I was doing some idle web searching for lightweight alternatives to carrying a sleeping bag, tent, and waterproofs and came across the Ecotat Tent Multipurpose (TMP) and Lightweight sleeping bag multipurpose (LWSB-MP). Items described at Ecotat. I quite like the idea of these since they can apparently fit easily into a "buttpack" or probably half of your lower rucksack compartment which is a lot smaller than the total space required for the items replaced.

Has anybody used these items and got any comments on them or have any other suggestions for similar weight/bulk saving items?

Cheers,
Stephen.

Stephen:

I own one of the Gen 1 Ecotats. Nice but of kit but, like anything that tries to do many things at once, it is a compromise. Huge in poncho mode, awkward to put on in greatcoat/anorak mode, and hot as heck in bivy mode. If you put in the mosquito screen for "hot" mode, you can not have it like that when it rains - you will get wet. And you MUST practice with it beforehand in order to get good at using it - there are more buttons, snaps, pockets and zippers than you can believe.

Having said al of that, I still use mine, as I have found no better item like it. It is built like Fort Knox, and will still give great service even after many abuses. If you are in the service and in the field, get one. If you are in an A status unit, ask your supply people if they can get out one - they are in the System, and have an NSN number.

Hope this helps!

.....CLIFF

I got a brief look before the "Yahoo"s cut out because of bandwidth, looks interesting, but what's the big advantage over a surplus poncho and liner, and how much does this "New and Improved" version cost? <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Troy

I've got one of the early ones, pretty much like a woodland camo version of a civilian tent. It's good quality gear, and would be a tight fit in a GI buttpack.