First Bivi Bag

[Clark]

I've been fancying a bivi bag for a while now as I usually use a hammock and tarp but thought a bivi would be a nice bit of extra kit for quick overnighters or stealth camping when i can pack up quick and leave little trace of ever being there. I was going to get an army one but i also liked the idea of having the hooped design and mesh keeping the creepy crawlies of my face. This one was on ebay and convinced her indoors that it would make a good early birthday present for me. http://withoutdoors.co.uk/product.php?id=6568&node_id=8886
Anybody got any experience with them? I've read a few reviews and they seem to get an ok write up.

 

[bushcraftbob]

They look pretty good, but woah they are a tad expensive, I picked up a Goretex one from my local Army Surplus for £22!!!

 

[Greg]

Those types of bivis are OK as long as you don't get claustrophobic!

 

[Clark]

Luckily i don't get claustrophobic though, i like being cocooned when i'm sleeping out.
Managed to get this one off ebay for £70 so that's £100 off the retail price, no way would i spend £179 on a bivi bag normally.

 

[Mikkel]

How on earth can they call those for 'ultralight'? At 790g, it's not even 'light'.
For that price and those specs i would also go with an army issue one.

 

[Bodge]

I would be careful of condensation build up if your breathing inside the bag even with the vents open.
I imagine it could get quite damp in cold weather if you did that all night.

I just noticed that you have actually bought the item so let us know how you get on with it.

I personally use an army goretex bivvy bag but always try to keep my mouth at the opening when its very cold to minimise condensation.

Bodge

 

[robadams]

Looks fine fir a first bivi bag. You can pay a lot more for a complete goretex bag and yes, it may be a little lighter but then so will your wallet.
The plus of a PU coated base is that it is generally more durable than goretex, great for sleeping on the groung with a roll mat or thermarest between you and the ground and easier to repair if perforated by rocks or twigs.
The down side is condensation if used in a hammock and the underside moves to the top during the night.
When first using it I would recommend sleeping with the door open, this helps to reduce condensation inside and prevents you ripping your way out in the middle of the night because you can't find the zip. Sleep with a torch very close to hand.
The army bags are great if yopu want a cheap bag and want to add a mossie net, zips or pegging out/hanging tapes but remember, if they are surplus it is for a reason. As a former CQMS in my former life I know that a lot of guys really abuse this kit and then just hand it in for exchange when it stops working. Goretex needs & deserves a bit of TLC to last a long time. I have even known guys jump into thorn bushes in their bivi bag so that the next user gets wet from leakage.
Having said that, get one from the original user and you have a bargain.
hope this helps and enjoy your new hooped bivi.

 

[Matt Weir]

I imagine it could get quite damp in cold weather if you did that all night.

There's been times I've slept out in cold weather on a DD hammock and suffered that one Bodge. I imagine that a similar scenario in a bivvy may be exacerbated.