Military Sleep System


intheshaw

intheshaw

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So I know that this has been discussed a few times, but are there are other products that compare to the military sleep system for around the same price? I seem them on ebay for anywhere from 100-200 depending on the condition. I have used them extensively because I've spent the last 4 plus years in the infantry and really think it's a good system.

I guess I'm just kinda biased but are there any other alternatives? I'm looking into getting into backpacking and bushcrafting, and i think the sleep system offers versatility to be able to camp all year with the same system. I've slept in below 0 conditions, and also in just the bivy with a woobie during the rain in the summertime.
 
I've never found a sleep system for the same price as an MSS on ebay... I don't think it's possible (surplus/used/second hand market), but would love to be proven wrong!
I have the FTRSS from Wiggy's and love it. I did a review a few years back of it here: http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=40920. I still highly recommend it. One thing to consider is that the FTRSS would be purchased new and would, therefore, have the manufacturer's warranty, which is a very good one.
 
Mountain Hardware Ultralamina bags are in that price range and are good choices for hiking purposes. I have the 32 and 15 degree bags and they perform pretty close to the stated temperature ratings. The 32 degree bag is under 2 lbs. and the 15 degree bag (which I've used to 19 degrees) is just under 3 lbs. Price is $100-200 depending on what sales are going on.

They also make a 0 degree bag which I've not tested down to that range yet so I can't comment on it. But I suspect it would be ok down to the mid single digits based on the other bag ratings vs. real life.

These are my go to bags for backcountry travel. For a sleep system this bag, sleeping mat, a decent tent/tarp and backpack will be under 10lbs. in weight total.
 
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I've looked at Wiggy's but its a minimum of twice as much as a brand new MSS. I've seen quite a few on ebay that were used go for 100 with shipping. So is the Wiggy system 2-4 times better than the MSS, and Wiggy's doesn't come with the gortex bivy either.
 
I have two as does my wife. We love them. If they are good enough for "Our Boys" then they are good enough for me brother. : )
 
intheshaw said:
I've looked at Wiggy's but its a minimum of twice as much as a brand new MSS. I've seen quite a few on ebay that were used go for 100 with shipping. So is the Wiggy system 2-4 times better than the MSS, and Wiggy's doesn't come with the gortex bivy either.
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did you know that wiggys is offering a 30% off deal until the economy picks back up? Add one of those bags to your shopping cart to see what the real price is.
 
skunkworx said:
did you know that wiggys is offering a 30% off deal until the economy picks back up? Add one of those bags to your shopping cart to see what the real price is.
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I did not know that, but I'm still hesitant on the fact that one bag from wiggys is the same price as the total cost of the MSS. I want great gear, but is it really that much better? I'm new to backpacking and I'm picking up gear throughout this winter to prepare for the spring.

Now a second thing, is it even worth getting a system or are you giving up too much to have some versitility?
 
if you aren't going to use it in winter as a complete set, just buy a nice 20 degree bag. not sure where you're located, but that typically works for most folks as a three season bag. it's what i bought when i first got into backpacking and backcountry camping. i bought a north face cat's meow, and used it down to it's 20 degree rating with no problems. you could also pick up a used usgi bivy by itself. i've seen them for under $60 occasionally. i bought the usgi mss this past spring and can't wait to test it out.

i had almost sprung for the wiggy's ftrss bags, but the weight and bulk seems to be about the same for about double the cost. plus, no bivy included.
 
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intheshaw said:
I did not know that, but I'm still hesitant on the fact that one bag from wiggys is the same price as the total cost of the MSS. I want great gear, but is it really that much better? I'm new to backpacking and I'm picking up gear throughout this winter to prepare for the spring.

Now a second thing, is it even worth getting a system or are you giving up too much to have some versitility?
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If you were in the infantry you are not new to backpacking or camping, now you can do it with less weight and more choices of gear.

First decide what you are going to do ie snow shoe into the mountains or summer camping in a mild climate. That will dictate what gear you need.
 
I picked up a Dutch Surplus sleep system at Sportsmans Guide this fall for about $45 (with the outlet store discounted price).

It looked gently used at the most.

It has 3 layers; Gortex bivy, heavy bag, and snap-in cotton bag liner

I used it for deer hunting this year and was very comfortable.

It only got down to about 25 degs though. But I'd say it was close to my ECWS bag from when I was 11B.
 
Here's my solution for what it's worth:

First I bought a Kelty Cosmic 20, a 20* synthetic bag for about $50.

Next, a generic sleeping bag that might be good to 50* for about $20

A USGI gore tex bivy for $45, on sale from $60.

An 80 /20 wool blanket from Harbor Freight for $10.

$125 total and my system has enough versatility for most conditions. I tested it to 24* a few weeks ago and did not get into the Cosmic 20. I start out under the blanket, then snap into the bivy, then the outer generic bag and finally into the Kelty.

I was in a shelter half, open toward the long fire, with a reflective space blanket clipped to my lean-to.

It is not a light weight system, and I had a closed cell foam pad and a thermarest under the bag(s). I am ready to test again at 10*

The secret is layers, just like clothing. As the night progresses, the temperature keeps dropping and metabolism slows as one sleeps, so you need to be able to add warmth.

I was wearing a poly-pro top, sweat pants and socks. Adding a hooded sweatshirt would be my next step. Again, layers that can be added or removed allows for adjusting. Cost can be minimized by using what you already have, but weight and bulk will be the trade offs.

Not a solution for mountaineering; but for a winter bushcrafting camp, it works pretty well!
 
wiggy's is the best bag system around.i have the ftrss and would rcomend them to anyone.wiggy's did at one time have a military contract for bags.i live in my bags in winter on my traplines and they work as advertised.a surplus bivy would make sense with any system.
 
I believe wiggys never held a military contract for bags. They competed in the MSS trials but they have never won any contracts.
 
My MSS has never really been awesome to me in real cold weather. We made it down to 12 degrees two nights ago. Not my best time ever. Im pretty sure those things are meant to keep you alive, and you will stay alive while shivering/not sleeping well at all.
 
intheshaw said:
So I know that this has been discussed a few times, but are there are other products that compare to the military sleep system for around the same price? I seem them on ebay for anywhere from 100-200 depending on the condition. I have used them extensively because I've spent the last 4 plus years in the infantry and really think it's a good system.

I guess I'm just kinda biased but are there any other alternatives? I'm looking into getting into backpacking and bushcrafting, and i think the sleep system offers versatility to be able to camp all year with the same system. I've slept in below 0 conditions, and also in just the bivy with a woobie during the rain in the summertime.
Click to expand...

Check out Major Surplus or Cheaper Than Dirt. Lots of choices for what you're looking for.
 
go to wiggy's website and look in article archives sunday march 27 2011 and read of wiggy's military contributions.just sayin'
 
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