If you really insist on the 2 you are looking at, get the alpine bivy since you mentioned something about winter camping. I used it recently for a two-night outing and so far Im very pleased. That is an option. Do you have any experience with the Mountain Laurel bivy that comes in at 8 ounces for a three season bivy? For comparison my Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 1-person tent is ~18 x 6 and weighs 1011g. No Pole, to save weight. I don't really need help making decisions, but I was able to get insight on issues I hadn't settled. Home Forums Gear Forums Gear (General) Which bivy do I buy? If this is still true, then the Alpine wins every time.". If you want ultralight minimalism, at the expense of strength, quality, and features, grab a plastic garbage sack and hit the trail. I would recommend taking the time to stake it down. Prior to getting the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy I had a few alpine climbing bivy sacks. They were robustly constructed, but didnt breathe all that well. eVent Top. This is probably slightly low since the size upgrade probably adds more weight once you are using the heavier floor and top fabrics I see that the size upgrade on the alpine adds 1.5 oz. The first time I used it a friend joined me with her brand new Helium bivy on a bikepack. especially when sat up with a sleeping pad !!! There are 2 stake loops, but I have never used them. The fabric is comprised of a waterproof/ breathable upper made from ORs AscentShell fabric, and a nylon TPU-coated floor for robust waterproofing and abrasion resistance, which eliminates the need for a ground tarp. I would go for the Soul with the bug netting should you use this all year round. Disclosure: Outdoor Research donated a bivy for this review. A quality bivy will do the job nicely, without adding significantly to a backpack burden. Outdoor Research Interstellar Bivy Review. the spec states 82 inches = 6ft10 Is that going to be enough for me ?? I'd go with the Soul side zip. The new Superlight will fit your NeoAir, and DJ at TiGoat is working on a new Raven bivy that will fit it (but, call him you'll have to give him specifics as the current version on the website would not fit a Neoair). Lithium for light weight, cold performance. Don't cast your vote based on cost. I have spent almost two weeks in the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy and found it to be pretty acceptable for my use. I appreciate the feedback. So that means you can bring a lighter sleeping bag for a given set of conditions saving you a bit more weight and space. Get a small tent. You need to use it under a tarp. I also want the Soul Bivy because of the bug netting. I have no interest in the company and paid for the bivy that I tested. Hello, thanks for this review. Let's see what happens. More recently, I took the bivy on an almost two-week trip Full review, Great bivy sack! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Sorry aside from this particular bivy I havent used any recent products I could recommend from personal experience. Bivies come in all types and differ in functionality. The arm zippers are best left zipped down along the bivys sides. $359, $90 - Particularly if you remove the pole and pack it separately. 15% Off New Customer Discount with Coupon Code SECTIONHIKER15. I doubt any other bivy will ever replace it, for me. I thought it was just from water leaking in because I Full review, Very light and compact, easy to pack all the time for unexpected overnight stays in the boonies. If this is still true, then the Alpine wins every time. Its a fine place to sleep, but not super great to spend any time in when awake. Ha! I like the design but for extra comfort try adding two pole pockets near the shoulder blades. Ive used a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir mattress and a 32 degree Mountain Hardware Ratio down sleeping bag inside in freezing weather without experiencing any internal condensation. You must log in or register to reply here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Endura SingleTrack Trousers II 1 Year Review. Checked flea-bay and am asking $180.00 TYD via USPS Priority, insured. Ive had a bivy in my shelter quiver for many decades. Free Shipping and Returns. I recently took up bikepacking and due to space limitations purchased the Helium bivy. So I will be scanning the weather forecast before a trip and if I am going to spend multiple nights in this bivy I want to be confident its not going to be warm/hot and humid. Considering how light it is, I've never seen the reason to leave it home and thus always carry it for emergency use. I wasnt aware of the need for a tarp for that bivy and I did want a stand alone type of shelter. Ive previously used a terra nova Jupiter (the discontinued Gore-Tex one) and pretty much wore it through, although I really enjoyed it for the time that i had it. 6x9 Tarp Bivy I used this groundcloth for bivouacking on nights before me and my buddies hiked the next morning. For me, I've had great success, in perfect and nasty weather, with a solo sized tarp and water resistant bivy. In order to show you the most useful information, we have omitted some products. I am writing from the Swiss Alps, so sorry for the lousy English. I hitchhike long distances abroad and sleep in a bivy for months at a time, so Im looking for something durable and waterproof. Add the small criss-cross poles and you have back support. Ive used mountaineering bivy sacks in the past. Size Large Login or become a member to post in the member forums! Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. DWR Treated. It may not display this or other websites correctly. JavaScript is disabled. What this bivy lacks is waterproofness. @ Rod forgot about the 2ply v.s. I understand that you are willing to pay for this but $350 is outrageous. What really makes this bivy interesting is that it was designed to allow the user to sit up, put both arms out, zip it open in front of the face and wear the top part of the bivy like a sombrero. I say could because in my experience the performance of this shelter is highly dependent on the weather. The ability to sit up and do camp tasks, while nice and cozy in your sleeping bag on your mattress, is useful when facing inclement weather in camp. Compromise. I have always used a tent, a hammock, or slept directly under the stars in pleasant weather. It is also strong enough to eliminate the need for a ground tarp, even on surfaces that can cause punctures or tears. A tight bivy sack can feel like a body bag. View All Outerwear, Clothing, and Accessories. Guyline keeps off face. Hope it helps soem of you. It really helped keep this girl Full review. $119, $160 - Size Large Earlier this fall I slept in the Alpine Bivy for two consecutive nights on the Atlantic Coast in Newfoundland. Cast your vote and tell me why you went with one over the other. Ive got a Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy that I bought, checked it out in my living room and it has never seen the outdoors. Fast forward to this year I was thinking about how to streamline my bikepacking gear setup further. JavaScript is disabled. First time there was a lonely fly that kept buzzing around my head unless I pulled it over me reducing ventilation. ETA It might be helpful to know that I'll be using this along with a tarp 75% of the time. I tested a Tyvek bivy last spring with good results and hoping to lighten my shelter gear and combine it with this Tyvek bivy. Bump, if you have a need for this and a reasonable offer let me know. Let's call it 8:00PM EST tomorrow 12/24/2009. The Soul would be my vote for under a tarp. Multi-use, usually to wipe down inside of bivy. Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Weekly reviews, exclusive deals, giveaways, and more: $300 - I wanted to replace my three-season, two-man tent with something smaller and lighter, without sacrificing what I need to enjoy my trips. $198, $172 - With respect to staying perfectly dry with a tarp pitched low and a non WP bivy, it will depend on where you hike. If its dry and cool outside the bivy you wont be generating as much moisture inside and what you do generate can cross the Pertex shell effectively. "Last time I compared the Soul Zip used the 2 layer event, while the Alpine used the 3 layer. That's it here they are. Required fields are marked *. This is all speculation on my part, as I'm not sure this is your intended plan. (LogOut/ I have bought the Helium bivy, and used in the mountains in below 0 Celsius temperatures, thermically speaking it is fine (with a thermarest neo air xlite and a Vallandr 3 season sleeping bag). Therefore no conflict. It came with me on a four-week backpack of the Hotsprings Trail in Central Idaho (Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness). Go with the Alpine and use a bug head net if required. Just unroll the bivy and insert the one small pole near the head. This FYI only. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. But by carrying such heavy bivy sacks, what you are doing is almost adding the weight of a small cuben fiber tarp. I was wondering what the other bivys were that you used previously? Ascentshell is great, but isnt a miracle fabric when saturated, and have the same limitations as other breathable fabrics. (LogOut/ The floor of the Interstellar Bivy is 40D nylon ripstop that is coated with TPU. It seems to me, that what you are doing is buying a very heavy bivy sack (anything over 8ounces is too heavy in my opinion) for the off chance of leaving home your tarp and encountering bad weather. I would be interested to hear from one or two people who have used this in a good soaking all-night rain. The first evening was beautiful, about 5deg Celsius. The Outdoor Research Interstellar Bivy is a 4-season bivy that features an upper made with AscentShell, a proprietary waterproof breathable fabric made by OR that has some built-in stretch.While the floor of the bivy is nylon coated TPU for more conventional waterproofness and abrasion resistance, the addition of the AscentShell upper and Derlin single-pole system provide ample yet stable headspace inside a waterproof/ breathable bivy system that weighs a mere 23 oz when fully packed for the trail. Any specific ones youd recommend though? The bivy zipper system allows for side entry and the user can sit up while inside it, put arms out and complete camp tasks all the while covered by a bivy sombrero that is created by the single-pole and an indentation on the top of the bivy for ones head. In this case, you bring a tarp and have adequate protection from rain, snow, etc. Shelter can be important, especially in winter. All I can say is that the setup works well from second hand info (my buddy has been using the same system for a while). Wayne. Tall and thick. They are much more durable than this one, but more money and heavier. New Live Webinar - Introduction to Map & Compass - July 2 @ 9 AM US MDT. Very well made. I think that it is worth every penny that I paid. I had the Helium bivy, they announced 20000 mph and water column. Mountain Laurel Designs 2010 Alpine