Because of this video I purchased the Dutch hooped bivvy and I've had 2 camps in it so far. It's cliche but honestly those 2 camps changed my life. I'm now addicted to watching the stars in my bivvy on a random mountain somewhere. Thank you so much.
@@onepalerider Hi Jeff, I'm in the UK and got it from Forces Uniform and Kit. They have some in stock but I'm unsure if they deliver to the states. Hope you find one or something similar bud!
When I was in the Canadian infantry, we were issued full Gore-Tex bivi bags - really nice, thick, fully taped, completely waterproof jobs. In your sleeping bag's "valise" (carrying cover), you learned to pack everything in order of necessity, so your bivi bag came out first, then your sleeping bag, and then a change of socks, toiletries, etc. Basically, everything you needed for comfort was in your valise, and the main rucksack was reserved for ammo, water and food. Eventually you could unpack the valise and get set up to sleep in pitch dark without any light. The Gore-Tex bivi bag was a haven; you could sleep comfortably in a muddy rut... literally anywhere, and (combined with a poncho or ground sheet to cover your face and equipment) you'd stay nice and dry and the bugs wouldn't get you.
It's funny, you might search and look at so many vids, but Simon always offers the most down to earth solution...and properly thinks through his presentation...cheers mate!
I also have the Dutch Bivi Bag. Mine is from Carinthia. I've never had a problem with it. It is one of the best outdoor gear I have ever bought. Even if you get caught in the rain, a dry sleeping setup is ready in 30 seconds! And it dries even if it is not very warm because it is airing out. As I said, one of the best things I have ever bought!
Simon,a bloke in the woods.Your reviews never fail to to make me happy :-) You cover any topic so clearly,thoroughly & with passion & honesty.Loved the "windsock effect "bivi at the end. So appreciate all time & huge efforts to share with us
This made smile. It's been years since I left the Army (British) The amount of nights on training exercises sleeping inside a bivi, staring at the stars, somewhere in the Scottish Highlands 💙 I can assure you, you can fit a fair amount of kit as well as a soldier in the British one 😉
Dutch bivvy - I really liked to put all the backpack and shoes where legs are, since it would rise it a bit and made kind of a tent shape creating additional air gap over the sleeping bag. An amazing review, thanks for sharing!
I love that the adverts are about exfoliating skin care, followed by flowers. It's so comforting that the target market is so on point. On a serious note, for all those on a tight budget, the British army issue bivvy is excellent. Tried and tested by yours truly for... 28 years. Yes, I'm an old witch. Backpacking, hiking and camping brings such pleasure in my life - sadly, interrupted by the 'work' thing - and I just want people to know that if they're interested in buggering off into the woods, or over the fells it's do-able. 'Gucci' gear is not required. Mind, once you get the bug you'll have a plethora of 'I didn't really need this', 'What did I buy this for?', 'it's not as good as I thought' rubbish! Anyhoo, loved the assessment, Simon. My loft's still got room; how's yours? ;)
I purchased a used gore-tex hooped bivy bag about 30 years and I still use it. The best feature is that it uses two poles which allows for more headroom and ventilation. There is nothing nicer than sleeping under the stars and breathing fresh air. The closest bivy bag in design and currently available is the Snugpak Stratosphere Bivvi Shelter.
I did the same thing when young, sleeping in a damp sleeping bag on the ground and eating trail mix, then moving to a proper camp when a little older with tent, cot, tables and chairs, the works, then moving to a motorhome in my forties, and finally to a bed & breakfast in the nearby town of the area I'm in now in my sixtties.
Have you seen what's covering the average hotel/motel bed? Looks like I found another use for a bivy bag. It'll provide a layer separation from the crusty bed sheets.
I'm 70. In central Europe, little hotels and penzions are often reasonably priced. In America, motels are really overpriced, no matter how much breakfast you can wolf down in the morning. I've saved trillions sleeping in front of Waffle Houses, relative security in the nighttime and a great quick order breakfast anytime at all
Sorry you guys found such deplorable conditions. I've only had one bad experience in the last 20-some years. I left shortly after I checked in because the room smelled of cat piss. I got no argument from the hostess who cancelled my room charge.
Your roll mat under the bivi-bag, rather than inside, will still provide insulation but will have the added benefit of protecting the floor of your bivibag from thorns and so forth. I do the same with my one-man tent, which I bought to replace my hooped bivi because it is much easier and drier when you need a wee in the middle of the night in a thunderstorm!
Excellent as ever Simon, many thanks. I have the British Army version which, whilst basic is excellent at just protecting my sleeping bag when out and about with various shelters. I also have a very tiny one man tent which uses two very light weight alli poles and which is a cross over between a 'proper' one man tent and a hooped bivvy. It just makes a bit of difference in comfort level and gives extra gear space. It can also pop in under a very low tarp if needs be for any extra covered space for cooking etc.
Wow. I am so glad to see this video. I have a bivy but never really knew it's use. I am clostrophobic and love the hoop,mesh and easy in. Love the comfort of a liner for me. Thank you.
I'm a motorcyclist, and I hate setting up a tent, plus their huge! My brothers old military bivy was just the ticket, but I couldn't use it because I was huge, now I've lost over 50 lbs and I fit. The condensation is an issue, your video has put me on the proper path to what I now want. Thanks!
Best used with a tarp or poncho. The over head cover, tarp or something, keeps the rain off so the bivi can breath, and gives an admin area. Without it bivi bags are more short term survival bag or a fair weather system. I've used bivi bags plenty but now find tents more comfortable.
I only just subbed a month ago. I’m a big fan of the channel already :) I went ahead and got a dutch camo bivvy based on your review. I’ve used it a few times already in both forests and city parks, and so far I think it’s great. Stealthy and well designed.
Thanks for this thoughtful, thorough, informative video. This was the best primer I could find on UA-cam that outlined the practical pros and cons for a hiker considering trying this style of shelter system. Keep up the fine work.
