I guess Im randomly asking but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me!
@Anders Kaiden Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and im trying it out atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
Lived with Inuit years ago, their stories of the military were hilarious. Transporting metal objects in sleds behind skidoos. Inuit tried to show them and were dismissed, “no, we’re specialists”. -40 C the military generator was destroyed. Inuit packed heavy fur around the sled for a reason. The Inuit entertained me for hours with their Canadian army stories.
Gotta learn from the people who understand the environment aye. Here in NZ the maori still would whoop our white asses in NZ bushcraft. To them it's just another day. Us white folk really have to learn.
I grew up on a reservation where the army training program had to be saved by the old women who were at church. They couldnt get a fire going in the tundra lol I can only imagine watching 60 year old women showing up and laughing while they get their camp set up.
Can confirm the hood is the best part of the winter kit of the sleeping system. The amount of times it saved my head a rough cold. The liner is not used anymore in 98% of regiments I think. We use the cadpat ranger blanket (also called "The Canadian") BV bag is nearly always on the sleeping bags to protect it from humidity, humidity is the real killer of winter/night in those sleeping bag, hence why we sleep nearly naked if not fully. I still have the self-inflatable bed mat+the brown rolled foam bed. Use the brown mat just cuz it's faster to pack up and quieter when on field ex. In the summer we usually run, one sleeping bag inside the bv bag, and the ranger blanket. In the winter, dual sleeping bags, bv bag, ranger blanket+hood. (My personal setup, but tends to be similar to others of my unit)
Great demo. You're right about it being the best. I used in in 1975 in Churchill and at Coral harbour in the arctic for 6 weeks. Never failed me at that time or at any onther time during my 23 years. Sure would like to get my hands on one. We only had the 5 pieces with the air mattress at taht tim and we would make couches in the 10 man tent systems. Job well done.
When in the CF, my Valise was always packed with the same sleep kit, even when in the arctic in summer. 2 shelter half (my tent, the other my ground sheet), bug net, outer sleeping bag, silk liner, thick rubber air mattress. No matter where they sent me I slept like a baby and the Valise had space for many other things. In lower Canada the tree's and bungee cords made your house, in the arctic you wrapped you shelter half around your bag and as it moved up toward your head it straddled your ruck to form a rudimentary tent about 2 feet long so you can breath. The CF had the best sleeping kit. The key to cold survival is always the same and remains so today, keep your kit clean and dry and always sleep naked, never introduce excess moisture. Cold wet clothes and boots are bearable to put on the next day as long as you have had good sleep. Bad sleep means useless soldier!
This has to be one of the best reviews of kit I've seen. many TY'ers ramble on waaay too much making the presentation longer, jumbled and less informative. You hit all the points and gave the info straight forward and complete. Outstanding. Thank you. Subscribed.
4 years with the 4 Field Ambulance in Lahr Germany, and these sleeping bags were amazing during Winter Warfare training exercises. Even though I had to share it with my SMG, it was incredibly warm and comfortable. What a drag it was to have to crawl out of it at 4 am for a piss.. As a medic, A lot of exercise when I was tasked as medical support, I was fortunate enough to be able to sleep in the back of my temperature controlled Mercedes Benz Unimog field ambulance. Good times!
Im in the Air Force and haven't touched a valise since basic, but this video was great and informative, and your enthusiasm clearly shows Thanks for the awesome video!
Infantry reservist here, they have actually changed the liners, we now have cadpat liners that have a zipper which can be unzipped all the way so the liner can double as a blanket
I have the complete kit, took it elk hunting in November sleeping outdoors no heat, temp never dropped below -10 of course but when you wake up toasty warm and the cows are chirping 150 yards away its a completely amazing feeling and sight . And yes, your gonna want the outer liner bag makes a major major difference when actually sleeping rough .. great stuff.
Well done ...my first down sleeping bag was an inner CF bag, no zipper, and a squarish cloth hood you folded around your head and then put the two ends through a button hole and pulled tight. I serve me well for about 10 yrs then it became a dog blanket. Keep it up ...the videos
Great presentation Tell. That new ranger blanket is pretty nice. I've never understood why most of the ranger blankets do not have a hole for your head to make it work with the poncho. Nate
The ranger blanket was more effective wrapped tightly around your body than having a hole cut in it. Many a day sitting on my ruck wrapped in my ranger blanket under the poncho. High living was a sterno can heating your coffee between your legs....
I remember floating down the Petawawa river rapids on that old inflatable black air mattress. To fluff up the down I used to to put my sleeping bag in the dryer, no heat, with a pair of running shoes to tumble there would be feathers everywhere. Great video
I was on the Aircrew Arctic Survival Course in the '80s in Resolute. We had a blizzard go thru one night when it was -47 C with 40 degrees of wind chill. Slept like a baby in Arctic survival tent using this system. Great piece of kit. Same with the mukluk system. You could do a show on them as well.
I know it is an almost 45 year difference, but any suggestions for the course? I am going in January - I like survival, but I am quite thin and get cold easily!
Best canadian sleep system video I've seen , great job. The valice now is a gortex compression bag used with the new over-rated rucksack. We are waiting on the new sleeping system which is supposed to be synthetic fill. Keep up the great work.
Just a reminder to your viewers , the CAF sells the old sleeping systems because they have done their job. Meaning they are not as efficient or effective as they once were. So most of the surplus store finds will not keep them warm at -40C .
Best way to assemble the bags is to: a. turn inner bag inside out. Lay flannel on top and secure ties at the foot and along one side to the top; b. turn inner bag right side out and secure remaining ties; c. turn outer bag inside out, lay inner bag on it and repeat tie down procedure; d. turn bag right side out and finish tying the ties. Hood was great (and necessary in the arctic - only time I used it). Too bulky otherwise. I slept with a toque (wool or fleece). Small and light. 1 bag with poncho liner inside was good. Unlike you, we always brought the bivvy bag - wetness sucks. At least with the BB you had a moisture barrier. I'd be more likely to ditch the bulky, heavy sleeping bag than I would the BB. In times like those I'd usually have 2 x poncho liners. It wasn't unusual to be in a situation when no shelters could be built due to tac sit or time etc. Often we'd crash in the open by unrolling a BB with a PL in it. Note, the BB can be oriented with the longer part on top of the head as a sort of rain cover.
Just found your video. Excellent overview! I was in the Reserves 1973-90 and used this kit quite frequently. It's excellent kit. As has been already mentioned, it's best to sleep naked but I usually pulled in my clothes to warm them up before getting up and getting dressed.
Fantastic overview! Currently serving and I can happily say most of this gear works phenomenally well. As you mentioned, only one of those bags is usually ever needed and the Ranger Blanket makes the liner obsolete. The one thing I'd recommend is ditching the Mustang Mat or the Zlite-style issued mats for a civilian version, neither are good at all. Don't forget to bring a pillow!
Great presentation...pretty accurate on all counts. The only thing that I would add is a demonstration on how to properly put the inner and outer and the liner together properly with the tie downs. Start with the outer liner turned inside out then lay the inner on top, attach together and repeat with the liner. Then you flip all 3 back into each other and Voila. This way, the liner and the inner aren't getting all twisted while you sleep.
well done good sir. You did an amazing job. This system is just wonderful. When i am done my time in the CAF I will purchase this system because it was durable and able to handle any weather. So comfy, and so dry. Love this piece of kit.
Sir, I was in the RCN reserves in 1978 and then the RCA reserves in 1987, the sleep system I used is not like that which you demonstrated. I remember the sleeping bags as being two piece, not three. Also the hood was a simpler affair, a hood with arm straps, but no part to wrap around like you show at the six minute mark. I remember it once turning around while I was sleeping. Woke up with my face covered by it, fell onto the pile of gear that was next to the truck bench I was sleeping in. Both times I had that air mattress you show. Very simple to use, durable. My second one I kept for a while after leaving the army, used it until 2000, when a buddy I lent it to got holes in it. They worked surprisingly well.
My memory of those bags were from my time doing Basic at Cornwallis. Every single one of them had a ripped inner lining at the feet. Freezing was part of the experience lol. Embrace the suck! Thanks for the memory! cool vid!
