Ashwin Lewis
The US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS) consists of two Mummy-style sleeping bags, a bivy cover, and a stuff sack. The USMC Improved Sleeping Mat (ISM), also known as the Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad, is a lightweight, foldable mat used by the Marines. It is made of closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene foam and can be folded in an accordion style to a compact size for carrying and storage. The USMC sleeping pad is designed to provide comfort and durability without adding weight. While it is a standard-issue item for Marines, some infantrymen opt to purchase alternative pads from the civilian market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | USMC Improved Sleeping Mat (ISM) or USMC Therm-A-Rest Sleeping Pad |
| Folding Style | Accordion style |
| Folded Dimensions | 5″ x 5 1/4″ x 23″ rectangle at 605 cubic inches |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 72″ x 23″ |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs |
| Composition | Closed-cell crosslinked polyethylene foam |
| Manufacturer | Cascade Designs |
| Variants | Mummy-style sleeping bags, 3-season bag, bivy cover |
| Condition | Good, Acceptable |
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What You'll Learn
The Improved Sleeping Mat (ISM)
The ISM is designed to be easily folded into a compact form, making it ideal for carrying and storing. Its "accordion-style" fold ensures durability and improved comfort for quality sleep without increasing weight. The flat 72" x 23" mat can be swiftly folded into an accordion style to a compact 5" x 5 1/4" x 23" rectangle of 605 cubic inches, allowing for quick packing and easy storage. The mat is secured in its folded shape with two attached elastic loops.
The ISM is part of the Marine Corps Three Season Sleep System and is designed to work with the USMC 3 Season Sleeping Bag and Marine Corps bivy cover. It is a genuine Marine Corps surplus item, previously used and issued by the USMC. When purchasing a used ISM, it is important to consider its condition. Good condition ISMs may show some signs of use, such as dirt, scuffs, or small gouges in the foam, but both elastic cords will be intact and the pad will be fully functional. In contrast, acceptable condition ISMs may have larger gouges, loose elastic cords, writing, dirt, or stains, and may be slightly bent when folded up. Despite these cosmetic flaws, they are still fully functional.
The ISM is a valuable piece of equipment for Marines, providing a comfortable and durable sleeping surface that can be easily transported and stored, ensuring a good night's rest during their missions and deployments.
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USMC Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad
The Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad, also referred to as the Improved Sleeping Mat (ISM) by the USMC, is a US Military surplus item. It is a self-inflating sleep mat that accompanies the conventional Military Sleep System. The Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad features a self-inflating valve that, when open, fills the unrolled sleep mat with air. Once full, the valve is closed to trap the air inside, creating a comfortable barrier between the body and the ground. This insulation prevents the transfer of body heat to the cold ground.
The USMC Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad is designed to be easily folded into a compact form for carrying and storage by Marines. Its "accordion-style" fold is durable and provides improved comfort for quality of sleep without increasing weight. The composition of the pad is a closed-cell crosslinked polyethylene foam that is pre-formed with full-width folds. The flat 72" x 23" mat can be folded in an accordion fashion into a 5" x 5 1/4" x 23" rectangle with a volume of 605 cubic inches, allowing for quick packing and easy stowage. The mat is secured in its folded shape with two attached elastic loops, and the packed mat reduces packed volume by 20%.
The USMC Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad is lightweight, weighing approximately 1.3 lbs. It is designed as part of the Marine Corps Three Season Sleep System and is intended to be used with the USMC 3 Season Sleeping Bag and Marine Corps bivy cover. The sleeping pad provides insulation, padding, reliability, and durability for a comfortable night's sleep in various weather conditions.
Used and issued USMC Therm-A-Rest sleeping pads are available for purchase from military surplus retailers. The condition of these sleeping pads can vary, with some showing signs of use, such as dirt, scuffs, or small gouges in the foam. However, the sleeping pads are fully functional, with both elastic cords intact, ensuring that Marines can still benefit from a comfortable and insulated sleeping experience even with previously used equipment.
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USMC sleep system for mild and cold weather
The USMC Military Issue Modular Sleep System is designed to keep marines warm in variable temperatures. It is a lightweight system that includes a bug net on the bivy sack and a front opening for quick and easy exit. The system comes with a heavy intermediate sleeping bag, a 3-season lighter bag, a bivy, and a stuff sack. The 3-season sleeping bag is adaptable to most weather conditions and can be used with or without the bivy.
The USMC Improved Sleep System Bundle combines the Three-Season Sleeping Bag, Extreme Cold Bag, Bivy Cover, and a 9-strap stuff sack. The Three-Season Sleeping Bag is adaptable to most weather, while the Extreme Cold Bag provides added warmth. The Bivy Cover is made from durable Nylon and GORE-TEX, providing wind and water resistance.
