Black Scout Quick Tips - Making Your Tent Stakes in the Field

In this quick tip, we illustrate how and why you want to create your own tent stakes while in the field.  This is a great practice and can minimize the amount of gear you need to carry.  Hope you enjoy it and thanks for watching!

Black Scout Quick Tips - Hobo Sleeping Bag

In this quick tip, we show you how to make a hobo sleeping bag using a couple of trash bags and some filler (leaves, newspaper, hay, etc.).  This can save you in a pinch if you have no sleeping bag and had some trash bags near you or packed.

Twitter: @Black_Scout

Black Scout Quick Tips - Build a Shelter Out of a Space Blanket

In this quick tip, we make some suggestions on how to turn a space blanket into a shelter.  This might be a last resort but it can keep you out of the rain and warm.  Thanks for watching!

Black Scout Reviews - Gear Pods Shelter System

In this episode, we review some offerings form the Gear Pod company and let you you know the ins and outs of a couple of the units.  We also set up a shelter and let you check out it's components as well.  Let us know what you think and thanks for watching!

http://www.gearpods.com

Appalachian Hammock Original and Big-Sil UL Tarp Review

Hammocks are my favorite sheltering system for most environments. They are extremely comfortable and lightweight. They usually require less gear than conventional tent camping. No sleeping pads, poles, pillows and so on. You do however need trees.

Over the past few weeks we tested the Appalachian Hammock Original along with the Big-Sil UL Tarp. Appalachian Hammock's are handcrafted by two brothers in Greenville, NC. All materials are also sourced from here in the U.S. Basically that means when you purchase an Appalachian Hammock you are supporting our economy two-fold.

Appalachian Hammock Original (Orange Stuff Sack) and Big-Sil UL Tarp (Grey Stuff Sack)

Unlike most end-gathered hammocks on the market- the Appalachian Hammock Original comes with suspension straps. These typically have to be purchased separately with makers such as ENO and Grand Trunk. Which will usually tack on another $20 before you can get out there and start hanging. These straps are 1" military grade tubular nylon straps measuring 9ft in length. Making it an even better buy is that it comes with premium carabiners; Black Diamond Neutrino aluminum carabiners to be exact.

As I mentioned above the Original is an end-gathered hammock- constructed from 1.9oz single layer breathable rip-stop nylon with a water resistant finish. It's a very spacious hammock and even though its not labeled as a two-person hammock; its very capable of being one. Rated at 400 lbs so as long as the combined weight doesn't exceed the limit you should be fine. Speaking of spacious it has to be the largest hammock (single or double) that I've used. It measures a whopping 11' x 60".

During use the Appalachian Hammock Original has been extremely comfortable. Being that its larger it allows the user to lay in an asymmetrical fashion to give a flatter lay. So you don't sleep like a banana basically.

The weather isn't always fair so tarps are a must if your a serious hammock-er. The Big-Sil Ultralight tarp is constructed of 1.1 oz sil-nylon (hence the name). Sil-nylon is the best material in regards to durability and weight. The Big-Sil measures 144" along the ridgeline and 120: in width. Giving you a great amount of protection from the elements. Not only for you but also for you gear, there's enough room in there for it also. It offers a tight pitch and has optimum coverage with its "cat-cut" design. Perfect for water shedding or shielding you from wind. It's triple stitched with reinforced tie-out points that has triangle rings to use with whatever is your preferred cordage and stakes. I used some bankline and some commercial ultra-light aluminum stakes. However you can fashion some in the field with your knife to save on weight.

The Appalachian Original Hammock comes in at $69.95 and is a bargain considering what your getting- A handcrafted hammock that can accommodate two people. Premium hanging hardware and military grade suspension straps. The Big-Sil UL tarp retails for $150 and is a standard price for tarps of this style and quality. If your interested in any of these products visit www.appalachainhammock.com. 

Check out our video review of these products below

Black Scout Tutorials - Building a Bargain Bugout Bag-Shelter

In this episode, we deliver some tips and tricks on staying thrifty when building your bugout bag as well as keeping overall size and weight down with some sheltering options. Leave us a comment or suggestions/tips you may have found for our survival community. Thanks for watching!

