Military Modular Sleep System 4 Piece with Goretex Bivy Cover and Carry Sack

I WAS EXTREMELY HESITANT TO PURCHASE this product for two reasons:(i) it wasn't clear if I was buying something made by one company and sold by different distributors (since I could never find just one product name and there are multiple Amazon sites), and(ii) I was concerned about weight. My camping partner (= my wife) has a KELTY IGNITE DOWN BAG (16 Degree), that the manufacture claims is 2.7lbs. I didn't want to pay those prices.Given the price and what is claimed by previous reviews, I have some initial thoughts.****WHAT ARE YOU BUYING? WHO IS SELLING IT?****First, since there isn't one particular company selling this product, selecting the appropriate vendor does seem important (pace Amazon's suggestions). You are purchasing two sleeping bags, a bivvy, and a stuff sack made for the US Military. So, you have to purchase the system from Military Surplus stores, which have a reputation (deserved or otherwise) of claiming used items are new and take their time to deliver items.My experience was pleasant. I ordered a "NEW" bag from BLACK STAR on Sunday night, used standard shipping, and it arrived in CA by Friday evening. BLACK STAR puts a sticker on ever product indicating who inspected it. I appreciate that little touch. It had a strong, unquestionably military surplus smell, and everything looked new with one exception. The BLACK SLEEPING BAG had some loose threads on the inside of the bag and the outside on the very bottom of the bag. None appear to be the result of BLACK STAR or indicate the bag was used. But, the drawstring cord for the BLACK SLEEPING BAG's "hood" had a visible section that was frayed just about the point of breaking. Luckily, it was apart of the cord that I could tie off just a few inches before the built in tie off. It was easy to miss, but something someone might complain about. The STUFF BAG also has straps that are showing wear, but I don't think this is the result of BLACK STAR. It indicates less than perfect sewing. In short, I would recommend BLACK STAR! (fwiw, they included a coupon also.)Second, you are paying for three separate things (four if you count the STUFF BAG): two synthetic sleeping bags (one for mild and one for moderately cool-to-cold temps), and one GORTEX BIVVY. The BIVVY and the two bags may be combined via old-fashion blue-jean style snaps to create at least six different combos. Since I had to search for the information, let me describe these items in brief detail:- A Black STUFF BAG, which is black, very large, and has four vertical straps and three horizontal straps. A tight roll of the other bags leaves plenty of room. Too much, really. You probably don't need to roll anything. I will probably not use this STUFF BAG outside of home storage because of how many straps were dangling.- A WOODLAND CAMMO BIVVY GORTEX BAG. The BIVVY does not zip past the standard sleeping bag to either close or open it wider. There are jean-style-snaps to cover the zipper for extra protection. If you wanted to cover your face, there is a large velcro patch at the top of your head that would secure the BIVVY. Water could not get in unless the rain was horizontal and the wind forced the bag open; but I suspect getting wet would be the least of your worries in this situation; focus on surviving whatever weather event you're living through should take the majority of your attention. As far as water, its GORTEX! I poured half a bottle of water on it, and it rolled off. I then put the bag in the puddle, and nothing soaked through.- A BLACK SLEEPING BAG that is thick, and one that you might use as default. It attaches to the bottom and top of the BIVVY via jean-style-snaps. The zippers were heavy and a nylon lining prevents any accidental zipping of the bag. As others indicated, this is for cooler temps. If combing all three, it is designed to be the middle layer.- A GREEN SLEEPING BAG is not as dense as the BLACK, made for mild temps, and I think would make an excellent pillow. When combining, it attaches to the inside of the BLACK SLEEPING BAG via the same snaps on the ground side, but I didn't see that it attaches to the top of the black bag, which didn't bother me. If you connect the snaps on the ground, they are all connected. The GREEN BAG acts more like a lining without snaps up top. It had the same zippers and a nylon lining prevents any accidental zipping of the bag. Of course, you could skip the BLACK BACK and combine the GREEN with the BIVVY and you should have snaps on top and bottom.When combining all three bags are together, it is much like throwing in a liner to any sleeping bag. It