I remember the system from my time in the Canadian Armed Forces (Infantry) in the 1970s. A couple of years ago I was looking at civilian very cold sleeping bags and was shocked at their prices. I was considering buying two sleeping bags so that I could one inside the other for really cold weather or use one of them for warmer weather. Then, to protect the bag from body oils I thought I'd buy a sleeping bag liner. Then my rational brain kicked in with the memory of my military issue sleep system. I ended up buying a used complete Canadian Forces Cold Weather Sleep System including a GoreTex bivy bag but not the self inflating sleeping mat. I have the old olive green surplus foam sleeping pad and I find that quite adequate except for it's bulkiness. This is fantastic video for anyone contemplating buying such a sleep system or for someone needing to familiarize themselves with the system again.
This is exactly what I was looking for. We were given the inner and outer downfilled bags, as well as the cotton liner, plus the carry bag. We also had the self-inflating under-mattress for outside sleeping, and aluminum framed cots, if we were sleeping in the armouries. I was so impressed with the system I recently bought the pieces from various surplus stores, 30 years later. Thanks for the video!
Loved my bivie bag. Great with just a civie fleecy liner. You could sleep in a snow bank with that thing. I did hate the air mattress , kept sliding off.. That new liner looks great.
When I was in the Militia in the 1970s this was basically the system we used. Now I do winter as well as summer camping and I wanted a versatile system that could be used in all seasons. I looked at civilian sleeping bags before buying the Canadian Forces Modular Sleeping bag. I figured I could use the outer bag and liner when it was warm outside and then combine everything if needed for a winter trip. Recently I bought the bivy bag. I use an ex-military OD foam sleeping pad I bought surplus in the early 1980s. Don't have to worry about punctures with the foam pad.
I miss having this piece of kit but they wouldn't write it off for me when I retired from service. Used everywhere from in combat to the arctic to the desert. Always warm, but, not always dry.
This best upgrade to this system for me was i bought a civilian fleece liner (coleman or whatever) instead of using the ranger blanket or issued liner and never had problems with wetness after that. ran that system from the back of a bv206 in tromso, norway for a full month and never had the shivers from getting cold again.
I have an even older Canadian army bag my dad had received for working outdoors. With the liner he said it was warm at -60’F, I have never used it’s down liner with the bag, Some of its one way snaps have failed but even at minus 20’c I never snapped the bag closed, so I could slip a foot out to cool down.
This was a great video...I have this system and it is a great cold weather kit if you can find one in good condition...bought mine surplus while working at CFB Greenwood in 1975 and it has held up really well. Back then they were much cheaper to buy and I felt it was a steal at the price I paid. $50 cdn dollars. I’m sure they are going for much more today, but given how well they perform and last they are worth it. Cheers...and stay warm camping ⛺️.
I still have my cold weather sleep system and everything included. I bought a fleece liner for and use my Scottish wool blanket and I'm super warm when I do my winter camping. Unfortunately I had to buy the army bivvy bag and it was a hefty price of $95.67 CDN at the army surplus store in the market in Ottawa.
No hood in the ''70s. Would have been nice! I was cold sometimes and never had an air mattress that didn't go flat. Loved my wool blankets and shirts though.
this brings back memories...... I think that the system went back into the 70's. I was in the CAF from 79 to 87 and use the system. I only saw the hood during training
What memories it brings back. Around 1973-75 I was a commissionned officer working with the CIC (related to cadets corps) and went for a 2 week camp at Resolute Bay, well in the Arctic. That was the first camp of this sort for cadets. We used that system to sleep under a poncho roof hold by walking stick(s) or hold by rock wall(s) built on site. If I rememeber correctly we also had something like your hand- inflatable mattress, 'baby bag', liner, inner, outer and hood. We were told then the whole system was good down to -40° C by itself, no roof or wall... We were there during the 2 warmest weeks of the year. So unless under -10° C we should not use the outer bag. The liner was flanel, there mainly to keep the inner cleaner and get a warmer touch than with directly touch cold nylon. We were told to get in there nude as much as possible. The liner was also useful to get the inner cleaner if you remember you can take inside the bag a piece of clothing to give it some warmth before putting it on or any piece of equipment that can be dirty. but still need to be kept warm. The outer baby bag was much helpful by cutting wind and lessen abrasion on the outer part when some part get off the mattress. The hood was helpful under -10° C against wind and cold to the face and only for the moral over -10° C. It was with that whole experience up there that I learn the biggest impact on being able to differentiate between saying 'I am cold' and 'I am frozen'. The seocnd expression carries a sense of urgency misleading our own psyche because it is like being sure we woud die soon. Being cold is often more petinent and surely more positive. That experience confirms me in my love with the North. So some years after as a civilian I went teaching to the inuit in that nice north I still love today at 65 yo.
Spent many nights on a op with no shelter, just shove the sleeping into a snowbank and crawl in. Over in Bosnia, we would crawl into the sleeping bag with the bivvie bag ,a couple of sticks to keep the flap off your face. Wouldn't get wet no matter how hard it rained! We have good kit!!😁👍🏻
Bruh the bivvy bag is the SECOND BEST piece of kit I have just, be careful not to close the bag over your face cuz uh, you might not wake up. The ranger blanket is #1 (I use that at home when lounging around)
The sleeping bag carrier is still available in army surplus stores but is not issued anymore in the army, it has been replaced by a similar system that lets you compact it to make room for more gear. Same thing for the liner and the inflatable mat. Very efficient system but too heavy and bulky if you're organizing a long trek. The BV bag IS one of the best piece the army has had produced, works extremely well under humid conditions. I once crossed a lake with my rucksack inside the BV bag and floated across
I loved the bivvy bag. I remember jumping into a snow bank with it to see how long I could stay in there...super cozy with all the pieces together.. the ranger blanket was a must everywhere we went and was a useful piece of kit... the other one was the US raincoat and liner...far superior to our crappy jacket..
You should cover what soldiers do to prevent condensation. If you wear too much clothing, damp clothing could cause hypothermia when you are back in the field. I would take off my outer clothing, but keep it in the sleeping back so it wouldn't freeze.
love the video. love the idea thanks alot . looking for something good to start with and for the family. love the talk and showing everything. great stuff bud. cheers
Great video Tell. Best one I've seen that describes the components. I've always wanted to get one of these but had to opt for the more expensive synthetic Carinthia system as I am one of those odd fellows who is allergic to down feathers. I really like the new poncho liner and wish some of the civilian manufacturers like Rothco or Mil-Tec would make one with the head zip.
@@OshawaBushcraft Found this on Amazon. Kind of expensive though and not as cool as CadPat, but has the zipped head hole. www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08DTNHHFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Wow. I do not believe a more comprehensive review could be done for this system! Excellent job, Tell! I love this system, but the weight? I have already dumped the old-school mattress; I never take it with me. I am about to dump one of the bags as well now, and thank you for that advice! It certainly is great gear. I'll just keep what I don't need to lug around in storage...until I am camping on Baffin Island in February! Peace, Tell!!
Veteran here, you brought me back in the past my friend! I remember having good night sleep on the black inflatable mattress. But I agree it was a little narrow
Thanks for the excellent video and your service. Suggestion- I grew up using the black Betty and other surplus gear and developed my own versatile and lightweight sleep system after research and experimentation and 30 years or so of testing. The zlite pad is great if you are not a side sleeper, very tough and affordable. I use a -12C down mummy bag (1.4 kg) with a light 10C synthetic overbag (0.5kg) that works to boost the temp rating and keep moisture from your body from condensing in the down. A cheap substitute I also use is a poncho liner that is folded over lengthwise and sewn up 2/3 of its length and along the bottom (800g). This can be used inside a breathable bivy to increase temp rating and keep dry. I recommend the 2gosystems velar reflective tyvek bivy (300g). I also have a poly cotton sheet liner that can keep the down bag clean (450g). I have used this system to sleep comfortably on the snow at -35C (would require more than a zlite underneath).
