I built my own. 80" long 34" wide at the head 32" at the foot 40" tall to 28". it clips into my Ridgeline with nama gears nama claws. the first season I used a 7'x7' tarp but found it just a bit small in heavy thunderstorms. I have upgraded to a 10'x10' tarp that has bomb proofed my set up. total weight of bug bivy, silnylon tarp, ridgeline and 10 assorted aluminum stakes is 2.1 lbs.
FYI the linelocs on the ridgeline ends of this bivy have little loops at the end. After getting your desired pitch - if you simply wrap the guyline ends a couple times around these loops and pull tight the lines will not loosen and you don't have to tie extra knots in the line. Anyway, I just received mine today and did a test pitch and looks like a fine piece of gear!
Very nice review there! I did not know about this product and I might get one for myself. By the way, I really appreciate that you mentioned that you received the bivy from the manufacturer. Honesty is always appreciated!
I gave up on stakes, not only for a slight weight savings, but also because the Sierra does not accept stakes readily. I use a dinner plate sized set of tarp-material pads with holes on which I pile rocks or sand. Very useful.
I've been using mine for a few years now. What I do if I know it's going to rain (highest probability) is use a standard tarp (more often than not, a JRB 11*10 hammock tarp) on an adjustable tarp line. If low/no possibility then a small DCF flat tarp on a tarp line. I like the adjustable tarp lines as it gives room for quick adjustments. I head about them from Jeff Myers. The mesh bivy (bivvi, bivvy) is pitched a foot below the tarp on it's own line and attached to Prusik knots on this line. It's not a bad process getting in and out with the extra foot above. Not the ideal system and certainly not for gram weenies, but it works fine for me.
i like the price of these way better than other options but wow thats awkward to get in and out. i really wish they fix the design, but for cost, it might be worth the hassle for some. i think id rather save up and get something better. great review though, thanks for showing us.
It's really not that awkward. I also could have adjusted it a little more to allow the tent to really drop flat to the ground and then pull it up when inside the bivy.
This is a good review. I think the drawbacks pointed out only apply to situations where you don't have a place to tie off the bivy or rainfly. If I had a couple of trees, I'm hanging the rain fly higher or have one side be raised up like an awning.
You should have pitched the corners out further from the bivy and the lowered rear about 3-5" so the front and rear corners are roughly the same height off the ground and it adequately covers the foot end of the bivy.
Do you think the design would be better if the zipper was on the side vs the top? Seems like it would make entry and exit much more convenient. Great review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this bivy
Why not have one of the front edges also zip, I really cannot understand any benefit of the design of the entrance. I see no positive. I'm not anti bivy, I just don't see why.... What am I missing???
ujjc001 it’s not for everyone. But it’s also not the only bivy/tent to use this type of entrance. In my time using it, it’s been a non issue. It sure beats crawling into it army style or having the claustrophobic aspect of a traditional bivy.
Thanks for the feedback ujjc001! We thought the large top entry would make it easier to get in and out of the bivy. As Devin demonstrated, you can drop the front of the bivy down to make it easier to get in. In fact, we would recommend leaving a lot more of the Dyneema line on that front adjuster (we provide 10 feet) so you can drop the front all the way down to the ground. You can then sit on top of the bivy entrance (facing out), take your shoes off, etc. This would be similar to sitting in a tent doorway with it zipped open. When you're ready, you simply rotate your legs around, tuck then into the bivy through the open zipper, then pull the front up by tugging on the adjuster. Finally, you close the zipper when you're ready to lay down. We though this would be a lot more comfortable way to get in, especially since the height of the bivy is so low that a front entry would be almost impossible.
Great review. I would probably pair this with the regular sanctuary tarp for a little extra space inside. I do like not needing to crawl in from the end I'm 6'4" so the top entry is more appealing.
Be perfect if had shorter floor for air flow when the heat is beating down you can't sit up in it so better for air flow and if it has a entrance on one end if you set up a trap correctly you don't get splash on you
Great review, however, wouldn’t a hook/loop closure be safer than zipper which could snag/fail? By the way, I’d appreciate your thoughts on potential negative effects of using Permethrin on bug-netting and tarps. Thanks
EODNavigator you’re talking Velcro right? If so, Velcro will not last as long and especially when it gets filled with dirt it won’t close anymore. I don’t anticipate the zipper ever snagging of failing with a proper pitch. Also, permethrin is safe to use on netting and silnylon.
I haven't done it myself but that is a great idea. In theory it should work to run short guylines from thestake points of the bivy to the same stakes holding down the tarp corners. I hate having to carry 10-12 stakes, since the whole idea behind this setup is lighter weight. Would love to pare down to like 6 stakes at most so I will try this next time I go on a trip with it. At worst you could use heavy rocks at the bivy endpoints - combined with a tarp overhead it should keep things in place.
