Oh, and along the pillow case vein, I made a super thick fleece cover for my air pillow and have snap closures. If I'm in my biv, I got my boots on. Thanks for the video. I like the smiles from you guys on the video. It makes it.
A small battery powered fan is a neat idea, Ralph. If small enough I might could hang one on the pool noodle...this will need more research and testing!
For me, getting my boots as dry as possible overnight, is a high priority. A hack I've been using since my mid-1980's Army days: I always keep an extra mosquito head net rolled up in my cargo pocket. At night, I place my boots in it and cinch it tight. This allows the boots to fully ventilate overnight, and keeps all the critters out. That said, I like your thinking. Spitballing here, I'm wondering if a length of the old school foam USGI sleeping pad might do the same thing. When we loaded our duffle bags, the first thing we would put in it is our foam sleeping pad roll, and then we would untie it inside. It would unfurl and retain the cylinder shape and expand to the diameter of the duffel, serving as a stiffener to keep it open as we placed everything else inside. Now, imagine that concept turned on its side, with the foam mat replacing your pool noodle. If I cut a shortened length of pad so that it expands to the diameter of my ALICE pack, it would act as a stiffener like it did for our duffel bags and also contribute to flotation. It would also make a handy ground mat for sitting and kneeling. Then at night, curl it into a cylinder, lay it on its side, stuff it in the bivy, and use it like you used your pool noodle. You wouldn't need the boots to hold it in place, because your torso would do that. That would free your boots to be placed in the mosquito net and ventilate overnight, and you wouldn't have to deal with the smell and dirt right by your head. And because the sleeping mat is only 1/2 inch thick, it would intrude less into your space. Love the creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, thanks for the inspiration!
@robertsbushcraft Since color doesn't seem to matter here, just pop on down to Wally World and get a blue mat. Dimensions and performance is identical to G.I. Or get a yoga mat, they come in gray or black.
Great idea, and love the camaraderie between the 2 of you. In the field, I'll bet you could do this with your boots and a curved stick or something. Happy camping!
That's pretty freakin' incredible guys! Very clever! Easy to see how this might save some weight as opposed to a tent.The pillow mod is an especially nice touch. Rock on, fellas!
Try the British bivy. They weigh less and are more simple. They just have a big drawstring hood. No zipper to break or leak. I traded for one when I was in the army my unit spent a month in England. We didn't have the sleep system. Mostly we survived with poncho, and liner. When I got that gortex everyone in my unit was jealous. I would hear a thunderstorm coming in and giggle. Everyone else would be cussing and swearing putting up poncho hooches. I would roll over and go back to sleep not a care in the world.
I got a extra large uk gortex bivi for 25pounds it fits a daypack and sleeping bag and i don't wakeup with any damp spots if i leave a small opening to breath out of.
This is great for camping expeditions, however in modern times, many who utilize these bivy's can't afford the risk of taking their boots off. Otherwise, great idea
I think it can be solved in a different way. You need 3-6 straps of Goretex tape (cheap, use with iron) and just make loops on the top layer. Then put foam there.
You guys are awesome. Great hack to get a little breathing room in the bivvy! I love how excited you get when you come up with ideas like the pillow case! Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work, don't change a thing! Jerry
Jerry, when I first cut the old jacket liner up I felt like I was sinning. It hurt, lol. On a whim, I sewed it together only using eyeballed measurements. And it turns out that it fits the Klymit Drift like a dream.
@@robertsbushcraft Lol! I know what you mean! 😂 My wife has a purse that was made out of USGI shelter half canvas. That just ain't right! BTW, I dropped you an email on your website about a new Stanley kit I thought you and Gabriel would enjoy. Turns out, it's kind of hard to find though.
You're welcome! If you need reinforcement, you can cut to length a small branch (fresh cut is best due to flexibility), and insert that into the noodle.
Mega-awesome hack! While I guessed where y'all were going, it wasn't until 8:25 that I realized the beauty of your elegant solution. And better yet, a tad earlier you pointed out how the hack has a second important benefit (flotation) and I'm sure there are others like in a pinch cutting off a slice to solve other problems... Well done guys, you definitely scored a new Sub here! Peace out. 😎
@@robertsbushcraft I love mine its great for stealth camping, I hear that there are problems with the zipper but that it is easily replaced. of course it has problems weight is one it weighs about twice that of the USMC improved bivvi
And that's where I think I've always sort of turned my nose up at it: the weight. I've always reasoned out that I'd add a few extra pounds and take the heavier TCOP tent. That said, extra pounds are extra pounds and I'm beginning to appreciate less weight being carried these days.
I used the shoes technique with pet bottles and it worked well thank you even though its better to stay with opened bivy for better breathing and carry some tarp to put over your head and you good to go
Suggestion-at expense of boots becoming clammy overnight, but dry-protected from elements and critters like ticks, while still using the pool noodle trick, try the following: 1. place boots in contractor bag and tie-off contractor bag. 2. Place contractor bag outside of MMSS. 3. Either glue (not recommended but is a potential solution path) or sew and then seam grip (sewing w/ seam grip would be a better solution than gluing) a pocket inside the MMSS on each side of the MMSS at the floor level (or close to floor level) at locations that make the most sense to you. The extreme top-end corners of the MMSS would be one set logical locations, but another set of logical locations could be where that cross seam at the top of the cover meets the floor level. These pockets would contain the two ends of the pool noodle, much like the boots in your video. 4. Either glue (again, not recommended) or sew and seam grip (again a better solution than gluing) a hook-and-loop (i.e., Velcro®) strip on the inside ceiling of the MMSS where that cross seam mentioned earlier runs. 5. Insert ends of pool noodle into the respective pockets and then use the Velcro® strap to anchor the middle of the pool noodle in place. The closer the two pockets are to the floor, the better this solution would function, I think. You would not want much flop with this solution-Keeping it taut would minimize the amount of head-to-foot shifting of the bivy cover's material. The above solution should permit quick and easy repeated installations and removals of the noodle. As the character of Spock asked near the end of the motion picture feature film, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan:" "What do you think of my solution?" As with all of your videos, I really liked your video. Best wishes to you. KMM.