I have the MOD bivvy in DPM and an MSS. One great thing about the MSS bag/bivvy combo is I can use it like a quilt with a foot box when the claustrophobia gets bad.
The suggestion to bring a tarp is something I always do as well. This gives you a place to cook your food and relax out of the rain (as well as a cover for the bivi entry).
The last couple of years I’ve become a big fan of ultralight bivvies like those from Borah Gear here in the US. While not totally waterproof on their own, they are brilliant paired with a tarp. Lightweight and very reasonably priced.
The first Bivi is just like the one I used in the Canadian Army. They are awesome. And your right!! You can sleep with your rifle and I have! Awesome video brother. Thanks for another great one!
"Pads, pillow, and other paraphernalia". You're quite the wordsmith, Simon. Keep up the good work. I'm still taken with your Baker tent video. That's an impressive shelter, if I may say. I appreciate your first hand knowledge on camping gear choice.
I bought a Highland bivi bag years ago bc it was the only one with a detachable bug net I could afford at the time. Not very small or light, but very breathable and waterproof even now. Been meaning to upgrade for ages, since I lost the bug net, but... I just haven't.
My bivi bag is a Winterial model with head and foot half-hoops for suspension. That keeps the covering material up and away from my body, providing better ventilation and roominess. The inner system has full mesh covering and a clip on, stake out fly provides very good weather protection.
If you could combine the Terra Nova with the Dutch Army that would be really nice. I like the amount of mosquito netting space of the Terra Nova as I'm somewhat claustrophobic, and I like the entry method of the Dutch Army for much the same reason. If my claustrophobia flairs up I just have to get out of whatever I'm in quickly, and it seems the Dutch Army would provide the quickest escape. A tarp over the the whole outside is a great idea also. Going from dry into either a downpour or a snowstorm is never a pleasant experience. Great video Simon. Thanks for taking the time to show your gear. amb
Simon, you went to a lot of trouble, gathering the bivys bags, the sleeping bags, videoing climbing in and out, sheesh, makes me tired just thinking it. You are an extraordinary teacher! All of it was so well presented. I had a US Army bivy bag when I was in the army. Used it one time in deep wet snow, after days of no sleep. Comfort? I didn’t care. My sleep time was shorter than the time it took to lay it out. It was extraordinarily heavy and awkward winter gear. I hate the memory... Thank you for this lesson. We never got one in the army. Texas
Thanks for your reply. I might consider the right bevy. Your lesson was encouraging. I am normally a tarp guy, although I just bought a Z-packs Duplex and a Dyneema tarp. Both make a perfect combo. Have you ever used a small tarp over the door of your tent? It’s wonderful for the rain. Texas
The Corinthian Survival One is top of sleeping bag bucket list! Food for thought….the USMC Gen II gortex bivy that combos the MSS system is awesome! The snugpak bivy is pretty great as well…along w the Snugpak jungle bag that has built in big mesh
I'm a US Military sleep system guy. Love it. For all the notations about very InClement weather. I keep a 5x7 nylon tarp like Simon near the end of the vid. Works perfect... in good weather makes a great shade spot for cooking/hanging out under as well.
I have one of the Dutch army bivvies and two of the British army Gore-Tex bags. I use the Gore-Tex bags loads, they’re great for adding a bit of extra warmth to any camping trip and they stop your sleeping bag getting wet/damp if the tent leaks.
Forgot to mention bivi bags are good to use in a tent as well. Not only does it keep your sleeping bag dry but if your tent fails and you are out in the middle of nowhere you still have a shelter for the night! always have a back up plan!
Great tips. Agree with the tarp, I always use one despite extra weight. Good for storing gear if wet, good for getting changed if wet, good for cooking under if wet, let’s you open the bivy for ventilation. If you want a no 6, I can highly recommend the macpac bush cocoon, a cross between the terra nova and Dutch army bivy. With a tarp you can leave the side door open with just the mossy net for excellent ventilation.
I love my bivys. I did once own the Mil-tec one and I can mirror the comments on it being complete garbage. It did not breath at all and was gotten rid of within a few months of getting it. My advice for anyone looking at it, do not bother! It is trash.
Thank you for another great video. Ventilation is very important. If you find yourself in a true multi day survival situation keeping your gear dry from day to day will be essential. I like to have one or more synthetic towels in my kit. You can wipe off condensation build up if you notice it even in the middle of the night and place the towel in a water proof bag to keep it from freezing in the winter or place it outside in warmer weather. It actually works best once it is a little damp as the moisture is absorbed by capillary action. So if you're in your bag wipe up the condensation and then stow it in your water proof bag or ring it out side the bag and then stow the damp cloth in the water proof bag. If you can get an original sham wow they work great.
I was looking into the Dutch Army Hooped Bivi, I can choose between the Spanish manufactured one and the Carinthia one! (I'm Dutch myself, maybe that makes things easier) It's 60% more expensive but I'm sure it's well worth the money!
Excellent video - thank you. I use a US military surplus goretex bivy. Sometimes I use it for the extra warmth. Also, in high winds it really helps prevent heat loss. Sometimes I use it inside a tent. In really cold conditions, it's two down sleeping bags, one inside the other, plus bivy, plus tent. I usually used a closed cell pad underneath an inflatable pad, for the extra insulation in the cold, plus the insurance against ending up on the ground with a slow leak. I haven't yet tried an insulated inflatable with a high R value, but the Exped down-filled inflatable has caught my interest.
As a hammock guy, I absolutely HATE sleeping on the ground. However I do have 2 options for when trees are out of the picture : a Snugpak Stratosphere bivy and a Snugpak Ionosphere 1 man tent bivy. They are both built amazingly well and have kept me dry in some pretty nasty storms. My hammocks are always my first choice, but I think it's always smart to have a plan B. I usually carry the smaller Stratosphere with me on the bottom of my Helikon-Tex H harness for when I'm out doing solo trail maintenance, and have the Ionosphere in my truck kit as part of my emergency shelter and gear. Cool vid, sub'd.
