Reddit mentions: The best camping bivy sacks

Much depends on the time of the year and your geographical location. You might need to build igloo / underground shelter.

Check out WW2 Bunker Snow Shelter

As for the supplies to build a shelter out of - it will be a bear to carry it all on you. I recommend making several cheap caches in well known (to you) locations. Consider writing down the exact GPS coordinates but also come up with a decent "algorithm" to encode and decode these values. Store the encoded stuff, memorize the "key" somehow. Just in case the GPS stops working, you need to be able to find them by other means.

You can buy this 20-pack of Mylar blankets and split them into several of your caches. One of them should be in your bug-out bag anyway.

https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Mylar-Thermal-Blankets-Pack/dp/B01DZ4PGCE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1477981869&sr=8-6&keywords=mylar+blankets

You also would want to store a cheap shovel head, cheap hatchet and a couple of nails. With that you can make a functioning shovel in no time. Never mind, just get a $6 folding mini-shovel that I linked to below.

You could also get a cheap Mora knife on Amazon (for $10 if you add it to your cart and watch the prices fluctuate) and store it with every cache.

You could get a hatchet cheaply on a yard sale; just make sure to sharpen it. Never mind, I think a saw would be more useful.

Yes, you would need tarp and paracord.

You can get paracord pretty cheaply here: http://www.theparacordstore.com/black-paracord-1000.html

One thousand feet of 550 cord for $50 sounds like a steal to me. You could then measure and cut it up into smaller pieces and wrap it around a stick or a piece of plywood.

It's $55 here but comes in many more colors. http://www.paracordstore.com/Bulk-550-Paracord-Spools_c_13.html

Ok, since it is hard to buy just the shovel head, then consider getting this guy for $6 from Walmart:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Oliasports-Mini-Ultra-Compact-Size-Black-Military-Folding-Shovel/100786198

Does not matter if this thing will break after 10 days. You only need it temporarily.

Other people have suggested the kind of tarp, so I will skip this.

Here is a good way to make a shelter fairly quickly in the fall:

Stavba zemnice - Zemjanky

I do not understand Polish either, but you can just watch the video - it is 8 minutes long. I like it! He also makes use of the mini shovel.

Also some good suggestions here: https://www.youtube.com/results?q=dugout+shelter

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If you have an hour, check out this dude - he made a bunch of various shelters.

https://www.youtube.com/user/recall5811/search?query=shelter

He annoys me for subjective reasons - I am sure he is a nice person, but he thinking style - it's like 100% detail and rote learning and zero intuition and I find it hard to process.

He knows his stuff though. At least check out My Minimum Shelter Kit

You must watch this if you want to save money:

Dollar Store Survival Items

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I recommend this dude over Survival Lilly if you want to build a new shelter fast. Her shelter is more of a recreational activity; this dude was in the Marine Corps.

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This crazy russian has built a shelter with nothing but an improvised machete and fire steel - everything else was natural material.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgR6nBlMvPo

Only works for a specific type of forest though (I think). I have not tried replicating this.

I do not understand a word he says but you can watch the video. It is 30 minutes long.

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EDIT: Also check out this cheap $9 emergency sleeping bag: https://www.amazon.com/SE-EB122OR-Emergency-Sleeping-Drawstring/dp/B0090AAY6Q/ref=pd_rhf_gw_s_cp_4?_encoding=UTF8&ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0090AAY6Q&pd_rd_r=9XA7ZSAPC2AFAW9NET8G&pd_rd_w=4Duoo&pd_rd_wg=kIPA2&pf_rd_i=&pf_rd_m=&pf_rd_p=&pf_rd_r=9XA7ZSAPC2AFAW9NET8G&pf_rd_s=recent-history-footer&pf_rd_t=gateway&psc=1&refRID=9XA7ZSAPC2AFAW9NET8G

Also this $7.50 emergency shelter:

https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Reflective-Conserves-Lightweight-Waterproof/dp/B01GOL67YG/ref=pd_sim_469_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=77BV15CG5C1Q1BG92WZ7

This one is $11:
https://www.amazon.com/SURVIVOR-Emergency-Shelter-Tube-Tent/dp/B01CN5SV9G/ref=pd_sim_469_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=77BV15CG5C1Q1BG92WZ7

What Homelesswarrior said- a mummy bag. You want something that's insulated properly so that it rolls up tightly into a lower profile roll, rather than a camping bag that looks like you're carrying around a roll of fiberglass insulation under your arm. He also mentioned a small tent, and I will also recommend a bivy sack. Here is a good example of a waterproof bivy that your sleeping bag goes inside, here is another. These are best for stealth. If you want slightly more room, you can go with a bivy similar to this one, or go with a 1-person tent like this one, or this Nemo Sabre SE. I also recommend you maybe look into getting a headlamp, which you may find invaluable someday, especially if you like to read books the old fashioned way.

It would be great if you found a spot that is out of the way enough where you feel comfortable leaving your gear and don't have to break down your site every morning. Even if you can find an area where you can dig a hole deep enough to put a sterlite bin in, you can store your gear in the hole, and create a camouflage cover for the hole that just looks like the forest floor, or desert floor, or whatever environment you will be setting up camp.

Best of luck to you. Stay safe.

Already posted in the r/ultralight x-post, but decided to share here too to give a perspective from someone who has done some long distance hiking with lightweight gear.

Few quick things that came to mind:

>30L collapsible ultralight backpack with chest strap - These are great and they barely take up any space. (Weight 8 oz)

Collapsible packs can work well, as long as the straps are wide enough. A proper frameless hiking pack (MLD, Pa'lante, Zimmerbuilt, KS, Atompacks, etc.) would work best at around 10-13oz.

>Inflatable sleeping mat - (weight 8 oz)

Is it insulated?

Gossamer Gear Thinlight would be lighter (2.5oz, 70g), though quite spartan. Can be used as a sitpad too.

-5.5oz

>Tact Bivvy Compact Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bag - These are amazing. No need to say anything else. (Weight 5 oz)

This one? Prepare for sweaty nights.. It might reflect some of your body warmth back, but being waterproof means that also all moisture will be kept inside the bag. If you're planning to have a tarp, I don't see reason for 100% waterproof bivy bag.

Personally I'd ditch the sweat bag and get a proper quilt instead. A cheap one like Aegismax 'Wind Hard Tiny' (~15oz) or something similar from a more reputable manufacturer. It's heavier, but much more usable and comfortable if you're goin to spend more than one night using it.

+10oz

>Mora stainless steel Companion knife with sheath - (Weight 4 oz)

Personally I'd prefer a 2 oz lighter Opinel No 8.

-2oz

>Survival cord 100' - (Weight 10 oz)

100' of Dyneema cord would weight.. what, 2 oz maybe?

-8oz

>Fire kit with two lighters, small folding knife, Ferro rod, and dryer lint - (Weight 8 oz)

You're already carrying a knife, no need for a folding one. Two BIC minis (1oz), Ferro rod (1oz), dryer lint (1oz)

-5oz

>Ultralight poncho/tarp - (Weight 8 oz)

Many quite like the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape. At 11oz it's slightly heavier than the unnamed ponho/tarp, but it's a proper shelter. No need for waterproof bivy with this one. Though a bug bivy wouldn't hurt..

+3oz

>Headlamp (with red light capability) with extra batteries - (Weight 6 oz)

Nitecore Tip or NU25 are around 1oz and USB rechargeable. You have a power bank, for sure?

-5oz

>2x P51 Can openers - (Weight 1 oz)

Two..? Ditch one. Even the one won't see too much use as canned food won't be the first thing you want to carry in your pack (heavy and low calory density).

-0.5oz

>Zachary Fowler Survival card - (Weight .5 oz)

Few proper fish hooks would weigh maybe 0.1oz.

-0.4oz

>Plastic Camping spoon/fork combo - (Weight .5 oz)

A titanium spork weighs the same and won't break if you accidentally sit on it.

>Purell - (Weight 8 oz) field sanitation and fire starting

Are you sure you'll need 8oz? Half should be good for a long time, and you could probably find other sources for alcohol before using all.