took approximately five minutes at a relaxed pace and connecting almost all snaps before I jumped in. My test location proved too warm for all three (mid 60's and partly cloudy). But, seeing what each was like, I realized the GREEN BAG rolled is about as thick as my cheap fleece liner that I often use as a pillow. Having tested it at 60 something temps, I trust others saying the bag could handle sub-zero temps. All this is to say that whether you view this system as individual items or collectively, this is an exceptional price for what you are getting.You are also getting military surplus, which is an industry that exists for those of us who will continue to make a decision to purchase what our country's heros use. So, despite not having one company you purchase from, it is a quality product that I think will prove to live up to these reviews.***WHAT ABOUT WEIGHT ISSUES?*****My second concern I was also hesitant to purchase this system given weight issues. Several people have posted their findings, and I'll add mine since it was a concern. I weighted everything using a fairly accurate luggage scale that is +/- 0.3lbs according to my scrambling to get under 50lbs while in line at various airports. I did everything multiple times, and the weight differed. Still, here are my ranges:- STUFF BAG: 1.1 - 1.2lbs. Avg: 1.1lbs- GREEN SLEEPING BAG: 2.3 - 2.6lbs. Avg: 2.45lbs- BLACK SLEEPING BAG: 4.5 - 5.5lbs. Avg: 4.95lbs- WOODLAND BIVVY BAG: 2.2 - 3lbs. Avg: 2.3lbsTOTAL: 10.2 - 11.4lbs. Avg: 10.8lbs (SUM of other averages). I should add that 10.8lbs is one number I happened to take a picture of, so it isn't crazy.So, you SHOULD NOT expect the same weight from the expensive bags, which seem to be of two types. Either you purchase a high-tech, state-of-the-art, water-proof-every-feather type or you purchase a high-tech, state-of-the-art, that-is-really-poofy-synthetic type. While I grant that bags like KELTY, NEMO, NORTH FACE or MOUNTAIN HARDWARE offer these types with weights (allegedly) as low as 2lbs; they also come with a considerably more expensive price tag. But, this system does what more expensive bags don't: this system provides options. Consider the following...If there will be an issue of water, take the BIVVY, purchase a new stuff bag for next to nothing, and pack either the BLACK SLEEPING BAG or the GREEN SLEEPING BAG and you are carrying 7.25lbs or 4.75lbs, respectively. If you ditch the BIVVY, when there is no chance of water, you get more options depending on the outside temps. My wife's KELTY weights as much as the GREEN SLEEPING BAG, but in the summer she won't want one rated for 16 degrees; she appreciate the lighter bag this provides. So, for the price your paying, you're not only getting a system that is waterproof and functional at snot-freezing weather, but the system also allows for everything in between that and camping on the beach. Can this be said about anything NEMO or KELTY makes?But, if weight is still an issue, think of it this way: with the money you save on this system by adding maybe 2lbs extra to your pack, you can put the saved money you didn't spend on a name-brand bag into a switching your cloths from poly/nylon/cotton to wool/silk; moreover, you could spend your saved money on investing in lighter shoes, a better pack, or a super-light tent. Or bring the tent's cover without the tent, or nor tent at all since the GORTEX BIVVY will keep you dry.****WHO SHOULD BUY THIS?*****After my research, I think this is a great find and even better purchase. I'd also offer the unsolicited advice that this would also be a great system to have if you match any of the descriptions below:- you car camp, or the car is a short hike away,- you aren't concerned about weight,- you need a water proof bag at mild, cold, or sub-zero temps,- you are camping at a variety of temps on the same hike,- you get cold in the middle of the night, and instead of adding a new bag, you have to find that sweatshirt that smells like campfire.- you and your camping partner have different needs (e.g., if your partner has, say, a nice liner that adds several degrees, they could use the liner and the GREEN SLEEPING BAG while you use only the BLACK SLEEPING BAG at cooler temps. Or, if you or your camping partner have different opinions regarding what means to be hot at night.)- you forgot rain gear around the campfire, the BIVVY would be a quasi-snuggie- you've never slept under a starry sky without a tent because your super-high-tech sleeping bag doesn't perform well in the morning dawn's dew. No problem here!- you want an inexpensive, but quality bag.Given the accolades, there is something to this sleeping system.