The USMC Military Modular System- Green Patrol Sleeping Bag is rated for temperate climates between 50 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It features a reversible double pull slider, a draft flap to prevent heat loss, and an adjustable hood for heat retention. The bag is durable, lightweight, and comfortable, with high-quality zippers.
The USMC Improved Modular Sleep System includes a Three-Season Bag, a Cold Weather Bag, a Bivy Cover, and a Waterproof Compression Stuff Sack. The Bivy Cover is 18% lighter and provides improved comfort, protection, and volume. It features a front opening with mosquito netting to stand off the user's face. The system increases temperature by 15 degrees, protecting at 20 degrees Fahrenheit and above. With clothing warming layers, the system provides protection down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
The USMC Extreme Cold Weather Sleeping Bag is designed to operate in temperatures between 20 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit when used with a proper base layer. It can be paired with the USMC Improved Bivy Cover for protection from even colder temperatures. The bag is made of 30D ripstop nylon, which is coated with a membrane that is both breathable and water-resistant. It features a cinch-down hood for heat retention and reinforced retention loops to prevent clumping.
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Used and surplus sleeping pads
The Improved Sleeping Mat (ISM), or Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad, is a popular option. This pad is designed to be easily folded into a compact form, reducing packed volume by 20%, and features an "accordion-style" fold. It weighs approximately 1.3 lbs and is made of closed-cell crosslinked polyethylene foam. When folded, it measures 5" x 5 1/4" x 23" and has a packed volume of 605 cubic inches. The mats are secured in their folded shape with two attached elastic loops.
The quality of the used and surplus sleeping pads varies, with some showing signs of use, such as dirt, scuffs, or small gouges in the foam. In "good condition", both elastic cords will be intact and the pad will be fully functional. In "acceptable condition", the pads may have larger gouges, loose elastic cords, writing, dirt, stains, and may be slightly bent when folded up. They are still fully functional but will show heavier use.
Army Surplus World offers a range of new and used/surplus sleeping bags and pads, designed to provide a barrier between the user and the elements. Their US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS) consists of two Mummy-style sleeping bags for mild and extremely cold weather, a bivy cover, and a stuff sack.
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Self-inflating sleeping mats
The US Military uses self-inflating sleeping mats as part of their Modular Sleep System (MSS). These mats are designed to be compact and easy to carry, weighing approximately 1.3 to 1.8 lbs. They are made of durable materials that can withstand rough conditions and provide insulation and comfort during sleep.
The self-inflating sleeping mats used by the US Army are made of vinyl bonded to an inner nylon foam layer, making them easy to clean. They are designed to inflate from approximately 1/8 inch thick to almost 1 inch thick within minutes without any external air input. The user simply needs to open the valve and let the mat self-inflate, and then close the valve once it is fully inflated. This makes it a quick and convenient option for soldiers who need to set up their camps rapidly.
The USMC also uses a similar self-inflating sleeping pad called the Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad or the Improved Sleeping Mat (ISM). This pad also has an "accordion-style" fold that allows for a more compact form, making it easy to carry and store. The composition of the ISM is a closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene foam that is pre-formed with full-width folds. When folded, the 72" x 23" mat reduces to a 5" x 5 1/4" x 23" rectangle, providing a 20% reduction in packed volume.
These self-inflating sleeping mats are designed to be durable and provide improved comfort for quality of sleep. They are part of the Marine Corps Three Season Sleep System, which includes the sleeping mat, the USMC 3 Season Sleeping Bag, and the Marine Corps bivy cover. Together, these components offer protection from the elements, insulation, and a comfortable sleeping experience in various weather conditions.
The self-inflating sleeping mats used by the military are available in different conditions, ranging from "good" to "acceptable." The "good" condition mats may show some signs of use, such as dirt, scuffs, or small gouges in the foam, but they remain fully functional with both elastic cords intact. The "acceptable" condition mats may have heavier signs of use, including larger gouges, loose elastic cords, writing, dirt, or stains, and they may be slightly bent when folded up. Despite the wear and tear, these mats are still fully functional and provide a cost-effective option for those seeking military-grade sleeping gear.
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Frequently asked questions
The Improved Sleeping Mat (ISM) or the USMC Therm-A-Rest Sleeping Pad.
The USMC sleeping pad is made of closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene foam.
The pad measures 72" by 23" and can be folded into a 5" x 5 1/4" x 23" rectangle.
The sleeping pad weighs approximately 1.3 lbs.
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