Basha Help Please

[Reaper_of_sorrow]

Had some experience with bashas as a cadet but to be honest we where always taken to an area that lent itself to putting one up quickly and easily (medium density woodland) and there was always a member of the DS checking the temperature through the night so we didn't catch a chill so I knew how to put one up, early on you where only ever given paracord and some pegs and left to frustrate yourself with it whilst everyone else whipped out a few bungee cords and had it done in seconds.

More recently though me and a friend did a few days backpacking around the mid Wales coast. With no real idea where we would be stopping for the night meant he had invested in a few basha poles that would give you a space of around 18 inches and peg the other end down this is at its best in a field or somewhere with few options for anchorage points. As there was 2 of us meant you used your bergens on either side to block out the wind... Sort of. We just used roll matts bungeed to the side of our bergens then a sleeping bag inside a bivvi bag and we weres plenty warm enough.

In my opinion for 2 its a great option and if you have a 4 season + sleeping bag you would proably be ok on your own don't think it is really a year round solution but then I know if you where in the army you may have to do it in the dead of winter.

On a final point the issue ponchos make a great basha (that's what we used back packing and as cadets) and obviously comes with the advantage of also being a poncho. Just remember to tighten the cords as much as possible in case it rains... I learnt that the hard way as a cadet... not an experience to repeat

[The Local Ned]

That looks really good, but for £40, I do question it for winter sleeping. Having said that, could just layer up.

I'll check out more reviews of them.

Yes you would be wise to layer up in it - something I never done as a soldier , remove anything before hitting the old 'gonk' bag.
If my combats were wet - quickest way to dry them was to sleep in them , likewise trousers - boots stayed on no matter what.
Waterproof wise it was as good as or better than the 58 pattern bag , thermal properties aren't great , its a parka first - sleeping bag second - but as I've said - as a temporary sleep system only used while you're on the move - then its very versatile indeed.

[00111001]

[Nemesis]

[The Local Ned]

I agree with both opinions given above...this particular bit of kit has a sole purpose really ( for me it did anyway ) , and was exceptional.

On exercise - you aren't meant to be cosy and snug as they are carried out under combat conditions , as a bugout bag for a few nights out in the field before you reach your final position they are worth it , trust me.

Do not expect to be toasty in these , they are designed as a rapid way of getting the head down and being combat capable quickly...I've fell asleep in puddles before , and slid down the hills ( carried by rainfall ) near the faslane peace camp in a 58 patt bag, as I was approaching hypothermia.

Choose your bag wisely , and for the purpose you need it for.

If you may be mobile/overland for a short time, then there is no point in getting a fancy 4 season mountain climbers bag...it probably wont survive being dragged across the various obstacles that an escape or evasion situation will call for.
German parka is ideal for this , as long as you are wearing the correct layered clothes while in it.

On the other hand - if you dont intend to be mobile / will be at your final position quickly with no hoofing it overland / overnight , then the german parka isn't what you need.