I had a custom bivy made by Mountain Laurel Designs that has an 87 inch girth, no tapering, with an 85 inch length. Just wanted plenty of wiggle room and be able to put my pack and shoes inside in bad weather. It also has a side zip which makes it much easier to get in. The upper fabric is eVent, about as breathable as you'll find.
Saves on a pack cover...oh you do need one anyway for when youare NOT in the bivy, hiking....nice t have theluxury of custom made gear....what are you doing here?
Just got mine, upgrade from the old SOL emerg bivy I have used in the past. Looking forward to using this. Seems pretty useful as a shelter to get a good sleep in for the weight. Bit pricey for what you get but then OR is a good brand.
Yeah, it's certainly not cheap, but for the weight and quality it should be worth it. Hope you enjoy using yours, I'll hopefully be taking mine out soon.
Great idea. If you haven't done so yet, I recommend setting it up as practice before you need it in a real emergency. You don't need more bad surprises in a bad situation.
I plan on walking the Cambrian Way in Wales soon. I was at the Outdoor Research warehouse sale in Seattle last week and they had a bin of these for $60. I snapped up two. I'll give one as a gift. Deal of the decade
I just spent 2 nights in one of these. First day I hiked 6 hours in rain and went to bed in rain. Had a small tarp above me to shield the opening from rain, but of course I crawled in fairly damp. There was considerable condensation. Pretty sure I didn't get any rain coming through, but my bag and I were wet in the morning. Day 2 was dry and sunny, so I hung it up, inside out, to dry out before crawling in. Again, I had massive condensation. The temperature outside dropped probably 25°F (14°C) after I crawled in, so that may have contributed to the condensation. At any rate, I'm disappointed that it doesn't breathe better. It's also so narrow I could not reach my feet. I didn't stake down or use the guy wire, and I liked being able to move around/sit up with the bivvy following me.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I've sold mine now, just not for me. I'm not a fan of the clamshell opening and the massive condensation. I'd rather a tarp and a bigger Bivy or a trekking pole tent for the extra space - especially if raining.
That’s really useful info! And I’m not surprised. I bought a snugpac stratosphere and suffered every time with condensation even when vented my sleeping bag got wet. I reluctantly purchased a Dutch army hooped bivi bag which I’ve used now in all conditions with zero condensation and no leakage! A great piece of kit!!
Just looking at the Alpkit elan also & I think a hybrid of both would be the perfect bivvy.Guy ropes, a side zip,a roll up toggle point for the hood etc it’d be a bit heavier around 600 grams but would be the game changer I think.Excellent review by the way👍
Thanks. The clamshell opening on this one, combined with the poor design around how you clip the door up means I'm selling it. I've gone for the Robens Mountain Bivy instead...
This & your later video on why you're selling it are both good. I bought my Helium maybe 6 years ago. Different font makes an older version easy to identify. It has 3 loops at the top, 2 at the bottom, think it's much better than just the 2 on this newer version. Annoying thing: when you roll up the storm flap over your head it still hangs down. My solution: I keep 3 laundry clips in the little zipper pouch to clip the flap higher, off my face. Foam earplugs & an eye mask stay in the pouch also. With 5 stakes mine is 620g. When hiking ultralight / road trip in my car with almost no storage space / bike touring I like the bivy. I like how compact, light it is; fast setup anywhere. Camp by the side of the car in a parking lot. But it has compromises - I sleep just ok, still bring a tarp if rain is in the forecast = added weight, volume . Condensation is always a problem. One chilly night I had it fully zipped, woke in the middle of the night gasping for air. My 1 person (technically 2) tent is a lot more spacious, I sleep better but takes more time to set up, needs staking.
I have the old version of the Helium and there is 3 stake-loops at the front (L,C,R) and two at the bottom. My main complaint is still that the footend should to be lifted for better repel water and improve comfort.
I just got this bivy because of all the good reviews. I thought the mosquito only mode was weird too. BUT.. you can pull the water proof part over the pole, to the foot side. It makes it look sort of like a sweatshirt hoodie. Then it's exactly how you think it should be. I think those little internal clips keep you from pulling it too far over, since you want the zipper to run along the pole. It's easier to do than explain! You will have covered the guy loop at the top middle of the pole, but you could creative with that. It seems like the hoop will stay up when staked down.
I wonder if the single peg points are to reduce the chances of ripping out the loops, for example if you trip over the entrance or are inclined to try and over-tension the whole thing to lift the fabric.
Maybe, but having used it now, I think it could really do with a pegging point at each corner. It's very saggy and doesn't really make the most of having the hoop.
I've seen some people using similar things in snow. I guess if you're not bothered by space etc you could use all year round... Not sure I'd fancy being in it for a long winter night though!
@@TheWalkingKev without the top loop over the hoop I found it flops around a bit. It needs to be secured I had the tarp set up in a lean to because you dont want a free standing tarp with the pole in the middle it makes getting in and out quite cumbersome. But if you do a lean to you can have the ridgeline off to one side and you can secure the bivy to the ridgeline. It was the best way I could think of
Having claustrophobia issues the only use this amazing lightweight bivvy bag would have for me is as a very useful emergency shelter as you suggested. Think I'd want to stabilise it with a guy rope or two, definitely fix the entrance flap more efficiently & I wonder how much it'd flatten down with heavy rain falling on it as it's so loose. You made me laugh with the comment about not suffocating in a giant bin bag!! 😸
Thanks for dropping my name in. Shame I can't find the link to my channel 🤣😜 I hope you get on well with the bivvy. Mine was a real revelation on my outings last summer, and I'm looking forward to getting out in it again before too long. I think I made the same remark about pegging points - although I'd prefer to have four loops, I suppose they're only really there to stop it blowing away when you're not in it. James.
