How the U.S. G.I. Modular Sleep System changed my camping experience

In my opinion, proper bedding equipment can make or break a good camping trip. When you are in the bush, it takes a lot of work and energy to run a good campsite. If you have a lousy night’s sleep, your performance and experience suffers. One of the most wonderful privileges of growing up in the wooded hills and valleys of Central Pennsylvania was learning to camp at an early age. My family, like most rural families, naturally gravitated towards outdoor adventures and camping for many reasons. Taking your children camping was relatively inexpensive, it is what they did growing up, and the woods were all around us.

I was like most casual campers, using the same old sleeping bag my folks bought me years ago that just got the job done. It was an okay sleeping bag for most fair weather situations but my camping cravings began to expand into early and late season camp outs. This left me waking up cold, having to pack more gear in the form of blankets, and just not comfortable. I decided to try out the U.S. G.I. ACU Digital Modular Sleep System. Based off the original U.S. G.I. Woodland Modular Sleep System, the ACU system is more advanced in a few areas. The ACU system compresses smaller and is slightly lighter in weight while providing the same temperature ratings. Both systems are a huge upgrade to most any sleeping bag and the best part…. Made right here in the USA by Tennier Industries. My first night in the sleep system was clear with a morning low temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit. I used the whole system, patrol bag, intermediate bag, and bivy cover and I was completely warm and comfortable. I figured as such because this entire system together is rated to keep you alive in -30 degrees when used properly. Of course everyone is different. One of my camping partners get hot very easily and only used his intermediate bag inside of the bivy cover. That is the beauty of this system, you can customize it depending on your situation and personal preferences. Heck, I even pack just the patrol bag for weekend sleepovers at my friend’s camp. They are super comfortable. The breathable material allows your body to breathe instead of sweat and build up moisture. Another trick I will do with this system in the warmer months is simply pack the patrol bag for my wife and the intermediate bag for myself, and leave the bivy cover at home. That way there is no need for extra gear. So essentially this sleep system is several sleep systems in one. Also, the little features of this bag are what make it a home run. Big quality zippers that do not snag or break. Unique foot box design with extra insulation to keep your feet warm. It even has a sewn on quilted chest collar that prevents air drafts up and down through the hood. The included compression sack packs your bag up nice and neat, no need to wrestle your old thick sleeping bag and shove it in a trash bag.

In summary, the U.S. G.I. Modular sleep system is not just your average sleeping bag. It is a long term investment into many comfortable nights under the stars, in a tent, or at camp. I know it is the only sleeping bag I will ever use again. I hope this was a helpful article in helping you pick out your next sleeping bag!