Now that’s a pillow! First my man Dave Pearson (Reallybigmonkey1) showed off his sewing skills now my man Curry does as well! Just proves to me real men can sew! Great hack for the bivy guys. It’s something I’ve been contemplating since I too don’t like the material in my face. I may have missed the origin of that ground sheet in previous videos but is it a cut down MARPAT tarp? Thanks again for sharing guys. It’s a privilege to go hiking with you!
I was thinking the same thing, looks like a cut down, marpat field tarp. Learning to sew opens up so many possibilities, definitely a skill I need for the toolbox.
@@joeyjones9041 That’s for sure. I have quite few ideas for field gear that sewing would make happen. My dad could sew on the ancient Singer machine we had. I remember several gun socks he made out of old jeans legs.
Real men CAN sew, Steve! You'd be surprised at how easy it is to make small pouches, repair clothing and gear, even make the BEST CAMP PILLOW CASE ON THE PLANET, with a sewing machine. The material beneath the bivy was purchased on Ebay a few years ago and I believe it to be the exact same material the USMC field tarp is made of. I wish that I had bought the whole of what the seller had.
@@steveturner3999 Hi Steve, I started sewing to break the boredom of the pandemic. I found an ancient Singer on Craigs list and it can't be beat. Started making cordura day back packs and dog boots. It seems to be a great hobby.
@@robertsbushcraft Thanks Curry. I have a few purchase regrets. Not that I bought something (well a few of those) but that I didn’t buy or buy enough of something. I’m really considering getting my sister-in-law to teach me to sew. I have ideas for items and some that need repair. Sewing could make that happen. Who knows? Maybe a Bushcraft Sewing Circle is on the horizon!
Another suggestion-this one is a variation of the tree limb solution mentioned in the video and in at least one of the comments below: This solution would require 3 'poles', each of which could be fabricated onsite from available wood or reeds, as well as sewing and seam gripping. 1. At home, sew and seam grip on the OUTSIDE of the bivy cover, on or near the aforementioned cross seam, somewhere in the middle, topmost, a Velcro® strap. 2. Create two Y-poles, each about 2 feet in length. 3. Drive each Y-pole deeply into the ground, one on each side of the bivy cover, along that aforementioned cross seam at the top side of the bivy cover, near the head end of the cover. 3. Run either a third pole (not a Y-pole, merely a regular pole) across both Y-poles, much like a spit over a fire with two Y-poles on each side of that fire. 4. Anchor the external Velcro® strap that you previously sewed and seam gripped to the pole. Alternatively, one could dispense with Y-poles and merely run a guyline from either two poles or two trees, running the guyline across the MMSS, left-to-right, and Anchor the external Velcro® strap to the guyline. Now that I think about it, the guyline solution would be the lightest and easiest solution of all-no boots, no noodle, no poles.
I like the idea but just a question not intended negatively. Given that is fairly bulky if you are going to the trouble of carrying that why not just get a low profile one man tent?
We have tents just like that: ua-cam.com/video/8HIjdapuj6s/v-deo.html The bivy is superior is being low profile but nowhere near as roomy. Here you can see that the bivy is easily hidden ua-cam.com/video/XAvKqvX6zMM/v-deo.html
Once I went Bivy, I never looked back. I use the entire MSS Modular Sleep System, depending on the weather, and yes it's bulky and heavy, but it's bombproof, and even if I used a different sleeping bag, I'd stick with the Goretex Bivy. There's really no comparison, it smokes the SOL bivys. I have played around with lashing two limbs with bankline into an X fashion. The Jacket liner pillow cover is absolute genius. I'm still on the hunt for the best pillow myself, but my resources have been spent on other areas of my preparedness. I just got a couple of Holosun Green Dots and Magpul MS1 slings with QD hardware. I also got a Mora Carbon Garberg to try out. One day, I'd like to get a custom bushcraft knife, time will tell tho. My next purchase will be weopons lights for the AR15s, been looking at the Olight Odin and some Surefires. I also need ambidextrous charging handles since I'm a lefty. Just a handful of items to go and my wife's and my own Long Term Bug Out Bags will be finished, still have a couple of things to get for the kids, but for two years of serious trial and error, research, time, and money, I finally see the light at the end of the bug out tunnel lol. After that, I just need to put together a battle belt for my Glock 19X and my wife's CZ75 P09, then put together a couple of plate carriers and call it good. Maybe a couple of little things for the Medical bag(5.11 Rush 72).It will be nice to just focus on bug in/homestead preparedness.