@@TheWalkingKev Next thing you'll tell me you haven't sent me the £100 you promised me for recommending this bivvy! Some people 🙄😝 Very nearly bivvy weather now 😎
I have this bivvy and love it , Its solid built bigger than youd think and one of the best out there imho . Part of the problem with bivvy bags is the user they come from tent backround stuff sitting all around them in the tent room to sit up etc . It requires a different aproach you now dont need all that stuff so theres nothing sitting around you and you sit up outside ( a small tarp or even polythene sheet is perfect for this ) Getting in and put is actually a dawdle dont load ypur sleeping bag the lengh of the bivvy bundle it at the head stand in it and shuffle in pefect fit every time . The puter bit at head folds back over the hoop so doesnt hang on your face . All that said if i was out n abt for more than two days and it looked like id be spending a lot of time under cover id opt for a tent but for a quick deploy shelter guaranteed to keep you warm n dry this bivvy is as good as it gets others have other features but this has the correct combination Of lightness hydrostatic head and simplicity . The pack size and weight is a huge plus Its tiny . If your over 16 stone and 6,5" forget it though It will be like a sock Othermanufacturers make larger bivvys Get one of those or a one man tent . I have no idea why you would buy a bivvy that isnt waterproof might aswell sleep outside in sleeping bag under a tarp 🤷
Well, a lightweight backpacking 2P tent is usually around 600 EUR. I'd say, getting two of these plus a tarp will still keep you below that hefty price. I am a big fan of tents but this seems to be a very nice alternative.
@@TheWalkingKev Yeah, I checked your follow-up. I have to say, it's always great to see a follow-up. This here is rather an overview. In fact, I'd say to put both together in the same video so that people can make a more informed decision right away. Alas!, that would mean half the number of videos and probably also overall views, which is not something most UA-camrs would like to see. :D I would suggest updating the title and the description to point to the other video at least.
The thing I don’t like about them is that my stuff always get wet if it rains because I don’t really know where to put it I don’t want to bring a plastic bag or something to put my stuff in or over so if anyone has any recommendations please let me know or if anyone knows of a relatively cheap and lightweight tent/bivi that has enough space to comfortably fit one person and hiking bag with shoes
It's tough really. All I can suggest is packing your stuff in a dry bag inside your backpack when leaving it outside and covering boots with the rain cover of the backpack - if it has one. In terms of lightweight tents for room for boots / bag I'd go with a trekking pole tent, something like the Lanshan 1.
I really wanted to love bivys. But I tried several and the issues with condensation were too much. Even the breathable ones were soaked. Tried setups with my head out and it made little difference. With such lightweight, small footprint tents on the market, I finally gave up on bivys.
I've had a couple of decent sleeps in a little AliExpress tarp and Bivy setup, but TBH a trekking pole tent is not much more weight but offers a lot more space. I've got a Robens Mountain Bivy which I've not used yet, will see how I get on with that one...
I just picked one up for $200, planning to do a traverse route with only a bivvy spot for shelter. We might do it in 1 day, but it was on sale, so might as well just in case.
Thank you for a very well put together review! I am a tentperson when out and about on my walks, but i am very curious about these bivy´s and thinking about buying one. I do about 3-5 days in the Swedish mountains with varying weather so i always need too keep my backpack safe from the wet. Do you have a solution for the backpack when using a bivy instead of a tent? You can not fit the backpack in the bivy? For context i walk around 15-20 kilometers a day, 20-25 kg on my back in a 75 liter backpack, I’m 184 cm tall and whey in att around105 kg. Could this be an option for someone like me? Please excuse my poor english skills, it’s not my native language. Sincerely, An outdoors nerd.
I don't think you'd get a backpack in it. I used it recently with a 40L backpack and that stayed outside. Very little room inside for gear. I'm selling this now because I don't like the entrance or the design of how the door pins back.
@@TheWalkingKev 😂 No bivy at all or just that one? Have you tried some with a sleeping bag-like opening (zip all along on the side)? I never tried but it seems interesting in good/dry weather; especially for speed, small footprint… and therefore stealth mode (where human laws don't allow you to bivouac)
@@ppolleunus I've moved onto the Robens Mountain Bivy, which has a zip down the side! Much easier to get in and out of. ua-cam.com/video/O8ykUCsOgKM/v-deo.html
I WATCHED 1 SET UP LEFT OUT IN RAIN BOTTOM COLLECTED WATER AND LEAKED LIKE CRAZY BUT ALSO WATCHED 1 HAD NO TOP RAIL OVERHEAD SO THEY USED A POOL NOODLE INSTEAD OF ROD MAYBE EVEN CUT IN HALF TO FIT BOTTOM OF THIS TO KEEP WATER FROM SETTING ON TOP , 🤔MIGHT JUST WORK OUT FOR YOU BIG OR SMALL GIVE IT A TRY?
Yes exactly this, bad design. If you don't have a well fitted sleeping mat or similar, the zip just flops on the ground, the water pools, and hey presto you're soaked! We found out the hard way. You can see the unsupported zip on the ground around the 10 min mark.
Thanks, interesting bivy. My Tarptent NOTCH Li is small (i.e. narrow) but still far roomier that the OR bevy and about the same weight but requires you have two adjustable hiking poles - and a very "adjustable" budget.. I want a bevy in only one circumstance, sleeping in a snow cave or quinzhee, and it shold have a Gore Tex top.
Good review. More than enough pegging points especially when they become redundant when you are in. Its all about keeping weight to a minimum and cost. Is that a boundary stone behind you.
Yeah, I can see that if you have your gear inside the two pegging points are fine - and less to trip over. I'm not sure what it is, it seems to mark the highest spot of the hill, but there was another one on the walk across so maybe it does mark an old boundary.
Thank you for sharing. For me, a bivy makes no sense, I own lifgtweight tarptents with only 200 g more weight but plenty of room to sit up, change clothes, store my gear safe and dry and the footprint take just a little more space. Condensation is just a minor problem compared to a bivy.
