Equinox Sleeping Bag Cover

[Footslogger]

Been toying with the idea of getting something to bump the comfort rating of my old faithful REI SubKilo bag and prevent moisture transfer from the walls of my tent. Found this product and wondered if it might be a possible alternative.

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catal...oductID=EQ3000

Anyone out there who's used it and has some feedback.

Thanks in advance ...

'Slogger

[Ewker]

isn't that more of a bivy than a cover?

[Footslogger]

isn't that more of a bivy than a cover?

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They use the word "bivy" in the product description but at 6.5 oz and given its construction I personally wouldn't classify it as a complete bivy shelter.

I would use it inside a tent as a sleeping bag cover.

Anyone else who has used this product ??

'Slogger

[Ewker]

I hit send to soon (got to donate so I can edit). I agree no way I would want that as my only shelter.

[bigcranky]

IIRC this was the best lightweight *non-waterproof* bivy in the recent review on backpackinglight. (Though they don't review their own products, so one of theirs might be comparable.) These bivvies are intended to be used under a tarp in bad weather, and prevent splashes and condensation from wetting your bag. They can also keep the bugs off if they have some netting over the face.

I haven't used the Equinox version, but I have an old Mountain Hardwear breathable (non-waterproof) bivy, and love it. I am going to make a new one out of lighter fabrics as my winter project.

[Footslogger]

[quote=bigcranky;296555]IIRC this was the best lightweight *non-waterproof* bivy in the recent review on backpackinglight. (Though they don't review their own products, so one of theirs might be comparable.) These bivvies are intended to be used under a tarp in bad weather, and prevent splashes and condensation from wetting your bag.

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Yeah ...I guess something like is is a bit of overkill if you are using a tent with a floor. Then again though, if it adds a little warmth to your bag and keeps the condensation off of it ...

'Slogger

[bigcranky]

Right, it might be overkill in a tent. But, you could use it in a shelter or out under the stars (just not when it's raining).

[Hana_Hanger]

I don't have any feedback...yet hat is what I am thinking of doing. In fact I just bought some Rip-Stop Nylon from a member here in WB and sewing up a simple bag to help protect a new down bag. At only 6.5 oz I would think it is a great way to protect your investment. As well as I am hoping it will add some degrees of warmth to another sleeping bag.

[hammock engineer]

I don't have any feedback...yet hat is what I am thinking of doing. In fact I just bought some Rip-Stop Nylon from a member here in WB and sewing up a simple bag to help protect a new down bag. At only 6.5 oz I would think it is a great way to protect your investment. As well as I am hoping it will add some degrees of warmth to another sleeping bag.

I think that will add some warmth. One thing to consider is that your body gives off mositure just like your breath. If your nylon cover is not breathable you will still get condensation inside the cover. Even if your head is sticking out.

[Footslogger]

I think that will add some warmth. One thing to consider is that your body gives off mositure just like your breath. If your nylon cover is not breathable you will still get condensation inside the cover. Even if your head is sticking out.

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That was/is a concern of mine. The Equinox model lists the top surface of the sack as being breatheable though.

'Slogger

[hammock engineer]

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That was/is a concern of mine. The Equinox model lists the top surface of the sack as being breatheable though.

'Slogger

If you can sew or know someone who does, try some cheap $1 a yard non coated ripstop from walmart. Probibly cost you all of $3 to try it out.

I have been biten by the DIY bug pretty hard so I tend to think along those lines.

[Footslogger]

If you can sew or know someone who does, try some cheap $1 a yard non coated ripstop from walmart. Probibly cost you all of $3 to try it out.

I have been biten by the DIY bug pretty hard so I tend to think along those lines.

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You're right ...I probably should go the DIY route. Have done some sewing but not with silnylon. Although, I like the fact that the Equinox item has a waterproof undersurface material.

'Slogger

[bulldog49]

Seems to me this item was designed to be used with a floorless tarp. I've toyed with getting one to use in this manner but I'm concerned how breathable it is.

[Footslogger]

Seems to me this item was designed to be used with a floorless tarp. I've toyed with getting one to use in this manner but I'm concerned how breathable it is.

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Well ...I went ahead and got one, so I'll let you know.

'Slogger

[Cheesewhiz]

Be prepared for serious condensation, in the foot box especially! I OWNED one, used it once and gave it to a friend and he used it once and gave it away and I believe it changed hands once more

[Footslogger]

Be prepared for serious condensation, in the foot box especially! I OWNED one, used it once and gave it to a friend and he used it once and gave it away and I believe it changed hands once more

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I wonder why ONLY in the foot area ?? Your feet sweat a lot normally ??


'Slogger

[Two Speed]

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That was/is a concern of mine. The Equinox model lists the top surface of the sack as being breatheable though.

'Slogger

'Slogger, I"ve got one of the old rectangular ones. I've played around using it with a 8' x 5' poncho as a tarp. I didn't have any noticable condensation problems so the upper half is breathable enough for me, anyway. The upper surface is DWR treated and seems pretty good, but I haven't had it out in a driving rain yet, either.

Two thoughts: condensation from perspiration might be more of a problem in a shelter, presuming you're planning on using it inside the SMD Lunar you've mentioned previously. Next, silnylon-on-silnylon sounds like you could be doing the "Slip 'Slogger" act again, if you're gonna use that in the Lunar. Might want to consider how you're going to handle that issue. Maybe some velcro or stripes of sealer?

On the plus side, if you do happen to do the Slip 'Slogger act you do have that nifty theme song that Hammerhead wrote!

That said, I have used the Equinox bivy a few times and am generally pleased with it. The rectangular one easily accomodates the pad inside the bivy, and as Bigcranky mentioned it would be great in a shelter.

Haven't played with that bivy/poncho rig since I bought a SMD Lunar, but I'm toying with trying it out again. I'm still fooling around trying to get a 2,000 CI daypack to work out for up to five days in mild weather. I'm pretty sure the bivy/poncho rig is going to be part of the system if I ever get it worked out.

[Footslogger]

'Slogger, I"ve got one of the old rectangular ones. I've played around using it with a 8' x 5' poncho as a tarp. I didn't have any noticable condensation problems so the upper half is breathable enough for me, anyway. The upper surface is DWR treated and seems pretty good, but I haven't had it out in a driving rain yet, either.

Two thoughts: condensation from perspiration might be more of a problem in a shelter, presuming you're planning on using it inside the SMD Lunar you've mentioned previously. Next, silnylon-on-silnylon sounds like you could be doing the "Slip 'Slogger" act again, if you're gonna use that in the Lunar. Might want to consider how you're going to handle that issue. Maybe some velcro or stripes of sealer?

On the plus side, if you do happen to do the Slip 'Slogger act you do have that nifty theme song that Hammerhead wrote!

That said, I have used the Equinox bivy a few times and am generally pleased with it. The rectangular one easily accomodates the pad inside the bivy, and as Bigcranky mentioned it would be great in a shelter.

Haven't played with that bivy/poncho rig since I bought a SMD Lunar, but I'm toying with trying it out again. I'm still fooling around trying to get a 2,000 CI daypack to work out for up to five days in mild weather. I'm pretty sure the bivy/poncho rig is going to be part of the system if I ever get it worked out.

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Been thinking about it for a few reasons ...

- keeping my sleeping bag from getting condenation from the tent

- adding warmth to my sleeping bag without a liner

- using it with a tarp on the PCT

Glad to hear you had decent results with it. The new one is mummy style and the dimension seem to be right. As far as the silnylon on silnylon thing goes ...I'll just have to wait and see. I use a 3/4 thermarest and I've already treated the floor of the tent. So hopefully there won't be too much SlipSlogging ...

'Slogger

[Two Speed]

From the little I know a tarp/bivy rig ought to be the bomb on the PCT. Maybe we can get Sly or Mags to give us their take.

[Johnny Swank]

If I ever get my butt over to the PCT, I'm going to do the poncho/bivy thing.