Joey, you have been busy. How well do you like the Holosun greens? Gabriel and I both love the Olight Odin. We may at some point pick up a couple of Surefires just to see the differences between the two. Focus on the homestead! We'll be back on the cabin build soon, we've had to slow our build until Gabriel is done with football and that should be the next month or so. Stay safe!
@@danroblox9243 you'll get there, just takes time. I always think, what gear would help me the most right now, then I'd save up for that piece of gear. The important thing is that you have started your preparedness journey.
Okay, I can see where your going with this hack. But you didn't have to spend the dollar. You could accomplish the same goal with a flexible tree limb. The way I see it, the pool noodle is just one more thing taking up room in your pack and isn't really needed. Just my thought.
@@robertsbushcraft I like it because I can swing the pack around and access all my pouches as needed, it's also a godsend for shucking off and putting it back on 👍
Hello you guys are always coming up with great stuff on your channel. I really like that ground sheet under the bivy and pillow/climate drift..how can I get them and where ??
That particular sheet is a piece of material that was purchased from ebay a few years ago. It's been really hard to find since then, but, it is the same material used to make the USMC field tarp amzn.to/3Wy3Mlf or you can find them on ebay: ebay.us/MM9zfr
haha great idea got flecktarn mms on way and just happen t have a bit pipe lagging foam about rt size left over from my hammock hack.. sweet got poles from a phoxx1v2 might help too n more packable nice one
I got one but I’m thinking of cutting off the pole holes off a tent and poxy glue them inside the bevy and putting 4 stake loops on the outside of the bevy , then you can stake down your bevy and just use a small stick on the inside to fit in the pole holes and have a piece of Velcro to Velcro the stick to the top inside bevy so it don’t move around and come undone , that goes for staking the bevy down so it doesn’t move around on you when you move also helping the stick stay in place...of coarse always use a green stick...which is in abundance in the wilderness
That plan could work, too. We tried a several different ways that just never seemed to work out well on a consistent basis for us. The USMC Improved Bivy Cover (IBC) came along and that pretty much ended the trial and error attempts on the MMSS bivy.
How often does it really happen that you close your bivy completely? I made a patch out of Velcro and hung the face piece with a rubber cord on a branch ... it is clear that the bivy remains open on the head! Next I'll try to do something with tarp clips. Atb from Germania Jürgen Ps: I like the idea with the pool noodle
Hello J. Juergen! I always slept with this closed during colder months. The head does not seal shut and ventilation can be increased by opening the zipper for more air flow. Since getting the IBC a couple years ago I've pretty much shelved the MMSS bivy by placing it in the go bag. The IBC is a superior bivy in my opinion. Atb!
Maybe you can take heavy-duty aluminum foil or use one of those aluminum containers that you cook your turkey in during Thanksgiving. Fold up the aluminum foil into long strips or cut the aluminum containers into strips 1" wide x 12" long. Get masking tape, Gorilla tape, or that blue tape that's sold in Home Depot, and join them together; so that you get it to be 60" long. Then, you bend the long aluminum strip into a circle and stuff it in the MMSS bivy! :D You can use tape to hold the circle in place.
@@robertsbushcraft yes thanks interesting idea, but I had to scan through the video and increase the playback. So it was a strange experience. But then I don't know your motivations overall.
I like this idea it looks like it would be very comfortable to sleep with also if you need to do so with the improved version you can also use the noodle to help with reinforcement of the hood to keep it more elevated from your face also the pillow looks great. I am wondering can it be made thicker thoe because of my neck I need two pillows or one really thick one for support? Also you can use this system with either a air mattress or inflatable sleepin mat.
I can advise you if you are going to use this dollar store hack to buy a pair of sandals, moccasins, barefoot shoes, or water shoes in your pack. Obviously, you are sacrificing your boots and pool noodle as an improvised tent frame. But this is a neat trick for a bivvy sack.
Love the pool noodle idea. The pillow? I use my stuff sack for my sleeping bag to stuff my jacket inside of and that becomes a pillow with no extra to carry around. I bet of you stretched a head net over the boots and pool noodle you'd have a way to keep skeeters from nipping ya
Good idea but not for me. With the conditions here in the UK, I would have to pack a shovel to get the mud off my boots 1st. 😂👍 I sleep on my side so the bivy is not on my face anyway. Regards JB.
Learned the greenwood stick trick in scouts (50 years ago!) But it can't be pine, too muxh sticky sap will get on your gear. We used willow, strong and flexible. Like the pool noodle idea though.
I like the noodle but not the boots inside. Maybe a couple of Velcro straps, stitched or glued inside, to hold the noodle. I really like your thinking though.
The boots inside the bivy seems to be controversial! Clean boots (ours thankfully don't stink) in the bivy are good to go in our opinion. Keeps them warm and dry.
Get rid of the boots, cut off one of your old flexible tent poles the length of the Noodle and slide it inside the Noodle. The Noodle will fit wedged tight inside the head area leaving more room to roll around. I found a heavy duty tent pole that has the bungee and connection tube barrel so it folds in half when not in use.
We want those boots inside and out of the elements. We never did get good repeatable results using a tent pole, but we didn't try it exactly like you mention. Might just give that a go!
@@robertsbushcraft I used the noodle that wasn't cut down the side end to end. It fit snug but I forgot I also later sewed strips of canvas strings at the footings of both sides and one at the top long enough to tie off the noodle for extra securement which made it perfect in my opinion.