I own a Snugpak Ionosphere and I think it's the best bivy ever. Completely waterproof and plenty of room for me and my 65L pack inside. The low profile and olive drab green color, make it a very effective, stealth-camping tent. The Outdoor Research Alpine AscentShell Bivy is also nice but much smaller inside than the Ionosphere yet much easier to get in and out of. I'd like to see a rain test on this bivy to see if it's actually waterproof, how well it ventilates and what it's like in windy storm conditions. There's many 1-person tent alternatives that might make more sense, depending on your needs.
I've sold this now. Condensation was torrential even on a dry night with the door open. Getting in and out of the clamshell design was also a nightmare. I've got the Jack Wolfskin Gossamer 1 which I think is similar to the Snugpak.
The downside 9f them is that you dont have a vestibule so when you have to get up tou have to go outside immediately❤ if you have to cook you cook away from the bivy. And you eant to sit same thing. So theyre only if you want to sleep right away. ❤
I would not stake my bivy down. Then when I got in my sleeping bag inside I could still sit up, head and maybe arms out, and hang out with my friend that was doing the same in his bivy a few feet away. Above treeline, windy, looking at the stars. Then when time to sleep.. just lay down. Bivys shouldn't be used as a micro tent, they are something different. You like em or you dont.
It’s not for me, I like to have my comforts while I’m out wild camping.. I’d feel like I wouldn’t even be able to breath in that tiny space, but then I do suffer a little from claustrophobia. I have however just purchased a new MW Backpacker-1 Lightweight, a deluxe bivvy style tent for only £55 brand new, so really looking forward to trying that out on my next camp! Slept out in the garden in it the other night, feels like a tardis inside - so much space, and also really light and airy with that inner silver foil lining. This also will be great for star-gazing, as the long side entrance door rolls back halfway over the top, so you can see most of the sky while laying on your back with the mesh door closed.. It’s only single skin though. The dimensions on this are a measured L235, W100, H75cm. Only weighs 1030g. (without the pegs) Strangely though it uses more pegs than my 4 other shelters… 16 in total!! 😂
@@TheWalkingKev All being well, I should be testing it out in the wild next weekend. It’s my most stealthily shelter for sure with it being so low profile, nice dark grey/green colour too for blending in to the natural environment. 👍🏻 I’ve made some mods as I do to all my tents, swapped out all the bright orange guys for black (still reflective at night) ones, and added my own line locks, also replaced the orange cord on the door with some black 3mm bungee cord.. I use the same peg bag for all my shelters, which I keep separate in my pack. I have a good mix of various lightweight pegs from 6-9” in length, all 16 in their bag only weigh 165 grams.
Have you had it in heavy rain though, because thats what matters at the end of the day. There is no need for even a bivvy and just use a sleeping bag on its own if there is no rain about. I know they say `waterproof` but even the best gore-tex still lets in water and this i'snt gore-tex. I have a military grade gore-tex bivvy bag (no setup just roll out) and it still lets in water, I use a DD tarp - MC 3 x 3m (The Chris Ryan one) & Berghaus Peak self inflating mattress (wider one) with it now (combined weight of all 2.5kg).
Hi there, nice video review mate. I have one of these bivys, and I am seriously UNDERWHELMED by it's absolute lack of essential items, such as at least x3 more peg loops for the base. Seriously-x2 peg loops ro hold down a lightweight bivy bag in a gale when setting up is crazy. Yes its just a bivy bag, and yes its lightweight..but for the ridiculously high price ($349 NZD) I really don't think its worth it. I only keep mine in my pack as a lightweight emergency bivy now... The one for sale here in NZ doesnt even come with a footend pole or a single guy rope and not even a single peg-which is crazy for a premium priced item like this. Im glad your review highlighted a few deficiencies of this product-because while I realise its a bivy bag, not a tent- I think its seriously overpriced for what it is. And once it starts bunching up on you in the rain...the weatherproof factor starts going down the dunny...at least thats my experience so far... I;m sure there are plenty of people out there who love this bivy....but I'm not one of them.
I totally agree. I sold mine after using it once. It just feels unfinished. Not enough pegging out points, you can't effectively keep the door out of your face without taking your own clip and the condensation is insane. I'm also not a fan of the clamshell entrance.
@@TheWalkingKev Yeah i know... i was just kidding 😂😂but still, imagine that someone is actually buried there and at night his spirit comes to check what you are doing there 😜
@@roygertel I'm sure UA-camrs have camped in graveyards and worse numerous times! Can't say that'd appeal to me, it's bad enough a bit of breeze hitting the tent and sounding like an axe murderer wandering around outside! Darkness does strange things to you on a camp.
This looks like a terribly cramped and uncomfortable experience, you can’t even sit up or get changed if the weather is bad. I’m not sure who would use this unless it’s a survival situation or some kind of ultralight challenge
@TheWalkingKev if i were getting shelled with rain or snow, I certainly wouldn't turn it down, but not something I would factor into my planning when far superior options like Snugpak exist for a comparable price. But great review!
I had a custom bivy made by Mountain Laurel Designs that has an 87 inch girth, no tapering, with an 85 inch length. Just wanted plenty of wiggle room and be able to put my pack and shoes inside in bad weather. It also has a side zip which makes it much easier to get in. The upper fabric is eVent, about as breathable as you'll find.
That sounds ideal. It would be good to be able to get your pack in with you.
Saves on a pack cover...oh you do need one anyway for when youare NOT in the bivy, hiking....nice t have theluxury of custom made gear....what are you doing here?
Better with a tarp. ❤
Pertex is half the weight of gortex OR s other bivy are all gortex.