U.S. Military Modular Sleep System Review

I'd like to introduce you guys to one of my previous residence's- The Modular Sleep System or MSS for short. I've spent many nights in this sleeping bag system as most forward deployed troops. From cold mountain environments, deserts, to jungles. This system is designed to be used in a variety of environments and climates. The MSS has traveled the world with me. Very sadly I had to turn it back in to supply when I decided to leave the military. Luckily you can find this sleep system over at Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet. You can find a ton of military or government issue items at Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet. If your in the market for surplus items make sure that's the first place you look. They have some of the best prices on the web. They are a surplus supplier so inventory does fluctuate.

First off this system is made in the U.S.A. An excellent feature. The MSS has 4 components: Compression Stuff Sack, Gore-tex Woodland Camo Bivy Sack, Intermediate Cold Weather Sleeping Bag, and a Patrol Sleeping Bag. I'll go into further details about each of the components.

All components in included compression sack

During my career I rarely carried the entire system at one time. I would take individual pieces for the environment we were headed. Unless of course it was really cold or we were vehicle carried. The reason for this is because the system is quite heavy. Weighing a whopping 12 lbs in its entirety. It would be mounted to the bottom of our Mountain Rucks. So that itself was not ideal to carry the entire system when humping over rough terrain. This isn't meant to be negative, actually a positive for the system. The MSS works so well in it's design. Each component works in the temperature rating designated by the manufacturer. So there is no need to carry extra weight when you don't have too. Most lightweight or ultra light  commercial sleeping bags wouldn't hold up to the stress that is faced in a combat environment.

Starting off with the component I used most- The Patrol Bag (by far my favorite). It's rated down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. A very lightweight bag that has a little extra room. A great feature when your in a tactical environment and have to sleep with your rifle. It's also an awesome Olive Drab color.

The intermediate bag contains a little heavier fill weight. It's rated down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. This bag alone can handle most cold weather excursions. It comes in a tactical black color. I'll go over why I like the various color's below. Both the Patrol bag and Intermediate Cold weather bag are a hooded sleeping bag design. This works great since most of us don't carry pillows to the field; we just pile up our utilities in the hood for an improvised one.

One thing that really sets this system apart is the Gore-tex bivy sack. Both sleeping bags fit inside the bivy cover to be used as an improvised shelter. We would normally use the bivy instead of carrying a tent. It's small and keeps you from getting wet. The camouflage pattern also helps the warfighter to disappear in a tactical environment.

All the components fit into the included black stuff sack. The stuff sack has compression straps running vertically and horizontally. This makes it easy to "mold" the sleeping bags into your desired size for packing.

Note the nylon webbing draft tube on the Patrol Bag. This keeps wind from entering the bag

Gear designed for the military is usually very trustworthy in regards to their ratings. As commercial manufactures sometimes exaggerate things like temperature ratings on sleeping bags. You can be confident with the Modular Sleep System ratings. The versatility of the system doesn't stop at having two sleeping bags with different temperature ratings. The Intermediate Cold Weather Bag is designed to go inside of the Patrol Bag. This enables the system to be used comfortably down to a serious -30 degrees. In the photo above you can see that the sleeping bags and bivy all snap together to make a single sleep system. The varying colors also make for quick identification when needing to pack in a hurry.

 All of the hardware-snaps/zippers/stitching are top of the line on the MSS. The MSS is a great piece of gear. Our men and women that selflessly put their lives on the line for our freedom deserve top quality gear. Commercial sleeping bags of this quality would cost close to a grand. You can find it as well as other military gear at Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet for a steal.  This would be an excellent system to round out your camping or Bug Out Gear.

Black Scout Reviews- Warbonnet Outdoors 3-Season Yeti

Warbonnet Outdoors Yeti Underquilt

I'm often asked how to cure CBS or "Cold Butt Syndrome". "Is having a fire close to my hammock okay?", is usually the question. I want you all to understand that is not a good idea, unless you would like to be shrink wrapped. Hammocks are usually constructed of highly flammable nylon.