Curious though, to prevent moisture building up inside the down bags with extended use do you have to use an overbag? Is there really any other way? If so why doesn't these systems come with an overbag? These are basically two down bags inside a goretex like bicycle which seems like all things goretex would build up moisture inside the bag eventually. Although I hear goretex works better the colder it gets outside
@@ryaniam22 There are vapor barrier bags you can use inside a bag, which keeps moisture from moving out into the down. You could use a reflective mylar bivy for this purpose. Downside is it would get pretty damp overnight. I've never tried it. Most people never really use down in cold temps for multi day trips, so it's not widely known how significant the condensation issue can be. In my system there doesn't seem to be significant moisture buildup inside the tyvek or goretex bivy, and it dries quickly. Another alternative is a wool overbag, which I have tested.
@@AndrewSmith-rp6ee Well most people must use down for multi-day trips if the entire Canadian Forces has two down bags for prolonged actic conditions in their system. That's like 50000 active personnel that have it in their system. Seems like someone has a solution or it's not really a problem and is much exaggerated.
@@ryaniam22 Well, you might want to try weighing your sleep system, spend a night out in cold weather, then weigh your sleep system again before it has a chance to dry out. Imagine that weight gain accumulating night after night. There have been arctic expeditions where they didn't account for drying out sleeping bags and it didn't go well.
@@ryaniam22 and it's better to have a synthetic outer bag, because it can be dried more easily and doesn't suffer loss of insulating properties as badly as down when wet.
There`s also the metal basin (or plastic basin for airforce & navy personnel at basic) that goes on top in the bivy bag. Not many people appreciate that piece of kit.
Kinda of looks like the US Army Sleep system when I was in. Had a Light bag, Heavy Bag then a Gortext Bag tat you could use in winter or if rain was possible. Nice system comapared to the Big Green bag we had when I first went in the 80's. Straight up Cold weather bag. Summer time, was only good to sleep on top of it, with a Poncho Liner.
Great video! I was in Army cadets from 1974-1981 and the reserve Army in 1983-1984 and 1986-1988. Early issue compression sacs where almost dark green black and way too small. May have been for an earlier issue bag. I was never issued a hood and didn't even know they existed. We also didn't get the bivvy bag just a thin nylon slip cover. Again great video!
At either SAIL or MEC you can buy a small bottle of stuff that's made especially for restoring the loft of the fill in a down & feather or down filled sleeping bag. It really works. Btw, if you get a bivy bag that reeks of mothballs like mine did, you can get rid of the odour by washing the bag with vinegar. i soaked mine in a vinegar/water solution overnight then washed it in a front loading washing machine and thereby eliminated the odour completely. No lingering vinegar smell either.
Nice presentation! Thanks for showing the assembly. I used mine at -47. No hood but I improvised and put my parka over my head. I didn’t have the liner or bivy either so I slept in my base and mid layer. I didn’t have a sleeping pad so used spruce branches. It worked great.
I love my Canadian sleep system, owned it for years and most of it was a gift from a friend. I also once owned a hood made by Woods and dated 1949. Maybe a miss stamp but it was neat. That is one I should have held on to.
Unfortunately they ruined the bivey bag, and the new versions put a zipper on it. There is a new mattress that is used with the mustang for colder weather, its a simple foam yoga mat that works fairly well and is pretty light. the ranger blanket is great but I took the snugpak light sleeping bag and put that in and with the three bags have sleep snug in -50.
At 192 cm or 6’3.5 I ordered an x long bag set. The army merely spliced another 20 cm onto the end of both inner and outer. I never used the liner and maybe used the hood once in 33 years.
I was in katimavik (government volunteer program) in the 80s and we went winter camping when it was -75c with the wind chill. we borrowed those sleeping bags from the local militia and we were totally comfortable.
Hey Oshawa. Great video. 1. I miss that inflation sound of a platoon getting their black betties ready. 2. We first got the Therma-rest pad in '91. 3. In 1981 we were issued a "Frost Cover" for the sleeping bag system. It was a thin silk-like nylon bag that unlike the bivvy bag was designed just to prevent condensation getting the Outer Bag damp. I never saw them again after '81. 4. Staff used to make us tie all the ties, liner to inner, inner to outer (and outer to frost cover). This was literally the first thing we stopped doing once we were no longer recruits!
Thanks for sharing brother, I love hearing these. Its a shame that no museum displays a collection of these preices, id love to assemble a set of every component.
I was P/RES 89-94. We called the black rubber one the "Rubber Lady" and I don't ever recall a carrier bag for the "thermarest" or ever seeing anyone inflate one with an external bag. Side story, when I quit and did my paperwork I discovered that somewhere along the line I had returned my thermarest but it had not been signed off properly and I had to pay for one. I think it was around $30 at the time. I'm pretty sure the receipt is in my service record. (I got mine from Ottawa as a 180 page PDF on a CD-ROM a couple years ago)
I bought a US poncho liner back in the day and added a long zipper making it a sleeping bag liner or summer sleeping bag. Also managed to get myself a silk liner and still have it. was great in the summer. I eventually got a Recon2 sleeping back for the summer and spring/fall temperature pending. I lived by that addition or substitute kit.
Fond memories of those from service days, Only downside was if set up all day -30 getting into it was a heart attack shiver Simulator LOL or the morning piss getting out of it LOL, The bivy bag is the best I have ever found and thankfully still have my old one :)
Cool video as always mate. As for the Thermarests, they are issued but only to people with the new style rucks from what I’ve seen. One thing I’m surprised didn’t get mentioned was the Tan sleeping mat that came out maybe 2 years ago. It’s what I see most often among The 82 pattern folks and what I use personally. As for the Ranger Blanket yours looked very different than mine which doesn’t have tie out points or a collar cord, is it possible the one you have there is the one made by that company in Qc I see at the CANEX all the time? Hands down the Ranger Blanket is my favourite part of that sleep system, only thing I use during the summer and paired with a fleece sleeping bag liner or wool blanket you can take it into late spring or early fall. Cheers man.
Thanks for watching, I got offered the Themarest around 2003 for chose to stay with the black betty. Id like to have a look at the other new ranger blankets
Great review. I love my CMSS. I use 1 bag in my hammock for a top quilt. Good to about -20c I'm missing the rubber mattress. One day I will find one. Thanks Tell.
A couple points about the the self inflating pad carry bag. It also fits a Z Rest sleep pad which is nice as they don't go flat. Although it is designed to be an inflation bag I have found in extreme cold (-40) the plastic nozzle piece become so stiff it is difficult to attach it to the valve.
Howdy from Eastern Ontario! I’m itching to get back out this winter. I usually bring my 10lb synthetic rated to -32 with a wool blanket for my face and cocoon/hang in the hammock under a tarp. Love hearing the coyotes at night. Weight means less when bringing a sled, but I wonder how the military kept water from freezing. Seems any time I went below -17 it was a chore to keep liquids. Take care and stay safe!
In the winter I bring my canteen inside my sleeping bag. Recently I have started filling it with hot water and putting in my foot box to keep my toes warm.
@@OshawaBushcraft JM hit the nail on the head. I go for a few nights and some days don’t go above -25. Going for a hike risks freezing the water at camp. Gotta find a container I can leave it in aside from the pot that I can take out when frozen easily. Got a swamp nearby but chipping at ice is a lot of work on day 2. I always sleep with a nalgene or two after boiling. Any idea if there’s any plastic nalgene style containers with larger opening than holding area?
I think you've covered all the bases. When I joined the reserves in Ottawa in 1978 none of the local units had enough sleeping equipment to issue to everyone to go to the field. So the QM had to borrow from other units in the weeks before hand. Then they had to collect them up, get them cleaned and returned to the other unit. Of course each unit had their sleeping bags very well marked. Eventually more sleep systems were procured. We called the sleeping hood the KKK hat. Most of us just wore a toque in the winter, but they were a good piece of kit. I was issued the Cadpat Ranger blanket in 2005 before going to Afghanistan. It was a great piece of kit. It was about the only thing I wish I didn't have to turn in when I retired.