Have you looked into a bridge hammock? Its far more comfortable for sleeping like you do. Look at the Banyon bridge from Dutchware, the Bear Mountain Bridge from Jacks r Better or the Ridgerunner from Warbonnet. You get a virtually flat lay w/o they pressure points ground sleeping gives. Could be something to check out if you're interested in trying it ever again. Although, some people just don't like it either way, so HYOH right? As long as YOU are comfortable, that's all that matters honestly.....
@@ChesapeakeHammockandOutdoors no mate, I think the Banyon type hammocks are also crap. I either sleep in my X5 or on a Bedchair inside a bivvy or under the stars on an air mat. Either way, I enjoy a very comfortable sleep during all seasons.
I loved my issued bivi bag. A bit of a pain to get in but great. I used to just slide further down and then pull the hood flap over my head. Spent a few nights in the rain like that with no problem even when i didnt use a tarp.
I love the Storm Cecil, better than Clara. You’re such a teacher Simon.Preparation is all. Fantastic precise video, all you need to know. Well done again.
but Cecil would've been a mild storm, if a storm at all..........because women are fierce thats why loads of severe weather will have female names ha ha
I purchased my mss gortex bivy 6 years ago paid 15$ for used it a couple of times .Last night I tried it out 50° rain a d windy love it super dry ,matched with my therma rest neolite pad and sleeping bag awsome set up .cheers
It is a double-hooped bivvi. Es ist ein Bivvy mit Anhebungen durch kurze gebogene Zeltstangen an beiden Enden. Es ist sehr komfortabel ( #29 und #29-2 ). Freundlichst Fiete
@@tannenherz also so etwas wie der Niederländische Militär Biwak Sack eigentlich schon ein Zelt.Habe ich in Ziviler Ausführung würde ich aber nie wieder kaufen ,habe das für den West Highland Way gekauft und vor Platzangst fast durchgedreht :)
@ Outdoor Adventure: Das Modell von Geertop ist, auch durch die Aufstellbügel aus Aluminium, noch etwas geräumiger. Es hat einen Seiteneinstieg und auf der gesamten Breite ein Mückennetzt. Dazu kommt noch an beiden Enden eine gegen Regenwasser geschützte Belüftung mit einem Mückennetz. Vom Komfort her schon fast overdosed ;-) Aber das kannst Du Dir ja bei mir ansehen. Freundlichst Fiete
I love my jack wolfskin bivy my favorite over anything i got to many tents hahaha i also love bivy for stealth because i sleep near or in abandoned places. Greets from holland
Hahaha - how do you think I felt doing all the squirming!! 😂 I use them for lightweight backpacking (the third and fourth models) in the mountains where flat spots for a tent and trees are rare or when I want to camp unnoticed. 👍
Also have the Mil-Tec bag. In German Milt-Tec is called "Müll-Tec", means "trash-tec". After my first night with it, my sleeping bag was soaked wet from the moist inside. Obviously the membrane does not work (proper).
It's been 4 years - but I can 100% confirm this. While it will keep you warm and keep you safe from rain and wind - your sleeping bag will be wet in the morning. That's generally the issue with mil-tec, it's utter crap.
I checked my Dutch Hooped Bivvy to see where it was made - apparently made by a German company called 'Feuchter Workwear Gmbh' in October 2003. I this a third company? Great video as usual! 👍🏻😎
Feuchter made the bivvybags under licence of Carinthia. It`s exactley the same quality as opposed to the FECSA stuff. I have a Feuchter myself, happy with it!
I have the latest, so I was told, British Army bivy. It's Gore Tex and very large. I have only tried it out once in light rain so cannot yet say it's brilliant in heavy torrential rain, I can say I had no condensation problems when I woke up in the morning.
I bought an XL Dutch Army Hooped Bivi Lasted 30minutes in February No air and far too hot. Plus my knackered hip was no good getting in and out. Hilleberg Akto for me now. Plus Polish Lavvu
Having spent many many nights in the first bivi bag you cover, the British Army issue goretex bivi bag, I can attest that it is quality and for the price, it is an absolute steal. Stick a rollmat or similar underneath or inside, together with a decent sleeping bag and I have been in sub zero with snow and ice aplenty and been very comfortable, with no water ingress even in the wettest of conditions. Top tip, they are very big with plenty of room, draw the hood drawstring tight, and leave a hole where you mouth is for maximum warmth and protection whilst also allowing the moisture from your breath to easily escape. One of the best pieces of kit I had.
The problem I have with bivy bags is they are somehow usually heavier then just using a tarp and ground sheet, but with much less room, comfort and more fussing about.
@@simonablokeinthewoods Maybe, I've never gotten wet under a tarp, so long as it's big enough and pitched correctly. I have used a Snugpak Stratosphere, it's got plenty of breathability and a fairly large bug mesh for ventilation and I still found myself a bit soaked in the morning from condensation.
He SPEAKS! Hi Simon! I've seen you on Kent Survival a lot. Finally came over here. Your description and presentation were very helpful as well as understandable!
I have a hooped bivvy, a surplus woodland camo US ECOTAT love it, full Goretex and hooped at both ends with a full side zip entry. Makes a "poncho, sit shelter and Anorak" just under 5 lbs or 2.27 kg. And you can use it for a hammock or in the worse case a body bag. Add a candle lantern and a woobie to enjoy comfort into the 40 F or 4.4 C, yes it has end vents to assure your candle won't kill you, lol. Bivvy camping is great
I giggled at that also. I am still waiting for a good deal on a u.s. MSS bivy. I've been waiting all winter! By the time I get one when I won't need one until next winter. 😁😁😁
I bought a Karrimor Goretex single hoop bivi bag 15 or so years ago. I've only used it a handful of times. I proved it is 50% waterproof one night, because I'm sure it didn't let a single drop of rain back out! However, I've had adventures in it, sleeping in a lay by on a motorcycle trip on the way up to John o'Groats, and then one night out on the moor on Orkney. It's more "sleeping" than "camping". Once you're inside, you can't move about much, and camping activities like cooking are just not possible if it's raining outside. My biggest recommendation is get one that lets some light through the fabric. Mine is like lying in a coffin: pitch black inside.