 The next thing that folks quickly realize is that traditional sleeping bags don't fare well in hammocks. Why you ask? You have to understand sleeping bags work off of insulation. Basically heating the air around you. This isn't effective when the bottom section of the sleeping bag is compressed to the hammock.

So the answer? Underquilts. Today we are reviewing the Warbonnet Outdoors Yeti Underquilt. Warbonnet Outdoors are makers of the finest hammock's and hammock accessories on the market. I've been extremely pleased with their craftsmanship and attention to the details.

The model we tested was the 3 Season Yeti that is rated down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Which is all we need in our climate for even our coldest nights. Warbonnet does offer a Winter Yeti model for those that are in colder areas. The Winter Yeti is rated down to a whopping 0 degrees. The insulating comes from the 850+ fill goose down. We used the Yeti on our Warbonnet Blackbird (maybe the best hammock on the market).

The Yeti underquilt covers the bottom portion of the hammock to insulate the surrounding are and to block the wind chill. It covers from the user's shoulders to the knees on a 6 foot man. A pillow or watch cap will keep the head warm and the feet and lower legs can be kept warm by a top quilt.

One thing that I liked most about the Yeti was the super easy set up. Set-up takes about 20 seconds. By placing the bungee cord onto each of the hammocks gathered ends, the yeti stays in place. It can be moved up or down as needed. It can also be slid up high to form a "draft hole" to allow air in if it gets to hot.

During our testing it made a major difference when using the Yeti.This particular night it was about 38 degrees and windy. I tried for the first couple of hours to go without the Yeti and only using a sleeping bag (just to see the difference it would make). I had major CBS. After attaching the Yeti  it took about 5 minutes and the bottom portion of the hammock warmed up. By morning it felt like I was sleeping in my own bed. I did ride the Yeti a little higher, where my neck met my head. I had no problem with the Yeti moving out of place during the night.

Coming in at 12.5 ounces it's a very lightweight underquilt. The Yeti comes with its own Silnylon stuff sack and packs down around the size of a 32 oz Nalgene bottle. I do recommend shaking the underquilt out to add its loft pack after being packed into the stuff sack. To make things even better it comes with a DWR or Durable Water Resistant finish.

The Yeti worked like a charm on the Blackbird, but it can be used on hammocks from different manufacturers as well (if you must)

If you want to cure Cold Butt Sydrome or are in need of an underquilt check out the 3-Season Yeti or Winter Yeti at Warbonnet Outdoors.

Black Scout Reviews - Warbonnet Outdoors Ground Tarp

Video Review of the Warbonnet Outdoors Ground Tarp. An excellent tarp tent system for those that want to sleep on the gound.

Warbonnet Outdoors: Ground Tarp Review

Warbonnet Outdoors produce some of the most innovative hammock's and hammock accessories on the market. Check out some of our past reviews to see what we think. They did leave the trees to provide a shelter system for you guys that enjoy making the ground their home. You wouldn't be able to tell that this was their first ground based shelter offering. It's one of the best tarp designs I've seen or used.

The Warbonnet Ground Tarp comes packaged in a silnylon stuff sack. I used para-cord for rigging the tarp, but weight can be saved by using lighter weight and thinner diameter dyneema cordage.

I've never been a fan of bright colored hammocks or tents. The Ground Tarp we tested was the Olive Brown model. It can also be had in a Digital Camo pattern. Both of these colors are perfect for blending into the wilderness. Considering some of the recent attacks on the Appalachian Trail.  I like to blend into my surroundings. Especially in times of vulnerability- like when sleeping.

Most tarps I've used rely on a cordage based ridgeline. That system doesn't usually work well in high winds. Using a cordage based ridge line also takes some time trying to get the "pitch" right. They also take up more cordage that could be used for other camp chores or survival field craft. The Ground Tarp has a low stretch ridge seam that's more effective than a ridgeline cord. The suspension cords are attached to the tarp by two small rings on both ends of the tarp. These rings accepted para-cord with room to spare. In the picture to the right, you can see I used a slip knot for easy breakdown. The whole system took less than 5 minutes to set up.