Dad (Curry) is wearing a DFLCS pack by Eagle Industries. They are hard to find and I don't have a link to one. I (Gabriel) am wearing an Aqua Quest Himal waterproof pack: amzn.to/3xh3hzN
@@robertsbushcraft awesome, thanks man. We generally just call them floats on England, that mixed with the accent confused me. Great idea, I'm going to try this when I can because I have a Dutch Army non hooped bivvy.
I'm gonna tell you right now, out front; my boots are not getting that close to my nose in an enclosed area like that!
Oh, and along the pillow case vein, I made a super thick fleece cover for my air pillow and have snap closures. If I'm in my biv, I got my boots on. Thanks for the video. I like the smiles from you guys on the video. It makes it.
Maybe a little rechargeable battery powered fan in the pack.
One of two things is going for us...either our feet don't stink to the point of it being unpleasant OR we just don't smell them anymore :D
A small battery powered fan is a neat idea, Ralph. If small enough I might could hang one on the pool noodle...this will need more research and testing!
You're welcome and we appreciate your interaction with us, Ralph.
Ok, at the beginning of the vid, who else was thinking this looks like a live action "Johnny Quest" episode? Respect!
William, this could very well be my favorite comment ever on this channel!
Where’s Haji?
@@angryshrub1 Hopefully he has eyes on Bandit!
no doubt, two very cool looking gentlemen
For me, getting my boots as dry as possible overnight, is a high priority. A hack I've been using since my mid-1980's Army days: I always keep an extra mosquito head net rolled up in my cargo pocket. At night, I place my boots in it and cinch it tight. This allows the boots to fully ventilate overnight, and keeps all the critters out.
That said, I like your thinking. Spitballing here, I'm wondering if a length of the old school foam USGI sleeping pad might do the same thing. When we loaded our duffle bags, the first thing we would put in it is our foam sleeping pad roll, and then we would untie it inside. It would unfurl and retain the cylinder shape and expand to the diameter of the duffel, serving as a stiffener to keep it open as we placed everything else inside. Now, imagine that concept turned on its side, with the foam mat replacing your pool noodle. If I cut a shortened length of pad so that it expands to the diameter of my ALICE pack, it would act as a stiffener like it did for our duffel bags and also contribute to flotation. It would also make a handy ground mat for sitting and kneeling. Then at night, curl it into a cylinder, lay it on its side, stuff it in the bivy, and use it like you used your pool noodle. You wouldn't need the boots to hold it in place, because your torso would do that. That would free your boots to be placed in the mosquito net and ventilate overnight, and you wouldn't have to deal with the smell and dirt right by your head. And because the sleeping mat is only 1/2 inch thick, it would intrude less into your space.
Love the creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, thanks for the inspiration!
If I can get a piece of the iso mat (I think that's what you're describing) we may just try that out! Thank you for the idea on that, Stan!
cheers
@robertsbushcraft Since color doesn't seem to matter here, just pop on down to Wally World and get a blue mat. Dimensions and performance is identical to G.I. Or get a yoga mat, they come in gray or black.
Thank you so much, I swear to God you are the only video on this where someone actually gets inside the bag!
Great idea, and love the camaraderie between the 2 of you. In the field, I'll bet you could do this with your boots and a curved stick or something. Happy camping!
That's pretty freakin' incredible guys! Very clever! Easy to see how this might save some weight as opposed to a tent.The pillow mod is an especially nice touch. Rock on, fellas!
Hey thanks for the encouragement, Brn Recluse!
Try the British bivy. They weigh less and are more simple. They just have a big drawstring hood. No zipper to break or leak. I traded for one when I was in the army my unit spent a month in England. We didn't have the sleep system. Mostly we survived with poncho, and liner. When I got that gortex everyone in my unit was jealous. I would hear a thunderstorm coming in and giggle. Everyone else would be cussing and swearing putting up poncho hooches. I would roll over and go back to sleep not a care in the world.
I got a extra large uk gortex bivi for 25pounds it fits a daypack and sleeping bag and i don't wakeup with any damp spots if i leave a small opening to breath out of.
The newer USMC IBC (coyote brown improved bivy cover in the video) is our definite go-to.
Ingenious hack, thanks for sharing.
Love y'all's countryside.
And I'm proud of those buttons for you, lol.
It's a beautiful place we have here. And those buttons are a work of art (at least for this old country boy).
this is the first of your videos I have come across, have subscribed now, I enjoyed it.
This is great for camping expeditions, however in modern times, many who utilize these bivy's can't afford the risk of taking their boots off. Otherwise, great idea
Just purchased the us bivy
Going to give it a go and compare it to my British army
I’m liking the zipper design for warmer nights
Make sure to let us know what you think! We love our MMSS Bivy and USMC IBC!
I think it can be solved in a different way. You need 3-6 straps of Goretex tape (cheap, use with iron) and just make loops on the top layer. Then put foam there.
You guys are awesome. Great hack to get a little breathing room in the bivvy! I love how excited you get when you come up with ideas like the pillow case! Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work, don't change a thing!
Jerry
Jerry, when I first cut the old jacket liner up I felt like I was sinning. It hurt, lol. On a whim, I sewed it together only using eyeballed measurements. And it turns out that it fits the Klymit Drift like a dream.
@@robertsbushcraft Lol! I know what you mean! 😂 My wife has a purse that was made out of USGI shelter half canvas. That just ain't right! BTW, I dropped you an email on your website about a new Stanley kit I thought you and Gabriel would enjoy. Turns out, it's kind of hard to find though.