Excellent review! Thanks for taking a look at this. At $60 is so tempting! I didn’t think about the awkwardness of getting in with the Tarp pitched, thanks for sharing that. Do you think that the square cut, 8x10 tarp might be a better option for this bivy? Or do you suggest the tapered tarp? I’ve read the tapered one “just barely covers” the bivy , but this video seems to show it fits well. Any suggestions are appreciated. I hike and camp in FL where a Bug net and tarp are a necessity.
I built my own. 80" long 34" wide at the head 32" at the foot 40" tall to 28". it clips into my Ridgeline with nama gears nama claws. the first season I used a 7'x7' tarp but found it just a bit small in heavy thunderstorms. I have upgraded to a 10'x10' tarp that has bomb proofed my set up.
total weight of bug bivy, silnylon tarp, ridgeline and 10 assorted aluminum stakes is 2.1 lbs.
Could you share a little bit more about your custom Bivy? What you described pretty much right on on par for what I'm searching for.
FYI the linelocs on the ridgeline ends of this bivy have little loops at the end. After getting your desired pitch - if you simply wrap the guyline ends a couple times around these loops and pull tight the lines will not loosen and you don't have to tie extra knots in the line. Anyway, I just received mine today and did a test pitch and looks like a fine piece of gear!
Can someone do a close up video of the way to run the string through the linelocks? I was having the same problem.
I totally went for the “dog peeing on a fire hydrant” method to get in when I had a tarp over the bivy. Really liked this shelter!
Very nice review there! I did not know about this product and I might get one for myself. By the way, I really appreciate that you mentioned that you received the bivy from the manufacturer. Honesty is always appreciated!
HamletNOR here to be honest and real! Thank you!
Just put a carabiner att the front end and drop it down sitt inside and connect again.🙃
I gave up on stakes, not only for a slight weight savings, but also because the Sierra does not accept stakes readily. I use a dinner plate sized set of tarp-material pads with holes on which I pile rocks or sand. Very useful.
I've been using mine for a few years now. What I do if I know it's going to rain (highest probability) is use a standard tarp (more often than not, a JRB 11*10 hammock tarp) on an adjustable tarp line. If low/no possibility then a small DCF flat tarp on a tarp line. I like the adjustable tarp lines as it gives room for quick adjustments. I head about them from Jeff Myers.
The mesh bivy (bivvi, bivvy) is pitched a foot below the tarp on it's own line and attached to Prusik knots on this line.
It's not a bad process getting in and out with the extra foot above.
Not the ideal system and certainly not for gram weenies, but it works fine for me.
i like the price of these way better than other options but wow thats awkward to get in and out. i really wish they fix the design, but for cost, it might be worth the hassle for some. i think id rather save up and get something better. great review though, thanks for showing us.
It's really not that awkward. I also could have adjusted it a little more to allow the tent to really drop flat to the ground and then pull it up when inside the bivy.
This is a good review. I think the drawbacks pointed out only apply to situations where you don't have a place to tie off the bivy or rainfly. If I had a couple of trees, I'm hanging the rain fly higher or have one side be raised up like an awning.
You should have pitched the corners out further from the bivy and the lowered rear about 3-5" so the front and rear corners are roughly the same height off the ground and it adequately covers the foot end of the bivy.
Was considering but I'm not Gumby damn it.
Do you think the design would be better if the zipper was on the side vs the top? Seems like it would make entry and exit much more convenient. Great review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this bivy
I mean it would make it easier to get in when you've got a low pitched tarp for sure. Thanks!
Why not have one of the front edges also zip, I really cannot understand any benefit of the design of the entrance. I see no positive. I'm not anti bivy, I just don't see why.... What am I missing???
ujjc001 it’s not for everyone. But it’s also not the only bivy/tent to use this type of entrance. In my time using it, it’s been a non issue. It sure beats crawling into it army style or having the claustrophobic aspect of a traditional bivy.
Thanks for the feedback ujjc001!
We thought the large top entry would make it easier to get in and out of the bivy. As Devin demonstrated, you can drop the front of the bivy down to make it easier to get in. In fact, we would recommend leaving a lot more of the Dyneema line on that front adjuster (we provide 10 feet) so you can drop the front all the way down to the ground. You can then sit on top of the bivy entrance (facing out), take your shoes off, etc. This would be similar to sitting in a tent doorway with it zipped open. When you're ready, you simply rotate your legs around, tuck then into the bivy through the open zipper, then pull the front up by tugging on the adjuster. Finally, you close the zipper when you're ready to lay down. We though this would be a lot more comfortable way to get in, especially since the height of the bivy is so low that a front entry would be almost impossible.
Great review. I would probably pair this with the regular sanctuary tarp for a little extra space inside. I do like not needing to crawl in from the end I'm 6'4" so the top entry is more appealing.
I'll pass on this wilderness coffin.
ha ha
Be perfect if had shorter floor for air flow when the heat is beating down you can't sit up in it so better for air flow and if it has a entrance on one end if you set up a trap correctly you don't get splash on you
Thanks Dev! Love Paria products!
Definitely going to get that bivy for my June hike. Thanks man great vid!
Bro where are you in this video? Such a beautiful place. I also love this bivy myself.
Have been thinking about picking one of these up. Great review
Josh Herod Outdoor Adventures thanks Josh!
I have the Paria 8x10 tarp and 2-man mesh tent. Happy with both.
Great review, however, wouldn’t a hook/loop closure be safer than zipper which could snag/fail? By the way, I’d appreciate your thoughts on potential negative effects of using Permethrin on bug-netting and tarps. Thanks
EODNavigator you’re talking Velcro right? If so, Velcro will not last as long and especially when it gets filled with dirt it won’t close anymore. I don’t anticipate the zipper ever snagging of failing with a proper pitch.
Also, permethrin is safe to use on netting and silnylon.
Yeah I consider myself a contortionist when I get into my big agnes fly creek 1P with it's small front door. This is kinda crazy
Is it possible to avoid using stakes with the bivy when paired with the tarp by using the the outs instead?
I haven't done it myself but that is a great idea. In theory it should work to run short guylines from thestake points of the bivy to the same stakes holding down the tarp corners. I hate having to carry 10-12 stakes, since the whole idea behind this setup is lighter weight. Would love to pare down to like 6 stakes at most so I will try this next time I go on a trip with it. At worst you could use heavy rocks at the bivy endpoints - combined with a tarp overhead it should keep things in place.
Looks legit. I used the friendly Swede but got destroyed still by nosseeums and the little bastards. Had an allergic reaction it was so bad
Ahh, thanks a lot man
Not a good form factor for any sort of convenience.
You need to add loops of shock cord to give it a little play for getting in and out.
good idea
Excellent review! Thanks for taking a look at this. At $60 is so tempting! I didn’t think about the awkwardness of getting in with the Tarp pitched, thanks for sharing that. Do you think that the square cut, 8x10 tarp might be a better option for this bivy? Or do you suggest the tapered tarp? I’ve read the tapered one “just barely covers” the bivy , but this video seems to show it fits well. Any suggestions are appreciated. I hike and camp in FL where a Bug net and tarp are a necessity.
I like the tapered cut for this bivy, but the 8x10 would work just as well.
Very nice but if you are over 6ft the mesh bug tent might be a bit too tight.
I have the 2 person tent same company slightly bigger tent. I love it!! Good company
Chris F T P agreed.
The top zipper sucks when used with a tarp!! Side zipper please Paria.
Instead of using a knot you could use a carabiner or some hook for easier entrance..
What height did you use on your poles?
Like it overall. Getting up to pee during the night would be challenging!
Your friend must be a very nimble big man. 🤨
Tim Watson ha ha ha!
Tim Watson lol
I personally have the Borah bug bivy
Great review but just not for me.
I was all in till you said 13 ounces. Almost twice the weight of the MLD or Borah. I guess you pay in weight for all that extra room
how do you tie the line lock?
Not my style... I'll stick with the Paria Mesh Breeze A Frame... I'm loving that one!
Alan Williams the Breeze Mesh Tent is awesome.
My Gossamergear The One weights 22oz.... or about 10oz lighter.
Have you used this in super humid conditions?
Just in time before I m/c ride the Pacific coast.
Any chance you’d give up the location of this video? Asking for a friend haha
Star valley area of Wyoming. 😉
Dang a dislike already! Guess they don't like Bivy Shelters! Great review man!
Huck Outdoors meh, dislikes are non issue. 👊🏻 love this bivy!
AXL Air Insulated .. Is it a no go?
Nick DeWald it sleeps a little cold, but it’s awesome! Been really happy with it.
Thanks! Looking forward to a full review
Looks way too awkward. No thanks.
Stitches not as awkward as it looks.
i hv 2 of em,, love em, here in central Florida bug's will eat ya alive
just use a one person ulv tent
JogBird the point is to have a modular shelter.
Thanks but i don't get it.
pacificrider08 what’s not to get?
Backcountry Exposure, think about the zipper and your own comments
I don't like the zipper location either. Poor design IMO
Wonderful bivy if you are into contortionism.
but once you get in, you don't feel as constrained due to mesh being "open"