Weighing a mere 18 ounces; the Ground Tarp is perfect for Ultralight Backpackers or Bug Out Bags. Just like the stuff sack, the Ground Tarp is constructed of Silnylon. Silnylon is super lightweight, yet rugged material. It can be pulled very tight to keep out any cool drafts or rain.

Speaking of keeping out cool drafts and rain. Warbonnet designed overlapping doors, something I've never seen on any tarp system to date. Making this a completely "encapsulating" tarp tent. In the top picture I've overlapped the doors to demonstrate this feature. The door flaps can be opened for ventilation on hot or muggy days. The doors can be held open by tying them to the side pull-out loops (we used a small stick to make a toggle to keep the doors open). This kind of versatility makes the Ground Tarp capable of being used in a variety of environments and weather conditions.

The Ground Tarp has 3 tie-down points on each side of the tarp. Each door has 2 to close or open as needed. I used a combination of commercial tent stakes and some I carved in the field.

This isn't just a one man tent; this tarp will hold up to three-four grown men comfortably (as well as rucks and gear). Eliminating the need to carry multiple shelter systems when traveling as a group in the field. The Ground Tarp also has two pull out loops on each side (almost making a dome), allowing for even more room. The system roughly measures 9'x10'.

The Ground Tarp was not designed for use with a hammock, however I'm still going to try it with a hammock and I will let you guys know of the outcome. We will be posting a YouTube video on the Ground Tarp system, so stay tuned for that.

If your in the market for a Tent or Tarp system I highly recommend the Ground Tarp from Warbonnet Outdoors. I also suggest making them your first stop if your looking to purchase a hammock.

Crazy Creek Products: Crazy Crib LEX w/ Tarp

We recently were able to review the Crazy Crib LEX w/ Tarp from Crazy Creek Products out of Montana. They offer a plethora of Hammocks as well as other camping equipment. We have a video review on our YouTube channel of the Crazy Crib, so check it out when you get a chance. The Crazy Crib LEX ("LEX" stands for Luxury Edition) and is an extreme shelter system. I'll go over the details below.

Crazy Crib w/out tarp

The Specs:

MSRP: $195
Crib Size: 44" x 98"
Tarp Size: 77" x 104"
Pack weight: 70 ounces
Material: 70D Ripstop Nylon
Suspension System: Webbing System Included


The Crazy Crib LEX included's a Tarp, Poles, Guy Lines, Suspension Straps, Stuff Sack and Stakes. You will need to pre-cut and rig the guy lines prior to going out in the field. The instructions explain this, along with specific lengths for the guy lines. The system comes with adjustable tension hardware and incluudes thorough instructions on that as well. I do suggest doing this prior to taking the hammock into the field; it will drastically speed up set up. On set up, the suspension straps work well and also have rain guards that prevent's rain from entering the hammock by way of the suspension.

This hammock features a partial no-see-um netting with a canopy that is held up by Easton Aluminum Poles. The Easton Poles hold the canopy up similar to a tent and also spreads the hammock flat. The canopy is nice in blocking sunlight when not using the tarp, however it does block some visibility in the hammock. Entry of the hammock is by way of dual zippers that are in the center of the hammock canopy (most hammocks feature these on the sides), it can be used with the canopy and mosquito netting unzipped and open (which is a nice feature).

The lay of the hammock is great, an almost flat lay, similar to a bridge style hammock (thanks to the suspension and Easton poles). There is a sleeve for a pad inside the hammock to help insulate on cool nights or added comfort. Inside the hammock there are two storage pockets to hold small items and keep them within reach.

Coming in right at 4 lbs; it seems that may be heavy for backpacking. However, the Crazy Crib LEX w/ Tarp is a complete shelter system- like a suspended tent. The weight includes all components of the hammock i.e..poles, tarp, hammock, suspension, and stakes. Weight can also be reduced by leaving the tarp at home when there is no chance of rain.

