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AFLM, Thanks for the corrections on the bag and cover. It does not change the issue though. He did not include the Softie set in his display of the size (and weight) of the lighter system. And he is still showing a -15 bag, -25 with the Softie, against a -40 bag (civ. rating) without adding the cover and without wearing the Softie. The two systems are not in the same catagory.


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Modular Sleeping System

The Modular Sleeping Bag System is current issue in the early 2000s. It is a four-component system:
Sleeping Bag, Patrol (30 to 50 deg F), MSS Green NSN 8465-01-398-0685
Sleeping Bag, Intermediate (30 to -10 deg F), CW, MSS Black NSN 8465-01-398-0687
Compression Stuff Sack, Black NSN 8465-01-398-5428
Bivy Cover, Woodland Camo, Camo NSN 8465-01-416-8517

The four components can be ordered together by the single number NSN 8465-01-395-1154.

Colder temperatures can be managed by using multiple components, hence the name MSS. Putting the Patrol and the Intermediate sleeping bags together provides insulation to at least minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a soldier dressed in polypropylene expedition weight undershirt, drawers and cushion socks. Protection to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit is possible for a user wearing various layers of ECW clothing inside both bags.

Except for the compression stuff sack, the components are also produced in extra-long, 14 inches longer than the above standard size bags. The extra-long components were ordered individually with their own NSN's:
Sleeping Bag, Patrol, X-long - NSN 8465-01-452-1688
Sleeping Bag, Intermediate, X-long - NSN 8465-01-452-1690
Bivy Cover, X-long - NSN 8465-01-452-1695


http://olive-drab.com/od_soldiers_gear_sleeping_bag.php

The rating for the MSS is -35C for a soldier (difference is typically 5C lower than a civilian could expect for a comfort rating) wearing expedition rated polypro underwear. The polypro will add another 5-7C. Take away the Polypro and the MSS is rated for a soldier to -28 to -30C.

So for a comfort rating for a civilian I would expect the MSS be capable down to -25C.

The following could also be worn to take the Snugpak system down to a comfortable -30C

AFV crew Fire Retardant Base Layer Thermal polo neck - £13

Thermal AFV long johns - £8

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop/o...een-614784.html