Description

The Modular Sleep System (MSS) is a bag within a bag. The MSS consists of a camouflaged, waterproof, breathable bivy cover, a lightweight patrol sleeping bag, and an intermediate cold weather sleeping bag. Compression sacks store and carry the system. The MSS is available in colors compatible with the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP).

The patrol bag provides cold weather protection from 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The intermediate bag provides cold weather protection from minus 5 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Together, the patrol bag and intermediate bags provide extreme cold weather protection in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Soldiers can use the bivy cover with each of three MSS configurations (patrol, intermediate, or combined) to be compatible with the environment in which the system is being used. The bivy cover provides environmental protection from wind and water.

Sleeping bags consist of ripstop nylon fabrics and continuous filament polyester insulation. Camouflage bivy cover consists of waterproof, breathable, coated, or laminated nylon fabric. The compression sacks consist of water-resistant and durable nylon fabric.

The Sleeping Mat is a foliage green, closed-cell polyethylene foam pad. Two permanently attached straps secure the mat when in a rolled configuration for carrying. The mat can serve as a ground insulator under the MSS to provide insulation from the cold ground. Soldiers use the Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat in the same manner as the sleeping mat. It has an open-cell foam core sandwiched between, and laminated to, a foliage green, air-impermeable, coated nylon fabric with a plastic valve in one corner. Once unrolled, the air valve opens and allows air to enter the mat as the foam expands. The air valve maintains the expanded mattress during use and is later reopened to expel the air during rolling for carry and storage.

The Field Tarpaulin enables Soldiers to operate in inclement weather such as rain, light snow, and wind. With multiple snaps and tie-down points, the tarp can be worn on the body, laid on the ground for a ground cloth under the Modular Sleep System, made into a shelter suspended from trees and/or man-made objects, or used to cover equipment. The Field Tarp is larger than the previously issued Poncho, Wet Weather, to provide more coverage for taller Soldiers but, unlike the Poncho, Wet Weather, has no hood.