ECW System Sleeping Bag Question

**rickp** · 10-12-10, 16:28

I have a brand new 3 piece Army ECWS sleeping bag. The green patrol bag, the black cold weather bag and the gortex shell.

I've never used this system so I'm wondering how effective is the 3 piece system.

I'm looking to get another sleeping bag but I would still like to know under what conditions this thing works well. I would hate to take it to Yellowstone in 20 degree weather just to freeze my ass off.
I've used the old green sleeping bag but not this one.

Thanks
R.

**GTF425** · 10-12-10, 21:48

The patrol bag with bivy cover is good down to ~30 degrees. I use the heavyweight bag with bivy cover up here in Alaska with no problems. I'd recommend you pick up a poncho liner (woobie) as well because they are God's gift to the Infantry and are a lightweight, effective layer to add if you really need it.

**Ak44** · 10-12-10, 21:54

I second the recommendation for the poncho liner, it's my security blanket.

The sleep system is very good, I used it for the cold winters in Quantico and Lejeune with great success.

**HES** · 10-12-10, 23:50

I third the poncho liner. Besides 550 cord and 100mph tape, its the best damned thing that the army came up with ever. I had mine, then got married and promptly lost it to "she who shall be obeyed" after she discovered it. Then we had kids. Each of the little house apes would take mine. Now are all have our own stenciled poncho liners.

As for sleeping bags, Im looking for a mummy bag that will take me into the 20s with out needing a poncho liner. However most mummy bags are narrow / restrictive. Other than Kifaru, does anyone else make a mummy bag that is extra wide? Is the ECWS wide or just standard narrow? Reason I ask is that we have a gun show coming up this weekend and there is a new dealer who does nothing but sell surplus gear and thought of buying one. If its narrow then I will have to pass.

**GTF425** · 10-13-10, 03:22

Originally Posted by HES

Each of the little house apes would take mine. Now are all have our own stenciled poncho liners.

A family that woobie's together, stays together. I sleep with an extra large woobie I picked up off of eBay for $12. Best purchase I've ever made apart from a cheap pair of Mechanix gloves I took to Afghanistan.

I'll ask around with the guys at work tomorrow who are into hiking and camping and see if any of them know of a mummy bag they recommend. I'll shoot you a PM whenever I can.

**Weaver** · 10-13-10, 08:27

I have slept outside in some quite cold weather in th ECWCS system. Like -30 to -40 F, using the three bags, a woobie, top and bottom heavyweight polypros, wool socks and a PT hat. Chilly, but I did get good sleep for the night. This while laying on a Thermarest mat on a cot, shielded from the wind but open skies.

Much, much better than the old green fabric Intermediate or Extreme Cold Weather bags were.

**rickp** · 10-13-10, 10:51

It's funny how people love the poncho liners. In that sense I'm way ahead of you guys. I already have a woobie and it goes everywhere with me.

Well I guess the 3 piece system works.

Thanks for the replies.

R.

**R Moran** · 10-13-10, 13:03

Originally Posted by HES

I third the poncho liner. Besides 550 cord and 100mph tape, its the best damned thing that the army came up with ever. I had mine, then got married and promptly lost it to "she who shall be obeyed" after she discovered it. Then we had kids. Each of the little house apes would take mine. Now are all have our own stenciled poncho liners.

As for sleeping bags, Im looking for a mummy bag that will take me into the 20s with out needing a poncho liner. However most mummy bags are narrow / restrictive. Other than Kifaru, does anyone else make a mummy bag that is extra wide? Is the ECWS wide or just standard narrow? Reason I ask is that we have a gun show coming up this weekend and there is a new dealer who does nothing but sell surplus gear and thought of buying one. If its narrow then I will have to pass.

Look into Wiggy's bags.

Bob

**Watrdawg** · 10-13-10, 13:40

The ECW system is pretty nice. I've used it in temps from the 60's to -teens. Nice to be able to configure however you may need. The only down fall is that all 3 pieces together are a bit heavy. I also have a Northface down bag that I will cover with the ECW bivy cover and it's comfortable to -30 maybe a bit lower. I've slept in it this way in the single digits and I had to open up the bivy cover because I got too hot.