrong lol (love that guy!) I learn something new every time. Thank you for your video as well.
Hi Jack and thanks for your kind feedback, it's really appreciated. I too am a big fan of Lonnie from Far North Bushcraft and Survival, I've learnt a great deal from his channel.
I put a piece of tyvek under my bivvy bag to help keep it clean and add a touch of protection against mat punctures. Because the tyvek is so light, it's no bother to me to use a double size sheet folded in half. Between these layers, I've sandwiched a mylar space blanket. Works well, tbh, and could probably be used as a supershelter type thing in an emergency. Not that emergencies have ever happened to me in the UK lol
Hi tom byfield and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and provide your own take on this subject, it's really appreciated.
Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
Very good must look into getting a bivi bag good idea bout the bottle thanks.
The bottle has been a god-send to me over the years, especially when I was serving in the Army..... let's not go into details about what happens if it's a different call of nature though ;-)
Like I said working my way through your back catalogue. Love the 'P' on the pee bottle. Still using my old issued OD bivvi bag. My wife says, ' throw it out and buy something new'. Do you ever use the softie jacket and trousers as a sleep system? Cheers Sel
Hi Sel and thanks as always for dropping buying and commenting. I'm a big believer in "if it ain't broke then don't fix it" - if the old Olive Drab bivvy bag is still working for you - why replace it! 😀 By the time the Softie jacket was being introduced into service I'd already purchased my own decent kit using Buffalo kit, so I never really experimented with the Softie to be honest.
Love the video... from an old school army background, I relate to exactly what you are doing. Can I suggest one thing, check out the modular sleeping system that we are using in the Army now, gives you a lot of options and is basically a copy of the US modular system (which is superb).
Interesting to hear what you think of your blow up bed now? Good idea sticking it inside. I personally like the simplicity and weight of a normal NATO rollmat (i however do add a lightweight silver space blanket layer, which they use in insulation).
Hi Paul, thanks for watching I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I was vaguely aware that the Army had switched it's sleeping system to something more modular but haven't taken the time to dig into it any further.
I did a review video (link below) on the Thermarest mat after a few years of use, I hope you find it useful.
th-cam.com/video/yOdbHFnwLWQ/w-d-xo.html
My DIY heat reflective 5.7 ounce sleeping bag is added to my 40 deg. F quilt for temps. down to 25 deg. F It packs down to 1.75 in X 3 in X 7.5 in. Additionally, I have my DIY heat reflective clothing including my anorak, leggings, fingerless gloves, mittens, socks and overpants - added if necessary. Both my anorak and over-pants weigh a mere 6.15 ounces and pack ultra small. My pair of zippered leggings weigh a mere 1.1 ounce.
Thanks for sharing your own setup Stuart, much appreciated 🙏
Good video, Good Bergan and kit packing old school Army crash packing. I remember the drills well
ATB Del
Prepper Del Cheers Del. I know that for most wild campers / bushcrafters there's probably no need to worry about getting bugged out and crash packing, but I thought it might be useful for some people out there. I appreciate you viewing and taking the time to comment - stay safe.
Great stuff, man. I'd love to see some links to the gear you use in the description! Keep it up!
Hi there and thank you for taking the time to watch my video and comment. I did try to add links when I originally published the video, however most of my kit is so old/I'm so ancient that most of it just isn't in production anymore 👴👍
Good video, well presented, and right on the money. Can't fault the logic here as it's just how I organise mine 👍
Hi welshboyoo7 thanks for your feedback on my video, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Please consider subbing to my channel if you'd like to see more from my channel
Done. Now I have hours of video to watch.
@@welshboyoo715 keeps you out of mischief 😉
Definatly a squaddie way of packing (feet still in the Bergen for extra warmth and quick to pack as its already 1/3rd in and comfort with the cut down foam mat 🙄) how I did mine in the 90s and still do today I also keep a warm dry set of clothes in the bag to change at night . Has lots of advantages I also think it actually packs better as there is no wasted space and will always compress as you put more kit in . But fills the main compartment and makes it stable when less kit is in especially as my side pouches carry relativity heaver kit
Great video Craig, do you prefer the Bivi bag to a hammock set up?
Very good ideas. Thank you very much
You're very welcome Thomas, thanks for watching. Working your way through some of my older videos eh?
Hi Craig how much does your bergen and contents weigh?
Hi Darren Fraser and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
I'm not sure about my Bergen weight tbh Darren, what I do know is that it's nowhere near as heavy as it used to be 'back in the day' 😉
Great ideas for me to try, thanks so much.