Fun hack. Love the solutioning. I like Stan's idea and many others below too.
Hey thanks, texasroots!
A good idea. Flexible plastic molding used along walls in homes would do the same and be less bulky.
Excellent suggestion, Michael!
Great mods nice sewing job on pillow cover. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Thaddeus! That pillow case is the bomb.
Great advice I have several of these mil spec bivys
Hey thanks, Steven!
I always listen to these two guy's....Cause , there usually right and always coming up with better ideals...pretty smart guy's...Thanks
Hey thanks for that encouragement, Ted!
Genius! Thank you! I will never again have to sleep with gortex against my face.
Right on, John!
Great hack. Thanks for video guys. Now i have to try it
It's an easy enough one to do on a consistent basis without having to sew or glue.
Clever. I suspect this hack might also work with a foam water pipe insulation sleeve, too.
Nice vid brother, you look like Johnny Quest Dad.
Hah! That's an awesome comment!
Thanks guys, very helpful idea, I've been looking for a workable option to raise it off my face ❤
You're welcome! If you need reinforcement, you can cut to length a small branch (fresh cut is best due to flexibility), and insert that into the noodle.
Mega-awesome hack! While I guessed where y'all were going, it wasn't until 8:25 that I realized the beauty of your elegant solution. And better yet, a tad earlier you pointed out how the hack has a second important benefit (flotation) and I'm sure there are others like in a pinch cutting off a slice to solve other problems... Well done guys, you definitely scored a new Sub here! Peace out. 😎
Hey thanks, guys! Those little pool noodles have a thousand uses and they've earned a spot in our gear! We sincerely appreciate that sub!
Very creative, I combine my bivy with a Atwater Carey bivy screen. Great video.
I've never seen one of the Atwater Carey bivy screens, do you like it?
Great video, guys, loved the hacks.
Hey thanks, globyois!
4 words.. Dutch - Army - Hooped - Bivi nuff said
We might end up trying to get a couple of those, they seem quite popular!
@@robertsbushcraft I love mine its great for stealth camping, I hear that there are problems with the zipper but that it is easily replaced. of course it has problems weight is one it weighs about twice that of the USMC improved bivvi
And that's where I think I've always sort of turned my nose up at it: the weight. I've always reasoned out that I'd add a few extra pounds and take the heavier TCOP tent. That said, extra pounds are extra pounds and I'm beginning to appreciate less weight being carried these days.
Yeah, tried to find one, chicken teeth are easier to pick up!
Smart! I use the dutch bivvi its great!
We prefer the USMC IBC over the older woodland bivy but felt the idea was worth sharing because the MMSS bivy is a popular one.
Brilliant 👍 I'm going to look at getting me one of them IBC Bivi bags.
Thanks guys atb Taff 🤠
As far as these US military bivi bags are concerned the IBC is the way to go in our opinion. We love them, Taff!
Slumberjack bivy has the hack incorporated along with mesh over the head area for breathing and no condensation build up.
I was sure you were going to use a hanger. Good job guys!
I impressed. Good idea. Thanks.
You're welcome!
I would be proud of those mods too. I think it is better than the My pillow sleep system.
I agree 100%, Earl!
I used the shoes technique with pet bottles and it worked well thank you even though its better to stay with opened bivy for better breathing and carry some tarp to put over your head and you good to go
I always carry a roll or 2 of dental floss. Sometimes I use it to lash a small stick frame headspace.
One pack in ifak, another in a tool roll 👍
Suggestion-at expense of boots becoming clammy overnight, but dry-protected from elements and critters like ticks, while still using the pool noodle trick, try the following: 1. place boots in contractor bag and tie-off contractor bag. 2. Place contractor bag outside of MMSS. 3. Either glue (not recommended but is a potential solution path) or sew and then seam grip (sewing w/ seam grip would be a better solution than gluing) a pocket inside the MMSS on each side of the MMSS at the floor level (or close to floor level) at locations that make the most sense to you. The extreme top-end corners of the MMSS would be one set logical locations, but another set of logical locations could be where that cross seam at the top of the cover meets the floor level. These pockets would contain the two ends of the pool noodle, much like the boots in your video. 4. Either glue (again, not recommended) or sew and seam grip (again a better solution than gluing) a hook-and-loop (i.e., Velcro®) strip on the inside ceiling of the MMSS where that cross seam mentioned earlier runs. 5. Insert ends of pool noodle into the respective pockets and then use the Velcro® strap to anchor the middle of the pool noodle in place. The closer the two pockets are to the floor, the better this solution would function, I think. You would not want much flop with this solution-Keeping it taut would minimize the amount of head-to-foot shifting of the bivy cover's material. The above solution should permit quick and easy repeated installations and removals of the noodle. As the character of Spock asked near the end of the motion picture feature film, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan:" "What do you think of my solution?" As with all of your videos, I really liked your video. Best wishes to you. KMM.
I really like that second one.
The USMC IBC (Improved Bivy Cover) is a real gem and we do prefer it over the older MMSS bivy.
Now that’s a pillow! First my man Dave Pearson (Reallybigmonkey1) showed off his sewing skills now my man Curry does as well! Just proves to me real men can sew! Great hack for the bivy guys. It’s something I’ve been contemplating since I too don’t like the material in my face. I may have missed the origin of that ground sheet in previous videos but is it a cut down MARPAT tarp? Thanks again for sharing guys. It’s a privilege to go hiking with you!