Bivy Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. So there will be internal condensation sans tarp in prolonged rain. 3ply eVENT. $379, $149 - I spotted this bivy sack and reviews seemed to indicate it was worth a shot so I grabbed one. Franco. The best Ive been using it in the AT during my thru hike and its a great bivy sack. I am going to change my answer. Some offer bug protection, emergency survival, military expediency, waterproofness, breathability, 3- season, 4-season, structured and unstructured options or some such combination or all of the above. Both are within my price range. It is the head that inherits from the problem.so be aware of that..I am selling mine and buying a bivy that will accola date my size.. No comments/review I read before the purchase covered that issue, so I bought without thinking, and realised then through the test. It can easily be compressed much more. Maybe I should have two bivy sacks. The single pole does a nice job of keeping the fabric off your face, but the staking loops are limited and there is no pole at the foot end of the bivy so for the most part the fabric lays on your sleeping bag. This is a robust fabric coating designed to stand up to any type of weather, intense UV exposure, and multiple ground types. This bivy weighs a little less than 6 ozs. If he can do it, i'll buy it. Like any waterproof breathable fabric how well it works is a function of the moisture gradient across the barrier. All Rights Reserved. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. My vote for you is the Soul Side Zip Bivy if cost and weight are not key factors, but that you like the features of the Soul Side Zip. Spending the night in a shelter thats a bit too small would be annoying. I LOVE it! The upper (zipper-able) portions of the AscentShell and bug mesh allow the top third of the bivy to open for easy entry and adjustable ventilation. Ron can thank you all for the extra money. Full review, This is my first bivy sac. It is as new as you can get these (Outdoor Research discontinued this model). I have one in Momentum, because I use it under a tarp or in a leanto. You are using an out of date browser. If only for winter get the Alpine. I usually leave three 2-3inch openings using the zippers in the head area to help with ventilation, but my sleeping bag is soaked in the feet and head areas by morning usually, though admittedly a little less than other bivys. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". I would go for the Integral Designs.oh, wait. I really like the relative roominess of the head and shoulder space created by the pole, and the ability to stake out the bivy at the head and the foot. But you may not need a bivy if the quilt is made of cuben and momentum as it is kind of a bivy/quilt combo already. So I'm not getting the point in what you are doing since you aren't going to save many ounces. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. The breathability of the AscentShell fabric and the resulting lack of internal condensation is impressive. What I really like about the OR bivy is that it doesnt require a tarp and it is lighter than many one person tents at that price point. reviewed and Thats pretty impressive when you consider internal and external temperature differential that would normally result in internal condensation, regardless of shelter type. bivy sacks ptarmigan trailspace titanium goat Another advantage I enjoyed with this shelter is the gray colour and low height makes stealth camping a breeze. I've got it narrowed down to two bivy sacks that I like. Once inside the bivy there is a lot of room for what it is. Free Shipping and Returns. Modular snowboots, very light and waterproof. Thanks for your input. 10L, Dry-sack for Bivy, Sleeping Bag (strapped to rack). The hoop does a nice job of keeping the fabric off my face and prevents bugs from sucking my blood as I sleep. Juston Your vote decides. The bivy can be used effectively with or without the poles, stakes, and stuff sack; a feature the gram shavers will no doubt appreciate. Cost wise, the Alpine Bivy seems like a better value that can not be ignored in my opinion. Cheap ultralight goggles for blown dust/sand. With no empirical data at this point I will throw in a vote for the Soul side zip. I was intrigued by reviews that said the Pertex shell materiel was super breathable and that the sleeping feel of the bivy was very roomy. Watch the Tarptent Dipole Review Premiere on YouTube: Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! Ive owned other bivy sack and they simply dont compare. The Soul has netting to give you a bit more airflow when it warms up some. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. There are pros and cons to both. $229. Now when it doesnt rain it will breathe like a dream! The Interstellar Bivy is weather-proof and roomy enough to replace a one-person tent in the right circumstance. If not, I have an offer from a member here who has the Soul Bivy in the configuration I desire. The way you have the soul configured I see not much difference except the netting. Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 23 posts - 1 through 23 (of 23 total), Live Webinar - Introduction to Map & Compass - July 2 @ 9 AM US MDT. Fit is important though. Having extensive experience hiking where YOU hike, stay with a WP bivy. Another vote for the Soul Side Zip bivy. Let's say your shelter system choice is based on weather. Now, whether or not you understand the finer points of electrospinning, the bottom line for any technical fabric is its performance in the field. I suggest you add some distinct zipper pulls to them so you can tell them apart by touch in the dark. So if you truly don't care about the cost, get the Soul. On the other hand if you are moving fast with your priorities focused on fast setup and lightweight this product could make you happy. If you are claustrophobic or want a shelter to hang out in on your trips this is not the one for you. Let us know what you go with and good luck! :D, "I've also decided to order a SuperLight Bivy with all net only hood size large.". I've also decided to order a SuperLight Bivy with all net only hood size large. The top of the bivy even has an indentation for the head, which truly makes it feel like a sombrero. If you think the MLD Grace Solo tarps are too heavy, then get the MLD monk tarp which still will work in an emergency. Based on the weight, I assume you mean the MLD Superlight. Thanks for this review. Just get a MLD Superlite Bivy (which is what I carried on the PCT this year) and a cuben fiber tarp and just carry them both. I'm not afraid of bugs, so venting is always an option. If durability is key for you this bivy would not be my first choice. Change). bivy equinox bivi ultralite sacks sack trailspace I recently experimented with a tarp, complemented with this light e-bivy by MSR, and enjoy that combo for summer and shoulder seasons, even here in the Pacific NorthWet. Its obvious you get out and really use the stuff. I am 62 and I found the bivy too short for me. No tarp. Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50 Angled Spotting Scope, Spuhr 4011 34mm 0mil/0moa Height 1.102 Gap Mount. Packed size shown in the photo above is ~12 x 5 and 476g, but the bivy is just loosely packed in the stuff sack. I like reading other peoples reviews and I know the only way that can keep happening is if I put some time in on my end as well to keep the wheel turning on the interwebs. Weighing less and priced lower than most one-person tents available today, it is a good go-it-alone option for trekking the world over. With this system the standard Soul with the Momentum top is more than sufficient. Much faster than any other shelter I own and lower profile. Ill be grabbing this bivy sack for very minimal short trips where I may not even camp, but I want a shelter with me just in case I cant complete the route moving fast in a big day. alpine trailspace Between the two I still think that the Soul Side Zip Bivy is the nicer of the two, but maybe heavier if you factor in the removable wire hoop in the head area and generous amount of head netting. Paired with a light sleeping bag and pad I will have a sleep system thats comfortable and that can deal with pretty much anything Mother Nature throws at me without slowing me down during the day when I am trying to cover as much ground as possible. Philip Werner May 24, 2021 Vintage Backpacking Gear. 2001-2022 Trailspace. Im researching bivies for emergency kit on winter dayhikes. It gets cold enough on the JMT that having a bivy inside a tent is great. I see the Alpine bivy as less useful year round. gogo nemo The Interstellar Bivy is a waterproof/ breathable bivy system that weighs a mere 23 oz when fully packed for the trail. I dont think Ive ever experienced condensation when it didnt rain, even with the zippers closed completely in humid weather. The other 25% will be a stand alone bivy sleeping system. bivy minimalist rei sacks outdoor trailspace 70d Silicone Coated Ripstop Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. There was no pooling, no telltale sign of darkened fabric. An eVENT Soul Bivy is over $350. So you are paying $115 for the netting is what it looks like to me. Discontinued, old model, holds electronics. I cant trust their product anymore, I just remind when my sleeping bag was wet by 30. Thanks everyone. $189, $89 - TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. Yes I was thinking of the superlight model. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! I will take the bivy that best suits my needs for the given situation. If you compensate by laying more backward the. I use a MLD Grace Solo Tarp in cuben fiber. bivy sacks, My sleeping pads are either a NeoAir regular or an Exped 9 deluxe. I slept comfortably all night and did not get wet from the sprinklers, which were on for 20 minutes. Hello Erik, Im 6ft3 tall I see your feet are touching one end while your head is touching the other !! Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily. No different than a separate hikers sling seat, but built into the bivy. The Outdoor Research Interstellar Bivy is a 4-season waterproof/ breathable bivy that is light and effective enough to replace a 1 person tent in a backpacking kit. Important to consider if/why you'd want a bivy sack. I thank you all for the help with my decision making process. After much research I settled on the OR Alpine Bivy. Small, lightweight canister stove, used to melt snow, Water Filter, kept in coat to keep from freezing, Rogue Panda Designs Custom Framebag, Full Size, Rogue Panda Designs AlamoGordo Top Tube Bag, Outdoor Research Foray Rain Pants, 3/4 Zip, Outdoor Research Peruvian Windstopper Hat. This bivy checked all of the boxeslightweight, compact, hoop to keep it off of my face. If you haven't looked at the SMD Meteor bivy, you might want to. Ill also be grabbing this bivy for longer trips in cooler weather where it will breathe really well, provide bug protection and if the weather gets nasty I know Im still okay. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As I understand it: