Patrik Orcutt 08.07.25
As a soldier navigating the calls for of the Military’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) course, I’ve realized that the appropriate gear could make or break you within the subject. Once I was getting ready for SERE, I wanted a sleeping bag that might deal with the unpredictable climate of Alabama within the winter and would pack down small, and preserve me comfy. The Snugpak Tactical 2 Sleeping Bag, with its versatility and rugged design, turned my go-to selection. After placing it via the wringer throughout SERE and past, I’m thrilled to share why this bag is a standout for navy coaching and outside survival.
Tenting Gear Protection on AllOutdoor
The Snugpak Tactical 2 Sleeping Bag was offered by Snugpak for this evaluate 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 just a few outings for automobile 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 commenced as a cottage trade within the Yorkshire countryside and has grown into an internationally acknowledged model identified for high-quality outside gear. Impressed by the dearth of light-weight, inexpensive sleeping baggage and clothes, Harris taught himself to stitch and developed progressive designs, beginning with physique heaters he observed 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 outside 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 go well with. 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 businesses 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 powerful but light-weight. The TS1™ (Thermal Suede) lining and Reflectatherm cloth inside promised to entice warmth and wick moisture, which was essential for the damp, chilly nights I’d face in SERE. At 3.7 kilos and packing right down to the dimensions of a soccer in its compression sack, it was compact sufficient to slot in my ruck alongside survival gear, rations, and evasion instruments. The mother-style design, with a cosy hood and zip baffle, seemed able to preserve 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, strengthened with thick webbing, gliding easily, and the hanging dry tabs have been a pleasant contact for airing it out after a moist night time. The pillow pocket on the head was a bonus, letting me stuff a jacket or Snuggy pillow for additional consolation. As somebody who’s seen gear fail underneath stress, I appreciated the sturdy stitching and YKK zippers—hallmarks of Snugpak’s status for military-grade high quality.
SERE Course: Survival within the Wilderness
The SERE course is not 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 night time, typically with the specter of rain lurking. The Tactical 2 was a lifesaver throughout the survival section, the place constructing a shelter and staying heat have been essential. I arrange a lean-to with a tarp, and the bag’s Paratex shell repelled moisture from the damp floor and lightweight rain, holding my core dry. The Reflectatherm cloth lived as much as its promise, reflecting my physique warmth and holding me cozy. I typically discovered that the bag was a lot hotter than I wanted it to be whereas sporting just a few layers.
Evasion: Light-weight and Packable
Through the evasion section, the place we practiced being as stealthy as doable, the Tactical 2’s compact measurement was a godsend. SERE teaches you to journey gentle 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 good for the circumstances. I may transfer rapidly via dense brush, figuring out my sleep system wouldn’t sluggish me down or give away my place. The olive inexperienced shade 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 gentle 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, in contrast to some mummy baggage. Nonetheless, I’m 5’9”, and taller customers may need the extra-long variant. The 32°F to 23°F ranking felt optimistic at instances. At 32°F, I didn’t want a base layer or a bivy for additional heat, however I’m additionally a really heat sleeper, so your mileage might range. Nonetheless, for three-season use—spring, summer season, and fall—it’s onerous 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 cheap however heavier than ultralight choices just like the Snugpak Particular Forces 1 (2.3 kilos). The compression sack, whereas sturdy, will be difficult 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, however it’s a worthwhile funding for severe outside or tactical use.
Closing Ideas
The Snugpak Tactical 2 Sleeping Bag proved its price throughout 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 excellent for long-term use. The TS1 lining and Reflectatherm cloth added consolation and warmth retention, serving to me relaxation on worrying 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 out of doors fanatic, the Tactical 2 is a powerhouse that received’t allow you to down.
