Are Dutch Hoop Bivy availabile? Or something else?

[sidpost]

I live in the USA, Texas, so some of the EU sources are a 'no go' due to exorbitant shipping costs.

Are Dutch Hooped Bivy available these days for a reasonable price? I want something subdued that is water tight and reasonable in cold weather, in my case around the Minnesota and the Canadian border in the Fall and Spring.

Most Bivy are centered around being super small and lightweight. Smaller and Lighter is good but, not the ultimate goal. I want something more than a tarp but, less than a tent. In fact I like tarp camping a lot but, with frost on the ground and high winds it really depends on the sleeping bag so, I need a good shelter to deal with blowing rain or high wind and dust.

I am 5'7" so, not super tall and of average weight. I want a bit of space for my gear and don't want a wall on my face. Stargazing is nice but, I really want to keep weather out and will just enjoy a camp chair or something similar for stargazing.

What is good for a reasonable price, not cheap but reasonable.

TIA,
Sid

 

[crosslandkelly]

Have a look at OEX and Snugpak hooped bivys, they seem well regarded here.

 

[bgreen]

+1 for Snugpak. Two models worth considering - The Stratosphere is their version of a hooped bivvi. The Ionosphere is slightly larger, (a bit larger than a hooped bivvi but smaller than a regular one man tent). Loads of reviews for both on youtube.

 

[sidpost]

Yep, I read a good deal about the Ionosphere and Stratosphere.

The Stratosphere seems to get a lot of negative comments about moisture build-up. The Ionosphere seems to get better uniform positive comments.

The Dutch Bivy has that DPM camouflage pattern which I like and it seems like it was about $100USD cheaper for one in new condition that the Ionosphere.

If I can find a Dutch Bivy, the Ionosphere seems like a good option for me.

 

[Roughneck]

I've bought a Dutch Army Hooped Bivvy Bag from Militarymart UK. They sell out quickly but I gave my email to be notified and got one within 10 days. Virtually brand new with bug net and just enough room for light-ish camping with room inside to keep things dry. As a caution note I Nikwax it as insurance and it rained when I used it and was perfectly dry with rain and moisture. Overall a good piece of kit and can be deployed in less then a minute.