I was thinking the same thing, looks like a cut down, marpat field tarp. Learning to sew opens up so many possibilities, definitely a skill I need for the toolbox.
@@joeyjones9041 That’s for sure. I have quite few ideas for field gear that sewing would make happen. My dad could sew on the ancient Singer machine we had. I remember several gun socks he made out of old jeans legs.
Real men CAN sew, Steve! You'd be surprised at how easy it is to make small pouches, repair clothing and gear, even make the BEST CAMP PILLOW CASE ON THE PLANET, with a sewing machine. The material beneath the bivy was purchased on Ebay a few years ago and I believe it to be the exact same material the USMC field tarp is made of. I wish that I had bought the whole of what the seller had.
@@steveturner3999 Hi Steve, I started sewing to break the boredom of the pandemic. I found an ancient Singer on Craigs list and it can't be beat. Started making cordura day back packs and dog boots. It seems to be a great hobby.
@@robertsbushcraft Thanks Curry. I have a few purchase regrets. Not that I bought something (well a few of those) but that I didn’t buy or buy enough of something. I’m really considering getting my sister-in-law to teach me to sew. I have ideas for items and some that need repair. Sewing could make that happen. Who knows? Maybe a Bushcraft Sewing Circle is on the horizon!
Great idea! Thanks a lot! ATB Sam Adler
Thanks, Sam! It's a super simple and cheap hack, anybody can do this!
Good hack. Don't know if I wanna smell my boots, and I'm gonna sell my MMSS, but I'll try it in my other bivy.
What other bivy are you using?
@@robertsbushcraft Snugpack Stratosphere
looks like a full circular version of that with one end under your neck would work great as well
Hey it just might, @bubba7626!
Adapt and over come.
Right on!
What was the type of tarp you were laying the bivy on top of?
Great DIY hacks video guys. Myself I'm making that pillow bag.
That pillow bag is the real star of the show!
Another suggestion-this one is a variation of the tree limb solution mentioned in the video and in at least one of the comments below: This solution would require 3 'poles', each of which could be fabricated onsite from available wood or reeds, as well as sewing and seam gripping. 1. At home, sew and seam grip on the OUTSIDE of the bivy cover, on or near the aforementioned cross seam, somewhere in the middle, topmost, a Velcro® strap. 2. Create two Y-poles, each about 2 feet in length. 3. Drive each Y-pole deeply into the ground, one on each side of the bivy cover, along that aforementioned cross seam at the top side of the bivy cover, near the head end of the cover. 3. Run either a third pole (not a Y-pole, merely a regular pole) across both Y-poles, much like a spit over a fire with two Y-poles on each side of that fire. 4. Anchor the external Velcro® strap that you previously sewed and seam gripped to the pole. Alternatively, one could dispense with Y-poles and merely run a guyline from either two poles or two trees, running the guyline across the MMSS, left-to-right, and Anchor the external Velcro® strap to the guyline. Now that I think about it, the guyline solution would be the lightest and easiest solution of all-no boots, no noodle, no poles.
Great hack Curry! I have the MSS. Like your pillow case too! Thanks guys, take care. 👍👌
Jeff it was like I had sewn that jacket liner knowing that at some point I'd get that Klymit Drift pillow. It fits in there like a glove!
@@robertsbushcraft That's great 👍wish I had a sewing machine, I can't sew by hand very good 😫
Thanks for sharing.
Our pleasure, Jimmie!
That’s inventive I must say. If u move around a lot in your sleep, one should probably not be in a Bivy to start with. 👍👍😁🇺🇸
Thanks, Barnacle Bill! I roll often (side sleeper) and this holds up for me.
I like your videos you guys rock
Hey thanks, Tank Craft!
Great idea
Semper Fi
Right on, Frank! Semper Fi!
I like the idea but just a question not intended negatively. Given that is fairly bulky if you are going to the trouble of carrying that why not just get a low profile one man tent?
We have tents just like that: ua-cam.com/video/8HIjdapuj6s/v-deo.html The bivy is superior is being low profile but nowhere near as roomy. Here you can see that the bivy is easily hidden ua-cam.com/video/XAvKqvX6zMM/v-deo.html
Great ideas as usual. Can tell you guys always have a blast out there playing with gear. 🤙🏽
You have no idea how much we have with this stuff, kbbjedi! A blast indeed!
Great jacket liner pillow case idea it really is nice .
That is a real gem when sleeping outside!
Fantastic Idea.
Once I went Bivy, I never looked back. I use the entire MSS Modular Sleep System, depending on the weather, and yes it's bulky and heavy, but it's bombproof, and even if I used a different sleeping bag, I'd stick with the Goretex Bivy. There's really no comparison, it smokes the SOL bivys. I have played around with lashing two limbs with bankline into an X fashion. The Jacket liner pillow cover is absolute genius. I'm still on the hunt for the best pillow myself, but my resources have been spent on other areas of my preparedness. I just got a couple of Holosun Green Dots and Magpul MS1 slings with QD hardware. I also got a Mora Carbon Garberg to try out. One day, I'd like to get a custom bushcraft knife, time will tell tho. My next purchase will be weopons lights for the AR15s, been looking at the Olight Odin and some Surefires. I also need ambidextrous charging handles since I'm a lefty. Just a handful of items to go and my wife's and my own Long Term Bug Out Bags will be finished, still have a couple of things to get for the kids, but for two years of serious trial and error, research, time, and money, I finally see the light at the end of the bug out tunnel lol. After that, I just need to put together a battle belt for my Glock 19X and my wife's CZ75 P09, then put together a couple of plate carriers and call it good. Maybe a couple of little things for the Medical bag(5.11 Rush 72).It will be nice to just focus on bug in/homestead preparedness.