Good item. No Complaints.

I have been interested in this product for a while now after seeing it on Youtube's Preparedmind 101 channel. I have been hesitant due to it's size, and total weight. I finally decided to buy it after a trip to our local sporting good store, and finding that most sleepings were outside of my price range. I found that in comparing commercial vs military surplus that for $85 for Very Good and $150 New; this is certainly the best value I could find. I had originally wanted to order this system in Very Good condition due to receiving a Very Good Condition item from Black Star Surplus which in my opinion was more LIKE NEW. I eventually ordered it in New Condition from the same seller and have to say that they will certainly be my go to military surplus store for a while. Items are exactly as described.Now onto the bags. Let's compare with some commercial brands.Down Bags are lighter and more compact, but very expensive. A 30-35 degree bag costs around $300.00-$600 from companies such as Sea to Summit and Western Mountaineering. Such bags do weigh in under 2 lbs. Companies such as Kelty and Northface do sell 20 & 30 degree down bags at the $200-300 price range, but these bags are usually around 3 lbs.A 30-35 degree Synthetic Bag such as a Coleman is around $40.00 extremely bulky and also heavy at around 4-5 lbsI found that the Marmot Trestles 30 which was available at my local store for $100.00 was the closest thing to what I was looking for, but at 3 lbs 3 oz it was still a fairly bulky and heavy sleeping bag. Let's compare to the bags included in the MMSS (Military Modular Sleep System) The Green Patrol Bag, rated for temperatures 30 F- 50 F actually weighs in a pound less at 2 lbs 3 oz; and when comparing to the Black intermediate bag in this system which is rates for -10 F - 30 F and weighs in at approx 3 lbs 13 oz. The 10 extra lbs is certainly worth it for the added warmth and the durability associated with a Genuine USGI product.Both these bags are priced at around $40.00 in NEW CONDITION.The Bivvy is made of a very durable Waterproof Goretex. Critics say that it is too heavy weighing in at 2 lbs 8 oz and is priced at around $60-$65. Most Commercial Bivvies weigh in at 1lb to 1.5 lbs, but often cost over $100.00. The Rei Minimalist at a mere 17 oz was something I was looking at, but reviews indicated that the bag was not entirely waterproof. I have noticed that some of the lighter materials tend to be more water resistant, than waterproof. I have heard great thing about this military bivvy, but this is actually the one part of the system I'm not sure about. I am the type of person that may never go camping without a tent and see little use for this at the moment. I have started to toy with the idea of starting to use a tarp instead of a tent when going hiking, camping and this would certainly come in handy for inclement weather. The problem is it defeats the purpose of switching to the tarp as the weight savings you gain by losing the weight of the tent is lost by carrying this 2.5 lb bivvy.The Compression sack is certainly of high quality, durable material. This is literally what ties and keeps this system together.A lot of stress is placed on this bag during compression. For those of you who plan on taking this whole system out in the woods very often, I'd recommend buy an extra compression sack.The Acu version of the MMSS actually includes a smaller sack, but at $300-$400 that hardly makes it justifiable to buy that system just for the additional stuff sack. I personally intentd to use this system year round and will be purchasing a commercial olive drab compression sack and will be taking the Green Patrol Bag with me for most of my camping trips. I have also been playing with the idea of purchasing the SOL Emergency Bivvy in Olive Drab to create a mini modular system. I highly recommend this system for anyone interested in prepping, or camping.Take note that for those of you who are planning to get into Ultralight/Lightweight Backpacking. The total weight of this is approx 9 lbs. The lightest piece of this system is the Green Patrol Bag at 2 lbs 3 oz, and it can be bought separately. if you are on a budget like myself and most people, the $30-$40 price point is enough to justify carrying that 1 extra pound. If you were planning on buying some generic budget sleeping bag with a rating of 30 - 50 degrees, then I suggest buying the Green Patrol Bag over any commercial product at the $30-$40 price point.