Army Surplus gear any good

[tagnut69]

Morning all.
I need a new sleeping bag, for the colder end of the year, but have next to no money, What are pepoles views on the army surplus sleeping bags that you can get in any surplus store and ebay. I know that they will be big and heavy but as a bag how good are they. Another thing the army surplus gortex bivi bags, are they any good, would one do untill I can afford a hammok.
Any comments welcom

Cheers

Chris

[scanker]

I have both an army arctic bag and a goretex bivvy bag. I think they're both excellent. The sleeping bag is a bit bulky and heavy, but you're not cold in it!

[morch]

Have a look here for a Hammock as there is another group buy going on and you'll possibly find it cheaper than buying a bivy bag http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community...ad.php?t=10456

[Ogri the trog]

Another vote in favour of Ex military gear,
Certainly stuff that was available pre '95 issue - most was very rugged and will perform even though it is likely to be bulky. In more recent times however the ideal has been similar to our American cousins - use it for a few days, then throw it away and get a new set - this seems to be the case where clothing is concerned, as I have found to my detriment, modern camo gear just doesn't cut the mustard.

I think the sleeping bags were a '58 pattern, rolled up into its own hood/carry bag and had toggles as well as a zip. They have a waterproof bottom so you can sleep on a damp floor without getting too wet yourself.

Ogri the trog

[Doc]

You'll find lots of info (much of it conflicting!) if you do a search on army sleeping bag on the search function.

There are at least 3 different British army bags on the surplus market: the 58 pattern (feather and down with waterproof base), the arctic (feather and down but more of it, no waterproof base) and the current issue synthetic 'bouncing bomb' type.

If you are over 5'8" or so, the standard length '58 pattern will be a bit short, and a long is preferable.

If possible try before you buy as some lose their filling and others smell of ripe squaddie.

I like the 58 pattern as it is 2.5kg so not too bad a weight for the warmth it provides, and the waterproof base means you can sleep out well with just a bag and a basha (we never used sleeping mats when I was in the OTC.) I was out in my 58 pattern bag at the recent Scottish meet and it was quite adequate at a measured minus five. And yet you can buy a brand new unissued long one for £45 or a used one for as little as a tenner.

[TimB]

You get my vote for surplus sleeping bags.

We were out the weekend before christmas with th cadets, they were using the 58 bag in -5°C temps.
No complaints from them in the morning!

Just make sure you turn the bag inside out and check that there are no tears! Waking up with a mouth, nose and throat full of down is not a nice experiance!

[NickC]

If you are over 5'8" or so, the standard length '58 pattern will be a bit short, and a long is preferable.

I found this out to my cost - seemed like a bargin until I realised it was a bit small. I currently use a Snugpack and think it is one of the best for the money. Anybody wants the '58 pattern?

The Gore-tex bivybag is excellent - just a bit long (believe this was something to do with storing kit) but cheap and works.

Nick