The included tarp has multiple attachment points for versatility. It also completely shields the hammock from wind or rain.

This hammock feels very heavy duty and will last many years through many outdoor excursions; with proper care. It's versatile and can be used throughout the seasons.

Check out Crazy Creek for this hammock system as well as their other products.

TETON Sports Trailhead (Ultralight) Sleeping bag

TETON Sports have some nice gear for a great price. Pack's, sleeping pads, tent's, you name it and they have it. They currently have two ultralight sleeping bag models, the other being the Journey that's rated down to 40 degrees. Today we are talking about the Trailhead Ultralight Sleeping bag.  An excellent bag for the price, it will also reduce some of the weight in your pack.

Shown stored in the convenient stuff sack

 The Specs:

MSRP: $59.99
Dimensions: 87" x 32" (shoulders) x 22" (foot end)
Color: Yellow and Grey
Temp Rating: +20 degrees Fahrenheit
Shell: Taffeta
Fill: PolarLite Insulation
Lining: Double Brushed P5 Poly
Entry: Right Handed zipper entry
Pack Weight: 2.9 lbs
Pack Size: 14.5" x  6.5" x 6.5"
Storage: Small storage pocket inside the bag
*Stuff Sack Included


I know we've all done it. I remember a few years ago when I was in the mountains of Northern Croatia, I packed my temperate sleeping bag (rated around 40 degrees) instead of my heavier sleeping bag. I didn't want to carry the extra weight in my pack and thought I could tough it out. Needless to say, it was a miserable experience and I froze the whole time. A life lesson learned the hard way!

It's difficult to find a sleeping bag that's lightweight and doesn't take up the majority of the real estate in your pack. Especially with the addition of your food or sheltering gear (hammock/tent/tarp). Often other gear is sacrificed to provide room for the sleeping bags. Usually they are large and bulky and depending upon the temp rating it can become a real burden.

I took the Trailhead Ultralight to the field and tested it out. It's gotten fairly cool in my area at night; dipping into the low 40's the past few weeks. During my packing process, the Trailhead didn't take up much space in the pack, not nearly as much as my other 20 degree bags. The stuff sack performed like a champ.

Some mummy style bags I've used feel like they are choking my feet, this one did not. I'm 6'1" and around 200 lbs and had plenty of room to move around. The lining of the bag was extremely warm and soft to the touch. Another feature I liked is the zipper extended all the way to the foot of the sleeping bag (a feature that doesn't come with higher priced comparable bags). I didn't have to cinch the hood down during my use, but it's there to trap the heat if you need it. Another problem solved by TETON was keeping the draft from entering the bag through the zipper. There is a draft tube that covers the entire zipper from inside the bag.

I searched the web trying to find a comparable bag; I found none. The closest bag I could find was from Wiggy's and it was 4 times the price. The Wiggys bag also was about a half a pound heavier and the zipper did not extend the entire length of the bag (making it a pain to get in the bag). So really not only is the Trailhead a better bargain, but also a better design (the Trailhead looks cooler too and looking cool is always important!).

If your on the market for a sleeping bag I suggest checking out the TETON Sports Trailhead; as well as their other gear. Take the money you saved on the sleeping bag and use it on your next adventure.

Web-Tex British Army Basha Video Review

Web-tex British Army Basha

If you practice any sort of survival or bushcraft; you know how versatile a basha(tarp) can be. The word "basha" means "shelter" or "hut" in Malay. A Basha is basically a tarp that is lightweight and has loops and grommets and is used by many military units around the world- due to its low silhouette.

This is the Web-tex British Army Basha that we are reviewing. It has a variety of features to be used in a variety of applications. This is the OD Green model, but it also comes in British DPM Camoflauge (for even more concealment). It is made of a super waterproof double poly-eurothane coated nylon, weighing 1.4 lbs. To the touch it feels lightweight yet rugged. The Basha measures 8.6' x 5.7'.

Many people use a military poncho for these applications, but if you've used them you know their limitations. The main being the ridgeline having a hole in it (the hood). No matter how you tie it, rain will sometimes get in.

