dloome
08-16-2009, 21:25
I acquired a Titanium Goat 'Ptarmigan' bivy sack in early 2009 and have since carried it for perhaps 1,200 miles, slept in it @60 times, and have used it in a variety of conditions ranging from desert, to temperate forest to alpine. This review is based on these experiences.
Overview
Available from: Titanium Goat (www.titaniumgoat.com)
Weight: 5.8 ounces for bivy, stuff sack adds 0.2 oz (confirmed accurate on my scale)
Cost: $90 US
Uses
The Ptarmigan is not waterproof and is not intended as a stand-alone backpacking shelter. This type of bivy is intended to compliment the sleeping/shelter system of the ultralight tarp camper. The top of the bivy is made of a lightweight, highyl breathable DWR nylon and the bottom is waterproof siliconized nylon. The two-layer hood of the bivy contains a full bug-mesh hood, over which the DWR nylon hood may be optionally zipped for additional warmth/protection.
The bivy replaces a groundsheet, provides insect protection, adds additional weather protection from rain over-spray when under a tarp, and from condensation. It also adds a measure of warmth to a sleeping bag's temperature rating- In my experience, probably in the order of 6-8 degrees. When used in dry weather "cowboy" camping or within an 'AT' style shelter, the bivy makes a superb stand-alone shelter: Providing additonal warmth and insect protection while still allowing a view of the night sky, or without taking up the space of a tent inside a shelter.
The bivy features small loops on the hood so it can be raised off the face when sleeping. The loops can be attached to a tarp, an overhead branch, even a trekking pole stuck into the ground if neither is these is being used or available.
Performance
Thus far, the Ptarmigan bivy has performed exceptionally well. The DWR top does indeed protect against slight overspray and condensation, yet is highly breathable and has not yet condensed moisture within the bivy, even in humid, cool conditions. The silnlyon floor and raised 'bath-tub' style seam on the floor adequately protects against wet ground. The full mesh hood is excellent and the insect protection it offers for such a low weight is wonderful.
The cut of the bivy is generous. It is big enough to read inside, and to fit lofty winter bags. When used with my quilt, I also like how the bivy helps keep the quilt wrapped around me.
The construction of the bivy is excellent. All components are accurately cut and sewed, and seams are well finished. All materials are high quality.
Summary
The Titanium Goat Ptarmigan bivy is a highly functional and useful piece of gear, is well designed, and performs its intended functions very well.
When compared to similar products, the Ptarmigan also stands out for its low price, costing significantly (sometimes half as much) less than functionally equivalent products with equivalent weights.
I would very highly reccomend the Ptarmigan to anyone in the market for this type of bivy, particularly tarp campers and quilt users, and those in high bug areas.
Overview
Available from: Titanium Goat (www.titaniumgoat.com)
Weight: 5.8 ounces for bivy, stuff sack adds 0.2 oz (confirmed accurate on my scale)
Cost: $90 US
Uses
The Ptarmigan is not waterproof and is not intended as a stand-alone backpacking shelter. This type of bivy is intended to compliment the sleeping/shelter system of the ultralight tarp camper. The top of the bivy is made of a lightweight, highyl breathable DWR nylon and the bottom is waterproof siliconized nylon. The two-layer hood of the bivy contains a full bug-mesh hood, over which the DWR nylon hood may be optionally zipped for additional warmth/protection.
The bivy replaces a groundsheet, provides insect protection, adds additional weather protection from rain over-spray when under a tarp, and from condensation. It also adds a measure of warmth to a sleeping bag's temperature rating- In my experience, probably in the order of 6-8 degrees. When used in dry weather "cowboy" camping or within an 'AT' style shelter, the bivy makes a superb stand-alone shelter: Providing additonal warmth and insect protection while still allowing a view of the night sky, or without taking up the space of a tent inside a shelter.
The bivy features small loops on the hood so it can be raised off the face when sleeping. The loops can be attached to a tarp, an overhead branch, even a trekking pole stuck into the ground if neither is these is being used or available.
Performance
Thus far, the Ptarmigan bivy has performed exceptionally well. The DWR top does indeed protect against slight overspray and condensation, yet is highly breathable and has not yet condensed moisture within the bivy, even in humid, cool conditions. The silnlyon floor and raised 'bath-tub' style seam on the floor adequately protects against wet ground. The full mesh hood is excellent and the insect protection it offers for such a low weight is wonderful.
The cut of the bivy is generous. It is big enough to read inside, and to fit lofty winter bags. When used with my quilt, I also like how the bivy helps keep the quilt wrapped around me.
The construction of the bivy is excellent. All components are accurately cut and sewed, and seams are well finished. All materials are high quality.
Summary
The Titanium Goat Ptarmigan bivy is a highly functional and useful piece of gear, is well designed, and performs its intended functions very well.
When compared to similar products, the Ptarmigan also stands out for its low price, costing significantly (sometimes half as much) less than functionally equivalent products with equivalent weights.
I would very highly reccomend the Ptarmigan to anyone in the market for this type of bivy, particularly tarp campers and quilt users, and those in high bug areas.