View Full Version : Lightest Waterproof Bivy?
I'm thinking of switching to a waterproof bivy for quick overnights. My reasoning as follows...
1) If I can find one light enough, maybe I can save an ounce or two over my current tarp/water resistant bivy combo.
2) More importantly, on my weekend overnights, alot of time I get to camp after dark. It would be nice to be able to just throw the bivy down and crawl in, instead of messing with getting a tarp up in the dark.
3) I like seeing the faces of the guys who lugged 7 pound tents up the mountian when I pull my new piece of ultralight gear out.
4) MLD has a Epic bivy that is less than 8 ounces, but he says not to leave it out in exposed downpours. Does anyone have any experience here?
Regards,
David
12hrsN2AT
09-29-2005, 09:35
I made a Tyvek Bivy that weighs about 6 Oz. I use it as a shell for a fleece sleeping liner or as a bivy when I sleep under the stars. My idea was just to keep my sleeping bag clean and dry, but it actually adds warmth to.
12hrsN2AT
09-29-2005, 09:52
PS You do not want to sleep in a bivy in an extreme downpour with out a tarp. The rain directly on a bivy will not let you sleep. You must carry a poncho or tarp.
JoeHiker
09-29-2005, 16:56
I'm thinking of switching to a waterproof bivy for quick overnights. My reasoning as follows...
David
Waterproof bottom, water resistant top. 6.1 ounces
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/vapr_pertex_quantum_ultralight_bivy_sack_r.html
tlbj6142
09-29-2005, 17:26
I know there are a couple of GoreTex bivies on the market if you look around, but if I remember correctly they are in the 1# plus weight range.
While not exactly the lightest option, I always thought the Black Diamond Lightsabre (http://www.bdel.com/gear/lightsabre.php) looked like a great "quick setup, small package, all weather" shelter. It appears to keep the shelter wall off your bag, so it may resolve the issue below.
As mentioned in an above entry, I have heard that sleeping in only a bivy during a downpour is quite difficult due to the constant pounding against your bag.
tlbj6142
09-29-2005, 17:28
That's odd. The Lightsabre is Epic as well (hadn't really noticed before) and it is designed to be your only shelter. I wonder why Ron Bell doesn't recomend using his bivy as your only shelter.
Lanthar Mandragoran
09-29-2005, 17:36
he doesn't recommend it as EPIC tends to wet through more easily when things are in contact with it
HikeLite
09-30-2005, 12:09
Montbell probably has the lightest goretex bivy but I am not sure if it is full coverage..havent checked it out.
tlbj6142
09-30-2005, 12:21
he doesn't recommend it as EPIC tends to wet through more easily when things are in contact with itOK. That makes sense.
Footslogger
09-30-2005, 12:42
Check out this bivy from Equinox:
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/bivydetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__ProductID=EQ3000
Don't own it myself but I've been satisfied with other Equinox products. I've considered getting this for winter camping to keep the condensation off my down bag.
'Slogger
titanium_hiker
09-30-2005, 21:58
couple a trashbags and ducttape?
condensation would be an issue
titanium
I have been searching for this setup myself and I have bumped into several issues. Most lightweight bivys are not designed to be the overhead shelter from serious rain..they provide protection from ground moisture, wind and water spray. To get overhead protection you usually have to go to the heavier bivy's with poles and stakeout options or sleep under something that provides cover. I know several people who do the latter-climbers, rangers, search and rescue personell. They will go out with just a bivy (some of them use the OR bivy) If conditions get bad they will find something to crawl under. You do have issues with condensation and leaky seams. Most of these people will tell you its not a pleasant experience but there are few that absolutly love the challange and the freedom it gives you. Please let me know what you find out. I have been using a tarp tent but soon will be switching to bivy-tarp rig. I decided to get a tarp that could be easily staked out in the dark like a Golite Lair but I also wanted the option of total enclosure. I have the BMW bivy and am about to try out a Gossamer Gear Spinn Shelter (not sure how easy that will be to setup though) I hike the AT in the southeast and we get heavy rain.
stiffler
10-01-2005, 16:29
Bibler tripod bivy rules
tlbj6142
10-01-2005, 17:11
Bibler tripod bivy rulesLooks like the GoreTex...err..ToddTex version of the LightSabre. How much room do you have in your shelter for say boots (to keep warm during winter hiking) and other small items?
