Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

I've finally found my perfect bivy for use with a tarp. This bivy weighs 7 ounces, and features a nylon DWR top, a silnylon bottom, a waist-length side-entry zipper, and a true innovation: a drawstring opening at the foot. It's cool because it's highly breathable, perfect for summers around here (Ohio), turns the spatters and mist that drift under my tarp, and resists the dew that sometimes forms when I sleep under the stars. The drawstring bottom allows extra ventilation on those summer nights, and works well with my WM Mitylite bag (which has a two-way zipper to ventilate the foot area.) There is no bug mesh panel over the face - but I've started carrying the Gossamer Gear bug canopy, which I can either pitch from a tree limb or just lay across my face. Also, Ron Bell is extremely responsive and helpful - he's currently sewing a poncho for me, and has been very patient as I've changed my mind (with much useful guidance from him) about six times.

I highly recommend the product and Ron Bell - both are class acts.

7/9/07: Although I no longer use this bivy, I'm not changing my rating. I quit using it because it lacked a built-in mesh panel, and I got frustrated with the Gossamer Gear bug canopy - a real pain to use. (I now use an Integral Designs Salathe when I'm not using my Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 tent.) If a mesh panel is really important to you, this bivy is not what you want - though Ron would probably be willing to modify one for you as a special order; like I said, he's a class act.

Edited by garkjr on 07/09/2007 11:31:30 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

My bivy comes in at 6.3 ounces after removing the bungee that can be tied to the top of your tarp (to keep the fabric off your face).

I was holding out forever for a Side Zip Vapr bivy, but after waiting forever, I got the Superlight. This bivy is not only cheaper, it is lighter as well, and you can order it whenever you want and know it will be on it's way real quick. (Ron is shipping certain products now a lot quicker than the old ship times). Plus, Ron's one-on-one service makes it a no-brainer.

One thing I really, really like is in the new models, the but netting is a lot larger. The only thing I was hesitant about before purchasing was the exteremly small looking bug window, but when I got it (in '07) it was much wider (the new '08 models).

A solid 5!

Rating: 5 / 5

I agree with the first two reviewers that this is an excellent bivy to use with a tarp. It is extremely light (mine weighs in at 6 oz even not counting the stuff sack and cord that can be attached to keep it off your face). The Momentum fabric on top sheds water nicely. The bug net is sufficient to breathe well (the 08 model that I have has a bigger bugnet than previous models), though it can get stuffy if you need it for bug protection on a warm night. I tend to toss and turn but the standard size is fine for me. I'm only 5'8" / 150 lbs though so I would probably get the larger size if I were much bigger. The bivy definitely adds warmth to my sleeping quilt and cuts down on the wind and the silnylon bottom is unscathed after one summer of use. Also, it zips down the side part way (not just across the chest) for easy entry and exit. The only issue I have had is with condensation in below freezing temps on a cold clear September Sierra night but I'm not sure there's much that can be done about that.
Here's a pic of it in the early morning covered in frost. It was too cold to keep it open at night, so I just waited for sunshine to dry everything out (one of the benefits of the Sierra). The loft held up on my quilt, so it was not an issue. Overall, it's a solid ultralight no frills bivy to use with a tarp.

Edited by Pendrey on 02/11/2009 21:23:05 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

I recently received and tested my MLD Superlight bivy. Weighing in at 6.2 oz, the workmanship is excellent...the seams were neatly sewn with no visible defects. The side zipper is very smooth and includes a loop tie to help pull it. The bottom is silnylon and the top is momentum.

This is my first bivy. My regular size was ample for my 5' 11" frame. I did not zip the bug screen over my face since bugs were not an issue but there is plenty of space to do so, especially if connecting the tie string to a tarp.

I used it last weekend in tandem with a BPL Pro quilt and a GG Spinntwin tarp. On the first night, conditions were clear, with winds around 10 - 15 mph and temperatures in the mid 50's F. On the second night, a strong thunderstorm hit in the middle of the night with winds in the 35 - 45 mph range and temperatures that dropped from the mid 60's to the low 40's F. In anticipation of bad weather, I had set my tarp sides perpendicular to the wind and staked them directly to the ground. The bivy gave me the extra assurance of wind and rain protection during the storm, enabling me to sleep very comfortably. In the morning, there was condensation above me on the underside of my tarp but none inside the bivy, indicating that the momentum fabric provided optimal ventilation.

In buggy weather I will probably continue using my GG Squall Classic tarptent but in all other conditions, I will use my tarp/superlight bivy/quilt combination that in total weighs right at 2 lbs.

Edited by taedawood on 04/13/2009 16:43:43 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

I've used this bivy throughout summer and fall of 09. I plan to use it in conjunction w a mid for winter use as well. It is my first bivy. Used in dry, wet, cold, and warm/ hot conditions. 26 degrees to 75 degrees.

-I ordered large as I'm 5'9"~175# and wanted room for layering and some gear storage near head if wanted, as well as some room to shift around. It satisfies all of this.
-For it's weight it sure is durable. I camp in rocky areas as well as among roots and all sorts of rough patches of ground I submit myself to. No tears yet.
-I've camped under tarp through many a storm and DWR worked fantastic. Never got wet thankfully. Bottom fabric also holds up well from rain splatter, small puddles etc.
-Cuts the wind just fine and appreciate that when used w quilt.
-of course keeps critters at bay.
-wouldn't mind netting being an inch to two inches larger width and length-even consididering I hike in a wet region. I have to position netting just right so as to breath fresh air.
-ONly once did my bag wet out from condensation, but it was in near perfect conditons for that to happen..cold, still night under stars no shelter. I bet only an all Event bag would have prevented. Otherwise breathability was very good.
-In temps above 65 or 70 I won't use any bivy anymore as I felt like I was slowly roasting during mid summer usage w high humidity. Probably use an inner net or something for that.
-Zippers work great.
All in all its an essential piece and I am sure I'll be using it for many years. Other than netting(personal preference) the changes like an all event footbox is nice addition.I'm not sure it can get any better. Cash cow.

Edited by hunter13 on 01/03/2010 08:02:08 MST.