MSS (Military Sleeping System) Review

[Bearpaw]

Fair warning, when new the Gore-Tex bivvy sack is somewhat 'crinkly' and makes a good bit of noise when you move around in the bag. I had more than one camping partner politely comment on it. (Polite as in "Stop moving - you're makin' too danged much noise!")

Wash it a few times and let it tumble dry on low. This will reduce the noise. If you use detergent at any time, use powdered. Liquid soap will clog the pores in the goretex and make it breathe about as well as a big bread sack.

[GurNewbie]

Thanks IA for the review. Scott just purchased one in December to tune in with my Double Nest. I am 6'1 in the morning and I will say that it is a bit short but doable for me. If I forego cinching the hood an just use a baclava and a watch cap I can use it with comfort. I agree with IA that it is a darn warm bag as a system but have only used it into the teen so far with a hammock using a woobie underquilt and thermarest pad. I plan to use it at Green Ridge if you want to try it out for length. The bivy does not add much to insulation but it does an excellent job at cutting the wind thus convection.

[BackwoodsAmerican]

I have 2 of these, one is issued and the other I bought. I got to test mine out in the field wile in basic training for about 2 weeks total (not all at once). Love the system! I love how I have options depending on the weather. Weight is kinda high and bulk is a problem when humping all 3 pieces. But for the money and what you get I don't thing you can go wrong.

[Howie]

A great set up, I used it for many years AD and in the woods, still have a closet full of them...dont use any more as I switched to different bag alltogether...any way.

One thing I ran across with them is there are at least three different verions of the bivy out there, all tenneir industries on the tags, interchangable of course.

the two color you have vidioed is the better. zipper with the storm flap

there is a two color w/o the zipper but with storm flap and just snaps

An all camo one with no zipper an storm flap, and its a lighter weight gortex as well.

There were some hood differences as well within too. Ive traded em all away, cuase I dont use it much anymore, Or id give some photos ...

any way over all a good bag set up, I ve personally been in -40 with it, and no other shelter, it was cold but sleepable, under a big fir tree...

[Panzer]

the bivy is the gem for sure. but I love the green bag for summer

[Desiel]

I have one just like it I picked up on one of these sites for $60 and have been toasty in it to 30F, it was almost too warm I had to leave the top open.

[fuzzycraft]

i picked one up off ebay for 42 bucks still waiting on it to arrive of course, cant wait to try it out

[NorCalHermit]

I just bought 3 complete MSS from Allegheny Surplus's Ebay store for $59.19 each in very good to excellent condition, http://www.ebay.com/itm/271101372073...84.m1439.l2649 . They have new ones for $127.96!! http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-4-...item4165fe03aa

[Aegis]

By far, my favorite bedding combo.

For anyone looking for one, I'm 6.4, 250, and fit comfortable in the regular system.

[C_in_IN]

Good review IA I just got one of these for Christmas after reading this thread:

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showth...g-System-69-98

From Here:

http://www.armygear.net/ag/store/0148g.html

I am really happy with how mine came. It is the real deal w/National Stock Numbers and USMC markings, looks brand new, no stains, tears etc. even smelled clean.

They are currently selling the 4-piece system (two bags, bivy and stuff sack) for $76 which is a killer deal.

I heard these run a little short. I am 6'3". Would it fit me? Thanks for the review Terry.

Scott

As to the sizing, I am 6'3" about 260 with about a 42 inch chest and the black bag is okay lengthwise. It is pretty snug in the foot area and at the chest with my arms at my sides but I like the bundled in feeling, YMMV.