IndianaDave
11-25-2005, 09:35
Try www.trailquest.com (http://www.trailquest.com) and order Brawny's silnylon UltraLite vapor barrier sack.
it's a waterproof! $45 and less than 6oz ... :clap
ID
IndianaDave
11-25-2005, 09:39
that should have been
www.trailquest.net (http://www.trailquest.net)
:D
here is a pic of my bivy:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7716&c=577
justusryans
11-25-2005, 21:18
looks comfy!!
Nightwalker
11-26-2005, 00:23
Bibler tripod bivy rules
I've got a full tent that weighs the same...
Nightwalker
11-26-2005, 00:28
here is a pic of my bivy:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7716&c=577
Hey Neo! Where do you get a hammock for a heavier dude? I looked at a Hennessy, and wasn't really impressed with the weight (1.95 was kinda so-so to me) or the weight it held (200 lbs. I weigh a definite amount more. Like 40 pounds more!)
Can I do better?
Thanks
dstenberg1
12-02-2005, 23:00
Check out the EVENT bivys made by Integral Designs, I they would be perfect for what you are talking about.
check out the Speer Hammock website. If their heavy duty model does not work for you give Ed Speer a call. Unless he is out on the trail he answers the phone. The Speer Hammock is different than the Hennessey but both are excellent products. While you are on the website checkout the hammock newsletters....they are full of hammock info and tips-including good stuff about hammocks made by other companies. Ed Speer has travelled all over the world sleeping in his hammock. His book about hammock camping is a good read because he talks about some of his adventures.
HikeLite
12-04-2005, 22:45
There are hennesy's for well over 200 pounds I think..check their website.
here is a pic of my bivy:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7716&c=577
I knew what I was gonna see before I clicked on your link, and I did it anyway!:datz
Just Jeff
12-04-2005, 23:37
The Speer Hammock is different than the Hennessey but both are excellent products.
I find my Speer-types more comfortable than my Hennessy. Plus I like sleeping without the bugnet.
Also - Ryan Jordan at BPL has a 3.6 oz bivy. You can buy the 4.6 oz version at http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/vapr_pertex_quantum_ultralight_bivy_sack_nano.html
Lightest bivy? How about 3.6 ounces?
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/vapr_pertex_quantum_ultralight_bivy_sack_nano.html
HikeLite
12-06-2005, 10:45
BPL is not waterproof
JoeHiker
12-06-2005, 14:36
It is waterproof on the bottom, water resistant on the top
I'm thinking about the idea of making a bivy with a microporous polypropylene top (the stuff frogg toggs uses and such) and silnylon bottom. should be waterproof and breathable the question is... how long will it last is my only concearn.
any comments/forseeable problems?
mike!
I cannot see how people can use a bivy as one's only shelter unless you are hanging from a cliff. If it's pouring rain in the morning, I would like a bit more dry space and comfort in getting into my clothes. If it's rainining and you want to turn over. Are there breathing openings on both sides? You only need it under a tarp if your tarp is a small one with no cover for your feet. For emergency gear in the winter, however, a bivy is on my list. I made my own, but another less expensive alternative is the "sleeping bag cover" from REI that goes for around $100. The mosquito netting rolls up out of the way and your head does not have to be totally shut in. It is roomy, it adds warmth and keeps snow off your bag.
Miss Janet
12-12-2005, 20:47
I need opinions and advice on using a heavy Goretex bivy... in shelters only... to add warmth to a 20 degree down bag. This is for a SoBo finishing in 3 weeks and not wanting to buy a warmer sleeping bag.
What kind of condensation problems can he expect?? Solutions??
peter_pan
12-12-2005, 21:06
I need opinions and advice on using a heavy Goretex bivy... in shelters only... to add warmth to a 20 degree down bag. This is for a SoBo finishing in 3 weeks and not wanting to buy a warmer sleeping bag.
What kind of condensation problems can he expect?? Solutions??
Miss Janet,
He should get another 10 degrees of protection with a heavy gortex bivi. condensation should be ok using gortex...if it is old and a little grimy, I'd recommend washing first...This will improve the breathability by insuring the pores are open....it will not adversely affect the additional warmth...should not reduce the waterproofness either.
Pan
Just Jeff
12-12-2005, 21:25
If the bivy is touching his bag, the moisture should pass on through. If the bivy is supported on the ends, creating an air gap between his bag and the bivy, there might be some condensation on the inside of the bivy depending on conditions.
order Brawny's silnylon UltraLite vapor barrier sack.
it's a waterproof! $45 and less than 6oz
I need something INSIDE my tent to keep my bag dry when heavy rain makes the silnylon 'spit' occasionally, is this the best choice? Was going to make one myself, but these look exactly like what I had figured on making anyway....