-4oz

>Ultralight Biofuel stove - (Weight 5 oz) cooking to be done in cans or other salvage

What exactly is this?

>Respirator and extra filters - (Weight 8 oz)

I'm not sure of a scenario where a respirator and extra filters for it make sense. Either the need is well known beforehand (riot, civil unrest), meaning that there's time to source the respirator from a store or leave the scene before one is needed, or it's such an emergency that it won't last so long that extra filters are needed (fire hazard).

Basically, can't see need for an 8oz respirator kit. And I'm saying this as someone who has used a gas mask in real situations (tear gas, both in service and in civilian life), and also improvised protection devices (swimming goggles and a scarf work reasonably well against tear gas). For a fire hazard there are IMO more important ways of preparation than a respirator.

-8oz

>Collapsible trekking poles - It seems lame, but these make the difference between 12-15 mile days and 30-40 mile days. (Weight 14 oz)

A pair of carbon fibre poles are around 10z.

-4oz

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All in all, potential weight savings of 29.4oz (835g), which would make the GHB a tad over 5lbs. Weight savings could be used for a proper frameless hiking pack that'd be more comfortable when you add the weight of clothes, water, food etc. on top of your "base weight".

You opened a can of worms with this question!

I am an old tent camper that has been 100% converted to hammock! I find that I sleep much better in a hammock than I do in a tent, even with a decent sleeping pad. The only problem is that I do a lot of winter camping which requires me to take a rather large, custom, underquilt (because I don't want to fork out the money on a more expensive, smaller version).

If I happen to be camping in a place without trees (which is almost 0% of the time), I will take a bivy sack and a sleeping pad and call it a night. You can get bivy sacks that have a bar that lifts the lining off your face like this Outdoor Research Molecule Bivy which is a little more expensive, or a simpler one like this Outdoor Research Regular Bivy which is a bit cheaper. A bivy isn't as nice as a hammock or tent, but they are usually pretty tiny and light weight if you're trying to cut back on space/weight.

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Let me ask this... why are you so stuck on tent camping? Have you tried hammock? Are you scared of the hammock falling in the night? Or not having as much "protection" as a tent provides? I would suggest picking up some cheapo hammock gear at Walmart or Amazon and using it for a weekend trip. Maybe a 2 nighter as the first night could be uncomfortable since you're dialing in your setup. Pick up a $20 hammock, a cheap hammock tarp, and some cheap tree straps and caribiners. you can be hammock camping for less than $70 as a test. If you don't enjoy it at all, just put it all up on Craigslist, one of the hammock forums on FB, or return it to Walmart (if it's not too beat up).

I'm sure your SO would want you to get better gear, but cheap stuff to begin is a great way to test it out. Then you could be just as fast at setting up as he is!

​

Good luck!

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I'm at work so I don't have photos of my stuff. But here is the list of the basics. The stuff below, plus food, and a change of clothes will get me through a long weekend and on top of some nice terrain. I include my sock liner/sock combo below because I am so damn happy with them (and not expensive).

• Black Diamond Infinity 60 pack
  
  
• Surplus Military Woodland Cammo Bivy Cover
  
  
• A 40° Slumberjack Sleeping bag and a 20° Slumberjack sleeping bag that can nest to be a 0° sleeping bag (Not sure which model... they are about 10 years old).
  
  
• Yukon Outfitters Parachute hammock with net
  
  
• 2 Sierra Cups and a spoon from when I was a Boy Scout over 30 years ago.
  
  
• Whisperlite MSR stove
  
  
• Wigwam Ultimax Sock Liners with Merino Wool Socks
  
  
• Frog Toggs Rain suit
  
  
• Estwing Hatchet (If needed. If I am going distances, I don't take the weight, but it is an amazing tool for the size/weight/practicality)
  
  
• Leatherman PST
  
  
• Cheap walking sticks from wal-mart
  
  
• 2 Nalgene Water Bottles
  
  
• A Fly from my old Kelty 2 person tent.
  
  
• Some cheap Chinese made waterproof hiking boots that I got at Wal-Mart and have been unstoppable.
  
  
• A pump style water filter Mine isn't MSR, but it looks like this.
  