This reminded me of my 2 summers at Shilo MB in the early 60s at the School of Artillery. It got chilly at night so we got 2 wool blankets and a poncho for sleeping out on the prairie.
Great video man, i have used my sleep system down to -35c and it starts to get chilly, tho not cold. With Surplus bags some have lost some fill, so test the gear you have, not all bags are the same. :) Loved the video man, well done and take care.
Stumbled across this video while looking for one to show someone online how we inflated the black inflatable air mattress back in the day. That said ... Best video out there explaining this system, background and history. Understood that you didn't show how to tie the liner to the inner and the inner to the outer because its best taught as a hands on lesson or just a stand alone training 'fillum' - id est - what are all those ties for? (And the 2008 Ministry of National Defence you tube assembly video is one horrible example lol yes I fell down a UA-cam rabbit hole to see what else was out there.) Also good to note that the bag inflation thing on the old black inflatable and self inflatable was meant to ensure dry air was used to inflate those items to improve their insulation value. Moist breath air would not work very well and in some cases freeze the rubber plug (not a big deal because we often had to spit on or lick (ugh) that plug to get it into the socket) but in the self inflate one the moist air could ruin the valve. To this day I still prefer the black inflatable because its simple and we used to line the tent floor with evergreen boughs so that we weren't just using air to insulate under the bag, and then when we were told to stop doing that (eco reasons) we then had the CQ bring in straw or hay. If neither was available we usually were more tactical and the sleep system worked long enough and snow itself isn't that cold. Another point about the black inflatable is that we would pull the self inflate bag over the end of the air mattress (condom like) so it would be better protected and not flopping about because in the tent group we could make very comfortable couches out of them which was harder to do with the self inflates. Concur that the bivy bag was long overdue, and the new zippered poncho/liner is a great piece of kit. We were personally buying those from places in the States since the 90s. And the best lesson is in packing and storing these. After getting up the morning and if in a tent group we would allow the heat to dry out any moisture in the bag for a little while or if in a rush or not it would be packed in a garbage bag lined valise (because the valise wasn't waterproof), and the rule was to roll up your bag then unroll it, shake it about, and repeat a few times before crushing it (best way to pack any down sleeping bag) into the valise to help get rid of any moisture build up in the bag from sleeping in it overnight. Of course the valises were then used in making the air mattress couches as part of the system (hard to show unless you have a tent group's worth of kit lol). As for longer term storage and harder for the troops in barracks was to store it outside the valise and hang it up to keep it aired out and lessen any damage to the down which would happen if kept always in its valise. That said loved this video - only one I have seen that best explained the system for those who have never used it. Noting Points above are not criticisms but suggestions to help perhaps in follow on videos in use of the system that makes it the best in the world but knowing that any system or kit is only good when it is used and maintained properly. Cheers, Out
Loved the CF sleeping bag. Served in the mid to late 80's stationed at CFB Calgary and Wainwright. It was heavy though. Being short I always felt like I was going to fall backwards, but I was never cold, sometimes just the opposite. Never used the hood, just pulled the bag over my head.
Fun fact, we are testing a new sleep system - it is basically the same thing but the liner is synthetic and softer. There are also more sizes - as a 6"4" person I have always had trouble with the older system, as good as it is.
awesome presentation. I think next time I head to a surplus store, I'll ask if they have any Canadian gear. I like the hood and the ranger blanket for sure
One of my COs was very tall, about 6'7". As quarter master of my Reserve unit, I ordered him one of the extra large bags. It's the only one I ever saw. We didn't have enough sleeping bags to go around. A radio truck would get one complete sleeping bag. The two people not on shift would split the two parts between them. This was common until the late 80s. Air mattresses were Unicorns. Everyone had heard of them, but no one ever saw one. In the late 80s the floodgates opened and we started getting proper kit. If you ever lose your air mattress plug, a maglight flashlight will do the trick.
Hey man thanks for the memories. your pretty much dead on with the gear. I also never used the liner. We were issued American ranger blankets that I used all the time. I also remember the mosquito bag that would shelter you from the bugs. Also remember what a nuisance it was for the mustang pad on a cot. You couldn't move it would slide all over the place.
Thanks for the vid especially on the tricks to inspect them. The American version of the Ranger blanket can be found for sale in the civilian market named "Poncho liner" or surplus market as "Woobie" if that can help.
Great video. We do have a new waterproof "valise" or sleeping bag carrier which is easier and the new rucksac have a pouch for it as well in the bottom.
Aside from the cotton liner there was also a nylon sleeping bag liner that came out with the original series of bags which were developed in the mid to late 50's from lessons learned in the Korean War. In and about the late 80's Canada also had a version of the ranger blanket/woobie/poncho liner it came in a heavier water resistant nylon material in Olive Green which looked very much like a moving blanket and was slightly larger than the US issue (i have 2 U.S. issue poncho liners ) I have one of the Canadian issue poncho liners, and it is quite warm. Alas, Canada removed the poncho from service in the mid to late 70's when they started issuing rain gear (IE: Rain parka and pants.). There was some talk about re-issuing a poncho in CADPAT but that fell by the wayside with the introduction of the Bivi bag.And CADPAT rain gear.
Well presented! Brought me back to my time in the reserves, 1990-2005. We had the "rubber dolls" and the damn things were always flat come morning. I would go back to the basic Outer/Inner/Liner in a heartbeat, but I find surplus items in good shape are very hard to find.I have never seen the bivy bag in a surplus store (I wouldn't hesitate to purchase one).
Slept in mine outside under the stars at -42 and was very comfortable. The only problem I had was getting out of it in the morning; it sure was cold.
I guess Im randomly asking but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account?
I was dumb forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me!
@Anders Kaiden Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and im trying it out atm.
Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
@Anders Kaiden it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thanks so much you really help me out :D
@Troy Callan Glad I could help :)
Hey we got the same last name im from Quebec hope you doing well with this profile picture ;P
Lived with Inuit years ago, their stories of the military were hilarious. Transporting metal objects in sleds behind skidoos. Inuit tried to show them and were dismissed, “no, we’re specialists”. -40 C the military generator was destroyed. Inuit packed heavy fur around the sled for a reason. The Inuit entertained me for hours with their Canadian army stories.
Gotta learn from the people who understand the environment aye. Here in NZ the maori still would whoop our white asses in NZ bushcraft. To them it's just another day. Us white folk really have to learn.
I grew up on a reservation where the army training program had to be saved by the old women who were at church.
They couldnt get a fire going in the tundra lol
I can only imagine watching 60 year old women showing up and laughing while they get their camp set up.
Can confirm the hood is the best part of the winter kit of the sleeping system. The amount of times it saved my head a rough cold.
The liner is not used anymore in 98% of regiments I think. We use the cadpat ranger blanket (also called "The Canadian")
BV bag is nearly always on the sleeping bags to protect it from humidity, humidity is the real killer of winter/night in those sleeping bag, hence why we sleep nearly naked if not fully.
I still have the self-inflatable bed mat+the brown rolled foam bed. Use the brown mat just cuz it's faster to pack up and quieter when on field ex.
In the summer we usually run, one sleeping bag inside the bv bag, and the ranger blanket. In the winter, dual sleeping bags, bv bag, ranger blanket+hood. (My personal setup, but tends to be similar to others of my unit)
See, the trick to a heavy sleep system was to join the armoured corps so your truck could carry it for you :P
In the field as a cook I wish I could use it more often XD
Ya unless they put you in a LAV and make you get out and walk everywhere lol
ok tanker
@@bagelsecelle9308 oh that's too much credit haha we rolled in Gwagons
Never had an issue with the weight in my Cougar.
Great demo. You're right about it being the best. I used in in 1975 in Churchill and at Coral harbour in the arctic for 6 weeks. Never failed me at that time or at any onther time during my 23 years. Sure would like to get my hands on one. We only had the 5 pieces with the air mattress at taht tim and we would make couches in the 10 man tent systems. Job well done.
Thank you.
The "new" Ranger blanket was issued to me in '06. It was amazing, and it hurt my soul when I had to turn it back in.