You're very welcome Joe, I'm glad you found it useful. Please consider subscribing if you haven't already 👍
One addition you may want to consider for cold nights is a watch cap, also called a toque, a toboggan, a stocking cap or a chullo. Ray Mears website has the best I have found it's merino wool and new zealand possum fur. Silky
soft like angora and warm as a hug from a child. It can really make quite a difference. I actually slept in mine the day after I received it in the mail. It was 15F no sleeping bag a thermorest pad a alpaca wool blanket wool clothing of various types and I slept like a babe in its mother's arms. The next night I used my -10F sleeping bag less clothes but same cap and slept even better. Even though it was -15F that night. Just a thought. I like your sleep system. I haven't used a bivy since I was in the USMC. I hate mummy bags (personal bugaboo). I make a sort if cowboy bedroll with a tarp instead.
Hi there and thanks for watching. Apologies for my delay in replying, I recall reading your comment but clearly failed to reply - sorry.
I do indeed carry a warm hat in the colder months but it's kept in my coat pocket/on my head, so I didn't really consider it a stand-alone piece of my sleeping kit. You raise a very good point though so thank you for sharing it and your experience with others. 👍
Wouldn’t a pair of thick wool socks be more multipurpose than bivy boots?
They certainly could be. I personally don't like sleeping in socks, whereas the bivvy boots are quite loose fitting so I prefer them as an alternative.
Thanks for watching and commenting it's really appreciated, don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel.
@@TheBushcraftPadawan I saw a currently serving soldier with the rank of ‘Captain’ say he also uses and recommends bivy boots too so your in good company 🤷🏻♂️👍🏻
interesting video, I use a british army bivi goretex mummy type and a british army three season mummy bag, I don't use compression sacks either, after watching your video I may get a silk liner if I can find one cheaply as I am on a very tight budget
Hello again Sean, you're certainly steaming your way through my videos - thank you 😀
Thanks again Craig, gave me a few things to think about. (the pee bottle for example lol). Cheers
Paul Stephen Outdoors You're very welcome, thanks for watching. The pee bottle is a welcome addition now that the temperature has started to drop 😉
I meant to ask this in my original comment... when you opened your dry-bag, you pulled out a couple of small items before pulling out your sleep system. I saw you put them back in as you were closing your bag afterwards. I’m curious as to what they were.
Hi Jim, well done on spotting those! One of those small dry bags contains my spare socks and foot powder and the other one contains a dry set of base-layers i.e. long sleeve thermal top and long-johns, should it be cold enough to require me to sleep in them. Depending on the time of year that 2nd dry bag may also include a very lightweight fleece and perhaps spare hat and gloves.
Very good. Thank you.
Question. Is your bergen, short pack or long pack
Hi Darren, it's a long back. Thanks for watching 👍
i have done the the pee in the bottle years ago and its a great idea for cold weather , just push the bottle between your feet....warm feet. sounds bad but in very cold temps you do what you have to do.
ear plugs do another job, they keep insects out of your ears while you sleep.
the silk bag liner...in the army one guy wore silk nickers and long silk stockings "no one laughed he WAS a hard bastard"
he knew lice and ticks could not live in silk and Salisbury plains do have them. and the Scottish highlands are full of them.
hence the buddy system.
peace pall.
Very nice system
For me space is a premium, so I take the slower way of individual packing my bag, bivi and liner in compression sacks
need to try out the p bottle :)
Hi Neeman Callender and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers!
In winter with my Defence 4 Sleeping Bag I use a Softy Thermal Reversible Jacket and Trousers, with Dutch Army Bivi Boots and Hood. Very Snug in a Dutch Hooped Bivi.
Hi Alexander and thank you for sharing your own setup. Which part of the world are you from?
Good video chap. Good ideas.
+Paul Gibbs Thank you Paul, I appreciate you taking the time to view and comment - cheers!
I had my snug pak about a year before I found that pocket, lol!
+Terry C. Snyder I wonder how many other Snugpak users are using their bags in blissful ignorance of that pocket? 😉
Terry C. Snyder do you no is there one on the snugpak jara 2
Guess I went to the same school as you as thats how I pack for ground dwelling, however, I have 2 key differences, I prefer the issued closed cell mat, its what I used whilst serving and its never let me down. I prefer it to an inflatable mat as it cant be punctured and they weight isnt that much different. and I keep my mat on the outside of my bivvy bag, so far ive never rolled off, probably due to sheer luck more than anything else, but my rational is the mat cost approx £15 and my bivvy bag is approx £60, the mat protects my bivvy from punctures.
