Modular Sleeping System

[nolightweight]

Halo all.

Came across one of these the other day

http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/index.php?method=stock&id=20124&from=6 (http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/index.php?method=stock&id=20124&from=6)

As a ground dweller it ticked a few extra boxes and I mulled it over for a couple of days. Made the decision and I ordered one from Strikeforce and it arrived next day (no connection tra ta ta)

It arrived in a large box and was still in its original polythene wrapping complete with all NSN and instruction labels.
On first inspection everything seemed in order and I got everything laid out for a while to ease out any storage or transit folds.
Following day I got the whole lot out for an airing and to get some loft into the sleeping bags. I also checked all zips and replaced the 'tape' on the zips with para cord.
The whole unit is very generously sized, which was one of my main criteria. The 3 components are all side zip fastening; again, a feature I found important.

IMO the complete unit isn’t overly heavy for what it is; although I agree that it is bulky.
How the components would pack down and compress I haven’t tried that yet.

I was going to the new venue for the weekend so decided to try something different.
As it’s a short distance from car to camp, bulk didn’t bother me much.
So; a bit of forward thinking later I decided to try a ‘bedroll’ rather than pack everything separately.
I reckoned on not needing both sleeping bags, so opted for the bivvi bag and black bag combo.
A standard MOD kipmat is slightly too wide for the base of the bivvi bag, but as I didn’t want to rush into cutting things up before I’d thought everything through I slipped a thinner (6mm) and narrower kipmat between the bivvi and bag.
I had a think for a minute or two and decided that my MOD mat would be a good bit of extra insulation and added that as a layer between bivvi and groundsheet.

I tightly rolled the whole lot up, starting feet first, and with a little adjustment the whole lot (sleeping bag, kipmat, bivvi bag and thicker kipmat) fitted nicely into the supplied compression sack. NB I haven’t decided on a method of tying everything together once rolled as yet.
I had to cover the open end slightly with a bin bag and there wasn’t much compression to be had but for this method none was really needed. The weight was lighter than expected and using one of the compression straps as a carrying handle was ideal.

Setting up camp that afternoon, everything came out of the compression sack and rolled out without problems and within a short space of time I was all sorted.

Comfort for both nights was excellent (due in no part to the amount of Strongbow consumed :biggrin:). The first night was quite cool and windy. Loads of room to move about, nothing slipped or slid anywhere and a good undisturbed sleep was had. The whole thing zips from below the knee to neck (I’m just over 6’ and good and chunky :wink:) and there is plenty of leg and shoulder space; and room to spare. The neck/shoulder area can be closed down if desired and the bivvi bag can be Velcro fastened over the face (only by a single small patch of Velcro).

I’m very happy with it as things stand. I’m glad I took the plunge with one and I think it’ll do everything I want from it and need it to do. It might not be to everyone’s taste or pursuit; but it’ll do for me.

Thanks for reading. This is my first review of sorts and apologies for the lack of photos.
When I’m gearing up for my next outing; or if I get some experiment time, I’ll take some and post them for view. I’m happy to answer any questions and give more info as needed.

Cheers.

[Bernie Garland]

Good write up Neil,wish i was in one of them on the Friday night,instead of my Jonny Reb Bedroll :o:)

Bernie

[nolightweight]

Cheers Bernie :wink:
Those Jonny Rebs must have been tough as they come, and they didn't even have Carling as a nightcap :biggrin:.

[Simon H]

Good review. I like the idea of the side zip on the bivvy bag, I use an old od British one and have to fight my way in (usually after a few beers) from the head end.

[Twodogs]

Sounds good mate ..........Hmmmmmmmmmm:taz:very tempting
Twodogs

[casey]

good reveiw, i've got the same system, had it awhile & used & abused it, only had 1 popper come away so far :)

though i will say because i'm a twister & turner in the night it does wrap round a bit, but theres gangs of space :)

[SimonM]

Good review - I've looked at these a few times but keep backing off, as I mainly hammock dwell these days.

Thanks for taking the time.

Simon

[nolightweight]

Thanks for the comments people.
Side zip bivvis, and sleeping bags are bloomin' handy and a darn sight more usable IMO than wriggling in from the top from your bivvi bag and then getting in to a front zip sleeping bag as a ground dweller. That's what I was using before. I personally (all of the kit discussions on here boil down to personal taste) find the system usable and more practical (especially after a Strongbow or eight :biggrin:). The poppers I am neither plus or minus about as the possibility is that they might conduct cold and can break. I can't say if they do or don't as only tried it once so far. I can't state much about the temp ratings as yet either but as the seasons change I'll crack on and happily add comment.
I'm confident that this will be my all year round sleeping kit. Two sleeping bags AND a Goretex bivvi is what you get. For a lump of fun like me the sizing of this gear is great. The side zips add practicallity. Bulk IS an issue, and its cartability on treks is something I'll investigate because it might tie in with my future plans.
I think it's a good bit of kit for a good price. Only my opinion though.
Cheers again all.