Worth the price to "lose" it and pay it out
Not sure why you didn't just claim it was "Lost" on an exercise and then not have to pay it out.
Also just walk into a Canex and buy one. They sell them everywhere.
@@troubledseed I try to avoid stealing from my employer... lol
Same. I've been trying to find one to purchase, and there aren't any online. I'll have to check surplus stores for the rest of my life.
When in the CF, my Valise was always packed with the same sleep kit, even when in the arctic in summer. 2 shelter half (my tent, the other my ground sheet), bug net, outer sleeping bag, silk liner, thick rubber air mattress. No matter where they sent me I slept like a baby and the Valise had space for many other things. In lower Canada the tree's and bungee cords made your house, in the arctic you wrapped you shelter half around your bag and as it moved up toward your head it straddled your ruck to form a rudimentary tent about 2 feet long so you can breath. The CF had the best sleeping kit. The key to cold survival is always the same and remains so today, keep your kit clean and dry and always sleep naked, never introduce excess moisture. Cold wet clothes and boots are bearable to put on the next day as long as you have had good sleep. Bad sleep means useless soldier!
This has to be one of the best reviews of kit I've seen. many TY'ers ramble on waaay too much making the presentation longer, jumbled and less informative. You hit all the points and gave the info straight forward and complete. Outstanding. Thank you. Subscribed.
Thank you, I was also unimpressed by the existing videos on the subject.
I did a bunch of winter camping in Army Cadets as a teenager, The surplus sleeping bags we used were awesome.
What cadet corps?
The bags used by Cadets Units aren't surplus, they draw them from DND stores, then return them afterwards.
Quick question: What is your favorite stuff to find in rations?
4 years with the 4 Field Ambulance in Lahr Germany, and these sleeping bags were amazing during Winter Warfare training exercises. Even though I had to share it with my SMG, it was incredibly warm and comfortable. What a drag it was to have to crawl out of it at 4 am for a piss.. As a medic, A lot of exercise when I was tasked as medical support, I was fortunate enough to be able to sleep in the back of my temperature controlled Mercedes Benz Unimog field ambulance. Good times!
Can confirm still issued gear, and the ranger blanket I love that thing.
Im in the Air Force and haven't touched a valise since basic, but this video was great and informative, and your enthusiasm clearly shows
Thanks for the awesome video!
Infantry reservist here, they have actually changed the liners, we now have cadpat liners that have a zipper which can be unzipped all the way so the liner can double as a blanket
I have the complete kit, took it elk hunting in November sleeping outdoors no heat, temp never dropped below -10 of course but when you wake up toasty warm and the cows are chirping 150 yards away its a completely amazing feeling and sight . And yes, your gonna want the outer liner bag makes a major major difference when actually sleeping rough .. great stuff.
I love your info. I am non military or CAF, but Ilove you guys education. I absorb it all. Thank you Sir for your sevice.
Well done ...my first down sleeping bag was an inner CF bag, no zipper, and a squarish cloth hood you folded around your head and then put the two ends through a button hole and pulled tight. I serve me well for about 10 yrs then it became a dog blanket. Keep it up ...the videos
Great presentation Tell. That new ranger blanket is pretty nice. I've never understood why most of the ranger blankets do not have a hole for your head to make it work with the poncho.
Nate
Better than the horse blanket the army issued. I actually ordered a new ranger blanket before christmas on Amazon..
Essentially the poncho hasn't been issued in 30+ years, the ranger blanket (issued) is quite recent.
The ranger blanket was more effective wrapped tightly around your body than having a hole cut in it. Many a day sitting on my ruck wrapped in my ranger blanket under the poncho. High living was a sterno can heating your coffee between your legs....
I remember floating down the Petawawa river rapids on that old inflatable black air mattress. To fluff up the down I used to to put my sleeping bag in the dryer, no heat, with a pair of running shoes to tumble there would be feathers everywhere. Great video
Thanks! I wanted to touch on washing and care but that could be whole video itself.
I was on the Aircrew Arctic Survival Course in the '80s in Resolute. We had a blizzard go thru one night when it was -47 C with 40 degrees of wind chill. Slept like a baby in Arctic survival tent using this system. Great piece of kit. Same with the mukluk system. You could do a show on them as well.
I know it is an almost 45 year difference, but any suggestions for the course? I am going in January - I like survival, but I am quite thin and get cold easily!
That is an impressive winter sleeping system.
Best canadian sleep system video I've seen , great job. The valice now is a gortex compression bag used with the new over-rated rucksack. We are waiting on the new sleeping system which is supposed to be synthetic fill. Keep up the great work.
Let me know when you get a look at it.
Just a reminder to your viewers , the CAF sells the old sleeping systems because they have done their job. Meaning they are not as efficient or effective as they once were. So most of the surplus store finds will not keep them warm at -40C .
@@toddmaccullouch9973 good, can't wait to get rid of my sleeping bags that's from the 70s
Great video!
I wasn't bored once the whole video. 🤙
Thank you, thats what I was trying for.
Best way to assemble the bags is to:
a. turn inner bag inside out. Lay flannel on top and secure ties at the foot and along one side to the top;
b. turn inner bag right side out and secure remaining ties;
c. turn outer bag inside out, lay inner bag on it and repeat tie down procedure;
d. turn bag right side out and finish tying the ties.
Hood was great (and necessary in the arctic - only time I used it). Too bulky otherwise. I slept with a toque (wool or fleece). Small and light. 1 bag with poncho liner inside was good. Unlike you, we always brought the bivvy bag - wetness sucks. At least with the BB you had a moisture barrier. I'd be more likely to ditch the bulky, heavy sleeping bag than I would the BB. In times like those I'd usually have 2 x poncho liners. It wasn't unusual to be in a situation when no shelters could be built due to tac sit or time etc. Often we'd crash in the open by unrolling a BB with a PL in it. Note, the BB can be oriented with the longer part on top of the head as a sort of rain cover.
Just found your video. Excellent overview! I was in the Reserves 1973-90 and used this kit quite frequently. It's excellent kit. As has been already mentioned, it's best to sleep naked but I usually pulled in my clothes to warm them up before getting up and getting dressed.
Fantastic overview! Currently serving and I can happily say most of this gear works phenomenally well. As you mentioned, only one of those bags is usually ever needed and the Ranger Blanket makes the liner obsolete. The one thing I'd recommend is ditching the Mustang Mat or the Zlite-style issued mats for a civilian version, neither are good at all. Don't forget to bring a pillow!
Great presentation...pretty accurate on all counts. The only thing that I would add is a demonstration on how to properly put the inner and outer and the liner together properly with the tie downs. Start with the outer liner turned inside out then lay the inner on top, attach together and repeat with the liner. Then you flip all 3 back into each other and Voila. This way, the liner and the inner aren't getting all twisted while you sleep.
Thanks
well done good sir. You did an amazing job. This system is just wonderful. When i am done my time in the CAF I will purchase this system because it was durable and able to handle any weather. So comfy, and so dry. Love this piece of kit.
Thank you
Excellent Video! Very informative. Just the information I was looking for and explained in an understandable way!
Thank you, that's what I was trying for.
I do a lot of spring/summer/fall hiking in ontario. I just use the bivvy bag and the sleeping bag liner. Perfect and light setup
Sir, I was in the RCN reserves in 1978 and then the RCA reserves in 1987, the sleep system I used is not like that which you demonstrated. I remember the sleeping bags as being two piece, not three. Also the hood was a simpler affair, a hood with arm straps, but no part to wrap around like you show at the six minute mark. I remember it once turning around while I was sleeping. Woke up with my face covered by it, fell onto the pile of gear that was next to the truck bench I was sleeping in.
Both times I had that air mattress you show. Very simple to use, durable. My second one I kept for a while after leaving the army, used it until 2000, when a buddy I lent it to got holes in it. They worked surprisingly well.
My memory of those bags were from my time doing Basic at Cornwallis. Every single one of them had a ripped inner lining at the feet. Freezing was part of the experience lol. Embrace the suck!
Thanks for the memory! cool vid!