For set up all you really need is 550 cord. Tent stakes are nice, but they can be fashioned for sticks if need be. For the review I used commercial tent stakes as well as fashioned some with my knife. Both methods worked fine.

The Basha has 5 loops across the top for the ridge line. I like the fact the ridgeline is outside of the Basha. This ensures a symmetrical set-up (which is sometimes difficult with a poncho).

The top loops also have patches of reinforced stitching for rugged use and can easily slide on the ridgeline for ease of adjustment.

The versatility comes from the 12 loops and 9 brass grommets that outline the corners and edges of the Basha. This gives you plenty of rigging options. We rigged the Basha in "pup-tent" or A-frame shelter style. It is very low to the ground and is great for concealing your position. There is plenty of room for two people to fit snugly inside the Basha. We also rigged up a lean-to shelter with the tarp and worked great as well.

This also worked out as an awesome tarp for my hammock, and I will try and demonstrate in my upcoming video review.

If you have two Basha's they can be snapped together to either make a large shelter or a "pup-tent" with a floor. I also snapped mine together and made a make-shift bivvy sack that can be used in conjunction with a sleeping bag or poncho liner.

The Web-tex British Army Basha comes in at $95 U.S. Dollars.

Blizzard Survival Blanket

So we have reviewed many Mylar products that help you stay warm and also get found. What if you don't want to be found? Such as military personal escaping and evading in enemy territory.



Today we are reviewing a very different kind of survival blanket. This product comes from Blizzard Survival and has some revolutionary technology in regard to survival blankets.

There are few companies on the market that provide quality subdued colored survival blankets designed for escaping and evading. Blizzard offers survival blankets in OD Green, Blaze Orange, and the standard Silver. So they can be used by military and civilian personal alike. The OD Green blends very well in a wilderness environment. Like I said above, this may be very important to military personnel trying to conceal their position.

When I received the blanket I noticed it was much larger than a traditional space blanket. Coming in about the size of a red brick. Initially I didn't understand why, but then I read about what differentiates this from a standard Mylar blanket.

Reflexcell Technology

Blizzard Survival Blankets are designed with a Reflexcell material. As you can see in the photo to your right, it is a double layered blanket with chambers to trap air. This provides a better insulating blanket, and Blizzard Survival claims that it has the same heat properties of a mid-weight sleeping bag. So basically it insulates as well as reflects body heat. The Blizzard Survival Blanket felt warm and extremely durable. Much Durable than competing space blankets. It can be used multiple times without compromising the warming abilities of the blanket.

It's very large and will easily cover any adult. The Blizzard Survival Blanket also has self-adhesive strips and when used; it can be made into a sleeping bag. This helps to keep out any cold draft's, especially in arctic environments.

I highly suggest a Blizzard Survival Blanket over traditional space blankets, for those that may be operating in arctic or extreme cold regions. They do offer an Blaze orange for civilian applications; so that you can be found.

Check out http://www.blizzardsurvival.com/ for more information.

MCR Medical Thermal Blanket and Sleeping Bag

Space Blankets take up little room and provide a low cost sheltering system. They are pretty much mandatory in survival kits. Today we will look at the offerings of MCR Medical. We wanted to find a quality and low cost option for you bargain conscious survivalist. They offer some of the lowest cost options on the market. We tested the MCR Thermal Wrap and Emergency Bag.






MCR Thermal Wrap
The MCR Medical Thermal wrap comes in Gold and Silver. Silver Mylar blankets are sometimes confused as ice in arctic conditions from SAR personal from aircraft. Gold has a greater ability to be seen in those conditions as well as general woodland regions. The blanket measures 87" x 59" which is somewhat larger than standard space blankets, allowing the user to completely cover themselves. When packaged the blanket is very slim and is roughly the size of a deck of cards.

During the testing I was able to easily wrap myself in the blanket. As you can see (from the photo to your right) the gold stand out very well. It was very windy the day of testing and it blocked the wind and reflected body heat effectively. MCR Medical claims that the Thermal Wrap reflects 90% of radiant body heat.

