Teach me about Czech bedrolls

[AdrianRose]

Hi folks
I've seen a bit of chat going around about the Czech bedrolls.

I am a confirmed hammock user and have been for years but I quite fancy one of these fellas.

Anybody on here got one? Are they any good? Has anyone used one in a hammock? Etc etc

I have seen who is selling them and how much they are selling for but it's the "are they worth it" opinions of you good folk that I'm interested in now.

Thanks in advance.

Ade.

[Kernowek Scouser]

Hey Ade,

I have one of these bed rolls and for the price alone they are definitely worth a punt.

The outer shell is very spacious and certainly water resistant, the mid blanket a little more snug, but as it is quite thick it does keep you very warm. And I have found the thickness also takes the edge of hard ground, so the more intrepid explorer might consider dispensing with an additional sleep mat (which the roll can easily accommodate when packed) and bed down as is. The inner hygiene sheet, is not that dissimilar to a sleeping bag liner, if perhaps a little heaver than is standard, in that it provides an extra layer of warm and feels more comfortable against your bare skin. You can also button the mid and inner layers together, which because of the weight of the mid layer, helps avoid your waking up tangled in bedding after rolling about in your sleep (as I sometimes do).

If you think of it as a half decent non hooped bivi bag, with bedding blankets included, you wouldn't be too far off the mark.

Things to keep in mind.

IMO, the Czech bed roll is geared towards cooler weather camping, you could remove the mid layer and just go with the outer shell and inner hygiene sheet in warmer weather, I've not tried this out in the field, but playing out in the garden, on fairly warm evening, with the accompaniment of a self inflating mat, it seemed like it would be ok.

The bed roll is comparatively heavy, when considered against technical cold weather sleeping bags, but probably around the same weight as a 58 pattern bag (when I had a play with a 58P bag it certainly seemed to be of a similar weight) and I would guess lighter than an arctic bag (I could well be wrong though) but in itself I don't think it is that heavy (however, I am a pack mule so that might not be a universal opinion).

It is very bulky when packed. I don't know the precise volume (and am too weak brained to work it out at the moment) but there is a mini review including dimensions here (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?2971-Czech-army-bed-roll&highlight=czech+army+roll). For a laugh, I stowed it in the main compartment of my 75L rucksack and it took up more than 3/4 of the capacity. For actual use when hiking, after a couple of attachment experiments, I ended up stowing it horizontally, between the top lid and main compartment of my rucksack, as the lid and base loops were not big enough to accommodate its girth. So the sleep roll is portable (ish) using long rucksack, but because I was carrying it very high on my back, I was constantly aware of gravity's grip on it trying to unbalance me.

So I would say this bed roll is more suited to car or short walk camping, than it is to longer hill hiking/camping... unless you are a bit of a nutter like me.

Although I have a DD Frontline, I have not yet used it in conjunction with this sleep roll, so I can not comment on compatibility. But thinking about it (which is always a dangerous thing to do as my thoughts tend to bolt off in random directions) it could be. There could be condensation issues as you would be effectively sleeping in a set of blankets, in a bivi, in hammock, but you could play around with the layers and see if one of the various configurations (all in, blankets minus shell, just the hygiene sheet etc.) suit your needs. You could also try (here we go) hanging the outer shell and one of the blankets on the outside, as you would an underquilt and snuggle up in the remaining blanket in the hammock. Might be too heavy to work, might not (I'll try this myself when we get a rain free day and I can experiment in the garden.)

Anyway, all things considered, I would recommend the Czech bed roll. The only negatives for me are its bulk and awkwardness when carried (but I am addressing both of these issues 'pimping' the roll itself and working on a carry system to better accommodate it).

I hope this helps. If you have specific questions my ramble has not touched upon, let me know and I'll endeavour to address them.

Cheers,

Colin

[AdrianRose]

Wow. Cheers buddy.

I have to say that you have just given one of the most insightful and entertaining answers to any question I have ever read.

Thank you for taking the time to write as much as you have.

I think I'm gonna have to have a cheeky punt and pick one up before my next camp and do a bit of experimenting.

Thanks again buddy

Ade.

[Kernowek Scouser]

No worries fella, I hope when you get it, you like it as much as I do.

[Richie]

Colin has said it all.
Not much cop for camps unless the car is close by though due to weight/bulk. Mine is the prefered piece of kit for throwing in the canoe when ground dwelling though.

You can get them for a tenner (http://www.militarymart.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=1772) and the blanket is worth that IMO.

