Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

I got this bivy last week and I took it out on a weekend backpacking trip in Joshua Tree. I didn't bring a tarp, just this bivy. The construction is perfectly designed for myself meaning it has Momentum fabric on top, Sil Nylon on the bottom, and eVent at the foot. The bivy includes a moldable wire that forms a hood and Ron gives you the option of taking it out or putting it back in. The netting is perfect meaning that I zipped it up both nights, even though I didn't need to, and was never in my face. I was camping on sandish ground and the conditions were perfect, so there was no chance of condensation to accumulate. There are 4 stake out loops at the corners and they were much needed the first night when the wind in the open desert was howling. Loops are included on the underside of the bivy with shockcords to secure a pad. I usually put my sleeping pad in my sleeping bag so I didn't use it. There is also a shockcord attached to the head of the bivy to tie to a tree or whatever to get the hood off the ground. I haven't weighed the bivy yet, but I'll update it when I get home. Overall a great bivy so far and I wouldn't backpack without it.

Rating: 5 / 5

I went Spring camping in the Appalachian Mountains recently, using the Patrol Shelter, the Soul Bivy, and the XP 21 oz. quilt. The weather forecast called for light rain. Naturally, the rain was torrential, with heavy winds of up to approximately 40 miles an hour.

The Soul Bivy (size large, 7.5 ounces), despite the high humidity, had very little moisture on the outside: just a few drops. The quilt was dry. The Momentum fabric on the top is, as advertised, quite breathable.

For me one of the clever and attractive features of this Bivy are the cords to attach both an internal and external sleeping pad. I put a closed cell foam pad underneath the bivy, eliminating the need for a ground cloth. I used a BPL Torsolite self inflating pad on the inside. The cords keep both pads stable.

I have not discussed the product specifics here because they are fully described on the Mountain Laurel Designs web page. The take-home message is: Another very well-made Ron Bell product-- light, well-made and easy to use.