  
• Coleman Chilko River Parka for my outer shell, various synthetic fleece and wool layers for my inner layers. A dry fit long or short sleeve synthetic shirt for my wicking layer. I have gone down to single digit camping in that without a bulky coat.
  
  
• Energizer headlamp (AAA batteries!)
  
  
• 100 feet of this orange reflective cord
  
  
• A very comprehensive first aid kit I have assembled over the years to deal with everything from cuts and scrapes up to broken limbs and serious bleeding. (Sam Splint, Quick Clot, Homemade Cravats sealed in vacuum packs, trauma shears, various OTC medications, epi-pen). It is a little heavy, so I have various sizes I bring depending on the duration of the trip, my traveling companions (usually Boy Scouts) and our distance from help.
  
  
• A Yaesu VX8R Radio I'm a HAM and it is a great emergency radio.
  
  
• Garmin eTrex 20 GPS (AA Batteries!)
  
  I am pretty frugal so I don't have top tier stuff, but if I spent 10x more I might save 2-3 pounds... easier for me to put down the spoon and lose that much weight from the engine (me). I mostly go with the Boy Scouts as an Assistant Scoutmaster, so I don't do much "extreme" stuff. We mostly do 10-20 mile hikes in New England (4000' peaks with cold, wet, unpredictable weather).
  
  

In addition to the things others have mentioned, you should most definitely get yourself a Mylar space blanket. A fantastic version of this is something called a tact bivvy, which is basically a sleeping bag that reflects 10-20* F of your body heat back to you. They’re about $25 USD on Amazon, come in a small, bright orange bag, and are small enough to fit in a glove compartment. The inside of the sleeping bag is reflective, and the outside is bright orange if it was ever needed for any kind of signaling. The version I bought also came with a very loud whistle for signaling. Keep in mind that this will not be enough to completely protect you from freezing temperatures, so you will still need to pack adequate clothing for the weather. This only increases the amount of heat that your body is able to retain.
https://www.amazon.com/Bivvy-Compact-Ultra-Lightweight-Sleeping/dp/B07C45T3Z8

> higher quality than the walmart sleeping bag and fabric repellant

No way to stay warm with OP's kit if it gets below 50 F or so. You can't build a fire under the hammock, and you can't sit by the fire if it's raining. The only provision for warmth in OP's kit is a thin mylar space blanket. Yes, I've heard before "it's meant to keep you alive, not comfortable." I don't think I've ever met anyone who has actually tested a space blanket all night on a cold night though. I have. As I've talked about on this sub before, I stupidly took a fleece blanket + a space blanket as my only bedding on a weekender backpacking trip a couple years ago. It was about 40 F. I was inside a tent. Shivered in a fetal position all night. Imagine if it had been 20 F or even colder? Many times in summer in the mountains I've woken up with my drinking water partially frozen. Might not have made it if it got that cold. Space blankets aren't magic. You seriously can die wrapped up in one if it gets very cold.

The purpose of the waterproofing on the bottom of the sleeping bag is to keep it dry without having to carry a separate ground cloth, so the whole of the (thicker and heavier) Heatsheet space blanket in the SOL kit can be used for shelter.

Regarding the backpack. It's a central piece of OP's kit, but why? Where are you going such a long distance with such a skimpy kit? Even when I go day hiking and take a small day pack instead of a full size backpack, I take the Ten Essentials, which is not exactly the same as a survival kit. Many of those items are meant to be used all day on the trail.

So what is the rather complicated backpack in OP's kit for exactly? What's the scenario? If you're going to build a kit around a backpack, why not take a more elaborate gear set like this? That's an expensive kit, but here is a much cheaper pack with plenty of room for a good sleeping bag, small dome tent, extra clothing, plenty of water and Power Bars, etc. I'm not just blowing smoke when I say that. My primary survival kit is built around this pack, and it has a -20 F sleeping bag and a bivy. I have a coat pocket size kit in my other non-4WD vehicle that doesn't see as much backcountry travel, but the backpack kit is the one I rely on to get me safely out of remote locations if I need it.

