USMC Improved Bivy Long Term Review 

I was issued one during my time in the marines. One of my favorite pieces of gear, was lucky to get my hands on the complete system afterwards

It's my understanding that the four letters you mentioned is indeed Gortex. I love the bug net/hoop......hate bugs, snakes,ect. But I'm a side sleeper and will never give up my bivy that came from the older mmss sleep system....the woodland camo version has a double insulated foot box and is rectangle, not a mummy bag making it much more comfortable AND ROOMY for me. Bought mine from Colemans also in unissued/new condition. Bought the whole system (2 bags, bivy and compression sack new for $200. USD some years ago. A little heavier but for me worth the weight in comfort/size. Great vid!

Excellent review! I picked up one of these for 90 bucks on Ebay to pair with a DD superlight tarp--you see a lot of people bashing these in comments but all the reviews I've seen have been positive. The older woodland/ACU Bivvy is really cool and I'm sure it's rugged, but for the pack size/weight you can practically carry a tent.

Cracking review, Wooly. Worth thinking about if I fall out of love with my new bivvy. Like you, I have fallen out of love with my DA Hooped bivvi. Great bit of kit hands down. But not floating my boat anymore.

I'm a Marine and I don't even have one of these (they were after my time). 😂 I have the 3 piece Modular Sleep System, but I never use the bivy part which lives in my truck. I'll keep an eye out for one of these. Thanks and stay well, Wooly.

Great bit of kit alright. I was hoping Varusteleka would get them in but so far they've only got the older version. Cheers for the review Wooly 👍

I also purchased recently from Colemans military surplus in Pennsylvania USA. Agree, PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene also known as Teflon like it have on your cookware when it’s stretched in a configuration used for making waterproof breathable outdoor equipment it’s basically generic Gore-Tex. Currently waiting for this coyote colored bag to come in the mail. I have however for a few years been using the ACU modular sleep system version. It’s great! However, I decided to try the one that you’re reviewing here since it may work better for keeping critters out in the warmer months. Must say I love the space inside MSS bivy which can totally accommodate Thurmer rest sleeping pad up to 25 inches wide. The length is pretty good too just enough and I’m about 5’16” lol 😅 so, yeah a lot of smaller size bags unless they’ve got the length my head won’t fit inside. Would highly recommend looking at the Belgium sleep system. That’s another one that I use it’s got a silicone with Mylar coating on a cotton type shell. It slides over your sleeping bag like a pillowcase. The Belgium sleeping bag is one of the best it’s a much like the United States green patrol bag, however it can go down to colder temperatures and has a liner made of cotton that Velcro is inside. The Belgium sleeping bag is one of my favorite it actually performs well down to approximately 0°C 32°F without any major cold spots. much of the temperature ratings are based on the person inside wearing base layers wool socks etc. even a head covering. That’s definitely the case when you read the labels on the United States gear that even says as much on some of the equipment. With bass layers etc. I’m sure I could get in the Belgium bag and go down to much colder temperatures. The other thing was sleeping bag ratings for the military it was usually based on four hours and in some cases the survivability not so much the comfort of the individual inside. Anyway, what did I thank you for making the video it’s very well done and informative. Seems a couple of us in the comments but equipment from the same supplier you purchased your bag from. if you can get your hands on the other Gore-Tex bag used by the US military give it a try would like to hear your thoughts comparing the two unless maybe you already have tried it. Cheers!

Great video. Full marks for the roll up at the end to illustrate your point.

Looking at one of these. Watched both of your reviews on this bivvy. I have one hooped bivy that I am not happy with. I am impressed with the pack size.

Forgot one recommendation to make after using for several years you may want to wash it applying durable water repellent treatment. Especially for the fact you purchased this already secondhand used. Overtime the DWR coding will wear out. Sometimes you can just throw them in the dryer and that’ll bring it back, however to really get it back like new use a product like the one that I use from Atsko called water guard. It doesn’t contain any silicone or stuff that would come up the small pores that allow the fabric to breathe. It just allows water to beat up and runoff. Even though these Gore-Tex bags are waterproof they can absorb a bit of water on the outside, so having a water repellent coating keeps it from absorbing as much water dust will dry out faster. Just thought to mention that it’s a good investment. to get a can. I purchased a gallon tin of the stuff so I can use it for many items Gore-Tex and otherwise. Can treat the backpack with it hat gloves etc. Sounds like you got your bivy add a reasonable price. In good shape they typically go for around $120 or more in the United States you could even pick up some with damage less than $50. Will definitely try to get one in as good as shape as possible it’s not so easy to fix and repair Gore-Tex definitely not like from the factory. Stay well and enjoy the outdoors. Seems these days that’s where all the fresh air is and more and more people are staying indoors good for those of us that like to get outside. I say this as I’m watching a RU-vid video indoors. I myself need to get out more. Ha ha

Excellent info review.

I wish I could combine the Army and Marine models. The Army version is far roomier, but the Marine version being fully closeable is an absolute necessity for me, as I do most of my outdoor stuff in the desert in Arizona. An open sleep system is a huge invitation to wake up with a couple scorpions and maybe a rattlesnake in your bag with you after a night in the desert.

The USMC Improved Bivy Bag comes in one size only. It is big enough to fit the 3 Season Bag and Extreme cold weather bag. Both are center zip and latest issue

nice video

Wooly, I bought one of these from eBay based upon your review. The eBay ad was from an online store in the US. Coleman did not have any at the time and I will not name the eBay store. The one i bought was genuine USMC improved bivy that was grade 2 - used with mosie net ripped. When I received it the bag itself was badly ripped all over and definitely not the grade 2 condition as described. I was really disappointed with this and on your advice requested a refund which was honoured by the US company. I was left with a badly ripped bivy and not sure what to do with it other than bin it. Then I remembered a company called Scottish Mountain Gear who repair damaged outdoor gear. I sent it to them and they repaired the whole thing for way less than the price of a grade 1 bag. This included a new footbox. Why am I telling you this? Firstly. you can pick up a damaged improved USMC bivy for next to nothing and have it repaired to a high standard. Secondly, Scottish Mountain Gear are just excellent and have outstanding customer service. It has made me think about repairing more of my kit instead of replacing it. I would advocate to you and your viewers to check them out. Great review BTW!

Mine came in the mail today.

Most of these have been rode hard and put away wet, my advice is beware any online sale and if you can hand pick from a store. Over 99% of these I have seen are so full of holes and the net is so shredded as to be useless and sellers often still command a premium.

Been after this for a long time.

good bivy

What about a roll mat pal. What would u recommend? Is the one u used in the video fine or is it worth getting one of these fancy ones

Is it 100% waterproof for example if I was in this bivy in the rain will it soak through over time of being under rain?

Colmans still has them in stock

hows the condensation on this?

Wouldn't be like ya, lying on the ground in the middle of the day 🤣😂😘