Defense Mechanisms has launched five different sleep systems.
They range from the Conundrum DM on the high end, a mummy design rated all the way down to -10 deg F to the Revelation APEX DM, a quilt rated for 40 deg F. It all depends on the options you select.
Bags are available in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam.
defensemechanisms.com/frontl-line-provisions/sleep-systems
Good company. Ordered their helium jacket and it’s a great piece of layering kit.
Jealous. I was planning on purchasing a Helium either individually or through my company when they were first released. But the pandemic eliminated my entire income for the year. It’s a real shame the jacket seems tailor-made for my current needs. Always next year.
Now that I have my covid grumbling off my chest, I do have real questions.
Is the only difference between these and the Enlightened counterparts the greatly improved colorways? And what is the relationship between Defense Mechanisms and Enlightened Equipment? The street address is the same. Regardless of the answers, I think I know what sleep systems I’m going to go with once work is back on track. Keep up the good work.
I couldn’t answer those questions, however if you’re looking to get the helium you wont be disappointed. It is a great jacket. I got mine for wearing over LVL 1-5 EWCWS layers and combat shirts, yet under a rain shell. therefore, I got the non hooded version. It fits this role very well. for sizing I would recommend going with Arcteryx sizes. I got a size L and it fits over my layers as described above perfectly. I usually wear L for Arcteryx outergarments, think of this jacket as a more tactical version of the Atom AR.
A sincere thanks for the info. Would you describe the jacket as durable? Something that could withstand a pack of 9 month old working Malinois puppies? These grueling 7 months of training have trashed a lot of handler clothing and freezing temperatures and rain have made things particularly fun. The Helium caught my eye because I thought it would suit the hurry up and wait aspects of dog training well and be comfortable to wear underneath wet weather gear, chest rigs, and packs. But it’s hard to judge durability for that kind of thing without first-hand reports. And info about fit is always appreciated.
I was also looking at the Helium as a uniform item for my outdoor company. But it would have required DM to add helmet compatible hoods and some additional velcro on the chest. Understandably those weren’t options they were able to add when I inquired. Even if they were, we would be ordering in such small quantities that it wouldn’t be worthwhile for them. That’s also why I was curious about the EE relationship. Enlightened has gone above and beyond in helping my colleagues get quilts/bags despite their very limited personal budgets.They’ve raved about the build quality and long-term durability.
I can’t speak as to how it holds up in the conditions you described. However, from my experiences gained while serving as a soldier and currently as an operative in a leo special operations team, that it should meet your needs. The outer face material of the jacket is typical of a mid layering piece..it is not designed for rough abrasion.. if I was to use this in the environment you are describing I would wear a tough wind/water proof/repellant shell over it in order to get that extra layer of cold/wet weather protection, but also to protect the jacket. I use and recommend the FirstSpear windcheater for this, and in severe weather a beyond A6 shell.
Regarding Velcro.. there has been many a time where I take needle and thread and attach my own Velcro.. you can get nylon furniture thread (tough as nails and doesn’t rot out) in many colors at the sewing section of Walmart, I first use shoe-goo to get the placement of the Velcro right..
Huge fan of the Wind Cheater. Mine has taken a beating and is still in relatively good shape. It’s my primary outer layer for K9 and it’s sturdy enough to handle sim rounds. Even climbed Mount Rainier with it. I have the First Spear version but the Hill People Gear variation was another serious contender for company issued jacket.