The second major difference is I dont use a pee bottle. whilst i can see the advantages, with my luck I'd end up swamped.
I much prefer hammocking these days, I use the DD Frontline hammock and the old model snugpack underquilt, very toasty, I still strap my roll mat to my bag incase my hammock fails, i can ground dwell in minutes.
Funny storey which explains why I keep my sleeping system inside my bivvy bag, many moons ago whist serving we were on patrol and ended up doing a river crossing (only chest deep so we waided through), on the other side one of the lads couldnt walk, his bergen was way to heavy, turned out his sleeping bag soaked up half the river and must have weighed about 23 stones.
Needless to say I learnt from his mistake that day.
Thanks for sharing all the best
BFP
Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave such a detailed comment on my video, it's really appreciated.
Thank you also for sharing the rationale and logic behind your own sleeping system setup.
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Great video Craig, really like that bivvy bag
William Coleman Hi Will, I'm glad you liked the video and I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Please don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more 👍
concentric rings. nice.
Cracking video!
Thanks James, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Thanks for watching and commenting it's really appreciated 👍
@@TheBushcraftPadawan I hit the subscribe button too, I look forward to having a look through your channel! :) All the best!
No worries Thank you
I've just checked, they are made by 'Ajungilak', who I believe were acquired by Rab.
Great video, thank you
You're very welcome. Thank you for dropping by and commenting.
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so now I have to check my sleepingbag to see if there are any hidden pockets
I know, right?! 😉😂
and for those that use a stuff sack ... tie it to the draw-cord on your sleeping bag ... and never untie it, - stuff from the foot end and everything works - and you'll never loose the stuff sack again!
Hi Neil and thank you for sharing that "Top Tip", much appreciated 👍
Good stuff even if I can't imagine ear plugs for myself (I've had girlfriends wear them). Are there no dangerous animals in Britain? I wanna know if some wolves are sniffing around... So that I can prep my pee bottle, if nothing else.
Nonno Treks Hi there and thanks for watching. The most dangerous animals we have in the UK are probably other humans... and ticks 😉
The Bushcraft Padawan Humans are the most dangerous animals about anywhere, I imagine.
Still, where I am in southern Arizona, we have bears, cougars wolves (if I'm East) wild horses, open range cattle and such. Even an elk could ruin your night. And I just want to know what's around me.
@Bill Randall Bill, let's not forget that not *everybody* who watches this channel lives in the US - some of us established gun control years ago
Lol Darn spell check. I actually ment your sleep boots. Thanks for the reply.
Ah gotcha. I must admit that I can't remember as I bought them back in the mid 90s.
OK cool btw fantastic channel
Thanks for the feedback Robert 👍
How long is a donkey year?
LOL, "donkeys years" is a term used in some parts of the UK to suggest "a veeeery long time" - I have no idea where the term originates from to be honest, it's weird isn't it?
The fire had died down but the full moon lit our camp. There you were.. purple silk liner, booties and a pee cup you must have got up to empty...that frozen momment! My life will never be my own!!!
David Klein LOL, I like the picture you've painted 😉. I don't have a bladder the size of a space-hopper, so the pee bottle is big enough to wait until morning to be emptied.
i use a 50% sleeping bag as a mat on top of that put my sleeping bag
Hi Rob, thanks for dropping by. Do you find using two sleeping bags is too bulky?
2 sleeping bag to bulky
i had old bag then just cut the upper piece off made it 1 piece
but i own sewing machine then not that bic problem make something
made the ( snugpak artic mat )
I have a roll of reflext from bandq or Aldi super warm and very light
Top Tip!!
I appriciate to be honest how you use a sleeping bag and still consider it bushcraft...ive gotten so much hatred for using a tent amd bringing water jugs
You raise a good point Javier, the inclusion of any form of artificial material/equipment could easily be considered "going against" the ethos of Bushcraft.
I'm Craig Burwell
Hi Craig and thanks for dropping by. If you like the look of my channel please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from it 😁👍
I'd worry about overfilling that pee bottle. :)
I must admit that thought is always at the back of my mind..... 😂
Please consider subscribing to my channel if you'd like to see more in the future.
It's a bloody rucksack!
Dan Roddy To a civvy, I guess it is..... you'll be wandering around with your mapcase hanging from your neck next..... rambler!!! 😉
It's a bloody Bergan mate !