Yes, they are more of a sleeping bag cover than a tent really - that’s where the tarp comes in - somewhere to sit, cook, store you stuff. 👍 I much prefer it to sleeping in a tent.
This is a British channel, we got rid of all our dangerous wild animals centuries ago such as wolves and bears, one of the first countries to do so successfully through bounties and systematic hunting programs - cool history but not great ecologically.
Very good thanks. Have used various set-ups, winter and summer. The problem with the one at the end (bivi bag + tarp + footprint) is that it weighs almost as much as a lightweight tent and the tent, though less 'adventurous', has more room for gear as well as being better weather and midge protection. Bivi bags are great for where a tent won't work, like in snow holes or in rocky or glaciated high mountains. This is where they come in to their own in my experience.
Thanks for the great video. I've only used a bivvy when tarp camping (head and gear slept under the tarp) and never really considered a hooped bivvy. Your video gave some good reasons to consider one. Also, great idea having a small ground cloth to use as a stepping pad (welcome mat) when getting in and out of the bivvy. Probably good to put my stove on as well while cooking.
Me too, I was thinking exactly that, when he was squeezing into the smaller ones. I do have an Australian Military Bivi that I do fit into, but my back is way too crook to use it now, the grandchildren will probably get it.
Because of this video I purchased the Dutch hooped bivvy and I've had 2 camps in it so far. It's cliche but honestly those 2 camps changed my life. I'm now addicted to watching the stars in my bivvy on a random mountain somewhere. Thank you so much.
it's a Championship Bivvy!
looking for one, NOW!
@Advanced Driving 👍😂🤣
Where did you purchase yours from? I haven’t been able to find any here in the U.S.
@@onepalerider Hi Jeff, I'm in the UK and got it from Forces Uniform and Kit. They have some in stock but I'm unsure if they deliver to the states. Hope you find one or something similar bud!
@@Jezek2202
Thank you for the reply! They do ship to the U.S. , I will be ordering mine!
When I was in the Canadian infantry, we were issued full Gore-Tex bivi bags - really nice, thick, fully taped, completely waterproof jobs. In your sleeping bag's "valise" (carrying cover), you learned to pack everything in order of necessity, so your bivi bag came out first, then your sleeping bag, and then a change of socks, toiletries, etc. Basically, everything you needed for comfort was in your valise, and the main rucksack was reserved for ammo, water and food. Eventually you could unpack the valise and get set up to sleep in pitch dark without any light. The Gore-Tex bivi bag was a haven; you could sleep comfortably in a muddy rut... literally anywhere, and (combined with a poncho or ground sheet to cover your face and equipment) you'd stay nice and dry and the bugs wouldn't get you.
Still got mine .and your right about packing .but I had a MKT and ML most of the time
@@jihomet7607 Haha, lucky. ML-o-copter.
Cool!😉🇨🇦
Did you use ones with hoops or just bags?
@@jeddy_bravo Just bags. Hoops would be more to carry and fuss with when you usually only have an hour or two to sleep.
It's funny, you might search and look at so many vids, but Simon always offers the most down to earth solution...and properly thinks through his presentation...cheers mate!
I also have the Dutch Bivi Bag. Mine is from Carinthia. I've never had a problem with it. It is one of the best outdoor gear I have ever bought. Even if you get caught in the rain, a dry sleeping setup is ready in 30 seconds! And it dries even if it is not very warm because it is airing out.
As I said, one of the best things I have ever bought!
Simon,a bloke in the woods.Your reviews never fail to to make me happy :-) You cover any topic so clearly,thoroughly & with passion & honesty.Loved the "windsock effect "bivi at the end. So appreciate all time & huge efforts to share with us
Thank you!! 😁
This made smile. It's been years since I left the Army (British) The amount of nights on training exercises sleeping inside a bivi, staring at the stars, somewhere in the Scottish Highlands 💙 I can assure you, you can fit a fair amount of kit as well as a soldier in the British one 😉
Yep my mate even managed to fit a small woman in his with him as well?
The giggling kept me awake most of the night, I don't recommend it. Ha.
Nicely edited and well paced. You showed me everything I needed to know without the usual UA-cam digressions. Thanks!
Dutch bivvy - I really liked to put all the backpack and shoes where legs are, since it would rise it a bit and made kind of a tent shape creating additional air gap over the sleeping bag. An amazing review, thanks for sharing!
i love coming across this kind of content when im looking to make a well informed decision. excellent video. straight to the point and professional.
I have the Dutch hooped bivi for a few years now.. It is brilliant!
One night I had to sleep like this, I had no choice. At the end it was one of the best nights of that week. Be kind to nature 🌳🌲🙂
Thank you for getting in and out of each one. Seeing that helps make decisions. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
It’s been said already but ‘I only have five of them’ that did make me chuckle! Thanks for the video Simon. Great stuff!
I love that the adverts are about exfoliating skin care, followed by flowers. It's so comforting that the target market is so on point.
On a serious note, for all those on a tight budget, the British army issue bivvy is excellent. Tried and tested by yours truly for... 28 years. Yes, I'm an old witch.
Backpacking, hiking and camping brings such pleasure in my life - sadly, interrupted by the 'work' thing - and I just want people to know that if they're interested in buggering off into the woods, or over the fells it's do-able. 'Gucci' gear is not required.