Joey, you have been busy. How well do you like the Holosun greens? Gabriel and I both love the Olight Odin. We may at some point pick up a couple of Surefires just to see the differences between the two. Focus on the homestead! We'll be back on the cabin build soon, we've had to slow our build until Gabriel is done with football and that should be the next month or so. Stay safe!
not bad i just started in november 2020 and im very jealous of your set up lol
@@danroblox9243 you'll get there, just takes time. I always think, what gear would help me the most right now, then I'd save up for that piece of gear. The important thing is that you have started your preparedness journey.
@@joeyjones9041 indeed thanks joey
but i like mnp shields and sig saeur m17s better
Okay, I can see where your going with this hack. But you didn't have to spend the dollar. You could accomplish the same goal with a flexible tree limb. The way I see it, the pool noodle is just one more thing taking up room in your pack and isn't really needed. Just my thought.
We mentioned the green limb in the video and feel that it is a great option!
Are you using a jungle cord on your grab handle for your pack hanging?
I thought I was alone on that haha 👍
Yes it is! That's a handy-dandy idea! We'll be hanging a few packs up in the loft when we get it done: ua-cam.com/video/4xSfak35yvk/v-deo.html
@@robertsbushcraft I like it because I can swing the pack around and access all my pouches as needed, it's also a godsend for shucking off and putting it back on 👍
This is awesome!! Do you know if there‘s a pole out there that has similar dimensions to do this?:)
We're always looking for something new to use as poles. The new USMC bivy uses heavy gauged wire: ua-cam.com/video/XAvKqvX6zMM/v-deo.html
@@robertsbushcraft sweet thx!
Clever trick -great work
Hello you guys are always coming up with great stuff on your channel. I really like that ground sheet under the bivy and pillow/climate drift..how can I get them and where ??
That particular sheet is a piece of material that was purchased from ebay a few years ago. It's been really hard to find since then, but, it is the same material used to make the USMC field tarp amzn.to/3Wy3Mlf or you can find them on ebay: ebay.us/MM9zfr
@@robertsbushcraft thanks for responding I have a piece of tyvek I am planning to paint it cammo
haha great idea got flecktarn mms on way and just happen t have a bit pipe lagging foam about rt size left over from my hammock hack.. sweet got poles from a phoxx1v2 might help too n more packable
nice one
I got one but I’m thinking of cutting off the pole holes off a tent and poxy glue them inside the bevy and putting 4 stake loops on the outside of the bevy , then you can stake down your bevy and just use a small stick on the inside to fit in the pole holes and have a piece of Velcro to Velcro the stick to the top inside bevy so it don’t move around and come undone , that goes for staking the bevy down so it doesn’t move around on you when you move also helping the stick stay in place...of coarse always use a green stick...which is in abundance in the wilderness
That plan could work, too. We tried a several different ways that just never seemed to work out well on a consistent basis for us. The USMC Improved Bivy Cover (IBC) came along and that pretty much ended the trial and error attempts on the MMSS bivy.
Hllo from Germania,
maybe you try it first with a couple of Tarp Clamps.
How often does it really happen that you close your bivy completely?
I made a patch out of Velcro and hung the face piece with a rubber cord on a branch ... it is clear that the bivy remains open on the head!
Next I'll try to do something with tarp clips.
Atb from Germania
Jürgen
Ps: I like the idea with the pool noodle
Hello J. Juergen! I always slept with this closed during colder months. The head does not seal shut and ventilation can be increased by opening the zipper for more air flow. Since getting the IBC a couple years ago I've pretty much shelved the MMSS bivy by placing it in the go bag. The IBC is a superior bivy in my opinion. Atb!
How long did you guys make the pool noodle?
It's about three feet or so.
Good idea, guys. 👍
That pillow case is what put's this over the edge.
whats your defense piece there never know when those 2 legged insane rabbits will come around
Maybe you can take heavy-duty aluminum foil or use one of those aluminum containers that you cook your turkey in during Thanksgiving. Fold up the aluminum foil into long strips or cut the aluminum containers into strips 1" wide x 12" long. Get masking tape, Gorilla tape, or that blue tape that's sold in Home Depot, and join them together; so that you get it to be 60" long. Then, you bend the long aluminum strip into a circle and stuff it in the MMSS bivy! :D You can use tape to hold the circle in place.
A stick with tape on the ends, like the sticks behind u! Perfect!
That could work!
Your a brave man.
I am indeed.
What a great idea
Hey thanks, MrYoliss!
I wish the video was 5 minutes long, would have been enough
It's hard to find the happy medium between longer videos and shorter ones. Hopefully, this at least gave an idea that can help with this bivy.
@@robertsbushcraft yes thanks interesting idea, but I had to scan through the video and increase the playback. So it was a strange experience. But then I don't know your motivations overall.