The blanket is very thin and lightweight and seemed fairly durable. We were able to use the Thermal Wrap to make a "pup tent" or A-Frame shelter. By using paracord as a ridgeline in the center of the blanket; we then used duct tape on the corners with safety pins as make shift "gromments". We used duct tape to keep the intergety of the blanket and not to tear the blanket (photo to your right). The Thermal Wrap can be used in this manner to make a shelter and to protect you from rain or snow, and it will still reflect body heat.






MCR Medical Emergency Sleeping Bag
The next product we reviewed was the Emergency Sleeping bag, and essentially is a Mylar blanket formed into a sleeping bag. The sleeping bag is optimal for covering the entire body and cutting down on windchill that you may encounter with space blankets. The Emergency Sleeping Bag also reflects 90% of your body heat as with the Thermal Wrap.

I'm 6'1" and the blanket covered my entire body with no problems. I did however rip the bag with a 6" tear during entry. This bag is made of a very thin material. With that, be careful upon entry with shoes on and what may be on the floor of your environment. Even with the tear, the bag worked well and I felt no wind chill. Another benefit is that this bag will keep you dry when laying on moist or wet ground.


As I stated above the MCR line-up is some of the most reasonable Mylar products on the market. The Thermal Wrap comes in at just over $2 and the Emergency Sleeping Bag just over $3, when purchased individually.They do offer bundle packs that will further the cost savings. After testing we were able to fold both products so that they can be used multiple times; as long as they are taken care of and not torn.

Check out http://www.mcrmedical.com/ for more information.

Video review: Warbonnet Outdoors Blackbird 1.7.

This is our video review of the Blackbird 1.7. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Warbonnet Outdoors: Blackbird 1.7 Hammock

We test a lot of gear out here at Black Scout Survival and sometimes we run across things that really get us excited. Today is one of those times. This is a mosquito hammock from a company called Warbonnet Outdoors. I was able to use this hammock on some trips over the past few weeks and had some really comfortable nights.

I had a chance to get some info from Brandon the owner of Warbonnet Outdoors and get his story. Brandon on his background "My background in hammock camping is mainly from rock climbing. I definately did some backpacking trips in my early teens that gave me a great love for the outdoors, later in college I got big into rock climbing, going just about every weekend. somewhere along the line I just decided sleeping in a hammock sounded like a good idea so I bought one to try and never went back to the ground again." Brandon also explained what got him into designing hammocks "I basically got into hammocks with the desire to make something better than what was available at the time, I was unhappy with what I had,  so I started tinkering and found I enjoyed designing gear so I decided to give it a shot. It was a tough start but here we are 6 years later with a small workshop here in Colorado and a handful of employees dedicated to making the best gear we can make." I will say Warbonnet Hammocks really have solved many issues I've had with many other hammocks. Great design and ingenuity. 

The model I tested was the Blackbird 1.7 Double and has a weight limit up to 400lbs and can comfortably fit an individual up to 6'8". I weigh 200lbs and 6'1" tall and had plenty of room. The Blackbird 1.7 Double is the heaviest (40oz with adjustable webbing system) and most and most expensive ($175) model of all the Warbonnet models. They do offer lighter models as well as models with a line/strap suspension. You can also find varying accessories from tarps, under quilts, top quilts, to name a few. So you can easily transform this hammock from 3 to a 4 season hammock. The model I have is an OD green color (a color I like because it blends in) but the 1.1 comes in a slate grey color. 

The Blackbird takes all of a minute or so to set up and is just as quick packing down. In our video review you can see just how simple it is. 

As stated above the hammock comes in at around 40 ounces with the adjustable webbing system. It packs tightly in a double end stuff sack or modified "bishop sack". I really like the concept; it makes packing down and set up very easy. It also keeps your hammock from dragging the ground during set up or pack down. The sack can be stored on the webbing system so that it's out of the way and doesn't get lost. The hammock packed down is somewhat larger than a standard Nalgene canteen. 

