MILITARY

Slumberjack Variable Component

Sleep System

VariCom

OWNER’S MANUAL

 Variable Component Sleep System

VariCom (SVCSS)

OWNER’S MANUAL

Overview

The VariCom is a system of multiple components that can be used together or as individual
components to offer the military user the best possible sleeping gear for a wide range of
temperatures and conditions.

Read all enclosed instructions and note all warnings before using any of the VariCom components.

This manual serves each of the individual components as well as the complete system.

 The VariCom System may include the following components:

1. VariCom Delta 30°F Sleeping Bag, SJ050081*

2. VariCom Gamma 0°F Sleeping Bag, SJ050082*
3. VariCom Bivy, SJ050083*
4. VariCom Compression Stuff Sack SM, SJ050084*
5. VariCom Compression Stuff Sack LG, SJ050085*
6. VariCom No Fly Zone™, SJ050086 (optional component)
7. VariCom Bag Liner, SJ050090 (optional component)

*These items are included in the VariCom Complete System – SJ050080. Other items are optional.

*SJ050081 - Delta 30°F *SJ050082 - Gamma 0°F

Foliage Green Urban Grey

*SJ050084 - Delta *SJ050085 - Gamma

Stuff Sack Stuff Sack

*SJ050083 - Bivy
Alpha Green

SJ050086 - “No Fly Zone”

(Sleeping Bag not included)

 VariCom Delta 30°F, SJ050081 (sold with Compression Stuff Sack SM)
VariCom Gamma 0°F, SJ050082 (sold with Compression Stuff Sack LG)

 Important Features:

1. Reduced weight and carry size allow user to carry more mission critical loads.
2. Quick egress features for easy exit.
3. Secondary closure system allows the user to close the sleep system even after the primary
zipper fails or freezes.
4. Modular high compression stuff sacks allow the user to deploy with just the components that
are needed for the temperature and conditions in the deployment region.
5. Two high compression stuff sacks, when used together, compound the compression of the
system creating smaller carry sizes.
6. “Gloves On” feature allows the user to operate all system features while wearing cold weather
or tactical handwear.
7. “Boots On” feature allows the user to utilize the sleep system without removing footwear.
8. Breathable stuff sacks allow moisture to transpire out of the system even while compressed/
stored. Care should be taken to carry the system in a water resistant pack. VariCom
components should not be strapped to the outside of a pack where they may be exposed to
wetness.

VariCom Do’s and Don’ts:

▪ DO use the VariCom Bivy to keep your sleeping bags clean and dry in all temperatures and
conditions.
▪ DO use a sleeping bag liner when practical to help manage moisture and bacteria and reduce the
need for laundering the complete system.
▪ DO use a sleeping pad for warmth and comfort. VariCom temperature ratings are based on the
use of a sleeping pad.
▪ DO close the hook & loop closures to prevent clothing from getting attached to hook patch.
▪ DO regulate your temperature for comfort. Draw sleeping bag’s hood around your head when
cold. Open zipper at bottom of bag when hot. Minimize sweating in your bag.
▪ DO keep VariCom system as dry as possible.
▪ DO leave as much of the Bivy zipper open as possible to allow for venting.
▪ DON’T close the Bivy zipper all the way.
▪ DO allow all VariCom components to dry out after getting wet.
▪ DO launder and dry VariCom components when soiled.
▪ DO try to air out the sleeping bags every morning when conditions are favorable.
▪ DON’T smoke in bag. Keep bag away from open flame.
▪ DON’T place gear on top of bag while inside the system.
▪ DO keep all items at your side to prevent them from reducing sleeping bag loft.

Quick Egress Features:

 The VariCom system is designed so the user may quickly exit the system if necessary. The draw
cord in the hood is shock cord and will stretch to allow the user to exit as needed. The Delta 30°F,
Gamma 0°F and Bivy each have hook & loop closures that can be used in lieu of the zippers,
allowing faster, quieter egress.