So I didn't spec a pack for the alternative-to-OP's kit that I specced, trying to keep the cost about the same. I think the kit I specced weighs much less than ten pounds. Any old gym bag would do, or just cram everything in the sleeping bag stuff sack and carry it over your shoulder like laundry. It's isn't that much stuff. The sleeping bag (hypothermia protection) is a much higher priority than a comfortable pack, IMHO.

I bought myself a military modular sleep system and it is the best camping thing I ever bought.

The sleep system consists of 3 parts: 30 degree (F) sleeping bag, -10 degree (F) sleeping bag, and goretex bivy cover

Whats great is it is modular so you can tailor it to your environment, camping in the summer? leave the -10 degree bag at home. camping in literally arctic weather? bring them all and combine it! (good for -50 degree weather).
The 3 parts all have separate zippers and snap together nicely.

My favorite part is the waterproof goretex bag (100% waterproof and breathable). Last time I went camping it rained and I woke up sleeping in a big puddle, the sleeping bags (and I :D) were completely bone dry.

Cons are it is a bit pricey (kind of offset by long lasting durability), and it is heavy by sleeping bag standards (10 pounds for the whole thing)
If you have one, you don't technically need a tent, but everyone needs their own

Edit: Link

Double Edit: Also got this ruck which I absolutely love for its gigantic capacity and the fact that it and the sleep system were made for each other. Con being that it is also heavy (12 pounds), so with the sleep system it is pushing 22 pounds, and fully loaded for my last trip was right at 65 pounds. most of the weight was water though. Bring lots of water

I was looking for something budget friendly and easily packed with me. I saw that it also was very open to allow for a greater view of nature and the sky while I was out on my tour. I actually also have the solitaire in my wishlist. Have you used it before? I definitely want a solo tent as I will be solo-touring, and do not need any extra space. Unless my bike wants to sleep with me on a cold night, haha.

Another tent I was looking at was:
http://amzn.com/B0056SOA48

Mainly looking at cots because I'm lazy and they seem easier if you don't read into them. The current setup I have is a 4-person Coleman 3-season dome that has worked excellently for the last 6 years but I really enjoyed my 1-person hoop tent that stopped being waterproof years ago. Something like this also seems good for the amount of gear that I bring on trips.

http://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409449163&sr=8-3&keywords=army+surplus+sleeping+bag

its bifl tough, but comfort to me is staying warm... which for home use???... would be super warm unless your heat goes out when is -20 or less out.

/u/Travmhid gave some pretty good advice. Tarp and hammock isn't a bad rig. 3 season sleeping bag is a tough haul though, and a tarp + hammock is going to take up the same amount of space as a 2man if it's inside your pack.

If you're still making money, I highly recommend a Army Bivy Cover: https://www.amazon.com/Woodland-Camouflage-Waterproof-Bivy-Cover/dp/B008JXV2PM They are pretty expensive, but you can sometimes find them at surplus stores for 30-40 bucks. Very light, smaller than a tarp, and they'll keep you dry. They have a condensation problem, but once you get used to them, they're great.

Bivy, sleeping pad, and wool blanket are what I used to use. The camping pads are good, but a little inflexible. Try to get egg crate foam instead. Being able to just roll everything up when you crawl out of bed, and your sleeping gear always being in a waterproof container is a major time saver. Plus you don't have to worry about creepy crawlies at night. (Less of an issue on the east coast than in the desert.) Hammocks are nice, but unless you have an underquilt they get really cold even on moderately warm nights. You'll also wake up to go to the bathroom less in the middle of the night.

Sleeping aside, you should really look at what's in your pack that you don't need. Hucksta posted his kit a while back, and it's pretty spartan. Remember, you'll be spending most of your time within walking distance of a city unless you're train hopping. You don't need a water filter, shit tons of rope, full kitchen set, etc. Rain gear, sleep system, multitool, few lighters, fork, can opener, basic first aid, sharpie, smartphone, flashlight, hygiene. Anything else is dead weight, or only provides comfort/convenience.

I bought this awesome setup

You can spend more and get it new or buy a used set for cheaper. I picked up a used-like new set and it was in fantastic shape.

