Särmä TST Thermal Cloak
The multi-functional Thermal Cloak can be used as a coat/cloak, sleeping bag, and tarp or emergency shelter.. The extremely simple yet astonishingly adaptable design makes this a valued piece of gear for a multitude of situations all year round.
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The multi-functional Thermal Cloak can be used as a coat/cloak, sleeping bag, and tarp or emergency shelter.. The extremely simple yet astonishingly adaptable design makes this a valued piece of gear for a multitude of situations all year round.
- Dimensions:
- 216 x 216 cm / 85" x 85" (opened and laid out flat)
- 216 x 108 cm / 85" x 42.5" (zippered shut as a bag)
- Weight:
- 1500 g / 53 oz. (100 g/m2 Climashield insulated)
- 1300 g / 46 oz. (67 g/m2 Climashield insulated)
- 650 g / 23 oz. (Non-insulated)
- Pack size compressed:
- 40 x 20 cm / 15.5" x 8" (100 g/m2 Climashield insulated)
- 35 x 15 cm / 14" x 6" (67 g/m2 Climashield insulated)
- 20 x 10 cm / 8" x 4" (non-insulated)
- Three two-way, double sided zippers
- A total of six tie-down webbing loops
- Waterproof and thermal reflective shell fabric
- Waterproof taped center seam
- Materials:
- Shell and lining: 100 % polyamide
- Insulation: Climashield Apex
- Reinforcements: 500D Cordura
- All materials are NIR compliant
The Climashield insulated models double up as sleeping bags. The heavier 100 g/m2 insulated version is a bit heavier and bulkier than the 67 g/m2 variant but also offers roughly 50% more insulation, making it ideal for use in extreme cold. The non-insulated models have no insulation or lining, the silvered underside of the shell fabric is bare and visible. These unlined cloaks can be used as sleeping bag covers, similar to a bivvy bag.
If you´re in the need of a packing or compression bag, we recommend the following options:
- Carinthia compression bag. The smaller 20x40cm model.
- Särmä TST Dry Bag. The 10L / 612 in3 model.
For wear as a coat or cloak you will need a belt or similar strap. If you don´t own such a wonder already we recommend the Särmä TST utility strap.
The Thermal Cloak's roots and purpose
Since we believe in giving credit where credit is due: The Särmä TST Thermal Cloak is in all honesty our take on the Norwegian Jerven Fjellduk, a fantastic piece of kit which we've grown to love and respect over the years. Our design is basically the Finnish evolutionary offspring of its progenitor, adapted to suit our and other Finnish end-users needs based on our own experiences and feedback gathered from various users, especially military and law enforcement, around the country.
The design of the Thermal Cloak is outrageously simple, and that´s what it´s all about: from simplicity comes reliability, and this type of gear must be worth your trust. The Thermal Cloak is basically just a waterproof, insulated square but by the clever use of zippers and tie-down loops, it can be worn as a coat, used as a sleeping bag, or pitched like a tarp. This very versatile piece of gear adapts to a multitude of situations making it a valuable companion in the field, all year round.
The multiple functions of the Thermal Cloak
Sleeping bag or bivvy
The most simple trick is to use the Thermal Cloak as a sleeping bag. Fold and close it shut to form a bag and dive inside, or use it as a bivvy bag over a regular sleeping bag. The thermal reflective shell and Climashield insulation make the Thermal Cloak a sleeping bag on its own and an even better shell bag for use as a bivvy.
The 67 g/m2 Climashield insulated model is on its own roughly equivalent to a modern military summer sleeping bag. This is no exact science, but we suggest that the Comfort Limit is 5 °C (41 F) and Extreme Limit -10 °C (14 F).
The highest level of sleeping baggy pleasure is achieved when the Thermal Cloak is used in conjunction with an actual sleeping bag. In this configuration, you can keep your clothes and gear (especially any electronics or batteries) safe and warm within the Thermal Cloak whilst you yourself sleep comfortably inside the sleeping bag. The joy of getting into non-frozen-solid clothing on a cold winter morning is something you just have to experience first hand to truly appreciate.
Example: Thermal Cloak + Carinthia Defence 1 = a sure bet which keeps you going all year round in all but the very most extreme freezing temperatures. And if it gets really, really cold, like -35 °C (-31 F), just use a 3-season bag inside the thermal cloak and that´s it. A combo such as this gives you a quickly donned thermal shell coat, emergency shelter, and summer and winter sleeping bag all in one.