In good summer weather i use the mesh bivy and a small tarp. ❤
Just got mine, upgrade from the old SOL emerg bivy I have used in the past. Looking forward to using this. Seems pretty useful as a shelter to get a good sleep in for the weight. Bit pricey for what you get but then OR is a good brand.
Yeah, it's certainly not cheap, but for the weight and quality it should be worth it. Hope you enjoy using yours, I'll hopefully be taking mine out soon.
I carry this as an emergency shelter during my day hikes. Have never had to use it, but am confident it will help me in a bad situation.
For sure, as an emergency shelter it's a superb bit of kit.
Great idea. If you haven't done so yet, I recommend setting it up as practice before you need it in a real emergency. You don't need more bad surprises in a bad situation.
This is a great review. Thanks for making it. That bivvy sure does exemplify ultra-light camping.
Thanks for taking the time to comment and the kind words.
I plan on walking the Cambrian Way in Wales soon. I was at the Outdoor Research warehouse sale in Seattle last week and they had a bin of these for $60. I snapped up two. I'll give one as a gift. Deal of the decade
@@Curbudog01 that is a steal! I'd have bought the whole lot and got them on eBay! Hope you enjoy using it.
4:45 I imagined that in rain😮 I think I would pitch a tarp first. Thanks for the review
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, in rain it would be a nightmare to use!
I like the fact that the mesh is bkack, makes it easier to see out. A white mesh inhibits the view out by reflection.
I don't recall ever seeing white mesh... Maybe that is why.
Just ordered one of these april 2nd its coming the 11th, very excited
Nice! Hope you enjoy it.
@@TheWalkingKev got it and tested it out, works great
@@Camo.Enthusiast great stuff. I'm looking forward to using mine this summer.
Thanks for the insight. Considering going more light weight.
Think I'll cop the weight and stick with the tent
Yeah, this is light but it's a nightmare to get in and out of and condensation is crazy.
I just spent 2 nights in one of these.
First day I hiked 6 hours in rain and went to bed in rain. Had a small tarp above me to shield the opening from rain, but of course I crawled in fairly damp. There was considerable condensation. Pretty sure I didn't get any rain coming through, but my bag and I were wet in the morning.
Day 2 was dry and sunny, so I hung it up, inside out, to dry out before crawling in. Again, I had massive condensation. The temperature outside dropped probably 25°F (14°C) after I crawled in, so that may have contributed to the condensation.
At any rate, I'm disappointed that it doesn't breathe better. It's also so narrow I could not reach my feet.
I didn't stake down or use the guy wire, and I liked being able to move around/sit up with the bivvy following me.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I've sold mine now, just not for me. I'm not a fan of the clamshell opening and the massive condensation. I'd rather a tarp and a bigger Bivy or a trekking pole tent for the extra space - especially if raining.
That’s really useful info! And I’m not surprised. I bought a snugpac stratosphere and suffered every time with condensation even when vented my sleeping bag got wet. I reluctantly purchased a Dutch army hooped bivi bag which I’ve used now in all conditions with zero condensation and no leakage! A great piece of kit!!
Well-made video.
Thanks. Appreciate the comment.
Looks like a good option for summer when you are sat outside for most of the evening anyway
Yeah, my camp on the weekend in the PHOXX 1 I spent most of the evening outside in a stone cairn. Only sleeping in the tent. Worked well.
I got a Rab Ridge Raider recently really liking it is far. This looks good as well.
Rab Ridge Raider is supposed to be great, but very pricey these days! Hope you have some great camps in it.
I am jealous as you can read a book in a ridge raider!
@@natscat4752 you can or you can't?
Just looking at the Alpkit elan also & I think a hybrid of both would be the perfect bivvy.Guy ropes, a side zip,a roll up toggle point for the hood etc it’d be a bit heavier around 600 grams but would be the game changer I think.Excellent review by the way👍
Thanks. The clamshell opening on this one, combined with the poor design around how you clip the door up means I'm selling it. I've gone for the Robens Mountain Bivy instead...
This & your later video on why you're selling it are both good. I bought my Helium maybe 6 years ago. Different font makes an older version easy to identify. It has 3 loops at the top, 2 at the bottom, think it's much better than just the 2 on this newer version. Annoying thing: when you roll up the storm flap over your head it still hangs down. My solution: I keep 3 laundry clips in the little zipper pouch to clip the flap higher, off my face. Foam earplugs & an eye mask stay in the pouch also. With 5 stakes mine is 620g. When hiking ultralight / road trip in my car with almost no storage space / bike touring I like the bivy. I like how compact, light it is; fast setup anywhere. Camp by the side of the car in a parking lot. But it has compromises - I sleep just ok, still bring a tarp if rain is in the forecast = added weight, volume . Condensation is always a problem. One chilly night I had it fully zipped, woke in the middle of the night gasping for air. My 1 person (technically 2) tent is a lot more spacious, I sleep better but takes more time to set up, needs staking.
Why are you putting tarp over a waterproof bivy? No wonder you woke up not being able to breathe 😂
I have the old version of the Helium and there is 3 stake-loops at the front (L,C,R) and two at the bottom. My main complaint is still that the footend should to be lifted for better repel water and improve comfort.
Yeah, a tiny lightweight pole would be enough.
I just got this bivy because of all the good reviews. I thought the mosquito only mode was weird too. BUT.. you can pull the water proof part over the pole, to the foot side. It makes it look sort of like a sweatshirt hoodie. Then it's exactly how you think it should be. I think those little internal clips keep you from pulling it too far over, since you want the zipper to run along the pole. It's easier to do than explain! You will have covered the guy loop at the top middle of the pole, but you could creative with that. It seems like the hoop will stay up when staked down.
I think I get the idea from your description. Thanks for sharing, I hope you enjoy using it.
Great review! Thanks for taking the time 😁.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I've done a follow up as I've sold it now...
@@TheWalkingKev great - I’ll take a look. 😁😁
I use the shepard's hooks. So I dont step on them. ❤
If you can get the titanium Shepard hooks. 👍
Coffin?
Great review. Have you tried this with a wide 25” rectangle sleeping pad?
Not yet, hopefully I'll be taking it out a few times this summer so I'll try and pick a sleeping mat that fits it snugly.
@@TheWalkingKev looking forward to it!
@@liamendresen cheers Liam. It will be nice to try an ultralight setup, certainly more fun to carry on a hike!
I wonder if the single peg points are to reduce the chances of ripping out the loops, for example if you trip over the entrance or are inclined to try and over-tension the whole thing to lift the fabric.
Maybe, but having used it now, I think it could really do with a pegging point at each corner. It's very saggy and doesn't really make the most of having the hoop.
Love the video, but you're a brave man camping on top of a grave!
Ha ha. It's just a marker of some sort... I think 🤔
Definitely a summer bivvy bag mate can't see why you would use this item in winter definitely not an winter gest great video as allways mate 👍👍👍
I've seen some people using similar things in snow. I guess if you're not bothered by space etc you could use all year round... Not sure I'd fancy being in it for a long winter night though!
@@TheWalkingKev definitely it's a bit small for me thou mate as I'm a big guy lol 👍
Because its small and heats up super fast. Youll end up venting a little depending onnyour setup etc. Military has used em for a long time.
I hope the new 9ne has the top loop that helpa alit. ❤
I find the design a bit poor really with the that of loops and guying points.
@@TheWalkingKev without the top loop over the hoop I found it flops around a bit. It needs to be secured I had the tarp set up in a lean to because you dont want a free standing tarp with the pole in the middle it makes getting in and out quite cumbersome. But if you do a lean to you can have the ridgeline off to one side and you can secure the bivy to the ridgeline. It was the best way I could think of
@@amonster8mymother I've given up with this Bivy and I'm now using the Robens Mountain Bivy with a tarp. Much easier to get in and out of.
Having claustrophobia issues the only use this amazing lightweight bivvy bag would have for me is as a very useful emergency shelter as you suggested.
Think I'd want to stabilise it with a guy rope or two, definitely fix the entrance flap more efficiently & I wonder how much it'd flatten down with heavy rain falling on it as it's so loose.
You made me laugh with the comment about not suffocating in a giant bin bag!! 😸
It's not the kind of thing you want to use if you're claustrophobic!
@@TheWalkingKev Haha! 😸
Nice looking graveyard
Ha, it's a marker of some sort for the hill top.
Thank you for the review! Looks very roomy. Could a shorter woman (5'4") fit a 40l bag inside this bivy?
Possibly at the footend, or the headend if you wanted to sleep further down. It was a lot roomier than I thought it'd be.
@@TheWalkingKev Thank you!
@@precambrian_rabbit no worries.
You mentioned that it doesn't have an anchor point. I think that is not all that bad because it requires only two stakes.
That's true. Keeps the weight down.
Thanks for dropping my name in. Shame I can't find the link to my channel 🤣😜 I hope you get on well with the bivvy. Mine was a real revelation on my outings last summer, and I'm looking forward to getting out in it again before too long. I think I made the same remark about pegging points - although I'd prefer to have four loops, I suppose they're only really there to stop it blowing away when you're not in it. James.
I forgot to put the link in! Will add one now.
@@TheWalkingKev Next thing you'll tell me you haven't sent me the £100 you promised me for recommending this bivvy! Some people 🙄😝 Very nearly bivvy weather now 😎
@@joinmeoutdoors it's bivvy weather all year round to be fair!
@@TheWalkingKev Perhaps for hardcore survivors like you! 🥶
@@joinmeoutdoors I'll be trying to use this bivy with my 12l bag for proper lightweight camping. Should be a good summer.
I have this bivvy and love it ,
Its solid built bigger than youd think and one of the best out there imho .
Part of the problem with bivvy bags is the user they come from tent backround stuff sitting all around them in the tent room to sit up etc .
It requires a different aproach you now dont need all that stuff so theres nothing sitting around you and you sit up outside ( a small tarp or even polythene sheet is perfect for this )
Getting in and put is actually a dawdle dont load ypur sleeping bag the lengh of the bivvy bundle it at the head stand in it and shuffle in pefect fit every time .
The puter bit at head folds back over the hoop so doesnt hang on your face .
All that said if i was out n abt for more than two days and it looked like id be spending a lot of time under cover id opt for a tent but for a quick deploy shelter guaranteed to keep you warm n dry this bivvy is as good as it gets others have other features but this has the correct combination
Of lightness hydrostatic head and simplicity .
The pack size and weight is a huge plus
Its tiny .
If your over 16 stone and 6,5" forget it though
It will be like a sock
Othermanufacturers make larger bivvys
Get one of those or a one man tent .
I have no idea why you would buy a bivvy that isnt waterproof might aswell sleep outside in sleeping bag under a tarp 🤷
do you also need a sleeping bag and a mattress? thanks
Yes, if you want to stay warm.
Looks like mynydd y lan i still use my rab ridge master bivy no longer made love the side entry easy to get in and out.
You're correct! Right at the highest point of one of my favourite hills.
I like the Robens Bivy bag for that reason but it's not waterproof...
I was in that area couple weeks back went to see the castle on the hill great views.
@@jeffreywilletts9636 ah, I've not been up to see that yet
It’s bad enough getting in & out of a tent when ya getting on so I can’t imagine me getting into a bivvy let alone getting out of it 😂
It doesn't get any easier as you get older that's for sure!
God help you if you have to pee 3 times a night.
Well, a lightweight backpacking 2P tent is usually around 600 EUR. I'd say, getting two of these plus a tarp will still keep you below that hefty price. I am a big fan of tents but this seems to be a very nice alternative.
Getting in and out is a nightmare and the lack of pegging points is a real issue in use.
@@TheWalkingKev Yeah, I checked your follow-up. I have to say, it's always great to see a follow-up. This here is rather an overview. In fact, I'd say to put both together in the same video so that people can make a more informed decision right away. Alas!, that would mean half the number of videos and probably also overall views, which is not something most UA-camrs would like to see. :D I would suggest updating the title and the description to point to the other video at least.
@@rbaleksandar yeah, this is my most viewed video for last year by a mile! I'll try and add a link to the follow up video at some point.
The thing I don’t like about them is that my stuff always get wet if it rains because I don’t really know where to put it I don’t want to bring a plastic bag or something to put my stuff in or over so if anyone has any recommendations please let me know or if anyone knows of a relatively cheap and lightweight tent/bivi that has enough space to comfortably fit one person and hiking bag with shoes
It's tough really. All I can suggest is packing your stuff in a dry bag inside your backpack when leaving it outside and covering boots with the rain cover of the backpack - if it has one. In terms of lightweight tents for room for boots / bag I'd go with a trekking pole tent, something like the Lanshan 1.
Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy Tent.
@@jeromebakerjr8617 is that a bit heavy though?
@@TheWalkingKev about 3 pounds or less ...tent.
Twinartifact I replied to your question.
I really wanted to love bivys. But I tried several and the issues with condensation were too much. Even the breathable ones were soaked. Tried setups with my head out and it made little difference. With such lightweight, small footprint tents on the market, I finally gave up on bivys.
I've had a couple of decent sleeps in a little AliExpress tarp and Bivy setup, but TBH a trekking pole tent is not much more weight but offers a lot more space. I've got a Robens Mountain Bivy which I've not used yet, will see how I get on with that one...
What about moisture by breathing the whole night inside?
Yeah, loads of condensation if you have it zipped up. I got rid of it because of this and how much of a pain it is getting in and out.
Can you have a 100l backpack inside?
I think only if you wanted to sleep outside. I'll hopefully be using it soon, so will see how I get on with putting any kind of pack in it.
I just picked one up for $200, planning to do a traverse route with only a bivvy spot for shelter. We might do it in 1 day, but it was on sale, so might as well just in case.
It makes a great emergency Bivy. Hope you have a good hike.
Question, would the mesh keep midges out or is it only designed for mosquitoes?
According to reviews of the Helium Bivy the mesh is designed to keep out midges and mosquitos... So hopefully it will.
Thank you for a very well put together review!
I am a tentperson when out and about on my walks, but i am very curious about these bivy´s and thinking about buying one.
I do about 3-5 days in the Swedish mountains with varying weather so i always need too keep my backpack safe from the wet.
Do you have a solution for the backpack when using a bivy instead of a tent?
You can not fit the backpack in the bivy?
For context i walk around 15-20 kilometers a day, 20-25 kg on my back in a 75 liter backpack, I’m 184 cm tall and whey in att around105 kg.
Could this be an option for someone like me?
Please excuse my poor english skills, it’s not my native language.
Sincerely,
An outdoors nerd.
I don't think you'd get a backpack in it. I used it recently with a 40L backpack and that stayed outside. Very little room inside for gear. I'm selling this now because I don't like the entrance or the design of how the door pins back.
4:41 Perfect demonstration for no go! Awful, you don't want to do that every night! (at least I don't)
@@ppolleunus yeah, I've got rid of this now! I did not enjoy using it.
@@TheWalkingKev 😂 No bivy at all or just that one? Have you tried some with a sleeping bag-like opening (zip all along on the side)?
I never tried but it seems interesting in good/dry weather; especially for speed, small footprint… and therefore stealth mode (where human laws don't allow you to bivouac)
@@ppolleunus I've moved onto the Robens Mountain Bivy, which has a zip down the side! Much easier to get in and out of. ua-cam.com/video/O8ykUCsOgKM/v-deo.html
I got mine brand new, it did not come with tent pegs
Ah, maybe I got a bonus buying used then!
Can anyone suggest what sleeping pad would fit inside this the best?
Just check dimensions and make sure it isn't too thick.
@@TheWalkingKev Yes I would do that, just thought I would see if anyone has suggestions to save myself some trial and error.
@@IronBarParadise my Exped synmat UL fit fine as that's quite thin and not too thick.
Looks nice, weird pegging out only on opposite sides? I’ve never bivy camped but like the look of it.
Yeah, it works, but it'd be more versatile if it had one on each corner. I'm looking forward to using it.
Squezzing in from the Back End can be fun but not in a Bivy.........do the Side Entry thing 👌
😆 absolutely.
Looks too much for what it is to me but thanks for sharing ..air flow looks a problem too 👍🏻
Thanks for dropping a comment. Hopefully I'll use it soon and see how I get on with it.
I WATCHED 1 SET UP LEFT OUT IN RAIN BOTTOM COLLECTED WATER AND LEAKED LIKE CRAZY BUT ALSO WATCHED 1 HAD NO TOP RAIL OVERHEAD SO THEY USED A POOL NOODLE INSTEAD OF ROD MAYBE EVEN CUT IN HALF TO FIT BOTTOM OF THIS TO KEEP WATER FROM SETTING ON TOP , 🤔MIGHT JUST WORK OUT FOR YOU BIG OR SMALL GIVE IT A TRY?
I've sold it on now. I didn't enjoy getting in and out of it! Sticking with a tarp and bigger Bivy.
Yes exactly this, bad design. If you don't have a well fitted sleeping mat or similar, the zip just flops on the ground, the water pools, and hey presto you're soaked! We found out the hard way. You can see the unsupported zip on the ground around the 10 min mark.
❤
Hi Kev, when is that "send me some sun" draw??
I'll probably do it next week.
