ECWS Sleeping Bag System

[Serellan]

I was issued the ECWS sleeping bag kit when I was stationed with the AFNG in Alaska.  I used it several times to camp outside, with no shelter except for the ECWS. 



The ECWS is cool because it contains three bags:  a cool weather bag (rated to 30 degrees), a cold weather bag (rated to -10 degrees), and a gortex outer shell that is close to waterproof.  Combined together they rate to -30 degrees.  You can choose what you want to hump.

I camped outside several times in Alaska with just this set, no shelter at all, and it kept me warm and dry.

I had to turn in my ECWS when I left the AFNG, but now they are hitting the surplus market.  Both CTD and MMS have them for sale:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZWB144-1.html
https://www.mainemilitary.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=&idproduct=2355

Cheaper than Dirt has them for $200 with the compression sack.
Maine Military Supply has them for $175 without the compression sack.

I've seen them on ebay for around $110 (probably stolen), but I was concerned about quality and the ability to return, so I chose a dealer.

I chose MMS for my latest order, because they offer free shipping, so even though I needed to buy a sack, it was still cheaper.  I got my ECWS today, and except for one patched area on the patrol bag, it was almost like new.

I bought a compression sack off of ebay for $17 shipped, so I spent total $192 for the bag from MMS + the sack from ebay.

NOTE: Don't buy the compression bags from walmart, they are shit.  I got one thinking I'd save a few bucks, but they are crap.  I am returning the one I bought and getting a surplus military one off of ebay.

NOTE: Also, beware of ripoffs.  Many sites are selling "ECWS Patterned" bags.  I'd rather buy a used surplus real bag than a new ripoff bag.

[kaiservontexas]

I looked at them as I am in the market for a sleeping bag. I live in Texas though and that is more then I need protection wise.

I have noticed them in the catalogs  lately. Sportsmans Guide has one rated to -10 (perhaps a misprint) for about 90 bucks.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=333009

*Edit*
I just looked in the printed catalog from the Sportsmans Guide and in their it says rated to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Talk about confusing.

[Lowdown3]

A NEW military issue Mod 3 bag for $200. Is that correct? That's less than wholesale cost.

It may not have both bags and the gortex bivy cover or it may be a knockoff (hard to tell with some of this stuff now), or it may be used.

If no to all of these, jump on it. Wholesale cost is much more than that.   

[423aaron]

I looked at them as I am in the market for a sleeping bag. I live in Texas though and that is more then I need protection wise.

I have noticed them in the catalogs  lately. Sportsmans Guide has one rated to -10 (perhaps a misprint) for about 90 bucks.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=333009

*Edit*
I just looked in the printed catalog from the Sportsmans Guide and in their it says rated to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Talk about confusing.

That description says Military "style"

[Serellan]

I looked at them as I am in the market for a sleeping bag. I live in Texas though and that is more then I need protection wise.

I have noticed them in the catalogs  lately. Sportsmans Guide has one rated to -10 (perhaps a misprint) for about 90 bucks.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=333009

*Edit*
I just looked in the printed catalog from the Sportsmans Guide and in their it says rated to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Talk about confusing.

That description says Military "style"

Yeah, I would watch out for "style."  I'd rather have a used real back than a new knock-off.