Mind, once you get the bug you'll have a plethora of 'I didn't really need this', 'What did I buy this for?', 'it's not as good as I thought' rubbish!
Anyhoo, loved the assessment, Simon. My loft's still got room; how's yours? ;)
Hahaha - a fellow gear junkie then!! My loft is chockablock! Can’t beat the British army one for value and simplicity! 👍
@@simonablokeinthewoods I have learned to resist acquiring any more gear... ish.
I purchased a used gore-tex hooped bivy bag about 30 years and I still use it. The best feature is that it uses two poles which allows for more headroom and ventilation. There is nothing nicer than sleeping under the stars and breathing fresh air. The closest bivy bag in design and currently available is the Snugpak Stratosphere Bivvi Shelter.
As a younger man, I enjoyed camping. As an older man, I enjoy Holiday Inns.
13thBear H Inns. General downgraded to current Filthy accommodations
I did the same thing when young, sleeping in a damp sleeping bag on the ground and eating trail mix, then moving to a proper camp when a little older with tent, cot, tables and chairs, the works, then moving to a motorhome in my forties, and finally to a bed & breakfast in the nearby town of the area I'm in now in my sixtties.
Have you seen what's covering the average hotel/motel bed? Looks like I found another use for a bivy bag. It'll provide a layer separation from the crusty bed sheets.
I'm 70. In central Europe, little hotels and penzions are often reasonably priced. In America, motels are really overpriced, no matter how much breakfast you can wolf down in the morning. I've saved trillions sleeping in front of Waffle Houses, relative security in the nighttime and a great quick order breakfast anytime at all
Sorry you guys found such deplorable conditions. I've only had one bad experience in the last 20-some years. I left shortly after I checked in because the room smelled of cat piss. I got no argument from the hostess who cancelled my room charge.
Your roll mat under the bivi-bag, rather than inside, will still provide insulation but will have the added benefit of protecting the floor of your bivibag from thorns and so forth. I do the same with my one-man tent, which I bought to replace my hooped bivi because it is much easier and drier when you need a wee in the middle of the night in a thunderstorm!
Excellent as ever Simon, many thanks. I have the British Army version which, whilst basic is excellent at just protecting my sleeping bag when out and about with various shelters. I also have a very tiny one man tent which uses two very light weight alli poles and which is a cross over between a 'proper' one man tent and a hooped bivvy. It just makes a bit of difference in comfort level and gives extra gear space. It can also pop in under a very low tarp if needs be for any extra covered space for cooking etc.
Wow. I am so glad to see this video. I have a bivy but never really knew it's use.
I am clostrophobic and love the hoop,mesh and easy in.
Love the comfort of a liner for me. Thank you.
Hello from the Hudson Valley, NY. Great job Simon de-mystifying bivi bags for us and sharing your expert tips!
I'm a motorcyclist, and I hate setting up a tent, plus their huge!
My brothers old military bivy was just the ticket, but I couldn't use it because I was huge, now I've lost over 50 lbs and I fit. The condensation is an issue, your video has put me on the proper path to what I now want.
Thanks!
Best used with a tarp or poncho.
The over head cover, tarp or something, keeps the rain off so the bivi can breath, and gives an admin area. Without it bivi bags are more short term survival bag or a fair weather system.
I've used bivi bags plenty but now find tents more comfortable.
Excellent demo . Like everything outdoors, pros and cons with absolutely everything. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪
I only just subbed a month ago. I’m a big fan of the channel already :) I went ahead and got a dutch camo bivvy based on your review. I’ve used it a few times already in both forests and city parks, and so far I think it’s great. Stealthy and well designed.
Thank you very much. I've learned more in this video than in 20 years reading manuals and such
This is a brilliant series simon , thankyou for taking the time out to create these series 👌👍
Thanks for this thoughtful, thorough, informative video. This was the best primer I could find on UA-cam that outlined the practical pros and cons for a hiker considering trying this style of shelter system. Keep up the fine work.
I have the MOD bivvy in DPM and an MSS. One great thing about the MSS bag/bivvy combo is I can use it like a quilt with a foot box when the claustrophobia gets bad.
The suggestion to bring a tarp is something I always do as well. This gives you a place to cook your food and relax out of the rain (as well as a cover for the bivi entry).
The last couple of years I’ve become a big fan of ultralight bivvies like those from Borah Gear here in the US. While not totally waterproof on their own, they are brilliant paired with a tarp. Lightweight and very reasonably priced.
The first Bivi is just like the one I used in the Canadian Army. They are awesome. And your right!! You can sleep with your rifle and I have! Awesome video brother. Thanks for another great one!
The zips always go wrong on those Dutch bags. Mine still lasted 12 years and 6 op’s. Got a YKK zip fitted by the unit kit repairer.
You cannot beat ykk zippers mate.🤠🇦🇺
"Pads, pillow, and other paraphernalia". You're quite the wordsmith, Simon. Keep up the good work. I'm still taken with your Baker tent video. That's an impressive shelter, if I may say. I appreciate your first hand knowledge on camping gear choice.
I bought a Highland bivi bag years ago bc it was the only one with a detachable bug net I could afford at the time. Not very small or light, but very breathable and waterproof even now. Been meaning to upgrade for ages, since I lost the bug net, but... I just haven't.
My bivi bag is a Winterial model with head and foot half-hoops for suspension. That keeps the covering material up and away from my body, providing better ventilation and roominess. The inner system has full mesh covering and a clip on, stake out fly provides very good weather protection.