 Secondary Closure Features:

Although the best, most durable zippers are used in the VariCom it is still possible to have a zipper
fail or freeze and become inoperable. The VariCom system has a secondary closure system that
allows the user to close the bag if the zippers fail. Hook & loop closures are located in the Delta
30°F, Gamma 0°F and Bivy. Pull the short thong on the hook & loop closure to expose the “hook”
portion and attach to the corresponding loop patch on the opposite side of the zipper.

Please note all hoop & loop patches have a loop (pile) closure with attached thong. This closure
prevents cold weather clothing from becoming fouled in the “hook” patch.

Gloves On Operation:

The VariCom system is designed to that a user can operate all components while wearing cold
weather or tactical handwear. All zippers and hook & loop closures have an attached thong for easy
gripping.

“Boots On” Configuration:

The VariCom system has features that allow the user to leave footwear on while sleeping, if desired.
The ergonomic oversized footbox allows room for footwear and allows for loft to be maintained.
This applies to both the Delta 30°F and the Gamma 0°F. The user should take care to minimize
exposure of dirt and moisture from footwear to the sleep system.

Storage:

Clean and thoroughly dry your VariCom system prior to storing. Do not store in VariCom stuff
sacks. System should be stored in a large loose fitting duffle that is not waterproof. A large
breathable cotton duffle is best.

Stuffing and Compressing the VariCom System:

The VariCom system is designed to allow the smallest possible carry size by including features that
allow for high compression. Follow the guidelines below to reach the smallest possible stuff size.

 Stuffing Procedure – Warm Weather Deployments +30°F and Above:

All recommended components are carried in the compression stuff sack SM.

The Gamma 0°F and stuff sack LG are not recommended for warm weather deployments.

Start by releasing the four compression straps on the stuff sack SM to their longest position. Stuff
the VariCom Bivy in the bottom of the stuff sack SM. The integrated Delrin® pole in VariCom Bivy
can be coiled to approximately the diameter of the stuff sack and stuffed into the bottom of the stuff
sack. The Delrin® pole does not need to be removed from the Bivy for coiling/stuffing.

The Delta 30°F can then be stuffed into the stuff sack after the Bivy. It is easiest to “stuff” rather
than “roll” the sleeping bags into the compression stuff sacks. If the No Fly Zone™ is included in
the warm weather deployment components, it can be stuffed into the top of the stuff sack after the
Delta 30°F.

The Delrin® pole in the Bivy and the No Fly Zone™ are identical and interchangeable. Although
both come with an integrated Delrin® pole, only one pole is needed for the system to work properly.
Remove one of the poles and deploy with one pole.

Pull the compression cap over the end of the stuff sack and close the two side-release buckles. Take
care to avoid twisted compression straps. The bag is now ready for compression. See “compression
procedure” below for compressing the stuff sack to the smallest possible size.

Stuffing Procedure – Cold Weather Deployments 0°F to +20°F:

All recommended components are carried in the compression stuff sack LG.

The Delta 30°F and stuff sack SM are not recommended for cold weather deployment.

Start by releasing the four compression straps on the stuff sack LG to their longest position. Stuff
the Bivy into the bottom of the stuff sack LG. To stuff the Bivy and its integrated Delrin® pole, coil
the pole to approximately the diameter of the stuff sack. The Delrin® pole does not have to be
removed from the Bivy for coiling/stuffing. The Gamma 0°F can then be stuffed into the stuff sack
LG behind the Bivy.

Pull the compression cap over the end of the stuff sack and close the two side-release buckles. Take
care to avoid twisted compression straps. The bag is now ready for compression. See “compression
procedure” below for compressing the stuff sack to the smallest possible size.

Stuffing Procedure – Extreme Cold Weather Deployments -30°F to 0°F. Loading the Complete
System:
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 Extreme cold weather deployments require all components except the No Fly Zone™. Start by
releasing the four compression straps on the stuff sack LG and stuff sack SM to their longest
position.