I remember the system from my time in the Canadian Armed Forces (Infantry) in the 1970s. A couple of years ago I was looking at civilian very cold sleeping bags and was shocked at their prices. I was considering buying two sleeping bags so that I could one inside the other for really cold weather or use one of them for warmer weather. Then, to protect the bag from body oils I thought I'd buy a sleeping bag liner. Then my rational brain kicked in with the memory of my military issue sleep system. I ended up buying a used complete Canadian Forces Cold Weather Sleep System including a GoreTex bivy bag but not the self inflating sleeping mat. I have the old olive green surplus foam sleeping pad and I find that quite adequate except for it's bulkiness.
This is fantastic video for anyone contemplating buying such a sleep system or for someone needing to familiarize themselves with the system again.
Slept on a cot using the black betty mattress and CF sleeping bag for 6 months during my tour to Croatia in '92. That mattress was super comfortable!
This is exactly what I was looking for. We were given the inner and outer downfilled bags, as well as the cotton liner, plus the carry bag. We also had the self-inflating under-mattress for outside sleeping, and aluminum framed cots, if we were sleeping in the armouries. I was so impressed with the system I recently bought the pieces from various surplus stores, 30 years later. Thanks for the video!
You are very welcome, this is exactly what I do this for. Have a great gay.
Loved my bivie bag. Great with just a civie fleecy liner. You could sleep in a snow bank with that thing. I did hate the air mattress , kept sliding off.. That new liner looks great.
When I was in the Militia in the 1970s this was basically the system we used. Now I do winter as well as summer camping and I wanted a versatile system that could be used in all seasons. I looked at civilian sleeping bags before buying the Canadian Forces Modular Sleeping bag. I figured I could use the outer bag and liner when it was warm outside and then combine everything if needed for a winter trip. Recently I bought the bivy bag. I use an ex-military OD foam sleeping pad I bought surplus in the early 1980s. Don't have to worry about punctures with the foam pad.
Somebody really thought that new blanket through. Good to see.
Excellent sysem, will be looking for one completed in good shape. Thank You
I miss having this piece of kit but they wouldn't write it off for me when I retired from service. Used everywhere from in combat to the arctic to the desert. Always warm, but, not always dry.
This best upgrade to this system for me was i bought a civilian fleece liner (coleman or whatever) instead of using the ranger blanket or issued liner and never had problems with wetness after that. ran that system from the back of a bv206 in tromso, norway for a full month and never had the shivers from getting cold again.
I have an even older Canadian army bag my dad had received for working outdoors. With the liner he said it was warm at -60’F, I have never used it’s down liner with the bag, Some of its one way snaps have failed but even at minus 20’c I never snapped the bag closed, so I could slip a foot out to cool down.
This was a great video...I have this system and it is a great cold weather kit if you can find one in good condition...bought mine surplus while working at CFB Greenwood in 1975 and it has held up really well. Back then they were much cheaper to buy and I felt it was a steal at the price I paid. $50 cdn dollars. I’m sure they are going for much more today, but given how well they perform and last they are worth it. Cheers...and stay warm camping ⛺️.
I still have my cold weather sleep system and everything included. I bought a fleece liner for and use my Scottish wool blanket and I'm super warm when I do my winter camping. Unfortunately I had to buy the army bivvy bag and it was a hefty price of $95.67 CDN at the army surplus store in the market in Ottawa.
No hood in the ''70s. Would have been nice! I was cold sometimes and never had an air mattress that didn't go flat. Loved my wool blankets and shirts though.
this brings back memories...... I think that the system went back into the 70's. I was in the CAF from 79 to 87 and use the system. I only saw the hood during training
What memories it brings back. Around 1973-75 I was a commissionned officer working with the CIC (related to cadets corps) and went for a 2 week camp at Resolute Bay, well in the Arctic. That was the first camp of this sort for cadets. We used that system to sleep under a poncho roof hold by walking stick(s) or hold by rock wall(s) built on site. If I rememeber correctly we also had something like your hand- inflatable mattress, 'baby bag', liner, inner, outer and hood. We were told then the whole system was good down to -40° C by itself, no roof or wall...
We were there during the 2 warmest weeks of the year. So unless under -10° C we should not use the outer bag. The liner was flanel, there mainly to keep the inner cleaner and get a warmer touch than with directly touch cold nylon. We were told to get in there nude as much as possible. The liner was also useful to get the inner cleaner if you remember you can take inside the bag a piece of clothing to give it some warmth before putting it on or any piece of equipment that can be dirty. but still need to be kept warm. The outer baby bag was much helpful by cutting wind and lessen abrasion on the outer part when some part get off the mattress. The hood was helpful under -10° C against wind and cold to the face and only for the moral over -10° C. It was with that whole experience up there that I learn the biggest impact on being able to differentiate between saying 'I am cold' and 'I am frozen'. The seocnd expression carries a sense of urgency misleading our own psyche because it is like being sure we woud die soon. Being cold is often more petinent and surely more positive. That experience confirms me in my love with the North. So some years after as a civilian I went teaching to the inuit in that nice north I still love today at 65 yo.
Very interesting! The idea of an inflating bag for the Rubber Lady is really ingenious!
Spent many nights on a op with no shelter, just shove the sleeping into a snowbank and crawl in.
Over in Bosnia, we would crawl into the sleeping bag with the bivvie bag ,a couple of sticks to keep the flap off your face. Wouldn't get wet no matter how hard it rained!
We have good kit!!😁👍🏻
7 months in Bosnia in mine (98). U.S. Army.
Bruh the bivvy bag is the SECOND BEST piece of kit I have
just, be careful not to close the bag over your face cuz uh, you might not wake up.
The ranger blanket is #1 (I use that at home when lounging around)
the gerber go #3?
@@hurleyfrank666 It would be #3 but I never got one :/ so I guess I'd give that spot to either the rain jacket or the small pack
@@bdfic I got two Gerber and still use my Leatherman instead. It’s a matter of personal opinion 🤷🏻♂️
I used it in artic several times and it keep me warm.
The sleeping bag carrier is still available in army surplus stores but is not issued anymore in the army, it has been replaced by a similar system that lets you compact it to make room for more gear. Same thing for the liner and the inflatable mat. Very efficient system but too heavy and bulky if you're organizing a long trek. The BV bag IS one of the best piece the army has had produced, works extremely well under humid conditions. I once crossed a lake with my rucksack inside the BV bag and floated across
I loved the bivvy bag. I remember jumping into a snow bank with it to see how long I could stay in there...super cozy with all the pieces together.. the ranger blanket was a must everywhere we went and was a useful piece of kit... the other one was the US raincoat and liner...far superior to our crappy jacket..
You should cover what soldiers do to prevent condensation. If you wear too much clothing, damp clothing could cause hypothermia when you are back in the field. I would take off my outer clothing, but keep it in the sleeping back so it wouldn't freeze.
For sure, there was a lot of info I had to leave out to keep the video a reasonable length.
i used to live in canada and had one of these i used it a ton and still have it!
love the video. love the idea thanks alot . looking for something good to start with and for the family. love the talk and showing everything. great stuff bud. cheers
that last item wow love it wear it and sleep in it great stuff
I’ve used this kit on an ftx and it’s served pretty well
Great video Tell. Best one I've seen that describes the components. I've always wanted to get one of these but had to opt for the more expensive synthetic Carinthia system as I am one of those odd fellows who is allergic to down feathers. I really like the new poncho liner and wish some of the civilian manufacturers like Rothco or Mil-Tec would make one with the head zip.
Thank you. It would be nice someone would make a poncho liner with a full zipper and a lightweight high performance insulation.
@@Yeetman216-oh2fe Thanks Brother will check them out
@@OshawaBushcraft Found this on Amazon. Kind of expensive though and not as cool as CadPat, but has the zipped head hole. www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08DTNHHFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Wow. I do not believe a more comprehensive review could be done for this system! Excellent job, Tell! I love this system, but the weight? I have already dumped the old-school mattress; I never take it with me. I am about to dump one of the bags as well now, and thank you for that advice! It certainly is great gear. I'll just keep what I don't need to lug around in storage...until I am camping on Baffin Island in February! Peace, Tell!!