[Savagewolfrm]

Hi Ade
Just for info I have used one of these bed rolls in my DD hammock for a couple of nights and had a very comfortable night very warm when it rained during the second night and did not suffer any condensation issues. Lovely bit of kit but to reiterate the previous replies it does weigh some and not great for lengthy treks.
Go on spend the cash you won't be disappointed lol
ATB

Rick

[Kernowek Scouser]

Hi Ade
Just for info I have used one of these bed rolls in my DD hammock for a couple of nights and had a very comfortable night very warm when it rained during the second night and did not suffer any condensation issues. Lovely bit of kit but to reiterate the previous replies it does weigh some and not great for lengthy treks.
Go on spend the cash you won't be disappointed lol
ATB

Rick

That is good to know Rick, cheers fella T^

A good bit of kit, just gets better and better :D

[AdrianRose]

Ok I'm convinced fellas. I've ordered one.
I'm doing a camp sometime in July so I'll use it in the hammock then and report back.

Thanks again for all the feedback chaps.

Ade.

[Kernowek Scouser]

Hope you enjoy using it fella :D

[AdrianRose]

Cheers buddy.

Ade

[Tony1948]

I'm getting one as well.They sound the dogs,on Colin recmmendation.It's going to be is fult if they ant no good.:guns:

[AdrianRose]

Well the bedroll arrived today and at first glance it is very impressive.

I am hoping to be doing a two night camp in a couple of weeks so I will give it a thorough test and a video review of it then.

Ade

[Kernowek Scouser]

If this rain last for as long as some forecasters are predicting, it might be an idea to take a canoe out when you go camping too!

I look forward to your video review, the one you did for the DD Frontline resulted in me, via a lucky competition win (long story) getting one myself.

[shootfive]

Really looking forward to the review. Thinking of one as one of my first main bits of kit.

[beefcrisps]

I'll give you one little tip......

Dont fold/wrap/stuff it away in a hurry with the cotton inner sheet slightly damp, because when you open it again in a couple of months time you have a stinking/ milldewy sheet that's taken about half a dozen washes to get back to nearly normal.....lesson learnt the hard way!!!

[biker-bri]

I like what I'm hearing about the bed roll, just one question - would you say it is better than a gonk bag for 3 season use ? cheers Bri

[Peaks]

Hi all,
Just back from a week in Pembrokeshire in the camper van. Used the Czech bed roll instead of a sleeping bag. What a fantastic bit of kit! So much more comfortable and roomier than a sleeping bag. Am really chuffed with it.........Might be ordering another....

[Kernowek Scouser]

Another convert :D

[AdrianRose]

Hi guys. Just got back in from two days in the forest testing out the Czech Bedroll.
Amazing!!
I've also done a video review and showing a "different" way of using it!

Hopefully I'll get it uploaded sometime today.

All the best
Ade

[Kernowek Scouser]

Glad to hear you found the roll useful fella, look forward to the video.

[biker-bri]

The only thing that bothers me is the size they pack down to, as I tend to walk a fair distance before setting up camp the weight might be an issue to. any advice Cheers Bri

[AdrianRose]

The only thing that bothers me is the size they pack down to, as I tend to walk a fair distance before setting up camp the weight might be an issue to. any advice Cheers Bri

To be honest it depends upon the time of year. I used it last night in my hammock. No need for a sleeping bag or an air mattress.

So both weight and room in the backpack saved.

Ade

[AdrianRose]

The video is up on YouTube now folks if you'd like a look at what we're all talking about.

Ade
Ps Kernowek Scouser gets an honourable mention in the end credits.

:)

[biker-bri]

Good review I thought it would take up more space than that, a sleeping bag and underquilt all in one, where's my bank card:o

[Chubbs]

I have been looking at a couple of these for my boy and me as our next buy in a week or so. After that great review it looks like buy, buy, buy all the way.

Thanks for the review Ade.

Neil

[Kernowek Scouser]

Cracking review fella.
T^
Good, solid, honest, informative, demonstrative & Northern. If I didn't already have one, I'd be googling 'Czech Army Bed Roll' to see where I could buy this brilliant bit of kit, for so little money.

The first time I used the bedroll myself was at the Cornwall RV back at Easter, I thought about taking a sleeping bag with me as it was a wee bit nippy at the time, but opted for an additional fleece blanket (as it rolled up inside, along with a thermarest and you could, just, button it up) In the end I didn't use the blanket as I was nice and toasty with just the bedroll (atop the thermarest).

So I am not at all surprised you were boiling with the bedroll + a sleeping bag, in warmer weather. Indeed, if you had taken some spuds with you, you probably could have had baked potato for breakfast ;)

One of the things I really like about this bit of kit is the different ways folks think to use it.

I had a notion of trying to hang the wool inner and waterproof outer to the hammock's double layers (with clothes pegs for expediency) but the monsoon like rain of the last few weeks put me off field testing and several shiny baubles caught my eye and made me forget all about it.

I never thought to simply button the bedroll around a hammock, GENIUS :D

I'm glad you found it a useful piece of kit, you've certainly got rolling it up off to a fine art (It took me several practice goes to get it to button up, without any additions) and hopefully your video will introduce this versatile, affordable sleep system to a wider audience.

Good work that man
T^

And finally, thank you for the name check.

Since joining this forum, I have asked (and will continue to ask) a fair few questions of the membership myself and I have received a lot great advice. In addition to the advice received, I have absorbed and fair bit of info from just trawling through the forum and reading articles on the main website. I may not get out overnight anywhere near as much as I would like, but on the rare occasions I have, there have been several moments when my enjoyment of the outdoors has been enhanced by advice I have received or information I have absorbed, here on Natural Bushcraft.

So having taken so much from this excellent knowledge store and friendly, helpful community, I am rather chuffed to have given some information back that has actually been useful to someone else

I probably won't happen again :D

Atb,

Colin

[bohXI]

Sold!

Just ordered mine for this weekends 2 nighter fishing trip :camping:

[AdrianRose]

Thanks a lot for all the comments so far folks.

I really do like this piece of kit and I think it will form a permanent part of my sleep system.

It would be interesting to see if anyone else can show other configurations/set ups using the bedroll.

Kernowek Scouser, you are absolutely right buddy. This is what forums (especially NB!) are all about, sharing information for the good of everyone.

All the best

Ade

[AdrianRose]

Hi Folks,
I'm hoping that this message reaches as many people as possible.

I have had quite a few comments lately on my videos which I really appreciate but unfortunately I am not able to reply to them.
There appears to be a bug issue with the whole of YouTube at present which doesn't allow users to reply to video comments.
Please bare with me until they sort it out.

I will reply to all of the comments as soon as possible.

Is anybody else having this issue?


Adrian

[biker-bri]

Ordered mine today before they run out T^ Cheers Brian
Oh and a big thanks to Adrian & Colin for bringing this item to our attention (and it's always nice to have someone to blame if I don't like it :evilgrin:

[Chubbs]

I ordered two as well because I couldn't wait !!.

Now down to fifteen left.

[Old Guard]

I have had one for some time now, but never thought to use it as an under quilt, top tip, many thanks

OG

[Kernowek Scouser]

Tell you what Ade, we are going to get a tasty little commission out of all these new sales ;)

obviously I'm JOKING :D

or am I?

Yes I am :D

[AdrianRose]

Tell you what Ade, we are going to get a tasty little commission out of all these new sales ;)

obviously I'm JOKING :D

or am I?

Yes I am :D

I've been in touch with the supplier and they have agreed to send you a 23 year old blonde female Czech housekeeper/maid buddy.

However, I've told them that you are far too professional to accept such under handed bribes so they have cancelled her.

:)

Ade

[biker-bri]

I would like to have seen his face when the 18St 23yr old female Czech shot putter turned up to DO for him:happy-clapping:
Cheers Bri

[Kernowek Scouser]

Thanks for the cancellation, I'm still breaking in the mail order Thai bride Bushcraftland arranged for me and I'm not as young as I used to be :D

[AdrianRose]

Thanks for the cancellation, I'm still breaking in the mail order Thai bride Bushcraftland arranged for me and I'm not as young as I used to be :D

No worries pal. Anything for a mate. I was only saving you from yourself lol.

:)

Ade

[biker-bri]

"Yes" mine arrived today and I must say I'm impressed, I don't think I will be using the hygienic liner that comes with it as it would be awkward to get into, and as the wife has just bought a new sewing machine, I will just get her to make me a sheet type thingy
that will button in like the blanket does, should be good enough to keep the blanket clean for a while.
Cant wait to use it Cheers Bri

[ANGOF]

Ordered mine last night after watching the vid and reading this thread, Looks ideal for motorbike camping trips :)

[Kernowek Scouser]

It will certainly be easier to carry, strapped onto a motorbike. I hope you like yours as much as I like mine :D

[Sar-ian]

Hi Ade,
I've had one of these for sometime, for using in the wagon, lovely and cosy.
I think my invite for breakfast must have got lost in cyberspace, let you off this time, don't let it happen again (LOL). Would it be feasable to use the outer shell as a make shift/temp tarp and the blanket in a hammock ?. Slow progress on the other matter will pm you when I have any news.

