AllOutdoor Review – Snugpak T...

As a soldier navigating the calls for of the Military’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) course, I’ve realized that the suitable gear could make or break you within the area. After I was getting ready for SERE, I wanted a sleeping bag that would deal with the unpredictable climate of Alabama within the winter and would pack down small, and maintain me snug. The Snugpak Tactical 2 Sleeping Bag, with its versatility and rugged design, grew to become my go-to selection. After placing it by way of the wringer throughout SERE and past, I’m thrilled to share why this bag is a standout for navy coaching and out of doors survival.

Tenting Gear Protection on AllOutdoor

The Snugpak Tactical 2 Sleeping Bag was supplied by Snugpak for this overview and whereas I’m allowed to maintain this merchandise indefinitely, this doesn’t change my opinion on this or any future Snugpak Merchandise. The Tactical 2 was used at SERE and has been on a number of outings for automotive tenting and regular tenting. 

SPECS

• Temp Vary (Consolation / Low ) – 32°F / 23°F (0°C / -5°C)
• Weight – 39oz (1100g)
• Dimensions – 87 x 30in (220 x 75cm)
• Pack Measurement – 7 x 7in (18 x 17cm)
• Coutry of Origin – UK 
• MSRP – $319

Who’s Snugpak ? 

Snugpak, is a British firm based in 1977 by Brett Harris,  and started as a cottage business within the Yorkshire countryside and has grown into an internationally acknowledged model recognized for high-quality out of doors gear. Impressed by the dearth of light-weight, inexpensive sleeping luggage and clothes, Harris taught himself to stitch and developed revolutionary designs, beginning with physique heaters he seen whereas engaged on oil rigs. The corporate’s breakthrough got here with the Softie® insulated sleeping bag vary within the Eighties, which revolutionized the market with its low weight and compact design, gaining traction in each out of doors and navy sectors. Over the a long time, Snugpak expanded its product line to incorporate insulated clothes, tents, and equipment, incomes accolades such because the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and the Millennium Product Award for an artificial fill diving swimsuit. Primarily based in a historic mill in Silsden, West Yorkshire, Snugpak continues to mix conventional craftsmanship with cutting-edge expertise, sustaining long-standing contracts with protection companies and serving adventurers worldwide.

First Impressions and Construct High quality

Proper out of the field, the Snugpak Tactical 2 impressed me with its strong building. Made within the UK, it boasts a Paratex Steelplate outer shell, a waterproof coating that feels robust but light-weight. The TS1™ (Thermal Suede) lining and Reflectatherm cloth inside promised to lure warmth and wick moisture, which was crucial for the damp, chilly nights I’d face in SERE. At 3.7 kilos and packing all the way down to the scale of a soccer in its compression sack, it was compact sufficient to slot in my ruck alongside survival gear, rations, and evasion instruments. The mum-style design, with a comfortable hood and zip baffle, appeared able to maintain me heat within the 32°F to 23°F temperature vary, Snugpak claims.

You possibly can inform that there’s a lot of consideration to element on this bag with its two-way anti-snag zipper, bolstered with thick webbing, gliding easily, and the hanging dry tabs had been a pleasant contact for airing it out after a moist evening. The pillow pocket on the head was a bonus, letting me stuff a jacket or Snuggy pillow for further consolation. As somebody who’s seen gear fail underneath stress, I appreciated the sturdy stitching and YKK zippers—hallmarks of Snugpak’s fame for military-grade high quality.

SERE Course: Survival within the Wilderness

The SERE course isn’t any stroll within the park. Dropped right into a wilderness atmosphere with minimal gear, you’re tasked with surviving, evading seize, and navigating terrain. My group was in a forested space with temperatures dipping into the low 30s at evening, typically with the specter of rain lurking.  The Tactical 2 was a lifesaver through the survival part, the place constructing a shelter and staying heat had been crucial. I arrange a lean-to with a tarp, and the bag’s Paratex shell repelled moisture from the damp floor and light-weight rain, retaining my core dry. The Reflectatherm cloth lived as much as its promise, reflecting my physique warmth and retaining me cozy. I typically discovered that the bag was a lot hotter than I wanted it to be whereas sporting a number of layers.

Evasion: Light-weight and Packable

Through the evasion part, the place we practiced being as stealthy as potential, the Tactical 2’s compact measurement was a godsend. SERE teaches you to journey mild and go away no hint, and the bag’s compressed measurement—about 10 x 8 inches—match simply in my ruck with out including bulk. At 3.7 kilos, it wasn’t the lightest possibility I had available, however its warmth-to-weight ratio was excellent for the circumstances. I might transfer shortly by way of dense brush, realizing my sleep system wouldn’t gradual me down or give away my place. The olive inexperienced colour blended seamlessly with my environment.

Consolation and Versatility

Past SERE, I’ve used the Tactical 2 for weekend tenting and ruck coaching. The TS1 lining feels smooth towards the pores and skin, and I’ve slept comfortably with out base layers. The bag’s beneficiant dimensions gave me sufficient wiggle room to keep away from feeling claustrophobic, not like some mummy luggage. Nevertheless, I’m 5’9”, and taller customers may need the extra-long variant. The 32°F to 23°F score felt optimistic at instances. At 32°F, I didn’t want a base layer or a bivy for further heat, however I’m additionally a really heat sleeper, so your mileage might fluctuate.  Nonetheless, for three-season use—spring, summer time, and fall—it’s laborious to beat. Its artificial insulation outperforms down in moist circumstances, a should for SERE’s damp environments.

A Few Drawbacks

No gear is ideal. The Tactical 2’s 3.7-pound weight is affordable however heavier than ultralight choices just like the Snugpak Particular Forces 1 (2.3 kilos). The compression sack, whereas sturdy, may be tough to stuff tightly with out apply. Lastly, the $319 price ticket is steep, although justified by its military-grade high quality and efficiency. For budget-conscious customers, it’d really feel like a splurge, but it surely’s a worthwhile funding for severe out of doors or tactical use.

Ultimate Ideas

The Snugpak Tactical 2 Sleeping Bag proved its price through the Military’s SERE course, delivering heat, sturdiness, and packability. Its waterproof Paratex shell and quick-drying Softie insulation stored me dry and heat in moist, chilly circumstances, whereas its compact measurement and rugged building made it ideally suited for long-term use. The TS1 lining and Reflectatherm cloth added consolation and warmth retention, serving to me relaxation on annoying nights. From muddy trudges to fast bivouacs, this bag was and continues to be a dependable piece of drugs. Whether or not you’re a soldier prepping for SERE, a survivalist, or an outside fanatic, the Tactical 2 is a powerhouse that gained’t allow you to down.

Patrik Orcutt

Patrik is a contract photographer who has been fortunate sufficient to see loads of the world and doc his travels together with his digicam. He has labored for the U.S. authorities as a Public Affairs Officer documenting Multi-Nationwide Particular Forces Coaching across the World. He’s presently engaged on changing into a Blackhawk Pilot for the Military whereas being an avid gear junky and out of doors fanatic.