Thanks brother.
Veteran here, you brought me back in the past my friend! I remember having good night sleep on the black inflatable mattress. But I agree it was a little narrow
Thanks for the excellent video and your service. Suggestion- I grew up using the black Betty and other surplus gear and developed my own versatile and lightweight sleep system after research and experimentation and 30 years or so of testing. The zlite pad is great if you are not a side sleeper, very tough and affordable. I use a -12C down mummy bag (1.4 kg) with a light 10C synthetic overbag (0.5kg) that works to boost the temp rating and keep moisture from your body from condensing in the down. A cheap substitute I also use is a poncho liner that is folded over lengthwise and sewn up 2/3 of its length and along the bottom (800g). This can be used inside a breathable bivy to increase temp rating and keep dry. I recommend the 2gosystems velar reflective tyvek bivy (300g). I also have a poly cotton sheet liner that can keep the down bag clean (450g). I have used this system to sleep comfortably on the snow at -35C (would require more than a zlite underneath).
Curious though, to prevent moisture building up inside the down bags with extended use do you have to use an overbag? Is there really any other way? If so why doesn't these systems come with an overbag? These are basically two down bags inside a goretex like bicycle which seems like all things goretex would build up moisture inside the bag eventually. Although I hear goretex works better the colder it gets outside
@@ryaniam22 There are vapor barrier bags you can use inside a bag, which keeps moisture from moving out into the down. You could use a reflective mylar bivy for this purpose. Downside is it would get pretty damp overnight. I've never tried it. Most people never really use down in cold temps for multi day trips, so it's not widely known how significant the condensation issue can be. In my system there doesn't seem to be significant moisture buildup inside the tyvek or goretex bivy, and it dries quickly. Another alternative is a wool overbag, which I have tested.
@@AndrewSmith-rp6ee Well most people must use down for multi-day trips if the entire Canadian Forces has two down bags for prolonged actic conditions in their system. That's like 50000 active personnel that have it in their system. Seems like someone has a solution or it's not really a problem and is much exaggerated.
@@ryaniam22 Well, you might want to try weighing your sleep system, spend a night out in cold weather, then weigh your sleep system again before it has a chance to dry out. Imagine that weight gain accumulating night after night. There have been arctic expeditions where they didn't account for drying out sleeping bags and it didn't go well.
@@ryaniam22 and it's better to have a synthetic outer bag, because it can be dried more easily and doesn't suffer loss of insulating properties as badly as down when wet.
Good job, I liked the video, I will not be doing much cold weather camping anymore but I enjoyed the video.
Thank you
There`s also the metal basin (or plastic basin for airforce & navy personnel at basic) that goes on top in the bivy bag. Not many people appreciate that piece of kit.
The big bowl? I forgot about that. Is it still in service?
Kinda of looks like the US Army Sleep system when I was in. Had a Light bag, Heavy Bag then a Gortext Bag tat you could use in winter or if rain was possible. Nice system comapared to the Big Green bag we had when I first went in the 80's. Straight up Cold weather bag. Summer time, was only good to sleep on top of it, with a Poncho Liner.
Great video! I was in Army cadets from 1974-1981 and the reserve Army in 1983-1984 and 1986-1988. Early issue compression sacs where almost dark green black and way too small. May have been for an earlier issue bag. I was never issued a hood and didn't even know they existed. We also didn't get the bivvy bag just a thin nylon slip cover. Again great video!
Thank you.
Those are some great examples of how the army was able to update and improve on this system over the years
Same thing as yuo bro did yuo get your regimental now reissued
At either SAIL or MEC you can buy a small bottle of stuff that's made especially for restoring the loft of the fill in a down & feather or down filled sleeping bag. It really works.
Btw, if you get a bivy bag that reeks of mothballs like mine did, you can get rid of the odour by washing the bag with vinegar. i soaked mine in a vinegar/water solution overnight then washed it in a front loading washing machine and thereby eliminated the odour completely. No lingering vinegar smell either.
Nice presentation! Thanks for showing the assembly. I used mine at -47. No hood but I improvised and put my parka over my head. I didn’t have the liner or bivy either so I slept in my base and mid layer. I didn’t have a sleeping pad so used spruce branches. It worked great.
I love my Canadian sleep system, owned it for years and most of it was a gift from a friend. I also once owned a hood made by Woods and dated 1949. Maybe a miss stamp but it was neat. That is one I should have held on to.
Right? Part of me wants to try and find the oldest components i can.
no the stamp sounds correct. this system was based on the post ww2 to 1960s system
@@joeydepalmer4457 oh ok. Well that speaks to long life as I have also seen bags marked in the 1950s.
FYI the bivy bag now comes in cadpat too but seemed less resistant than the old one. Its an awesome sleep system IMO, great job!
Thank you.
I need the ruck frame and straps! Old pattern. I love it
My hood was made of felt. Worked great. Had a few great sleeps in the old canvas tents at -27C.
Unfortunately they ruined the bivey bag, and the new versions put a zipper on it. There is a new mattress that is used with the mustang for colder weather, its a simple foam yoga mat that works fairly well and is pretty light. the ranger blanket is great but I took the snugpak light sleeping bag and put that in and with the three bags have sleep snug in -50.
At 192 cm or 6’3.5 I ordered an x long bag set. The army merely spliced another 20 cm onto the end of both inner and outer. I never used the liner and maybe used the hood once in 33 years.
I got out too early. That poncho liner !!!! Best kit ever.
I was in katimavik (government volunteer program) in the 80s and we went winter camping when it was -75c with the wind chill. we borrowed those sleeping bags from the local militia and we were totally comfortable.
i love mine. iv used it many time and it the best. the bivy is my favorite. all well worth the weight. thanks for all the info brother
Hey Oshawa. Great video.
1. I miss that inflation sound of a platoon getting their black betties ready.
2. We first got the Therma-rest pad in '91.
3. In 1981 we were issued a "Frost Cover" for the sleeping bag system. It was a thin silk-like nylon bag that unlike the bivvy bag was designed just to prevent condensation getting the Outer Bag damp. I never saw them again after '81.
4. Staff used to make us tie all the ties, liner to inner, inner to outer (and outer to frost cover). This was literally the first thing we stopped doing once we were no longer recruits!
Thanks for sharing brother, I love hearing these.
Its a shame that no museum displays a collection of these preices, id love to assemble a set of every component.
I was P/RES 89-94. We called the black rubber one the "Rubber Lady" and I don't ever recall a carrier bag for the "thermarest" or ever seeing anyone inflate one with an external bag. Side story, when I quit and did my paperwork I discovered that somewhere along the line I had returned my thermarest but it had not been signed off properly and I had to pay for one. I think it was around $30 at the time. I'm pretty sure the receipt is in my service record. (I got mine from Ottawa as a 180 page PDF on a CD-ROM a couple years ago)
I bought a US poncho liner back in the day and added a long zipper making it a sleeping bag liner or summer sleeping bag. Also managed to get myself a silk liner and still have it. was great in the summer. I eventually got a Recon2 sleeping back for the summer and spring/fall temperature pending. I lived by that addition or substitute kit.
Fond memories of those from service days, Only downside was if set up all day -30 getting into it was a heart attack shiver Simulator LOL or the morning piss getting out of it LOL, The bivy bag is the best I have ever found and thankfully still have my old one :)
Cool video as always mate. As for the Thermarests, they are issued but only to people with the new style rucks from what I’ve seen. One thing I’m surprised didn’t get mentioned was the Tan sleeping mat that came out maybe 2 years ago. It’s what I see most often among The 82 pattern folks and what I use personally. As for the Ranger Blanket yours looked very different than mine which doesn’t have tie out points or a collar cord, is it possible the one you have there is the one made by that company in Qc I see at the CANEX all the time? Hands down the Ranger Blanket is my favourite part of that sleep system, only thing I use during the summer and paired with a fleece sleeping bag liner or wool blanket you can take it into late spring or early fall. Cheers man.
