Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased this item because I wanted an ultralight sleep system to protect me from the rain and harsh conditions of the Florida swaps. First, I considered buying a bivvi cover like the one I was issued in Ft. Benning. But when I saw the design of the Stratosphere I realized what I was missing out on. I decided to give the Snugpak Stratosphere a try due to the great reviews and the light weight and the use of poles that create more space (and breathing room) than the GORETEX bivvi bags. Think of this shelter as a tent and bivvi hybrid. While the Army issued bivvis are great, nothing can be done in them except sleep and perhaps write a couple of letters or reports. This shelter rewards very little work and effort (putting two poles in place) by giving you much more breathing room, temperature circulation, the ability to store a small pack or change of clothes, shoes (preferably in a plastic bag to prevent tracking in mud or water), and a rifle or weapon of similar or smaller size. The issued bivvi can also be too hot for use during the summer, unless you like suffocating and bathing in sweat. If you are not used to sleeping in a bivvi and this is your first time buying a bivvi shelter, understand that you will feel the wind and/or rain hitting any fabric against your body. I've had a couple buddies that had to get used to sleeping in the field with the sensation of rain hitting them (even though they weren't getting wet) but this isn't always a problem for people new to bivvis. I am extremely impressed with the Stratosphere and think that this system is probably the best shelter for use in warm weather because it has two screens that enable air to circulate and cool the unit. One screen remains open but is covered by a waterproof overhang (for use during rain) that can be rolled up (in clear weather) if desired to improve airflow. However, to do either of these actions, the occupant must get out of the shelter to roll up or extend and attach the overhang to the ground. In addition to the fixed screen, there is another that faces the foot of the unit. This screen works by unziping the shelter itself and using an alternate zipper (which has a rain cover) beside the main one. This screen does not have an overhang and must be closed during bad weather to prevent water from entering the shelter but this can be done from within. The material is very durable and lightweight. If the shelter is wet, it can be hung and dried in a matter of minutes. The nylon loops that secure the poles take a little longer to dry but that is expected since they are made of thick nylon. The zippers are good but one should use care to prevent snagging on the material (as with any fabric shelter). The shelter also includes excess waterproof fabric that double covers the zipper. I tested the unit using a hose and directly sprayed over the zipper area. Unless you are submerged in a puddle like a moron, no water will enter the shelter. The shelter (obviously) uses two poles that hold up the upper portion of the shelter (the area around your head and chest) up by about 2ft. I'm about 5'9 and the lifted area is from about my head to my upper waist area (the lifted area varies depending on height and bulk of the occupant). The poles are anodized and curved so they're not difficult to get into place. Also included are aluminum stakes used to secure the shelter to the ground (2 at the foot, 2 for the first pole, 2 for the second pole and 1 for the waterproof overhang for the rearward facing screen). The entire shelter (including stakes and poles) fits into a small bag (poles and stakes in their own separate bags within) that way you have the entire unit in one small compression sack (there should be a picture depicting the size of the entire shelter in the bag). If you research this shelter, you may find pictures of it with one nylon stake loop at the foot. This is not the model you should get (thankfully). Instead, the model that is shipped will have two nylon loops at the foot to help spread the material out and secure it to the ground. The color that you may see in some pictures can be a little misleading but the color in this photo is accurate: the unit is a very dark olive drab/brown. When I placed my order and saw the different pictures elsewhere, I was worried and contacted Snugpak because I wanted to be sure I got the updated model. To my surprise, the president of Snugpak USA, contacted me right away and informed me that I would be getting the updated model. Excellent, flawless, and fast customer service and communication. If you live in a region that is usually very warm, my suggestion would be to use the Snugpak with a poncho liner (aka "woobie") because a sleeping bag might prove to be too warm but a poncho liner can be wrapped under and above you depending on temperature, along with a a tarp set up above the shelter for covering your additional gear and allowing easier access into the Stratosphere during a storm. If you live in a colder region, the issued patrol sleeping bag paired with the thermal layer would be great. Hope this review proves useful to anyone considering buying this fantastic bivvi system. It is small, durable, lightweight, and versatile. To anyone planning to be in the field in a hot/cold region looking for an ultralight sleep system, look no further...