Sleeping bags and bivouac bags from Recon Company – sleeping systems for operations, duty and the outdoors

Whether it’s a multi-day exercise, a hunting stakeout or an expedition: the right sleeping bag makes all the difference between rest and exhaustion. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the public sector, we know which sleeping systems stand the test of time in the field. Here you’ll find sleeping bags, bivouac bags, inner liners and blankets for every operational scenario.

Mummy-style, down or synthetic – the right design for your mission

The choice between a down sleeping bag and a synthetic fibre sleeping bag isn’t a matter of personal preference, but depends on the mission profile. Down offers the best balance of warmth, pack size and weight. A down sleeping bag is the first choice if you’re counting every gram and can keep the sleeping bag dry. However, if it’s to be used for weeks on end in a bivouac with no opportunity to dry it, synthetic fibre is the more robust solution. A synthetic fibre sleeping bag provides insulation even when damp and dries much more quickly.

Most sleeping bags in the professional sector are mummy-style sleeping bags. The close-fitting design minimises the volume of air that your body has to warm up. Pay attention to the temperature range according to the current ISO 23537 standard (formerly EN 13537): the comfort temperature indicates the lowest outside temperature at which you can sleep without feeling cold. The limit temperature is a few degrees lower and applies to experienced users who are accustomed to the cold. The extreme temperature is purely a survival rating. Always choose your sleeping bag based on the comfort temperature, not the extreme rating. Anyone who ignores this will start to feel the cold from the second night onwards.

A lightweight tropical sleeping bag is suitable for warm climates or as an inner layer in a modular system. For stationary hunting in sub-zero temperatures, there are specialised hunting bags with arm openings and a foot opening, which enclose the body up to the chest and are specifically designed for spending hours at a time in the cold. You remain fully mobile whilst inside, without having to leave the bag.

Bivouac bag and sleeping bag cover – weather protection without a tent

A bivouac sack is not a sleeping bag, but a waterproof and windproof cover that you pull over your sleeping bag. It replaces a tent when pack size, weight or camouflage are priorities. In tactical situations, the bivouac sack is often the only realistic option for a night outdoors.

High-quality bivouac sacks use Gore-Tex or comparable membranes. A Gore-Tex bivouac sack is vapour-permeable: sweat escapes to the outside, whilst rain stays out. Cheaper sleeping bag covers made from 3-layer laminate offer solid protection against the wet, but are less breathable. This makes a significant difference for planned overnight stays in continuous rain, as condensation inside will dampen your sleeping bag and reduce its insulation.

Some bivouac sacks can be pitched using optional poles to create a minimal one-person shelter. This keeps the fabric away from your face and significantly improves ventilation. If you just need an emergency backup for your rucksack, you’ll also find ultra-lightemergency sleeping bags made from aluminium foil here. These can be lifesavers in an emergency, but they’re no substitute for a proper sleeping bag.

Sleeping bag liners and modular extensions

A sleeping bag liner extends the temperature range of your existing sleeping bag by several degrees whilst also protecting the inside from dirt.Fleece liners provide the greatest warmth. Silk or polycotton are lighter and more comfortable against the skin. In practice, a liner is particularly worthwhile if you want to use a sleeping bag across several seasons without having to buy a separate model for every temperature.

In addition, woollen blankets and fleece blankets serve as versatile additions. A woollen blanket retains its insulating properties even when wet, can be repurposed as a groundsheet or privacy screen, and is virtually indestructible. Fleece blankets are lighter and dry faster, but do not match the durability of woollen blankets. For sleeping comfort in extreme cold, there aredown liners for the legs and insulated down footwear. This is specialist kit for stationary use in temperatures below -15 degrees, where every degree counts.

At Recon Company, you’ll find sleeping bags and bivouac bags ranging from entry-levelmummy-style sleeping bags to Gore-Tex bivouac systems for extreme conditions. Combine your sleeping system with the right sleeping mat and the appropriate weather protection from our bivouac and camping range. If you’re unsure which sleeping system suits your operational profile, please get in touch.

• 10% discount for public sector employees on the entire range for government departments and their dependants.
• Field post delivery to all operational areas worldwide, so your kit arrives exactly where you need it.
• Personalised expert advice from the Recon team, whether in-store in Salzgitter or online.
• ISO 9001-certified processes from procurement through to delivery.