Since the last thorough review of Bivy Sacks on the site was 2006 - and I can't find any at all on Backpacker.com - I'd appreciate people's advice on Bivy Sacks. I'm further flummoxed by the fact that the BPL Vapr Bivies seem to have disappeared.

Anyway, according to the 2006 report, it looked like the Integral Designs Unishelter was the best bet. But that was 2006 - and it didn't include the new The North Face Backpack Bivy or others from MSR, RAB, Integral Designs, etc.

I'm looking for the best Bivy Sack for bugs and warm weather sleeping - and for adding a little extra warmth and sleeping warm - that's waterproof on the bottom, breathable on the top, and has a bug net in the hood.

Thanks and best.

Where will you be using it most?

Can't go wrong with an MLD Superlight. Momentum top, silnylon bottom and a mesh window to allow breath to escape and keep out bugs. And simple. Andy Skurka uses a custom model with a more durable floor, sil 2.0.

take a look at the titanium goat bivy. I've been very happy with mine.

Another vote for TiGoat. And I can't imagine Backpacker testing any bivys I'd use........

I have three or four bivy sacks ranging from the 2.5 lb plus OR "advanced" bivy with a couple of hoops to my current favorite the Oware drawstring. It weighs about 6 oz, is waterproof on the bottom and very breathable on top and has a lot of netting. The draw string makes it light and simple. Cost about $95 from BPL and a bit more direct from Oware -- must be something to do with the member discount.
My wife and I each have one and, with a 10x10 tarp, our complete shelter system weighs under 28oz for 100 sq feet.
Here they are with the tarp and every thing else we carry in a backpack

how easy is entry exit in the drawstring bivy? I thought many times about making this design for myself as it would be very simple to construct.

-Tim

Thanks, Todd. Most immediately in Baja - but I'd like to be able to use it (as much as possible) wherever and forever..... :)

Then you should be able to get by with any of the above mentioned bivies. The Equinox bivy is awesome and cheap, but you will need a headnet or other bug protection.

I know you specified you want built-in protection, but a bigger net could be added to the Equinox, and you'll pay less for that combo than for the other bivies mentioned.

If you are looking for a storm proof bivy, then the Unishelter is a good choice, although I would look at the Big Agnes 3 Wire Bivy. eVENT is the best and this bivy has pelnty of room and will do well in high wind conditions. It has also been recently revised with the poles now in the exterior. It has substantially more room than any of the other bivvies mentioned which are more simple sleeping bag covers.

I agree on the Integral bivies and consider them the best overall that I have seen or used; I have a Unshelter, Bugaboo-eVENT and South Col-eVENT and I never leave my vehicle, horse, plane or boat without a bivy-tarp in my emergency pack.

Just did a trip in northwestern BC, it poured rain and we got soaked while looking for a RM Goat for my buddy. I did not care, even in that remote locale as I have bivy-camped in such situations many times and know I am safe and wsill be warm and dry as soon as I set up my rig and change into my spare merino base layer.

I like the look of the new "Three Wire Bivy" from BA and I might well buy one for winter hiking and short camping treks, probably get a bright coloured siltarp to go with it. Nobody makes exactly the bivy I have a mental image of, but, that one comes very close.

FYI - I'm seriously considering getting an ID Overbay/Bivy (all eVent) for use as a stand-alone shelter in winter (mostly) and fringe season use.

"how easy is entry and exit in the drawstring bivy? I thought many times about making this design for myself as it would be very simple to construct."

Tim,

It really isn't difficult to get into and out of the drawstring bivy once you get comfortable with it. The opening is as large as the girth of the bivy. I think it is easier than the clam shell style but less so than a side zip.

Edited by Umnak on 10/04/2009 20:00:58 MDT.

Matt - I have an all eVENT overbag and it is awesome. I do wish one could get a slightly smaller size however. It is quite large.

I have also been looking at the Hilleberg Bivanorak as a multi-purpose bivy, rain / wind shell, and pack cover but I think the breathability may be quite poor.

David: could you describe the closure system and stormproofness of the hood/entry? Thanks. Photo could be cool.

Matt - the bivy is with my B in Law right now on a trip but if you look here:

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=821&CFID=1161559&CFTOKEN=57196832&mainproducttypeid=1

there are a couple of decent pics. Note that this is for the Micro Bivy but it has an identical closure to the all eVENT Bivy. It does not close all the way - you will still leave a decent breathing hole.

David,

Now that the 2010 big agnes bivy is changed, which bivy do you like more, the Big Agnes or the ID event Unishelter?

Thanks

Dan

Hi Dan,

I like them both...;)

The Unishelter has the benefit of the rear vent and the ease of getting into compared to the pre-2010 3 Wire. The BA has more mesh and more room in the head area.

However, the changes to the 3 Wire, I believe, but it ahead. It now has the poles attached on the outside which will be easier than the previous model. It has more mesh than the Unishelter and now has a longer zipper for easier entry.

Here is a pic of the two set up side by side (2008 BA).