When using the Thermal Cloak as a sleeping bag we strongly recommend using a sleeping mat between the cloak and the ground. This protects the shell of the cloak from jagged rocks and sticks, a waterproof shell is not worth much if it´s full of holes.
Coat or cloak
When movement stops your own heat production slows down. In cold temperatures, it´s extremely important to add warm clothing fast when activity levels drop from high to low. For this purpose the Thermal Cloak can be worn like a coat or cloak:
- Fold the cloak in half, zip up the long side halfway. The open section will become your armhole.
- Zip shut one short side halfway starting from the previously left-open armhole corner. The open half will become your headway.
- Leave the other short side completely open. This will become your feet hole.
- Pull the sock-like bag over yourself, push your head out of the slit left for it, and your arms out of their large opening.
- Take your belt/strap and tighten it around your waist and pull up the excess length of the cloak so it does not interfere with leg movement.
- Your warm, insulated thermal cloak is ready!
You can lift or lower the "hood" as desired and adjust zippers for the perfect fit. Through the large opening for your arms, you can also access your jacket pockets and any chest-worn gear. This configuration is no acrobats dress, that is a reality, but whatever you need to do in such situations when wearing this makes sense - that you can do. If the need arises you can also operate firearms from this setup, we recommend some training beforehand.
If you´re really in no hurry to get going you can zip shut the feet end of the cloak to further conserve heat. In this configuration you´re basically a legless blob with arms and head, so don´t expect to get a quick running start if something happens.
Emergency shelter or tarp
Six reinforced tie-down loops along the sides and corners of the cloak allow for its use as a tarp or similar emergency shelter. There are numerous different setups that you can use depending on what you need, we recommend experimenting and learning what works for you.
Hammockeers a-hoy: by shutting the Thermal Cloak over your hammock you get great insulation, basically an under-and-over quilt. This cocoon also shields you from the wind, making this a viable option especially for wintertime hammocking.
Materials
Shell: 100 % polyamide with waterproof and heat-reflecting "silver" polyurethane coating. Practically non-breathable, but also totally waterproof. The heat-reflecting coating further enhances the warmth of the cloak resulting in great warmth with even a lightweight insulation.
Liner: 40D, 59 g/m2 100 % polyamide ripstop. Very lightweight, quick drying and really strong for such a lightweight material.
Insulation: Climashield Apex 67 g/m2 and 100 g/m2 insulation. This is some of the best insulation there is a fantastic weight-to-insulation ratio and great performance even in wet conditions. Apex is a continuous fiber filament, this means it does not need any attaching stitching as you would find on common polyester or down loft garments. By eliminating these stitches we also eliminate possible cold spots, further adding to the insulating properties of the garment.
Corner reinforcements are 500D Foxdura, tie-down loops are made from Finnish military-type webbing.
Sewn in the EU
These are now made in Latvia by Sia GPT.
Kierto Circular Economy
Return this product used but clean and unbroken, and you'll receive half of the product's original price as Varusteleka credits. Service is available only in Finland. Only Registered users can make Kierto returns. See more information about Kierto.
Carbon Footprint
The estimated amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the production of one single item is 37.2 kg CO2e. The estimation includes the entire production of the item, from the raw materials up until the finalized product exiting the factory. Read more about the calculation method.
Varusteleka Särmä TST
Särmä TST is Varusteleka's in-house brand of clothing and gear designed for military and law enforcement end-users. Our clothing and equipment are made in co-operation with a number of experienced manufacturers with a strong background in producing clothing and gear for military and law enforcement officials, most notably for the Finnish Defence Forces. For further reading check out the Varusteleka's Särmä TST page and Särmä TST Clothing System article.
Särmä TST products are covered by a 12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. For further information please read our detailed warranty guide.
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recommends
does not recommend
28 ratings
Tish T. 18.08.2018 Verified purchase
Jari L. Varusteleka employee 29.08.2018 Verified purchase
If you want to go into the bush, you might get cold… Unless you take this elven cloak with you. Särmä TST Thermal cloak is a versatile piece of equipment. It serves as an extra warming layer during the breaks, works as a bivy bag or a sleeping bag, and it camouflages the user quite nicely. I have slept with Särmä TST Thermal cloak and Särmä TST L3 Loft jacket and trousers at -10 degrees Celsius. Using Särmä TST Thermal cloak as bivy with Carinthia Defence 1 sleeping bag, I have slept well even in colder conditions. Särmä TST Thermal cloak truly excels in reconnaissance in the observation post. Laying static for extended periods of time inside the cloak is pretty comfortable. A nice bonus is that Särmä TST Thermal cloak blocks thermal radiation very well, which reduces the heat signature and possibility to be noticed with thermal imaging.