If you could combine the Terra Nova with the Dutch Army that would be really nice. I like the amount of mosquito netting space of the Terra Nova as I'm somewhat claustrophobic, and I like the entry method of the Dutch Army for much the same reason. If my claustrophobia flairs up I just have to get out of whatever I'm in quickly, and it seems the Dutch Army would provide the quickest escape. A tarp over the the whole outside is a great idea also. Going from dry into either a downpour or a snowstorm is never a pleasant experience. Great video Simon. Thanks for taking the time to show your gear. amb
Thank you! There are other designs about with features that match what you’ve described - try the MacPac Bush cocoon 👍
Simon, you went to a lot of trouble, gathering the bivys bags, the sleeping bags, videoing climbing in and out, sheesh, makes me tired just thinking it. You are an extraordinary teacher! All of it was so well presented. I had a US Army bivy bag when I was in the army. Used it one time in deep wet snow, after days of no sleep. Comfort? I didn’t care. My sleep time was shorter than the time it took to lay it out. It was extraordinarily heavy and awkward winter gear. I hate the memory... Thank you for this lesson. We never got one in the army. Texas
Thanks mate! After the experience of bivi bags you had, I can understand why youd never entertain the idea again!! 👍
Thanks for your reply. I might consider the right bevy. Your lesson was encouraging. I am normally a tarp guy, although I just bought a Z-packs Duplex and a Dyneema tarp. Both make a perfect combo. Have you ever used a small tarp over the door of your tent? It’s wonderful for the rain. Texas
Hats off for the title alone mate 😂
😉😂👍
The Corinthian Survival One is top of sleeping bag bucket list! Food for thought….the USMC Gen II gortex bivy that combos the MSS system is awesome! The snugpak bivy is pretty great as well…along w the Snugpak jungle bag that has built in big mesh
I'm a US Military sleep system guy. Love it. For all the notations about very InClement weather. I keep a 5x7 nylon tarp like Simon near the end of the vid. Works perfect... in good weather makes a great shade spot for cooking/hanging out under as well.
I’m liking this series. Thanks for sharing!
I have one of the Dutch army bivvies and two of the British army Gore-Tex bags. I use the Gore-Tex bags loads, they’re great for adding a bit of extra warmth to any camping trip and they stop your sleeping bag getting wet/damp if the tent leaks.
Forgot to mention bivi bags are good to use in a tent as well. Not only does it keep your sleeping bag dry but if your tent fails and you are out in the middle of nowhere you still have a shelter for the night! always have a back up plan!
It boosts your sleeping bags rating by a season too. 👍
Yes, I recommend doing that, it works.
@@simonablokeinthewoods You should pin the comment.
Great tips. Agree with the tarp, I always use one despite extra weight. Good for storing gear if wet, good for getting changed if wet, good for cooking under if wet, let’s you open the bivy for ventilation.
If you want a no 6, I can highly recommend the macpac bush cocoon, a cross between the terra nova and Dutch army bivy. With a tarp you can leave the side door open with just the mossy net for excellent ventilation.
Oooh - I’ll take a look at those - sounds good! 👍
I love my bivys. I did once own the Mil-tec one and I can mirror the comments on it being complete garbage. It did not breath at all and was gotten rid of within a few months of getting it. My advice for anyone looking at it, do not bother! It is trash.
Thank you for another great video. Ventilation is very important. If you find yourself in a true multi day survival situation keeping your gear dry from day to day will be essential. I like to have one or more synthetic towels in my kit. You can wipe off condensation build up if you notice it even in the middle of the night and place the towel in a water proof bag to keep it from freezing in the winter or place it outside in warmer weather. It actually works best once it is a little damp as the moisture is absorbed by capillary action. So if you're in your bag wipe up the condensation and then stow it in your water proof bag or ring it out side the bag and then stow the damp cloth in the water proof bag. If you can get an original sham wow they work great.
I love bivves but at seventy three I have swung over more to using them in the winter with a tarp and a tarp and net in the summer
Excellent video; short; no wasted waffle; shows everything I needed to know. You a nice job.
"these are my bivy bags, I only have FIVE of them" heck, I only have ZERO of them!
I have used my Dutch Army Bivvy at least 10 times while stealth camping and love it, great and roomy.
I was looking into the Dutch Army Hooped Bivi, I can choose between the Spanish manufactured one and the Carinthia one! (I'm Dutch myself, maybe that makes things easier)
It's 60% more expensive but I'm sure it's well worth the money!
I have a Carinthia bivy and I would swear by it. Never used a sleeping mat, kept me dry, never ripped, breathable, and super lightweight
Excellent video - thank you.
I use a US military surplus goretex bivy. Sometimes I use it for the extra warmth. Also, in high winds it really helps prevent heat loss. Sometimes I use it inside a tent. In really cold conditions, it's two down sleeping bags, one inside the other, plus bivy, plus tent.
I usually used a closed cell pad underneath an inflatable pad, for the extra insulation in the cold, plus the insurance against ending up on the ground with a slow leak.
I haven't yet tried an insulated inflatable with a high R value, but the Exped down-filled inflatable has caught my interest.
Store boots, store Maggie! Yeah, lots of room in the Dutch Army hoop bivy.
I purchased a carinthia explorer 2 plus last October after much research. Absolutely no regrets ❤️❤️awesome video!!!😎
As a hammock guy, I absolutely HATE sleeping on the ground. However I do have 2 options for when trees are out of the picture : a Snugpak Stratosphere bivy and a Snugpak Ionosphere 1 man tent bivy. They are both built amazingly well and have kept me dry in some pretty nasty storms. My hammocks are always my first choice, but I think it's always smart to have a plan B. I usually carry the smaller Stratosphere with me on the bottom of my Helikon-Tex H harness for when I'm out doing solo trail maintenance, and have the Ionosphere in my truck kit as part of my emergency shelter and gear. Cool vid, sub'd.
I absolutely hate hammocks and find sleeping on terra firma far more comfortable, especially when I prefer sleeping on my stomach or side.