Thanks, interesting bivy. My Tarptent NOTCH Li is small (i.e. narrow) but still far roomier that the OR bevy and about the same weight but requires you have two adjustable hiking poles - and a very "adjustable" budget.. I want a bevy in only one circumstance, sleeping in a snow cave or quinzhee, and it shold have a Gore Tex top.
I think Bivys like this are a good emergency shelter, but don't think I'd plan on using one on a standard camp anymore.
Good review. More than enough pegging points especially when they become redundant when you are in. Its all about keeping weight to a minimum and cost.
Is that a boundary stone behind you.
Yeah, I can see that if you have your gear inside the two pegging points are fine - and less to trip over.
I'm not sure what it is, it seems to mark the highest spot of the hill, but there was another one on the walk across so maybe it does mark an old boundary.
Thank you for sharing. For me, a bivy makes no sense, I own lifgtweight tarptents with only 200 g more weight but plenty of room to sit up, change clothes, store my gear safe and dry and the footprint take just a little more space. Condensation is just a minor problem compared to a bivy.
I've packed this Bivy for a 20 mile hike and camp tomorrow. Will see how it performs and whether in future I'd take the extra weight of a tent!
I own a Snugpak Ionosphere and I think it's the best bivy ever. Completely waterproof and plenty of room for me and my 65L pack inside. The low profile and olive drab green color, make it a very effective, stealth-camping tent. The Outdoor Research Alpine AscentShell Bivy is also nice but much smaller inside than the Ionosphere yet much easier to get in and out of. I'd like to see a rain test on this bivy to see if it's actually waterproof, how well it ventilates and what it's like in windy storm conditions. There's many 1-person tent alternatives that might make more sense, depending on your needs.
I've sold this now. Condensation was torrential even on a dry night with the door open. Getting in and out of the clamshell design was also a nightmare. I've got the Jack Wolfskin Gossamer 1 which I think is similar to the Snugpak.
Those pegging out points are just weird lol
I was definitely confused at first 😂
The downside 9f them is that you dont have a vestibule so when you have to get up tou have to go outside immediately❤ if you have to cook you cook away from the bivy. And you eant to sit same thing. So theyre only if you want to sleep right away. ❤
@@amonster8mymother yeah, they are not a place to hang out, unless you have a decent tarp with you.
@@TheWalkingKev o I used mine with a tarp and 8 still found without a vestibule you have no place to sit or cook.
I would not stake my bivy down. Then when I got in my sleeping bag inside I could still sit up, head and maybe arms out, and hang out with my friend that was doing the same in his bivy a few feet away. Above treeline, windy, looking at the stars.
Then when time to sleep.. just lay down.
Bivys shouldn't be used as a micro tent, they are something different. You like em or you dont.
@@Mr.A_nyc I like mine and I stake it down. 😁
@@Mr.A_nyc also I'm a solo guy. Maybe a bit of a loner but I love my freedom.
It’s not for me, I like to have my comforts while I’m out wild camping..
I’d feel like I wouldn’t even be able to breath in that tiny space, but then I do suffer a little from claustrophobia.
I have however just purchased a new MW Backpacker-1 Lightweight, a deluxe bivvy style tent for only £55 brand new, so really looking forward to trying that out on my next camp!
Slept out in the garden in it the other night, feels like a tardis inside - so much space, and also really light and airy with that inner silver foil lining. This also will be great for star-gazing, as the long side entrance door rolls back halfway over the top, so you can see most of the sky while laying on your back with the mesh door closed..
It’s only single skin though.
The dimensions on this are a measured L235, W100, H75cm. Only weighs 1030g. (without the pegs)
Strangely though it uses more pegs than my 4 other shelters… 16 in total!! 😂
Sounds a good tent for that money and very lightweight. You got any plans to take it out for a wild camp soon?
@@TheWalkingKev All being well, I should be testing it out in the wild next weekend. It’s my most stealthily shelter for sure with it being so low profile, nice dark grey/green colour too for blending in to the natural environment. 👍🏻
I’ve made some mods as I do to all my tents, swapped out all the bright orange guys for black (still reflective at night) ones, and added my own line locks, also replaced the orange cord on the door with some black 3mm bungee cord..
I use the same peg bag for all my shelters, which I keep separate in my pack. I have a good mix of various lightweight pegs from 6-9” in length, all 16 in their bag only weigh 165 grams.
@@Ash12530 have you got a link to this tent so I can have a nose?
My reply’s keep disappearing!?..🤷🏻♂️
You’ll have to do an internet search! When I looked a short while ago they were sold out..
@@Ash12530 by MW do you mean Mountain Warehouse?
Do you think a bear would see it as a big burrito ?
@@abouttime5000 possibly. Luckily in the UK we don't have anything dangerous to worry about!
Not for me, but each to their own. I have a one man tent that has similar size but is side opening option. Good for Stealth camps and weighs nowt.
Side opening is definitely a bit easier to manage!
What tent was it?
Have you had it in heavy rain though, because thats what matters at the end of the day. There is no need for even a bivvy and just use a sleeping bag on its own if there is no rain about.
I know they say `waterproof` but even the best gore-tex still lets in water and this i'snt gore-tex. I have a military grade gore-tex bivvy bag (no setup just roll out) and it still lets in water, I use a DD tarp - MC 3 x 3m (The Chris Ryan one) & Berghaus Peak self inflating mattress (wider one) with it now (combined weight of all 2.5kg).
I'm selling it now, but would have used a tarp in heavy rain just because you'd get it soaked just getting in it TBF.
Whats your current setup can I ask please ? @@TheWalkingKev
@@focusdecorating3637 Robens Mountain Bivy and a tarp. I've several different tarps to use with it.
Hi there, nice video review mate. I have one of these bivys, and I am seriously UNDERWHELMED by it's absolute lack of essential items, such as at least x3 more peg loops for the base. Seriously-x2 peg loops ro hold down a lightweight bivy bag in a gale when setting up is crazy. Yes its just a bivy bag, and yes its lightweight..but for the ridiculously high price ($349 NZD) I really don't think its worth it. I only keep mine in my pack as a lightweight emergency bivy now...
