ECWS Bivy Bag

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Endy

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If you're prior service you're probably familiar with these. They contain multiple bags and when used together (along with a wool hat and some good socks) are rated -30 degrees F. You can also split them apart to use in warmer weather. The outer shell is woodland camo gore-tex which is great for repelling water and remaining breathable (as long as you keep it clean). If you can find one of these on the cheap or semi-cheap it's a worthwhile purchase as you will have it for years and years and years. They can be kind of expensive for the entire system ($150ish). Highly recommended though.
 
:rolleyes:We have many post & threads about these already?? Instead of re-suggesting it to us perhaps you can search first & just add a support style post in favor, give tips or mention how you have learned about a newer better piece of gear..
 
I was actually looking into them a while back, considering getting one soon... idk if the weight of the whole things gunna keep me away, they're like 10 or more pounds if i remember right
 
They are heavy but if you are traveling in cold climates it's invaluable. I'm anal about weight but I gladly carry it simply because if I am caught out someplace it could mean the difference between life and death. Then again I spend a lot of time in the woods.
 
considering getting one. Just wondering...
what size does it pack down to?
and how is it with just the outer shell and the patrol bag?
 
It depends on where you are & what the weather is like. It is fucking huge & think they are 12lbs total & really bulky with the volume of material in all 3 pieces. The compression sack is a joke too. If you can find or afford or want to carry the whole system then just getting a goretex bivy is a good start & using any sleeping bag. They run between $20-$40 on craigslist. I use the patrol & bivy in the summer & its great.
 
Yeah good call on that... may just get a bivy and a 3 season bag.
Mainly be for PNW/UK-esque winter weather, and leaving for warmer climes before the really cold stuff hits.
 
If you can buy a whole system cheap enough hen go for it but I have bought/sold each of the pieces both in the black market & on craigslist
 
It's still bulky with the compression sack like highwayman said. During spring / summer / fall the patrol bag is more than enough with the gore-tex shell. I can second that. I've used the shell with a coleman 20 degree bag as well and it worked just fine. The shell could be used as a tarp of sorts but there are no grommets or eyelets for cordage.
 
I have even used just the shell in upstate ny during the late summer/early fall & was really cold but it kept the bugs & dew off me.
 
eskimo said:
Any kind of goretex bivy is pretty ideal
Click to expand...
Agreed but most civilian expedition/camping type gear tends to cost upwards of 3 times as much more then rugged & quality military surplus gear.
 
Have the 2 bags and they have been great. I agree, they are huge and a bit heavy. For warm weather the patrol and bivy and or tarp are ideal. I'm trying to get a hold of one of the newer brown military bivy bags.
 

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