It comes with a cool weather bag and a cold weather bag that can be put together to make a really cold weather bag. The bivy cover is supposed to serve as a shelter. Comes with a real nice compression stuff sack too.

This is the exact same one i ordered off amazon. It is originally supposed to go on the frame, but last minute i noticed it would fit to the bars and i liked it there much better. I had a portable phone charger, knife, wallet, keys, headlamp, ipod, iphone, chapstick, green tea packs, small water-proof camera, travel size advil bottle, and a couple google maps print outs in it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D87ECUQ/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All of my gear is cheap bags etc off amazon and i have no complaints whatsoever of any of it. Everything also has a few coats of scotch-guard on it, just in case. It down poured in the start of the tour and everything inside stayed dry.

PANNIERS:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165Q4RG/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I use this cover for my sleeping bag. It's already in a water resistant compression bag, but i don't like to mess around with the sleeping bag. End of the day, it's the one thing i don't want wet.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTHK5U8/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

FRAME BAG:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JA8WEG/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BIVY TENT:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056SOA48/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There is no such thing as a completely waterproof tent. A good tent with additional
tarps will prolly be your best bet. Ground tarps can be pretty important, as can air mattresses or cots.
A good propane heater, used safely, will be more efficient than a campfire.
A very good sleep system, like http://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC
will be a really big help.
As far as raccoons getting into his food, trash pandas are smart and persistant.
A locking, hard sided box of some sort would be his best bet. It should be suspended above ground, in general, but the little bandits will not be deterred by that
There isn't much that will outright deter them except killing them, or capture and relocation.

I still have my "Cold Weather Sleep System" that the Army issued me, and I'm telling you the thing's indestructible. It has a 30 degree bag, -30 bag, water proof shell, and the whole thing compresses down to the size of a soccer ball. I use it for hiking and camping a lot.

You can get them new on Amazon or used on Craigslist pretty cheap.

// Links

[Old version] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LLPILC)

New version (what I have)

I use a military Modular Sleep System MSS. I'm glad I got mine when I did though, it was only $89. I would recommend shopping around if you are looking at an MSS.

The best advice I can give you is to buy this mylar tarp and drape it over your tent for the morning. Year one, I was up at 8 am every day from heat, but this saved me until about ten or 11 and kept us way warmer at night. It's only 8 bucks and I'll never go to a fest without one again.

Also bring a rug, extra chairs, solar powered lights (either string or ones that stake into the ground), decorations, extra towels, a tapestry to hang on the side of your canopy (multiples).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DT01AUW/

Outdoor Research Helium Bivvy.

That's your best bet, bar none. It's my go-to when backpacking solo.

Get a second tarp or rain cover for your gear if you need one.

If you're flying solo then this army camo bivy is probably the best bang for your buck: http://www.amazon.com/Woodland-Camouflage-Waterproof-Bivy-Cover/dp/B008JXV2PM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450560885&sr=8-1&keywords=bivy+sack.

If you aren't too worried about weight, you could get the military sleep system. The link is to used equipment/surplus. It comes with a temperate bag, a cold weather bag, and a waterproof bivvy. You can also put all of them together for extra warms.

I bought just the cold weather bag and it's in good condition. I haven't noticed any holes or tears or smells.

I found mine used on Amazon. I got the "very good" condition from the seller AmmoCanMan, and it looks brand new. It was $130 there, which isn't terrible for what you're getting. It's a solid sleep system, versatile and durable. Only downside is the weight.

Wherever you want with the right gear. I have the US military modular sleep system which is basically 2 sleeping bags (a heavy and a light) as well as a waterproof goretex bivvy bag. I could sleep in 6 inches of water in -20 degree weather and be warm and dry. It's rated down to -60.

There are of course down sides. It's bulky and heavy at 10lbs, but it comes with a compression bag, so it fits in my pack. It's not cheap either, I paid $160 at a surplus store, but they're $230 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC

I would suggest a used Military Modular Sleep System 4 Piece with Goretex Bivy Cover and Carry Sack in very good condition. Sure it is 8lb but it will last you forever and you can use the first layer in the summer and add them as you need them and can get your weight down to 2.2lbs using the lightest sack.

