Reader Reviews

Rating: 4 / 5

How can you not commend the BMW bivy sack?! Very waterproof, very breathable, very light and bugproof and adds a few degrees to your sleeping bag especially if there is a bit of a breeze going. The lightweight pertex top of the bag is a real bonus if you use a high loft down in your bag as it does not compress it like a heavier material. The only improvement is personally I would like a ½ length zipper – it is not the easiest to get into.
But I think the concept of a tough waterproof bottom and a light breathable top is absolutely tremendous for tarp campers!

Edited by electricpanda on 08/09/2005 03:00:19 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

I simply can't justify NOT bringing this on every trip.

Very durable.

It is kind of annoying to get into though...

Edited by Dane on 04/07/2006 23:31:02 MDT.

Rating: 4 / 5

In narrow range of climate conditions (around freezing and damp) I have woke up with condensation on the inside, which dampens my down sleeping bag. I would have prefered one of the newer models with the partial zipper, which was not offered at the time I bought mine, for ease of getting into. Otherwisw it has been great in all other respects.

Rating: 2 / 5

I've long debated the purchase of the zippered version of this bivy.

With all due respect, irregardless of excellent design and intent, what good are such things as this item (or even "Jesus Shoes" for stream crossings) if they're not currently in stock, nor have they been in stock for quite some time, nor is there any projected date for when they might be in stock?

To me, that defines Vaporware! Such items should not (IMO) be included in the Gear Shop unless they are actually available or on very short back-order.

In some ways, it's like Big Sky International, but to BMW's credit, without the "pay now, pray you get it eventually" results detailed in other threads on these forums. That's why the "2" instead of a "1".

Quoting Yoda - "There is no try. There is only DO."

aka "The best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray".


Wandering Bob

Edited by wandering_bob on 11/25/2006 22:04:14 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

This is my partner's favorite light weight bivy sack -- the Bozeman Mountain Works VAPR bivy. It does not have the side zipper of the more luxurious model, and weighs about 6.5 oz. -- which is a great alternative to the heavier bivy sacks, like the IDs unishelters at about 40 oz. (but, for the weight, truly weather proof and bombproof).


Stats and info at BackpackingLight.com at:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/vapr_pertex_quantum_ultralight_bivy_sack_r.html

"From BPL Publisher Ryan Jordan:

This is my favorite piece of gear. It's a perfect mate to a sleeping quilt, and offers more versatility than a sleeping bag with a more water resistant, but less breathable shell. The Vapr Bivy replaces a ground cloth, can be used for winter camping in a tent or snow cave, and the hood can be lifted high with a cord for mid-summer camping in mosquito country."

The NANO version of the VAPR is a couple of ounces lighter, as delivered and can be cut down further, but my partner likes the heaftier fabric in the VAPR. Thus, the NANO is my preferred bivy, as long as I am careful not to damage it on a heavy rock or cinder surface, and hers is the VAPR.

The design and manufacture of the VAPR are good or great -- she, my partner, is looking at removing the bug screening and the little green patch next to where the zippers close on either side.

This bivy gets us into light weight trips using bivy bags, instead of tents. So onward and upward on the gear trail and experimentation to lighten up and get out there more.

Edited by bdavis on 01/03/2007 20:26:42 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

Bozeman Mountain Works VAPR Bivy Sack

VAPR Bivy (measured wt.: size regular with netting window and included stuff sack is 8.0 oz.)

I like the waterproof silicone-coated nylon floor and the water-resistant breathable Pertex Quantum upper. This provides an excellent balance between breathability versus water resistance.

I use the VAPR bivy with a poncho tarp and quilt. It has sufficient room even when using Cocoon UL 60 Hoody and Pant.

Rating: 4 / 5

I agree. Nothing more frustrating than reading all the rave about the BMW Vapor Bivy series and reading "Backordered" with no certain date of availability. Same as last year. (I was thru hiking for the short few months they were available this spring)

Meanwhile, I really don't wanna purchase an imposter "for now."

The best thing about cottage industry niche companies: small semi-custom orders, very responsive to customer issues, quality

The worst thing about cottage industry niche companies: small production runs, uncertain next runs, praying you're high enough on the list of those left wanting and waiting

Maybe a late Christmas present??
(then I'd up it to at least a 4!)

:)

***************************************
Finally got one Jan 2008. Have used it Cowboy and under tarp in several winter outings and a couple other times in fall. With mesh zipped in and zipped up condensation forms on noseum mesh, frost if cold enough. Sometimes INSIDE bivy or on top of sleeping bag near bivy opening near my face. This may be due to me tossing and turning and rolling onto my side too since my face isnt aligned with the bivy opening. Generally very happy. But I bought the long to add more space for gear inside my bivy (not sure this was necessary). So that's 8.0 oz plus 1.3oz for noseum + stuff sack....pretty darn close to 10oz! Didn't seem too heavy when I bought it but now i cant wait to buy the NANO or better yet MLD's Light Soul at <4.5oz (no noseum-use bug headnet for bug season, leave home otherwise) With my SUL tarp/stakes/lines/stuff sac that's WELL under a pound (10.0 oz + 4.5 = 14.5oz + MAYBE SUL stuff sac,probaby just shove into tarp stuff sac)

Now that I have it it's a 4!

Edited by garyhebert on 01/16/2009 13:25:32 MST.

Rating: 4 / 5

I have used this about 20 nights in the wilds of Washington and Idaho

I love the:
stake out design
Bungie thing that gets the bag off your face
The weight
The zip in bug mesh (very nice design)
Breathability

I dont like the:
half zip top that makes getting in and out a bit cumbersome
The top is not even remotely water resistant. Perhaps for fog? Definitely must be used with a tarp for any weather protection.

Still a go to piece of gear, but I wonder if the weight would be better used in an event style bivy?