Bivi Bagging

[harris411]

Hi,

new to the forum, just a quick question, has anybody ever used a bivi bag? im looking into the possibility of this over a tent but would like to know of any first hand experiences. Are they comfortable? how effective are they? i've heard people say i should just stick with a small lightweight tent, any pointers?

[Boris]

I've never used one but I can't really see them as a practical alternative to a small tent. Nowhere to change or store my kit means either wearing the lot (including boots) or leaving it outside.

Or have I got the wrong end of the stick again?

[Jenna]

totally depends on what your doing, if its lightweight backpacking with minimal gear they work well, any thing more then not much cop.

Used one a few years ago when doing byways logging in Wales and found that you need to buy a good one as the cheap ones are very claustrophobic, damp and not much fun... the better ones have a hoop to keep the bivi away from your face, a no see 'um mesh panel for dryer weather and a bug free sleep... it’s also worth looking for one that zips round the top of your head and not across your chest as these seam to leak like a sieve after a while.

middle of the range but not the best design:
jack Wolfskin bivi

top choice, well designed and loads of bells and whistles...
Terra Nova Jupiter

[YEN_POWELL]

I've got one, only used it a few times. As stated, not much room to put any stuff. I managed to get my boots, jacket and helmet inside with enough room left for me and my sleeping bag.

The pictures below are the last time I used it. I was going to a local rally about 30 miles away, didn't want to drag a whole tent along, just needed somewhere to lay down and sleep afte a drink.

It rained the whole night. I took a sheet to string over it that one time because I'd seen the weather report and I like to sleep with the door open if possible. This was in December last year and it was definitely warmer inside the bivi bag compared to a tent.

[winxp-master]

For the price you would pay for a good bivvy with the whistles and bells (like a loop for your face etc) you could easily buy a small tent that probably packs down to near enough the same size and is quite quick to erect too.

I bought this Hunka bivy bag - Alpkit (the XL one) and i take it with me on camping trips for two reasons. 1, if it gets really cold during the night i can climb in and some say it can raise the temp by 5degrees and 2, if i have a dissaster with the tent i can use it for a good nights sleep and still be dry

The XL is very big and theres about a foot of extra room at the bottom that you could easily stuff a jacket and bottoms into if need be. Theres no zips so that it woun't leak either.

If it were me and i was looking to spend £200 then i'd much rather buy a small lightweight tent than a bivvy that for £200 are more or less small tents themselves.

[stuart123456789]

Hi Craig, I've got a hooped bivy that your'e welcome to try, give me a bell if you like
cheers
stuart123456789

[winxp-master]

A most kind offer but ive no need as i have a nice large tent now and i like my comfort.

[harris411]

Thanks for the advice guys I've decided to knock the bivi idea on the head for the moment. You're right it sounds like you need to spend a fair bit to get any real benefits from them, found some information on the subject here bivi bag Thanks for the replies