[Davey569]

it was a great system and looked big enough to be in there comfortably, just make sure you leave the knife outside next time :lmao:

[Andy2112]

Nice review mate, it did look the dogs though at the meet, i was very impressed with it. :)

[nolightweight]

Cheers guys. Thanks for reading :)

[Twodogs]

Just had one of these critters ,
Just a quick question ,Whats the best set up for the UK ?
I guessing black bag and cover ?
Twodogs:taz:

[nolightweight]

Hi Cliff

Taking up ground dwelling again?

Depends if you sleep warm or cold but the black intermediate bag and cover should be fine at this time of year. I was toasty as in mine.

I had been through some ammo though...

What's your thoughts on it as kit so far?

[Twodogs]

Seems very good value and well made \\:D/,
Looking forward to trying it out
Twodogs

[nolightweight]

Blinking heck, where did nearly four years go? :o

Anyway, these still crop up on forums and for sale here and there, so I’ll drop in an honest update four years on.

Where applicable, all this kit has been used pretty much every night I've spent out in the last four years, and in all seasons (UK for now...:bernie:) Bits get swapped in/out depending on season/temps expected.

Going through piece by piece makes sense, here goes.

Bivi bag.

Outstanding. Still plenty of room (even though I seem to have ‘grown’ a bit :rolleyes:), no signs of wear and tear, all sealing tape still firmly attached, no problems with the zip. It’s had a couple of washes in Nikwax Tech Wash (other products are available) and has kept me nice and dry when the rain has done its best to fall every which way but down. No condensation issues that I can recall. The enclosing hood might not be for everyone’s taste, but it folds away easy enough and does stop the sun burning your eyes out at sparrow fart.

One tip. The patch of ‘hook’ Velcro on the hood can pluck at sleeping bags; I covered mine with a couple of strips of the ‘fluff’ side Velcro and it’s cured it.

Black Intermediate Bag.

This was sold on quite early on as it was a bit snug for my frame. Most would probably get on perfectly well with it. I use a Nanok SF 0 in the intermediate bag role.

Green Patrol Bag.

Plenty of space in this one, as it was designed to go over the black bag. Fairly light for a synthetic bag, and packs down quite small. Brilliant in the warmer months. Well made and showing next to no signs of wear. A few plucks at the hood where the bivi had a go at the material, but that’s been dealt with as above.

Compression Bag.

Has been consigned to the cupboard, as I pack my sleeping kit straight into an Exped bergen liner.

Extras.

Sleeping mat.

I’ve tried self inflating mats, but found myself happier with a foam mat. Plenty of them available, I’ve found a Multimat Adventure Compact to be my favourite. Folds up inside a bergen easy enough, weighs next to nothing (especially with the tapes and grommets removed) but I’ve found it very comfortable and a perfect size for this system.

Poncho Liner.

I love these. Adds a degree or two to any bag for the weight and can be used wrapped around you if it’s chilly at night before you turn in.

MPI Space Blanket.

Bit of an odd one that seems to have favour in the US, a reversible space blanket silver reflective on one side, Orange/Blue/OD on the other. Has grommets in each corner for use as a tarp in its own right (it’s 5’ x 7’ approx), multiple uses for this bit of kit. Doesn’t weigh a lot, folded in half makes a great ground sheet, can be used as a heat reflector lining a tarp, sit mat, wrap it around your shoulders etc etc. The lads (Twodogs, MartinK9, Karl82 etc) lined their parachute shelter in Norway with them. Good addition to any kit for not much dollar. I must have used my OD one forty times or more as a groundsheet and it’s still going. Any holes that get in it are easily repaired with a bit of tape. Works well, very happy with mine.

Any road up. Hope that may have been of use to someone out there.

Cheers :thumbsup:

NLW

[MartinK9]

Great update, what took you so long? :hehe:

[nolightweight]

Great update, what took you so long? :hehe:

Proper long term test, innit :smug:

:lmao:

[Johnnyboy1971]

Just got my MSS a week ago and only done one night in it but happy as a pig in at the moment. The black bag is perfect for me, maybe they are a little larger now.
+1 on the MPI space blanket, good hard wearing peice of kit that has multiple uses.
With a little thought the whole shibang pack reasonably small for the amount of kit there is.

Thanks NLW for a cracking write up on a good serviceable bit of kit.