I like this idea it looks like it would be very comfortable to sleep with also if you need to do so with the improved version you can also use the noodle to help with reinforcement of the hood to keep it more elevated from your face also the pillow looks great. I am wondering can it be made thicker thoe because of my neck I need two pillows or one really thick one for support? Also you can use this system with either a air mattress or inflatable sleepin mat.
I think with a little imagination and some time, it could be made thicker. Custom to you!
is there a pillow case video?
curious, did you use a sleeve or just cut a panel out of the back?
Sadly, no video. It was cut from the back of the liner. A smaller pillow would do well in a sleeve!
@@robertsbushcraft cheers.
I did use a sleeve from a scrap jacket liner I had. Worked great. I still have another sleeve, plus the rest of the liner.
I can advise you if you are going to use this dollar store hack to buy a pair of sandals, moccasins, barefoot shoes, or water shoes in your pack. Obviously, you are sacrificing your boots and pool noodle as an improvised tent frame. But this is a neat trick for a bivvy sack.
Great hack. 👍👍
But have you ever tried The Dutch military bivi bag ? it is all in one.
Hope to see that vlog when You use it. 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼
Never tried the Dutch bivy, maybe we'll get one sometime in the future.
Love the pool noodle idea. The pillow? I use my stuff sack for my sleeping bag to stuff my jacket inside of and that becomes a pillow with no extra to carry around. I bet of you stretched a head net over the boots and pool noodle you'd have a way to keep skeeters from nipping ya
Neat idea, Lorie!
cool idea! i really liked this vid! thanks for sharing!
Hey thanks, Jay!
Good idea but not for me. With the conditions here in the UK, I would have to pack a shovel to get the mud off my boots 1st. 😂👍 I sleep on my side so the bivy is not on my face anyway. Regards JB.
Sometimes we have to put plastic bags over the boots in order for them to go in the bivy.
Learned the greenwood stick trick in scouts (50 years ago!) But it can't be pine, too muxh sticky sap will get on your gear. We used willow, strong and flexible.
Like the pool noodle idea though.
No pine indeed! Thanks for watching, sdnlawrence!
This is a awesome idea but with the way my boots smell I’m not sure if I’m making it a night with this method 😂
Hey give it a try, David!
Good job guys, thanks for the idea
You're welcome! Carry on!
I like the noodle but not the boots inside. Maybe a couple of Velcro straps, stitched or glued inside, to hold the noodle. I really like your thinking though.
The boots inside the bivy seems to be controversial! Clean boots (ours thankfully don't stink) in the bivy are good to go in our opinion. Keeps them warm and dry.
A strangely brilliant idea.
That's EXACTLY what we think!
thanks for sharing this hack, subed!
You're welcome and we sure appreciate that!
You wear your boots on inside the bivy in case you have to get up and pee, fight, flee, or move out in the middle of the night.
GREAT HACK CURRY A LITTLE BIT OF TWEAKING AND I THINK IT WILL BE SQUARED AWAY HAVE A BLESSED DAY TO YOU ALL ✌
Thank you kindly, Dean! Have blessed day too, good sir!
Couldn't you do the same thing with a bendy stick? Good idea though man, really appreciate you sharing knowledge
You absolutely can! I've found that the sticks that are about half of the width of my wrist do the best.
Get rid of the boots, cut off one of your old flexible tent poles the length of the Noodle and slide it inside the Noodle. The Noodle will fit wedged tight inside the head area leaving more room to roll around. I found a heavy duty tent pole that has the bungee and connection tube barrel so it folds in half when not in use.
We want those boots inside and out of the elements. We never did get good repeatable results using a tent pole, but we didn't try it exactly like you mention. Might just give that a go!
@@robertsbushcraft I used the noodle that wasn't cut down the side end to end. It fit snug but I forgot I also later sewed strips of canvas strings at the footings of both sides and one at the top long enough to tie off the noodle for extra securement which made it perfect in my opinion.
What packs are you both carrying?
Dad (Curry) is wearing a DFLCS pack by Eagle Industries. They are hard to find and I don't have a link to one. I (Gabriel) am wearing an Aqua Quest Himal waterproof pack: amzn.to/3xh3hzN
@@robertsbushcraft y’all are the best Thanks!
green tree branch if you don't want to carry a noodle
We mentioned that in the video as well! Great idea!
$0... Branchs, string and little round stone or wood piece and my bivy is of my face...
That works too!
That’s a really cool trick
Hey thanks, Baby Seals :D
What is the marpat thing you laid down on the ground?
Part of the USMC tarp. One half was unsalvageable, so I made a ground cover for the bivy.
@@robertsbushcraft ahh okay! I thought that might be the case. I think I’m gonna have to make one for myself. I like the idea!
Otima ideia mister Robert.
Wire coat hanger would work pretty good i think.
We never had good luck with those, the wire just didn't seem to hold up well enough.
Sorry, what is that thing?
It's a pool noodle. It's a piece of foam that a person can hold onto in order to help them float in water.
@@robertsbushcraft awesome, thanks man. We generally just call them floats on England, that mixed with the accent confused me. Great idea, I'm going to try this when I can because I have a Dutch Army non hooped bivvy.
Very cool 🤠
Hey thanks, Herb!
Never once have I or any of my Marines ever complained oh only if the bag keeping me dry touched my head a little bit.
Frickin’ brilliant
You could sew in bits if paracord to tie around the pool noodle on the inside of the bivvy