First, the Bivy is coiled and pressed into the bottom of the stuff sack LG. Then the Delta 30°F is
loaded and compressed into the stuff sack SM in the manner noted above. The compressed stuff
sack SM is then placed into the stuff sack LG. Finally, the Gamma 0°F is stuffed into the stuff sack
LG.

Pull the compression cap over the end of the stuff sack LG and close the two side-release buckles.
Take care to avoid twisted compression straps. The complete system is now ready for compression.
See “compression procedure” below for compressing the complete system to the smallest possible
size.

Compression Procedure for Compression Stuff Sack SM/LG:

After stuffing items into the corresponding stuff sack, position the stuff sack on end so that the
compression cap is adjacent to the ground. Place your knee on the other end using your weight to
compress the stuff sack. Pull the compression straps to hold the stuff sack in the compressed
position. Turn the stuff sack applying weight with your knee and pulling compression straps upward
through the buckles until maximum compression is reached.

Use your weight to compress the stuff sack. The compression straps are intended to hold the stuff
sack in compressed state but you must use your weight to compress the stuff sack to its smallest size.

The Delta 30°F is fully compressed when the stuff sack SM has been compressed down to a height
of approximately 8” (without the VariCom Bivy).

Managing Comfort in the VariCom system:

For Comfort in Cold Conditions:

1. Always use a ground pad in cold conditions.
2. Use your VariCom Bivy for protection from the elements in all conditions.
3. Wear an insulated stocking cap.
4. Pull the bag’s hood snugly around your head.
5. Draw the draw cord in the hood as tightly as possible while still allowing room to breathe. Do
not breathe into the sleeping bag. Breathe out through opening to prevent condensation from
entering the sleep system.
6. Sleep in dry clothing only. Add layers for extra protection from cold, as needed. Remove boots
and loosen restrictive clothing when practical.
7. Reposition any gear that causes sleeping bag loft to be compressed.
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 For Warm/Hot Weather Conditions:

1. Vent the bottom of the bag by pulling the zipper slider at the bottom of the zipper up to allow
venting.
2. Flip hood over to allow air circulation around your head.
3. Zip open bag as needed to regulate temperature.
4. Minimize sweating in the sleep system whenever possible.

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 Laundering the VariCom sleeping bag:

Machine Wash:
a. Turn the bag inside-out and close all zippers. Close all hook & loop closures using the pile patch
with the attached thong.
b. Wash only in commercial heavy-duty, front-loading, tumble type machines set to “gentle cycle.”
These are the machines usually found at laundromats.
c. Wash in warm water, not to exceed 90°F, with mild soap, detergent or specialty bag cleaning
solution. We recommend Revivex X-Treme™ Wash. Military Laundering Specifications: the
sleep system may be field laundered using formula II of FM 42-414, App. E.
d. Do not bleach.
e. Dry by hanging over a clothesline or in a commercial front-load, tumble type dryer set on low,
not to exceed 130°F.
f. Do not press.

Hand Wash:
a. Hand wash in warm water with mild soap, detergent or specialty bag cleaning solution. We
recommend Revivex X-Treme™ Wash.
b. Rinse thoroughly in warm water until all soap is removed.
c. Dry by hanging over a clothesline or in a commercial front-loading, tumble type dryer set on
low, not exceed 130°F.
d. Do not bleach.

Note: Do not use agitator or plunger type washing machines to avoid damage to your sleeping bags.

*Patent Pending.
*Delrin® is a registered trademark of Dupont.
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 *No Fly Zone™ is a registered trademark of Slumberjack.

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 SJ050083 VariCom Bivy

OWNER’S MANUAL

SJ050083 - Bivy
Alpha Green

Overview:

The VariCom Bivy is intended to be used with your VariCom sleeping bags, or alone, to minimize
exposure to wind, rain and dirt, and to add additional warmth to your sleep system. The VariCom
Bivy is recommended for all deployments.

