AllOutdoor Review – Snugpak Tactical 2 Sleeping Bag

As a soldier navigating the calls for of the Military’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) course, I’ve discovered that the fitting gear could make or break you within the subject. Once I was making 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 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 outside survival.

Tenting Gear Protection on AllOutdoor

The Snugpak Tactical 2 Sleeping Bag was supplied by Snugpak for this evaluation 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 couple 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 Dimension – 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 recognized for high-quality outside gear. Impressed by the dearth of light-weight, inexpensive sleeping luggage and clothes, Harris taught himself to stitch and developed progressive 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 Nineteen Eighties, which revolutionized the market with its low weight and compact design, gaining traction in each outside and navy sectors. Over the many years, 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 sturdy 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 material inside promised to entice warmth and wick moisture, which was crucial 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 mum-style design, with a cosy hood and zip baffle, regarded able to maintain me heat within the 32°F to 23°F temperature vary, Snugpak claims.

You’ll be able to 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 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 popularity 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 setting 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, usually with the specter of rain lurking.  The Tactical 2 was a lifesaver through the survival section, 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, holding my core dry. The Reflectatherm material lived as much as its promise, reflecting my physique warmth and holding me cozy. I usually discovered that the bag was a lot hotter than I wanted it to be whereas sporting a couple of layers.

Evasion: Light-weight and Packable

Throughout 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 mild and depart 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 readily 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 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 mushy in opposition to 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 would possibly 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, could 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, nevertheless it’s a worthwhile funding for severe outside or tactical use.

Remaining 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 saved me dry and heat in moist, chilly circumstances, whereas its compact measurement and rugged building made it superb for long-term use. The TS1 lining and Reflectatherm material added consolation and warmth retention, serving to me relaxation on demanding nights. From muddy trudges to fast bivouacs, this bag was and continues to be a dependable piece of substances. Whether or not you’re a soldier prepping for SERE, a survivalist, or an outside fanatic, the Tactical 2 is a powerhouse that received’t allow you to down.

Patrik Orcutt

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