Have you looked into a bridge hammock? Its far more comfortable for sleeping like you do. Look at the Banyon bridge from Dutchware, the Bear Mountain Bridge from Jacks r Better or the Ridgerunner from Warbonnet. You get a virtually flat lay w/o they pressure points ground sleeping gives. Could be something to check out if you're interested in trying it ever again. Although, some people just don't like it either way, so HYOH right? As long as YOU are comfortable, that's all that matters honestly.....
@@ChesapeakeHammockandOutdoors no mate, I think the Banyon type hammocks are also crap. I either sleep in my X5 or on a Bedchair inside a bivvy or under the stars on an air mat. Either way, I enjoy a very comfortable sleep during all seasons.
I loved my issued bivi bag. A bit of a pain to get in but great. I used to just slide further down and then pull the hood flap over my head. Spent a few nights in the rain like that with no problem even when i didnt use a tarp.
I love the Storm Cecil, better than Clara. You’re such a teacher Simon.Preparation is all. Fantastic precise video, all you need to know. Well done again.
exactly!
Yes. Us Irish and our silly names!
but Cecil would've been a mild storm, if a storm at all..........because women are fierce thats why loads of severe weather will have female names ha ha
I purchased my mss gortex bivy 6 years ago paid 15$ for used it a couple of times .Last night I tried it out 50° rain a d windy love it super dry ,matched with my therma rest neolite pad and sleeping bag awsome set up .cheers
i only have 5 of them ,yeah iam sure there are People around they have more :)
High, do you have the Geertop-Bivvy too ? Kindly Fiete
@@tannenherz was ischn des?
It is a double-hooped bivvi. Es ist ein Bivvy mit Anhebungen durch kurze gebogene Zeltstangen an beiden Enden. Es ist sehr komfortabel ( #29 und #29-2 ). Freundlichst Fiete
@@tannenherz also so etwas wie der Niederländische Militär Biwak Sack eigentlich schon ein Zelt.Habe ich in Ziviler Ausführung würde ich aber nie wieder kaufen ,habe das für den West Highland Way gekauft und vor Platzangst fast durchgedreht :)
@ Outdoor Adventure: Das Modell von Geertop ist, auch durch die Aufstellbügel aus Aluminium, noch etwas geräumiger. Es hat einen Seiteneinstieg und auf der gesamten Breite ein Mückennetzt. Dazu kommt noch an beiden Enden eine gegen Regenwasser geschützte Belüftung mit einem Mückennetz. Vom Komfort her schon fast overdosed ;-) Aber das kannst Du Dir ja bei mir ansehen. Freundlichst Fiete
The netting on that Dutch bivy is awesomely placed. I wish my Rab Unishelter was like that!
“I only have five” 😂
I love my jack wolfskin bivy my favorite over anything i got to many tents hahaha i also love bivy for stealth because i sleep near or in abandoned places. Greets from holland
Who gives this guy a thumbs down? Tossers do!!!
Just looking at bivvi bags, so did a quick UA-cam search…great to see one of my favourite channels has me covered for advice!😊
This series is coming along well buddy, I've noticed you are gaining subs fast great job & great info/tips ;) peace
I have a few, my favorite in the Outdoor research advanced bivi a gortex 4 season shelter. awesome
🖖❤️🏕️
Just watching you squirming into the bags made me sweaty 😂
What kind of trips you do where you prefer bivvy over a hammock or a tent?
Hahaha - how do you think I felt doing all the squirming!! 😂
I use them for lightweight backpacking (the third and fourth models) in the mountains where flat spots for a tent and trees are rare or when I want to camp unnoticed. 👍
Great tips Simon - very helpful and informative - Chris 👍
Also have the Mil-Tec bag. In German Milt-Tec is called "Müll-Tec", means "trash-tec". After my first night with it, my sleeping bag was soaked wet from the moist inside. Obviously the membrane does not work (proper).
That backs up my thoughts on it too! 👍 Thanks mate!
It's been 4 years - but I can 100% confirm this. While it will keep you warm and keep you safe from rain and wind - your sleeping bag will be wet in the morning.
That's generally the issue with mil-tec, it's utter crap.
Cool video 👍👍 very educational regarding the Bivi bags.
Nice one Simon.
"I only have 5 bivi bags".... :) atb
Some very good tips for carrying light and camping anywhere available and safe. Thank you very much for this interesting video.
I checked my Dutch Hooped Bivvy to see where it was made - apparently made by a German company called 'Feuchter Workwear Gmbh' in October 2003. I this a third company? Great video as usual! 👍🏻😎
Ah, it must be! Being German made, I’m certain the quality will be up there with Carinthia. 👍
Simon, a bloke in the woods Yes, I must admit, no complaints at all so far! 👍🏻😎
Feuchter made the bivvybags under licence of Carinthia. It`s exactley the same quality as opposed to the FECSA stuff. I have a Feuchter myself, happy with it!
I have the latest, so I was told, British Army bivy. It's Gore Tex and very large. I have only tried it out once in light rain so cannot yet say it's brilliant in heavy torrential rain, I can say I had no condensation problems when I woke up in the morning.
I always felt like roasting in my own sweat in these things, that's why I switched back to a tiny tent.
Teepee is best.
I bought an XL Dutch Army Hooped Bivi
Lasted 30minutes in February
No air and far too hot. Plus my knackered hip was no good getting in and out.
Hilleberg Akto for me now. Plus Polish Lavvu
Having spent many many nights in the first bivi bag you cover, the British Army issue goretex bivi bag, I can attest that it is quality and for the price, it is an absolute steal. Stick a rollmat or similar underneath or inside, together with a decent sleeping bag and I have been in sub zero with snow and ice aplenty and been very comfortable, with no water ingress even in the wettest of conditions. Top tip, they are very big with plenty of room, draw the hood drawstring tight, and leave a hole where you mouth is for maximum warmth and protection whilst also allowing the moisture from your breath to easily escape.
One of the best pieces of kit I had.
And yes, I always slept with my rifle, just slightly ticked under my side so I always knew it was there and could grab it at a moment's notice.