To prevent possible suffocation, do not completely close all zippers when inside the VariCom Bivy.
Always vent the Bivy as much as possible. See “Venting the VariCom Bivy” below. If you do not
understand any part of this warning, contact Slumberjack for further instructions prior to using your
VariCom Bivy.

Important VariCom Bivy features:

1. The VariCom Bivy features waterproof, breathable fabric on top and waterproof fabric on the
bottom. All seams are factory sealed.
2. The VariCom Bivy has an integrated Delrin® pole. This pole holds the Bivy fabric away from
your ears for improved hearing and improved water shedding. The pole does not need to be
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 removed prior to stuffing and storing. Coil the pole in the Bivy and load according to VariCom
loading and compression guidelines.
3. The VariCom Bivy zippers can be positioned to allow the user to vent the Bivy.
4. The VariCom Bivy offers quick egress features to allow the user to exit the Bivy with great speed
and ease.
5. Hook & loop patches offer secondary closure features that allow the user to close the VariCom
Bivy even if the primary zipper fails or freezes.
6. “Gloves On” feature allows the user to operate all VariCom Bivy features while wearing cold
weather or tactical gloves/mittens. “Boots On” feature allows the user to utilize the VariCom
Bivy without removing footwear.

VariCom Bivy Do’s and Don’ts:

▪ DO use the VariCom Bivy to keep your sleeping bags clean and dry in all temperatures and
conditions.
▪ DO use a sleeping pad for warmth and comfort. VariCom temperature ratings are based on the
use of a sleeping pad.
▪ DO close hook & loop closures to prevent clothing from getting attached to hook patch.
▪ DO position the two Bivy zippers with O.D. Green thongs directly over your head to allow for
quick exit when needed.
▪ DO leave as much of the zipper open as possible to allow for venting.
▪ DO keep VariCom system dry.
▪ DO allow all VariCom components to dry out after getting wet.
▪ DO launder and dry VariCom components when soiled.
▪ DO not close the zippers all the way when in use.

Venting the VariCom Bivy:

To prevent possible suffocation, do not completely close all zippers when inside the VariCom Bivy.

Venting helps move humidity from respiration and perspiration out of the Bivy, improving comfort
and thermal efficiency of the sleep system in all conditions and temperatures. Always vent the Bivy
as much as possible.

To vent the VariCom Bivy, position the two zippers with the O.D. Green thongs approximately 5”
apart over the face of the user. This leaves an opening through which air can be exchanged with
outside air. This zipper position also enhances quick egress and hearing.

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 Quick Egress/Exit Operation:

The Bivy has a unique zipper configuration that enhances quick egress. There are three zipper
sliders on the Bivy. Position the slider with the black thong at the bottom of the zipper closest to the
foot of the Bivy. Position the two slides with O.D. Green thong at the top of the Bivy over the user’s
face.

With the two zippers with green thongs positioned over the user’s face, the Bivy is now set for quick
egress. Thrust upward with either hand, then press down to waist level. The zippers will separate
and open, allowing easy egress from the Bivy.

The hook & loop closures on the Bivy also act to keep the rain flap over the zipper and should
always be utilized to protect the zipper from wind, rain and dirt.

Storage:

Clean and thoroughly dry your VariCom system prior to storing. Do not store in VariCom stuff
sacks. System should be stored in a large loose fitting duffle that is not waterproof. A large
breathable cotton duffle is best.

Laundering the VariCom Bivy:

Machine Washing:
a. Remove the Delrin® pole from the Bivy and open all zippers. Close all hook & loop closures
using the pile patch with the attached thong.
b. Wash only in commercial, heavy-duty, front-loading, tumble type machines. Set the machine to
“gentle cycle.” These are the machines usually found at laundromats.
c. Wash in warm water, not exceed 100°F. Do not use soap or detergent.
d. Military Laundering Specifications: the VariCom Bivy may be field laundered using no soap or
detergent.
e. Do not bleach.
f. Dry by hanging over a clothesline or in a commercial front-load, tumble type dryer set on low,
not to exceed 100°F.
g. Do not press.

