View Full Version : black diamond lightsabre VS tripod
http://www.bdel.com/gear/lightsabre.php
http://www.bdel.com/gear/tripod.php
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Looking at these two bivys not sure which i like better. The lightsabre is super light at only 1poundt 10oz, but from what ive read, can have condensation problems in wet weather.
The tripod is a pound heavier, but from what I've read, lacks the condensation problem. plus is rated for 4 season while the lightsabre is rated at 3 seasons.
is it worth the extra weight to get the more weather proof bivy considering ill be using a down bag, or would I be better off getting the lightsabr and supplementing with a silnylon tarp setup over it?
Opinions? Suggestions?
You will get some condensation in either of them. You'd be better off with a tent where the walls don't touch your bag. The heavier of the two you show above will absorb more moisture into its fabric structure before you feel it on the inside, but you will get more moisture in your bag than you would in a tent.
Thanks Tinker.
from the photos I've seen, it looked like there would be space around the sleeping bag from touching the walls. I definitely don't want to be in that situation as I've been down that road before and wasn't happy.
black diamond's warranty is only 2 years as far as i know. i won't buy from them for this reason
Tinker is right about the condensate. You can buy a tarp or tent for the same weight & $. Also, try to set it up in a rain or change clothes in the bivy.
Also, try to set it up in a rain or change clothes in the bivy.
Good point...
This is why I ask the questions. to learn before I make the mistakes :)
..granted, I know I'll still make plenty of my own to learn from but isn't that half of the experience?
FamilyGuy
12-10-2008, 23:40
The better one is the one not on your list. The Big Agnes 3 Wire Bivy, which is made of event. Superior in every way and you will not have any condensation issues. Have a look over at www.backpackgeartest.org for reviews!
Camping Dave
12-23-2008, 00:02
but from what I've read, lacks the condensation problem.
Nothing lacks a condensation problem. Claims that such and such a fabric is guaranteed condensation free are just silly. I've slept under tarps pitched in fairly open styles, when there is a breeze, and got condensation. Zip yourself inside a bag (even a big bag like a tent) all night and you'll get condensation.
the trick of a bivy is that 75% of the time you breath outside I find a tent always has some condensation but the bivy only when closed A bivy makes a perfect shelter combo for blowing snow or rain, drips, bugs and keeps the bag cleaner Minimum weight without complete reliance on the shelter I like 1-1.5 lb with screen for 3 season like the OR microlight but I do not own this one
FamilyGuy
01-04-2009, 10:24
Nothing lacks a condensation problem. Claims that such and such a fabric is guaranteed condensation free are just silly. I've slept under tarps pitched in fairly open styles, when there is a breeze, and got condensation. Zip yourself inside a bag (even a big bag like a tent) all night and you'll get condensation.
You are completely misinformed.
brooklynkayak
01-09-2009, 12:47
You are completely misinformed.
I agree with Dave. Condensation is the law and there is no way to avoid it in some conditions. Although E-Vent breaths really well and reduces the amount of condensation, condensation will occur. But is it going to be enough to cause problems?
Many swear by bivys so I'm not going to say one way or the other, but I do think a bivy/tarp combination works well in most conditions, but there are times when a tent is more appropriate in my opinion.
A tent can be just as light as a bivy/tarp combination.
firemountain
01-09-2009, 13:15
I own both the Lightsabre and a Bibler bivy with the toddtex fabric. I purchased both for winter use in snow. The lightsabre is very roomy for a bivy, but the poles are just a fancy way to keep the fabric off your face. For use on a thru hike a tarp would be needed. I have stayed dry in both bivies in snow but never used them exposed directly to rain. The bibler uses the toddex fabric which has amazing breathability and is very rugged, but is heavy. The inner surface has a brushed fabric similar to the dripore rainsuits. I still use the bibler hooped bivy for winter trips.
My current setup for long distance hiking is a tarp and bivy sack both from moutain laurel designs. This setup weighs under a pound and is very versatile.
FamilyGuy
01-10-2009, 00:24
I agree with Dave. Condensation is the law and there is no way to avoid it in some conditions. Although E-Vent breaths really well and reduces the amount of condensation, condensation will occur. But is it going to be enough to cause problems?
Many swear by bivys so I'm not going to say one way or the other, but I do think a bivy/tarp combination works well in most conditions, but there are times when a tent is more appropriate in my opinion.
A tent can be just as light as a bivy/tarp combination.
I have two eVent bivvies and have never had any condensation. Unless you and 'Dave' use Event you can't really comment effectively on it. Use it and then report back.:-?
As far as some solo tents being just as light - that is true but you can still get lighter. A Grace Solo MLD tarp and Superlight bivy puts you at 10 oz with bug protection. What 'tent' provides the same coverage for 10 oz?
but the poles are just a fancy way to keep the fabric off your face. For use on a thru hike a tarp would be needed. I have stayed dry in both bivies in snow but never used them exposed directly to rain.
I used the old style lightsabre in Ak for 4 months and it was decent in light to medium rain. Unfortunately it had a saturation point where when the water would pool on it long enough it would start leaking. It just couldn't handle a heavy rain. Was pretty nice in the snow, there was some condensation but it was never that bad.
The new one I think would be much better, the poles help keep the fabric tight and I am sure that helps the rain from pooling and then saturating.
trail ronin
02-10-2009, 02:26
I've used the OR advanced bivy for years.
Very little to none problems with condensation.
Comes with bug netting for summer.
Lifetime warranty. Check it out.