Cheers Ian...............

Happy trails.... Keep the sun on your face, and the rain off your back......................

[Metal mug]

Just to give the setup some more praise :) - I've lent my Czech bedroll to a couple of people over the time that I've owned one and after using it they immediately wanted to get one. It's a great setup as long as you're not hiking for miles with it on your back. :D

[Peaks]

I'm thinking of trying my bed roll with one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/HIGHLANDER-ALUMINIUM-FOIL-CAMPING-SLEEPING/dp/B003E6M0FU - instead of my alpkit matress when it gets colder. Any one tried it?

I'm not a hammock user, but the comments in the review of the product might be of interest to those of you who are thinking of using the CBR in a hammock.
Cheers

[Kernowek Scouser]

I've not used one myself, but I have read a couple of reviews of this particular mattress and the general opinion seems to be they provide no more thermal insulation than a non foil roll mat. But like I say, I have never tried one, so I can not chip in my own opinion.

What I can do though, is point you in the direction of a slightly cheaper version of a foil roll mat.

Saw this last time I was in a big Tescos

Tesco foam camping mat (http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-foam-camping-mat/212-6621.prd?skuId=212-6621&pageLevel=)
£4.88
5194
Put this foam, insulated camping mat in with your camping gear to add to your comfort during your nights under the stars. Made from EVA that has excellent resistance to heat and cool the mat, it is perfect as a ground sheet. Just roll it up and stow it away when not in use. Age range 12 years+. An ideal camping accessory, this lightweight ground mat will keep you warm whilst you sleep outdoors on the cold ground. Easy to carry and store, the insulated foam mat can be rolled up when not in use.

Atb.

Colin

[Peaks]

Thanks - I'll check that out T^

[Granite Head]

Can I ask is the thermal liner in the CBR wool or fleece?

[Chubbs]

Hi there Granite Head and welcome to the forum.

The thermal liner is a 'wool/fleece type button in thick blanket with trimmed edges'.

See here, I did a quick review on it when I got mine.

http://ww.w.militarymart.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=1772


Cheers Neil

[Silverback]

heres a question...does the zip go all the way round and is it 2 way ?

[AdrianRose]

heres a question...does the zip go all the way round and is it 2 way ?

The zip goes down one side and across the bottom (foot end). So that it will open up into a square.

They zip is also only one way.

Ade

[karl]

Hello all,

Just as an fyi, there appears to be at least two, slightly different versions of this bed roll.
I bought two ages ago for me and my son to do a spot of wild camping with.
The two I have, the hygiene liner buttons in with the blanket, some others seem to have the liner as a seperate part. Which seems to make it very awkward to use.
Mine also have two zips, one the full length and around the bottom, the other comes up over from the other side of your shoulder as your lying in the thing, and almost meets the other zip, it also has a draw string to almost completely close the top of the bag up. This coupled with turning the hood part inside out so it covers the top of the bag gives you a virtual tent. Even if it is a bit claustrophobia inducing. Other versions seem to only have the one zip.

Don't know if this is of any use/interest to anyone,just thought I'd say.

Cheers, Karl..

[Tigger004]

Bugger, you lot are helping me spend more money...lol

[Kernowek Scouser]

You won't regret it, the CABR is one of the most useful and adaptable bits of kit I have and is definitely value for money.

Bit of a bugger to carry, if you are hiking, but you can't have everything :D

[biker-bri]

You won't regret it, the CABR is one of the most useful and adaptable bits of kit I have and is definitely value for money.

Bit of a bugger to carry, if you are hiking, but you can't have everything :D
That the only fault I have found with it, it's not just the weight, it's the size it takes up but as Ade said earlier in this post it replaces a sleeping bag and could be used as a underquilt in the winter.
Now if someone could invent some lightweight water ? :cool:
Cheers Bri

[epa611]

We've just received 2 of these. Great piece of kit, but does anyone else's have frayed blanket and loads of missing buttons? I had assumed that unissued would mean that it would have sat in stores and not been used, but ours show definete signs of use???

[AdrianRose]

We've just received 2 of these. Great piece of kit, but does anyone else's have frayed blanket and loads of missing buttons? I had assumed that unissued would mean that it would have sat in stores and not been used, but ours show definete signs of use???

Mine arrived in mint condition. Where did you buy it from?

Ade.