Thanks for watching, I got offered the Themarest around 2003 for chose to stay with the black betty. Id like to have a look at the other new ranger blankets
Great vid! In the early 70's after TQ3 we made sure that stretchers were available when out for an extended field stay 😆.
Great review. I love my CMSS. I use 1 bag in my hammock for a top quilt. Good to about -20c I'm missing the rubber mattress. One day I will find one. Thanks Tell.
Great info! Love my winter camping.
On another note, Oshawa is my old home town kinda miss her sometimes.....
A couple points about the the self inflating pad carry bag. It also fits a Z Rest sleep pad which is nice as they don't go flat. Although it is designed to be an inflation bag I have found in extreme cold (-40) the plastic nozzle piece become so stiff it is difficult to attach it to the valve.
Good to know, thanks.
Howdy from Eastern Ontario! I’m itching to get back out this winter. I usually bring my 10lb synthetic rated to -32 with a wool blanket for my face and cocoon/hang in the hammock under a tarp. Love hearing the coyotes at night. Weight means less when bringing a sled, but I wonder how the military kept water from freezing. Seems any time I went below -17 it was a chore to keep liquids. Take care and stay safe!
Sleep with the bottle,and Coleman naphtha stoves
I forgot to mention,Bottle wrapped up and in between both sleeping bags
In the winter I bring my canteen inside my sleeping bag. Recently I have started filling it with hot water and putting in my foot box to keep my toes warm.
@@OshawaBushcraft JM hit the nail on the head. I go for a few nights and some days don’t go above -25. Going for a hike risks freezing the water at camp. Gotta find a container I can leave it in aside from the pot that I can take out when frozen easily. Got a swamp nearby but chipping at ice is a lot of work on day 2. I always sleep with a nalgene or two after boiling. Any idea if there’s any plastic nalgene style containers with larger opening than holding area?
I think you've covered all the bases. When I joined the reserves in Ottawa in 1978 none of the local units had enough sleeping equipment to issue to everyone to go to the field. So the QM had to borrow from other units in the weeks before hand. Then they had to collect them up, get them cleaned and returned to the other unit. Of course each unit had their sleeping bags very well marked. Eventually more sleep systems were procured. We called the sleeping hood the KKK hat. Most of us just wore a toque in the winter, but they were a good piece of kit. I was issued the Cadpat Ranger blanket in 2005 before going to Afghanistan. It was a great piece of kit. It was about the only thing I wish I didn't have to turn in when I retired.
This reminded me of my 2 summers at Shilo MB in the early 60s at the School of Artillery. It got chilly at night so we got 2 wool blankets and a poncho for sleeping out on the prairie.
Great video man, i have used my sleep system down to -35c and it starts to get chilly, tho not cold. With Surplus bags some have lost some fill, so test the gear you have, not all bags are the same. :) Loved the video man, well done and take care.
Great video for anyone that does know the system. Typically I would jump into the flanel then crawl into the inner. The rubber mat was the best.
Stumbled across this video while looking for one to show someone online how we inflated the black inflatable air mattress back in the day. That said ...
Best video out there explaining this system, background and history. Understood that you didn't show how to tie the liner to the inner and the inner to the outer because its best taught as a hands on lesson or just a stand alone training 'fillum' - id est - what are all those ties for? (And the 2008 Ministry of National Defence you tube assembly video is one horrible example lol yes I fell down a UA-cam rabbit hole to see what else was out there.) Also good to note that the bag inflation thing on the old black inflatable and self inflatable was meant to ensure dry air was used to inflate those items to improve their insulation value. Moist breath air would not work very well and in some cases freeze the rubber plug (not a big deal because we often had to spit on or lick (ugh) that plug to get it into the socket) but in the self inflate one the moist air could ruin the valve. To this day I still prefer the black inflatable because its simple and we used to line the tent floor with evergreen boughs so that we weren't just using air to insulate under the bag, and then when we were told to stop doing that (eco reasons) we then had the CQ bring in straw or hay. If neither was available we usually were more tactical and the sleep system worked long enough and snow itself isn't that cold. Another point about the black inflatable is that we would pull the self inflate bag over the end of the air mattress (condom like) so it would be better protected and not flopping about because in the tent group we could make very comfortable couches out of them which was harder to do with the self inflates. Concur that the bivy bag was long overdue, and the new zippered poncho/liner is a great piece of kit. We were personally buying those from places in the States since the 90s. And the best lesson is in packing and storing these. After getting up the morning and if in a tent group we would allow the heat to dry out any moisture in the bag for a little while or if in a rush or not it would be packed in a garbage bag lined valise (because the valise wasn't waterproof), and the rule was to roll up your bag then unroll it, shake it about, and repeat a few times before crushing it (best way to pack any down sleeping bag) into the valise to help get rid of any moisture build up in the bag from sleeping in it overnight. Of course the valises were then used in making the air mattress couches as part of the system (hard to show unless you have a tent group's worth of kit lol). As for longer term storage and harder for the troops in barracks was to store it outside the valise and hang it up to keep it aired out and lessen any damage to the down which would happen if kept always in its valise.
That said loved this video - only one I have seen that best explained the system for those who have never used it. Noting Points above are not criticisms but suggestions to help perhaps in follow on videos in use of the system that makes it the best in the world but knowing that any system or kit is only good when it is used and maintained properly.
Cheers,
Out
Loved the CF sleeping bag. Served in the mid to late 80's stationed at CFB Calgary and Wainwright. It was heavy though. Being short I always felt like I was going to fall backwards, but I was never cold, sometimes just the opposite. Never used the hood, just pulled the bag over my head.
Thanks for the flashbacks
Fun fact, we are testing a new sleep system - it is basically the same thing but the liner is synthetic and softer.
There are also more sizes - as a 6"4" person I have always had trouble with the older system, as good as it is.
awesome presentation. I think next time I head to a surplus store, I'll ask if they have any Canadian gear. I like the hood and the ranger blanket for sure
One of my COs was very tall, about 6'7". As quarter master of my Reserve unit, I ordered him one of the extra large bags. It's the only one I ever saw.
We didn't have enough sleeping bags to go around. A radio truck would get one complete sleeping bag. The two people not on shift would split the two parts between them. This was common until the late 80s. Air mattresses were Unicorns. Everyone had heard of them, but no one ever saw one.
In the late 80s the floodgates opened and we started getting proper kit. If you ever lose your air mattress plug, a maglight flashlight will do the trick.
Hey man thanks for the memories. your pretty much dead on with the gear. I also never used the liner. We were issued American ranger blankets that I used all the time. I also remember the mosquito bag that would shelter you from the bugs. Also remember what a nuisance it was for the mustang pad on a cot. You couldn't move it would slide all over the place.
Thanks for the vid especially on the tricks to inspect them.
The American version of the Ranger blanket can be found for sale in the civilian market named "Poncho liner" or surplus market as "Woobie" if that can help.
Great video. We do have a new waterproof "valise" or sleeping bag carrier which is easier and the new rucksac have a pouch for it as well in the bottom.
This is pure awesomeness 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you sir
Aside from the cotton liner there was also a nylon sleeping bag liner that came out with the original series of bags which were developed in the mid to late 50's from lessons learned in the Korean War. In and about the late 80's Canada also had a version of the ranger blanket/woobie/poncho liner it came in a heavier water resistant nylon material in Olive Green which looked very much like a moving blanket and was slightly larger than the US issue (i have 2 U.S. issue poncho liners ) I have one of the Canadian issue poncho liners, and it is quite warm. Alas, Canada removed the poncho from service in the mid to late 70's when they started issuing rain gear (IE: Rain parka and pants.). There was some talk about re-issuing a poncho in CADPAT but that fell by the wayside with the introduction of the Bivi bag.And CADPAT rain gear.
Well presented! Brought me back to my time in the reserves, 1990-2005. We had the "rubber dolls" and the damn things were always flat come morning. I would go back to the basic Outer/Inner/Liner in a heartbeat, but I find surplus items in good shape are very hard to find.I have never seen the bivy bag in a surplus store (I wouldn't hesitate to purchase one).
Thank you for your service. After doing the research for this video I found a new appreciation for this system.