I've noticed a few people mentioning that they've added foot vents to their bivys. Is this just like huge hole that's as big as the entire circumference of the bivy and cinches up to form the foot box? Or is there some fancy pattern wizardry? Also, how necessary would such a foot vent be on an Epic-topped bivy in semi-arid Montana? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
-Eric

Edited by lave on 09/11/2006 15:34:14 MDT.

As necessary as in the semi-arid Sierra Nevada. Some condensation does tend to form even on lower humidity nights at the foot area---which can be mitigated by a foot vent---- and around the hood area ( especially if one is not careful in positioning the hood opening so breath is being vented outside the bivy). The foot vent also makes the bivy more comfortable over a broader temp. range. Precip doesn't always come when it's cold.

MLD bivys are the only (semi)production bivys I know that have a foot vent. Nothing fancy about the construction of such a vent----just think of a drawstring closed stuffsack.

Thanks Kevin, that answers my question perfectly. My only concern now is that if you just cinch the bottom of the bivy closed, isn't there going to be a little hole left? Should I make a little flap to cover the hole or just not worry about it? Thanks.
-Eric

Really not a issue---Epic fabric has a soft "hand" and will bunch up really tight to close the opening. No flap needed.

Edited by kdesign on 09/13/2006 21:36:45 MDT.

Awesome, thanks Kevin. I'm super excited to get this thing started! I'm probably going to sleep through all my classes tomorrow after the all-nighter I'm about to pull!
-Eric

shouldn't foot vents also be screened, or covered in mesh, to keep the critters out?

I would definitely put no-see-um mesh in the foot vent to keep the critters and bugs out.
IMHO

Edited by cameronjreed on 09/23/2006 14:31:23 MDT.