IVAN R. 09.12.2018 ⚠ Unverified purchase
First of all, they used the BEST isolation on the market. Yeah yeah, I know, you're going to say Primaloft is the Best insulation on the market, but you should not listen to the marketing whispering you BS to your ears.
Just like Goretex is not the Best fabric against rain either...
Climashield, aka Lamilite, has better stability, does not loose its loft after a dozen of packing, does not hold moisture and have the same thermal properties. Shall I keep going?
The outside fabric, and its NIR property is outstanding, and fabric toughness is at the same level than the Jerven one.
BTW, to avoid Thermal detection, get the insulated version. Yes, it's heavier, but the non insulated version is not enough to hide you (the fabric will have a temperature between your outter clothes temperature and outside temperature, so you will get spotted).
Replacing the Jerven eyelets by tie down loops is so much better, avoiding water leaking inside the bag when it's raining.
The ONLY thing that makes me not buy it right now, is that the arms zip the Jerven Fjellduken have are missing.
You will probably say "Com'on, you don't need it, look at the product pictures to get the trick while holding a rifle! ". And you would be right.
But while sitting in the cold at an observation post, you're using binoculars too. And the Jerven arms zips are a very good solution for this. Note that Jerven didn't have them on their Fjellduken 15 years ago. They probably brought it because of customers demands.
Of course, it's a weak point, they are cold spots even when the bag is closed (because no insulation over them) but the possibility to get your arms out while the bag is closed is very interesting.
Last wish, a winter M05 white version, please?
Keep up the Good work Varusteleka.
Ville P. 14.01.2019 Verified purchase
Incognitus M. 03.03.2019 ⚠ Unverified purchase
Oskari K. 07.03.2019 Verified purchase
Farasha E. 11.03.2019 Verified purchase
Chris K. 27.05.2019 Verified purchase
Update 03.09.2019:
I got two more of the un-insulated versions of this and I am still very happy and impressed. The insulated cloak is still most of the time in use as a sleeping bag, while the un-insulated cloaks replaced my tarp(s). If set-up correct, these are perfect as tarps and actually big enough to stay dry underneath. I usually connect the two to get some space for my gear, and that works great. Maybe there is a chance to design a connection-piece to make the zipper-connection, waterproof, when used as a shelter? This would allow the use of multiple cloaks for multiple people. Just thinking :-) Should be quite easy since the zippers are the same on all the un-insulated cloaks (not compatible with the insulated versions though, since they have bigger zippers).
Janne M. 03.06.2019 Verified purchase
Taukovaatteena 67g -eristeinen viitta on ollut ihan riittävä jopa talven pilkkireissuille.
Hiukan miinusta tulee kuitenkin kahdesta seikasta:
1) Climashield -eristeinen versio ei omien kokemusteni perusteella sovellu hätämajoitteeksi sadekeleillä. Ulkokuori kyllä pitää sateen, mutta viitan alta (majoittujasta ja maasta) tuleva kosteus kertyy viitan sisälle, jolloin viitan paino lisääntyy merkittävästi. Rinkkaa on muuten sitten tosi mukava kantaa kun sinne pakkaa märän ja painavan lämpöviitan.
2) Viittaa ei saa suljettua vetoketjuilla kovin ilmatiiviisti. Esimerkiksi makuupussikäytössä lämmintä ilmaa pääsee karkaamaan jalkopäästä.
Kunhan muistaa huomioida kaksi edellämainittua seikkaa, on tuote mielestäni, mitä mainioin valinta erinäköiseen ympärivuotiseen retkeilyyn.
Comments
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I would definitely love to buy a larger version of the insulated 100g Climashield cloak (ie : 250 cm x 250 cm) and would also like to propose adding two or three webb loops on one of the short sizes so we could slide in a tent pole (self-supporting canopy style).
I have two of the 67g models and yes they do zip together. I also read where someone said the non insulated model uses smaller zippers.
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