Adjustable Webbing System
One feature I really liked was the adjustable webbing system. I hate tying and retying knots to get my hammock in the right position. I've also used some sling systems that pretty much sucked. These webbing straps are super lightweight and with use of a carabiner it simply wraps around the tree and locks onto itself. Then all you have to do is adjust the webbing with the buckles to position your hammock the way you see fit. 

Shelf storage keeping the essential at hand

Shelf and Footbox
These are two things that really set the Blackbird apart from the rest. The Blackbird hammock comes equipped with a 2sq ft shelf. Unheard of right? This keeps from having a cluster in your hammock (as I've had numerous times in the past). It keeps your gear at hand- in the hammock but out of the way. It is also kept off your body by the tie outs. The footbox brings comfort to a whole new level in hammock-ing. The footbox gives the user an opportunity to lay in an asymmetrical position, providing a flat comfortable lay. I also used the footbox to store clothes.

Fully adjustable Tie-outs and Ridgeline
The adjustable tie outs is a not so in-your-face innovation but I really dig it. The tie outs are made of a white bungee cord with a cord lock. The white keeps the tie outs from becoming a trip hazard. The tie outs open up the hammock but are not necessary to use. The structural ridgeline keeps the mosquito net from lying on your face and can also be used to attach lights or other items. 


The mosquito net is a very high quality no-see-um netting which is very fine to keep out the smallest of insects. It can also be rolled back and placed out of the way when not in use or if you want to just use the hammock as a chair.  

I did add some bright cord lanyard's (w/ 3M reflective material) to the outside zipper's so I could find them easily in the dark or low light conditions.

If your in the market- I highly suggest Warbonnet Outdoors. The Blackbird may just be the hammock that all other mosquito/jungle hammocks should be judged by. The innovation and upgrades really make the Blackbird a breeze to set up and comfortable to relax in. The Blackbird has become my favorite hammock. I enjoyed the trips I made with the Blackbird over the past few weeks and can't wait to get at it again. 

Check out Warbonnet Outdoors for more information.

Snugpak Jungle Bag Review

Finding heavy-down sleeping bags rated for -20 below zero is a fairly easy task, most manufacturers focus their efforts toward cold weather bags. Finding quality temperate weather bags on the other hand is like trying to find a delicious MRE. For years I've used the USGI Poncho Liner as a warm weather sleeping bag, while overseas I used it for six months straight (it didn't give off a pleasant smell to say the least) While functional, it left much to be desired. I got the Snugpak Jungle bag from ProForce Equipment and used it over a weekend excursion and I'll list out my thoughts.

The Snugpak Jungle Bag in Comparison
to a standard Poncho Liner

The Snugpak Jungle Bag solves all the problems of the poncho liner and then some. The Snugpak Jungle Bag is very compact. In the accompanying stuff sack its slightly larger than a Nalgene bottle. The stuff sack has compression straps that can be adjusted to save precious space (measuring 11.00" x 5.51" and weighing in at a mere 27 oz's).

Mosquito net deployed

Outer Fabric: The Snugpack Jungle Bag is made up of a Micro Diamond Lightweight outer fabric that is water repellent.

Inner Fabric: The inner Fabric is a Paratex Antimicrobial Fabric (It should keep the bag from smelling after extended use).

Inner-Filling: Consist of a Travelsoft an ultra lightweight high-loft insulation.

Mosquito Net rolled away and
tied down

The Jungle Bag comes with a built in mosquito net that can be zipped to seal around the hood section of the sleeping bag. When not in use it can also be rolled down and tied off to be stored out of the way. I've read some complaints of people stating the mosquito net bothered them lying on their face while they slept; and others concerned about some mosquito's being able to bite them because of the net so close to their face. The mosquito net didn't bother me lying on my face, but I'm not high maintenance. I guess you need to ask yourself whether a bite or two will bother you versus getting ate alive with no mosquito net at all. If you have to ask this question maybe you shouldn't spend time in the great outdoors. The only problem I did have was that I had gotten the zipper hung in the mosquito net; but that could have been an operator error. It was easily removed and did not harm the net or the zipper.