Reddit reviews Military Modular Sleep System 4 Piece with Goretex Bivy Cover and Carry Sack

I still have my "Cold Weather Sleep System" that the Army issued me, and I'm telling you the thing's indestructible. It has a 30 degree bag, -30 bag, water proof shell, and the whole thing compresses down to the size of a soccer ball. I use it for hiking and camping a lot.

You can get them new on Amazon or used on Craigslist pretty cheap.

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[Old version] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LLPILC)

New version (what I have)

http://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409449163&sr=8-3&keywords=army+surplus+sleeping+bag

its bifl tough, but comfort to me is staying warm... which for home use???... would be super warm unless your heat goes out when is -20 or less out.

Get an MSS and you're good for pretty much anything.

I bought this awesome setup

You can spend more and get it new or buy a used set for cheaper. I picked up a used-like new set and it was in fantastic shape.

It comes with a cool weather bag and a cold weather bag that can be put together to make a really cold weather bag. The bivy cover is supposed to serve as a shelter. Comes with a real nice compression stuff sack too.

I found mine used on Amazon. I got the "very good" condition from the seller AmmoCanMan, and it looks brand new. It was $130 there, which isn't terrible for what you're getting. It's a solid sleep system, versatile and durable. Only downside is the weight.

I've seen travelers use them, but I think that kind of died out. I personally like the wool blanket. I like anything wool. I have the Military Modular Sleep System, though. I've slept comfortably in rain storms, and snow. All together it's 2 synthetic sleeping bags and a Gortex bivy. If it's hot out I just peal away bags/layers. It comes with a stuff sack and weighs 10 lbs? It's kind of heavy, but, imo, worth it. I can go almost anywhere without worrying how well I'm going to sleep.

I haven't run into many travelers, but the ones that seem to have their shit together carry more than just a wool blanket.

There is no such thing as a completely waterproof tent. A good tent with additional
tarps will prolly be your best bet. Ground tarps can be pretty important, as can air mattresses or cots.
A good propane heater, used safely, will be more efficient than a campfire.
A very good sleep system, like http://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC
will be a really big help.
As far as raccoons getting into his food, trash pandas are smart and persistant.
A locking, hard sided box of some sort would be his best bet. It should be suspended above ground, in general, but the little bandits will not be deterred by that
There isn't much that will outright deter them except killing them, or capture and relocation.

I use a military Modular Sleep System MSS. I'm glad I got mine when I did though, it was only $89. I would recommend shopping around if you are looking at an MSS.

I would suggest a used Military Modular Sleep System 4 Piece with Goretex Bivy Cover and Carry Sack in very good condition. Sure it is 8lb but it will last you forever and you can use the first layer in the summer and add them as you need them and can get your weight down to 2.2lbs using the lightest sack.

-25 degrees Farenheit. No tent, just scraped a hole in the snow down to ground level. Army sleeping bag and shitty air mattress. Slept in polypropylene long underwear, wore a wool cap and wool socks. Cap came off my nalgene. It was kind of cold.
http://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

Wherever you want with the right gear. I have the US military modular sleep system which is basically 2 sleeping bags (a heavy and a light) as well as a waterproof goretex bivvy bag. I could sleep in 6 inches of water in -20 degree weather and be warm and dry. It's rated down to -60.

There are of course down sides. It's bulky and heavy at 10lbs, but it comes with a compression bag, so it fits in my pack. It's not cheap either, I paid $160 at a surplus store, but they're $230 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC

Buy this but you may want to buy it from eBay or militant sleep system

I bought myself a military modular sleep system and it is the best camping thing I ever bought.

The sleep system consists of 3 parts: 30 degree (F) sleeping bag, -10 degree (F) sleeping bag, and goretex bivy cover

Whats great is it is modular so you can tailor it to your environment, camping in the summer? leave the -10 degree bag at home. camping in literally arctic weather? bring them all and combine it! (good for -50 degree weather).
The 3 parts all have separate zippers and snap together nicely.

My favorite part is the waterproof goretex bag (100% waterproof and breathable). Last time I went camping it rained and I woke up sleeping in a big puddle, the sleeping bags (and I :D) were completely bone dry.

Cons are it is a bit pricey (kind of offset by long lasting durability), and it is heavy by sleeping bag standards (10 pounds for the whole thing)
If you have one, you don't technically need a tent, but everyone needs their own

Edit: Link

Double Edit: Also got this ruck which I absolutely love for its gigantic capacity and the fact that it and the sleep system were made for each other. Con being that it is also heavy (12 pounds), so with the sleep system it is pushing 22 pounds, and fully loaded for my last trip was right at 65 pounds. most of the weight was water though. Bring lots of water

http://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC

This is cheaper than I paid for mine...because I decided that I'd "lost" it and paid for it when I got out...

If you live in a climate with harsh winters, get yourself a military sleeping bag system, such as this. Sleeping naked, it will keep you alive down to -40F.

If you aren't too worried about weight, you could get the military sleep system. The link is to used equipment/surplus. It comes with a temperate bag, a cold weather bag, and a waterproof bivvy. You can also put all of them together for extra warms.

I bought just the cold weather bag and it's in good condition. I haven't noticed any holes or tears or smells.