[Silverback]

used mine for the first time at the Northern Soul meet, teamed with a 58 sleeping bag. Without them combined i would have been very cold. I'm giving the blanket only a try tomorrow night with my UQ on an overnight trip (should have been 2 days but problems arose)

epa611 where did you get yours from, mine came from Military Mart and has no defects whatsoever - welcome to the forum by the way

[epa611]

I also got mine from MM. I'll call them to ask their thoughts on the condition...

Thanks for the welcome - I'll do an intro :)

[Chubbs]

Hi EPA611 and welcome to the forum.

I have a couple of these and when mine were delivered they were both missing a few buttons. I contacted them by email and they sent me some in the post for free. MilitaryMart are a great company to deal with and I am sure that they will sort it out for you.

If you want to turn them into a Winter sleeping system you can stick another blanket inside and make slits for where the buttons go. This might be no good if you are holding a few pounds like myself though !!.

All the best

Neil

[Silverback]

Chubbs
If you want to turn them into a Winter sleeping system you can stick another blanket inside and make slits for where the buttons go. This might be no good if you are holding a few pounds like myself though !!


I can vouch for that, put a fleece blanket inside and it got a little tight around the shoulders, with the 58 patt doss bag it wasnt much better but kept me warm

[Peaks]

Might not suit everyone, but I've used one of these in the Czech bag - found it good and the hood really helps on cold nights
http://www.gelert.com/products/fleece_envelope_sleeping_bag_liner

Both my Czech bags were in perfect nick when they came from MM. Found MM to be pretty good on all the stuff I've ordered.

[AL...]

Thats a nice bit of kit !! Would make a 3 season bag into a 4 season no problem I think!

Cheers
AL

[Kernowek Scouser]

I got my CABR about a year ago and it was in mint condition. Maybe, the less than mint condition of the items being dispatched now is indicative of them being the last remaining of MM current stock? Or as there have been a couple of buying frenzies for the CABR, the best quality that is currently available?

Who knows.

Shoulders, if the rest of my body was in proportion to my chest and shoulders I'd be about 6 foot 4. Sadly, I'm only 5 foot 8 and a bit lardy, so any outdoor sleeping solution anywhere near comfortable for me to use, is by virtue of being meant for a much taller man, heavyweight and bulky. As I carry my camp, this means a good third of my pack is given over to my sleep system. No great drama in itself, but when you start adapting the set up of something like the CABR it can become problematic, especially in the cooler months.

I've used my CABR in conjunction with an army jungle bag, a two/three season rectangle bag and an army Arctic bag and while each kept me warm as the night got cooler last year, the colder it got the more awkward the carry got (the CABR and the Arctic bag when used together, each ended up being lashed to a yoke like Bergen side pouches in a day pack configuration, with my shelter wedged between them and then a coulpe of other pouches/bags tied on, resulting in a carry that would give Mr MOLLE a headache... then a backache).

So I eventually decided to get a good thermal liner and, following on from something Neil / Chubbs suggested, a custom cut wool blanket. These do not make the additional carry vastly lighter than a sleeping bag, but they do not take up as much additional space, so a much less awkward carry.

I tired this new set up once in mid December, in my garden and I was warm and comfortable, which was good. But it was not as cold then as it is now and following my bounce half way down a Cornish cliff, I struggle to sleep well indoors in a bed at the moment, so I've not yet summoned the inclination to try this new set up on a much cooler evening.

But I have a feeling, when I do, it will keep me warm and comfortable.

I guess the point I am wandering around the houses to make is, experiment and see what works best for you.

Anyway, enjoy your adventures with you new bit of excellent kit.

Atb.

Colin

[biker-bri]

Hi, I modded my CABR with some micro fleece cut to shape, with a foot pocket for extra warmth - works well I just don't like the weight of it, its too heave to carry very far,
but brill if you are car camping
6877 basic layout showing original green blanket
6878 layout showing foot pocket
6879 finished :)
Cheers Bri

[Chubbs]

Great idea with the foot pocket mate.

MM also sell a swag type bag which is the Czech bag and a Polish sleeping mat combined. I do have two of these but if you stick the mat inside the bag like you are supposed to,there is not much room for the bigger guy like myself to move around.

[Kernowek Scouser]

I tried the polish mat inside my CABR once, struggled to zip it up, got SWMBO to zip it up for me and it was a very tight fit.

Apparently, with the grimace on my face, she reckoned I looked like a fat Han Solo encased in carbonite.

Since then, me inside the CABR, on top of the PASM, outside the CABR, has been my preferred option.