I wonder if anybody's ever thought that bivi bags look like soft shell coffins :)
Jackson c.
No, but a sofa does 🤔
Bear burrito
This is the best bivi bag review I've seen so far 👍
The problem I have with bivy bags is they are somehow usually heavier then just using a tarp and ground sheet, but with much less room, comfort and more fussing about.
True, they are heavier, but add another line of defence against the weather plus warmer in the winter. 👍
@@simonablokeinthewoods Maybe, I've never gotten wet under a tarp, so long as it's big enough and pitched correctly.
I have used a Snugpak Stratosphere, it's got plenty of breathability and a fairly large bug mesh for ventilation and I still found myself a bit soaked in the morning from condensation.
He SPEAKS! Hi Simon! I've seen you on Kent Survival a lot. Finally came over here. Your description and presentation were very helpful as well as understandable!
I don't use "brilliant" enough in my conversations.
I have the terra nova Saturn which is hooped at the feet. Cost a lot about 10 or more years ago but worth every penny and more. Brilliant video
They are the worst of nights. They are the best of nights.
I have a hooped bivvy, a surplus woodland camo US ECOTAT love it, full Goretex and hooped at both ends with a full side zip entry. Makes a "poncho, sit shelter and Anorak" just under 5 lbs or 2.27 kg. And you can use it for a hammock or in the worse case a body bag. Add a candle lantern and a woobie to enjoy comfort into the 40 F or 4.4 C, yes it has end vents to assure your candle won't kill you, lol. Bivvy camping is great
That sounds like an excellent bivi! 👍👍👍
First thing I thought of was how hard they'd be to get out of quickly: bear, wolf, ants, etc. I'd feel trapped, I think.
I do not think the Ants would get inside. The bear or wolf on the other hand are afraid of fire.
and wolves don't really bother people.
"I ONLY have 5 bivvi bags"!!!!
I giggled at that also. I am still waiting for a good deal on a u.s. MSS bivy. I've been waiting all winter! By the time I get one when I won't need one until next winter. 😁😁😁
High R. S., i have one, the Geertop Bivvy ( #29 and #29-2 ). Kindly Fiete
Nice work!! Great you covered the rain issue in the tips section... Excellent !!
Now I'm tempted to buy a bivi bag, it's a conspiracy, Simon is working with kit manufacturers to influence us and make us spend more money...🤣
😂😂😂
I have an old Bibler Bivy. Very nice. Nice video. I thought nobody cared about bivy camping.
what Rab bivy is that? i’m searching it up and can’t find it
i think i found it but it is out of production and i couldn't find it anywhere
@@klaresJain i wonder why
I bought a Karrimor Goretex single hoop bivi bag 15 or so years ago. I've only used it a handful of times. I proved it is 50% waterproof one night, because I'm sure it didn't let a single drop of rain back out! However, I've had adventures in it, sleeping in a lay by on a motorcycle trip on the way up to John o'Groats, and then one night out on the moor on Orkney. It's more "sleeping" than "camping". Once you're inside, you can't move about much, and camping activities like cooking are just not possible if it's raining outside. My biggest recommendation is get one that lets some light through the fabric. Mine is like lying in a coffin: pitch black inside.
Yes, they are more of a sleeping bag cover than a tent really - that’s where the tarp comes in - somewhere to sit, cook, store you stuff. 👍
I much prefer it to sleeping in a tent.
the bear that's about to dine on you: why do humans come with so much more packaging these days :/
This is a British channel, we got rid of all our dangerous wild animals centuries ago such as wolves and bears, one of the first countries to do so successfully through bounties and systematic hunting programs - cool history but not great ecologically.
Scar that’s pretty neat, are there any other countries like that?
@@taylorfranks2030 most of the Netherlands but not all, lots of wolf's in the south.
@@taylorfranks2030 hm, could only think of NewZealand in this terms, only coupla wild pigs, but nothing serious... .
@@ottovonnichtort7605 rly? What u do, when hooking up with one?
I just felt in love with the Terra Nova one. Hey thanks for this great video
What if you gotta pee and it’s raining
You shouldn’t be in the woods if your afraid to get wet
Very good thanks. Have used various set-ups, winter and summer. The problem with the one at the end (bivi bag + tarp + footprint) is that it weighs almost as much as a lightweight tent and the tent, though less 'adventurous', has more room for gear as well as being better weather and midge protection. Bivi bags are great for where a tent won't work, like in snow holes or in rocky or glaciated high mountains. This is where they come in to their own in my experience.
True - I prefer sleeping outside rather than in a tent -I think of my bivi more as a sleeping bag cover, it’s also warmer than a tent. 👍
thinking bout releasing from military but i aint returning my bivy bag lmao
Thanks for the great video. I've only used a bivvy when tarp camping (head and gear slept under the tarp) and never really considered a hooped bivvy. Your video gave some good reasons to consider one. Also, great idea having a small ground cloth to use as a stepping pad (welcome mat) when getting in and out of the bivvy. Probably good to put my stove on as well while cooking.
I was about to ask a similar question, thank you. With your head under the tarp the bivvy hood could stay open.
All snug on one if those, sleeping soudly till, the inevitable (for me):"Got to pee"😩
use a bottle to pee in.
@@tonyrichardson2637 As a girl, peeing in a bottle while zipped in a sleeping bag, spells catastrophe...
@@marieclaudebedard6728 my apologies, i go for a pee, before i crash, can help, but i understand your predicament.
Great video. The note about the 2 manufacturers of the Dutch bivi bags will come in very handy when I buy mine.
Pretty cool little shelters, but I'm not too sure I could get my fat crippled arse into one...lol
Me too, I was thinking exactly that, when he was squeezing into the smaller ones. I do have an Australian Military Bivi that I do fit into, but my back is way too crook to use it now, the grandchildren will probably get it.