I have been using a USGI bivy.

It is just a waterproof shell that my bag and pad can fit into. I have not used it in rain yet. I also carry a tarp I use along with a bug net if needed. Only gripe with the usgi bivy is that the zipper is on the opposite side from my sleeping bag, so that makes things a bit complicated at night when getting out for a pee.

The green thing. It's like a sack masquerading as a tent

I would recommend a bivy. The rain comes and goes quickly and it would suck to get drenched. I have had this bivy for awhile and recommend it if you can track one down.

Buy this but you may want to buy it from eBay or militant sleep system

http://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC

This is cheaper than I paid for mine...because I decided that I'd "lost" it and paid for it when I got out...

It's a 2go systems Trifecta bivvy. Here's a link to the V3, I've got the V2, but it's close enough.

https://www.amazon.com/2GoSystems-Trifecta-v3-Thermally-Reflective/dp/B07GT9Y8KZ/ref=asc_df_B07GT9Y8KZ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309812359670&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11980211488334998826&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007558&hvtargid=aud-801738734305:pla-571669918701&psc=1

If you live in a climate with harsh winters, get yourself a military sleeping bag system, such as this. Sleeping naked, it will keep you alive down to -40F.

I've seen travelers use them, but I think that kind of died out. I personally like the wool blanket. I like anything wool. I have the Military Modular Sleep System, though. I've slept comfortably in rain storms, and snow. All together it's 2 synthetic sleeping bags and a Gortex bivy. If it's hot out I just peal away bags/layers. It comes with a stuff sack and weighs 10 lbs? It's kind of heavy, but, imo, worth it. I can go almost anywhere without worrying how well I'm going to sleep.

I haven't run into many travelers, but the ones that seem to have their shit together carry more than just a wool blanket.

You're also missing some shelter: https://www.amazon.com/TACT-Bivvy-Emergency-Survival-Sleeping/dp/B01M9CBOP3

Maybe an eyeglass repair kit? https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Screwdriver-Keychain-Precision-Eyeglass/dp/B009GADYK8/

Also how about a wallet/key holder? https://www.amazon.com/Heshe-Fashion-Leather-Holder-Keychain/dp/B00GPDFCO0/

And of course you need to let people know your blood type in emergencies: https://www.amazon.com/Voodoo-Tactical-Embroidered-Blood-Velcro/dp/B00655CMPA/

Delmera Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag, Lightweight Waterproof Thermal Emergency Blanket, Bivy Sack with Portable Drawstring Bag for Outdoor Adventure, Camping, Hiking, Orange (Green- 2 Packs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GJ4L92C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_800kDbHCX6QAS


I would go for that one... It’s about survival not comfort

-25 degrees Farenheit. No tent, just scraped a hole in the snow down to ground level. Army sleeping bag and shitty air mattress. Slept in polypropylene long underwear, wore a wool cap and wool socks. Cap came off my nalgene. It was kind of cold.
http://www.amazon.com/Military-Modular-Sleep-System-Goretex/dp/B002LLPILC/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

You mentioned silk sleeping bag liners, but I'd like to mention fleece liners: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BIT004/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_arc1Db6GN3P1C they insulate you with even more trapped air in your bag.

And/or you could put a mylar emergency bivy over your bag to reflect the heat you radiate: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW347RP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6uc1Db1JC0A7R

Sounds like a perfect use-case for a durable "emergency blanket." Not the cheap mylar blankets that are almost literally a dime a dozen, but something more like this*:

amazon.com/S-Survive-Outdoors-Longer-Reflective/dp/B00266H5VI

or even a bivy:

amazon.com/Mezonn-Emergency-Sleeping-Survival-Lightweight/dp/B07DW347RP

If you don't need it, great! It was cheap, packs small and you can put it in your emergency kit. But if you do need it, well…maybe a little crinkly or even sweaty but better than freezing, n'est-ce pas?

I keep an SOL blanket in my car but so far I've never needed it. (Holy shirt, I *just now* remembered a time I was camping right next to my car a couple of years ago and froze my ass off all night — I should have grabbed my emergency blanket!)