The one for sale here in NZ doesnt even come with a footend pole or a single guy rope and not even a single peg-which is crazy for a premium priced item like this. Im glad your review highlighted a few deficiencies of this product-because while I realise its a bivy bag, not a tent- I think its seriously overpriced for what it is. And once it starts bunching up on you in the rain...the weatherproof factor starts going down the dunny...at least thats my experience so far...
I;m sure there are plenty of people out there who love this bivy....but I'm not one of them.
I totally agree. I sold mine after using it once. It just feels unfinished. Not enough pegging out points, you can't effectively keep the door out of your face without taking your own clip and the condensation is insane. I'm also not a fan of the clamshell entrance.
Hi 👋 .
I am from Ukraine, my english is bad.
Please say this is Bivy good or bad ? Senks
It is good. Very good.
@@TheWalkingKev 👍
I'm 71 years old and will definately give this a miss.
I'm 41 and I've just sold it!
Haha, fair enough.
Couldn’t agree more … I’m just about to be 60 but doubt I’d even fit in it
No way is that wide enough for my shoulders
Dude why tf do all the top comments I see on camping videos start with “I’m 70+ years old…”
I have visions of someone hopping like mad inside one of these try to escape a wild animal 😬
@@stevendavis2122 the animal would be trying to get the wrapper off to get to the fleshy food inside.
@ A bit like a burrito 😂
@stevendavis2122 luckily in the UK about the only danger we have is being trampled on by some cows or being sniffed by a curious horse.
@ Shame about the lack of anchor points on this bivi although it’s weight is impressive.
@stevendavis2122 the lack of anchor points just seems crazy to me.
is it normal to stand on graves when you do you outdoor gear reviews in your country?
Ha ha, it's a boundary marker. Marks the end of one person's land.
It looks like a super light weight sweat bag. Condensation will be a nightmare in this bag in real field conditions. I would avoid.
Pretty much! Now sold on.
U really planning sleeping at night near that scary grave ??! 😂
Ha, it's just a boundary marker I think.
@@TheWalkingKev Yeah i know... i was just kidding 😂😂but still, imagine that someone is actually buried there and at night his spirit comes to check what you are doing there 😜
@@roygertel I'm sure UA-camrs have camped in graveyards and worse numerous times! Can't say that'd appeal to me, it's bad enough a bit of breeze hitting the tent and sounding like an axe murderer wandering around outside! Darkness does strange things to you on a camp.
@@TheWalkingKev U actually damn right man !
ua-cam.com/video/j8e0Q1E08gQ/v-deo.html
🤦♂
I can't believe you would use thos over a swag. You guys are nuts.
A swag?
we all heard it lol
?
Dutch army hopped bivvy all day long over that I'm sorry
I'm sure that's a better option. I've since sold this.
Why would he set up that body bag next to a grave head stone? Who in there right mind would set up a body bag in a cemetery next to the dead. 🤔
It's a boundary marker!
@@TheWalkingKev I pretty sure it is.I wouldn't set up shop to something that looks like a grave stone.
@@Noway673 it's somewhere to dry your socks overnight!
@@TheWalkingKev try a tree branch.
but it's not a sodding gravestone@@Noway673
Oh man you pitched on someone grave 😮
@@Puffball-ll1ly 😂 it's a boundary marker thankfully. I wouldn't fancy pitching on a grave!
Why are you sleeping on a grave site?...or am I confused and missing something?
It's a boundary marker, marks the end of one person's land and the start of another. It does look like a gravestone!
Looks like a camp in a gravesite
It does a bit! It's a little boundary marker... hopefully.
Either he's a big tall guy or that tent is small for a midget to sleep in.That thing looked short.
I'm 5ft 11 and fit in fine, it's a decent length for most people.
Pitching a bivvy over a grave??
It's a boundary marker, marks the edge of someone's land.
This looks like a terribly cramped and uncomfortable experience, you can’t even sit up or get changed if the weather is bad. I’m not sure who would use this unless it’s a survival situation or some kind of ultralight challenge
Some people love this sort of thing. I'm fine with the space for sleeping, but getting in and out is a nightmare.
Why’s this guy setting it up by someone’s grave though 😭
@@jacobdrake2 ha ha, it's a boundary marker!
@ oh ok that makes more sense. Looked like a grave at first. Never seen a boundary marker here in the US
@jacobdrake2 I've had this comment a lot! Yeah, it does look like a grave. On this hill there are a few of them.
@ lol I bet. Where were you hiking ??
@@jacobdrake2 Mynydd y Lan, a local hill for me
Looks terrible.. but top review so far
Ha ha. It has been sold on. Getting in and out and into a sleeping bag - especially after a long hike - was a nightmare.
way too expensive
It's a pricey bit of kit, but can be found for a lot less used in mint condition.
you are right, thanks@@TheWalkingKev
@@tbafafgaga9493 I sold mine mint for £130. I can imagine a lot of bivys get sold in mint condition as most people don't get on with them!
Looks flappy/flimsy and seems like it would blow away in anything above a gentle breeze🙂
Yeah, I think you need a sleep mat and a person in it to give it some structure!
That bivvy is a hot mess
A lot of people love it, but it's not for me!
@TheWalkingKev if i were getting shelled with rain or snow, I certainly wouldn't turn it down, but not something I would factor into my planning when far superior options like Snugpak exist for a comparable price.
But great review!
@@TheJobtate thanks. I used to have the Jack Wolfskin Gossamer 1, I think that's like the Snugpak. It was a decent little tent.
Nah, don't like it 😊
You should like it, it is boat sized after all!
@@TheWalkingKev Ha! 😝