Hand Washing:
a. Remove the Delrin® pole from the Bivy and open all zippers. Close all hook & loop closures
using the pile patch with the attached thong.
b. Hand wash in warm water, not to exceed 100°F. Do not use soap or detergent.
c. Do not bleach.
d. Rinse thoroughly in warm water, not to exceed 100°F, until all soap is removed.
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 e. Dry by hanging over a clothesline or in a commercial front-load, tumble type dryer set to low or
gentle cycle, not to exceed 100°F.

*Patent Pending.
*Delrin® is a registered trademark of Dupont.
*No Fly Zone™ is a registered trademark of Slumberjack.

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 SJ050084 VariCom No Fly Zone™

OWNER’S MANUAL

OVERVIEW:

The VariCom No Fly Zone™ is intended to be used over the Delta 30°F bag or over the VariCom
Bivy to minimize exposure to biting flies.

SJ050084 – No Fly Zone™

Important Features:

1. The VariCom No Fly Zone™ uses a fine nylon mesh to prevent exposure to biting flies while
allowing air to flow through the mesh.
2. The integrated Delrin® pole holds the mesh away from the user to prevent exposure to flies.
3. Quick release snap allows the user to exit the No Fly Zone™ quickly.

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 *Patent Pending.
*Delrin® is a registered trademark of Dupont.
*No Fly Zone™ is a registered trademark of Slumberjack.

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 Slumberjack Variable Component Sleep System, VariCom Component

Selection Guidelines

1) For warm weather deployments, 20°F or above, recommended components are as follows:
a) VariCom Delta 30°F
b) VariCom Bivy (The Delta 30°F, when used with the VariCom Bivy, will offer comfort down
to 20°F.)
c) VariCom Compression Stuff sack SM.
d) VariCom No Fly Zone™ for protection from flying insects.

2) For cold weather deployments, 0°F to +20°F, recommended components are:

a) VariCom Gamma 0°F
b) VariCom Bivy (The Gamma 0°F, when used with the VariCom Bivy, will offer comfort down
to –10°F.)
c) VariCom Compression Stuff sack LG

3) For extreme cold weather deployments, -30°F and above, recommended components are:
a) VariCom Delta 30°F
b) VariCom Gamma 0°F
c) VariCom Bivy (The Delta 30°F and Gamma 0°F, when used together with the VariCom Bivy,
will offer comfort down to -30°F.)
d) VariCom Compression Stuff sack SM.
e) VariCom Compression Stuff sack LG.

For extreme cold weather the Gamma 0°F is placed inside the Delta 30°F. Both bags are placed
inside the VariCom Bivy.

See VariCom Component Selection Matrix.

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 Slumberjack Warranties

Sleeping Bags & Accessories Limited Lifetime Warranty:

Slumberjack sleeping bags are warranted by Slumberjack to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the
life of the product. Subject to the conditions and limitations set forth below, Slumberjack will, at its option, either repair
or replace, free of charge (including charges for shipping and handling) any part of its product that is not free from defect
in material and workmanship.

This express warranty is exclusive and is given expressly in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied.
Slumberjack specifically excludes all other implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose,
except as included in the above express warranty. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE
DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF. For additional information about your warranty, please call Slumberjack at
(800) 233-6283.

Furniture, Mats and Bivys 1 Year Limited Warranty:

Slumberjack products are warranted by Slumberjack to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1)
year after your purchase of the product. Subject to the conditions and limitations set forth below, Slumberjack will, at its
option, either repair or replace, free of charge (including charges for shipping and handling) any part of its product that is
not free from defect in material and workmanship during the warranty period.

This express warranty is exclusive and is given expressly in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied.
Slumberjack specifically excludes all other implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose,
except as included in the above express warranty. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE
DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF. For additional information about your warranty, please call Slumberjack at
(800) 233-6283.

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 Slumberjack
a division of
American Recreation Products
1224 Fern Ridge Parkway
St. Louis, MO 63141
www.slumberjack.com
(800) 233-6283

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