Do I need a bivi?

[Paul Webster]

Hi all, I'm going on a 3 day trip to Dartmoor this weekend and as I'm not sure exactly where we'll be I might not be able to use my usual hammock/tarp setup. So it's ground dwelling for me! I have a 3x1.5 tarp Unsponsored made, and was planning on using it with just a roll mat and sleeping bag, the question is...as it's fairly open, will it be a good idea to also use a bivi bag?

 

[Shewie]

Yeah take a lightweight bivvy, if the wind switches in the night and blows rain in it'll keep you dry.

 

[Barn Owl]

Definitely take a bivi bag.

 

[bilmo-p5]

What Shewie & Barn Owl said.

 

[andyBruce]

Yep, a bivi bag is the sensible way to go, especially with the fickle Dartmoor weather!

 

[Paul Webster]

Hmm, that leads to my next dilemma. I don't have a bivi and need one by Sunday!

 

[jonnie drake]

If it were a 3x3 tarp with a synthetic bag I would be tempted to say nay...

a bin bag over the footwell have worked for me in the past!

 

[Savagewolfrm]

I think you would be better of with an umbrella lol

 

[ged]

A groundsheet which you can fold over you would probably do all you need, maybe weight it down with your pack or something to stop it blowing off. But a bivvy bag would definitely be better. You want something which breathes.

 

[Shewie]

If you've got a TKMax near you they sometimes have the TrekMates ones in, they're not very big but should keep you dry

 

[Paul Webster]

Thanks guys, I'm hoping Kevin will do a Saturday delivery for one of these. Looks pretty good.

http://www.endicotts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=2440

 

[Mick w.]

Ring Bob at Backpackinglight and explain your dilemma. He's a helpful guy, may be able to get one to you in time...

 

[Shewie]

Or Alpkit is another option, their Hunka gets some good reviews

 

[MikeLA]

But then again we managed without them pre 1990’s. Bivi bag is a nice edition though

 

[ged]

I have no need of another bivvy bag but I think I might get one from Kev anyway, for making me laugh so much.

Slow roast gas mark 4 / 2 hours had me in stitches.

 

[Ivan...]

Well Mr Webster , i can see the change from swinging is worrying you slightly , and as others have said a bivvy would be a very good idea especially as i have just see the latest forecast for our trip !!
Anyway we will laugh as much as always see you Sunday pal ...

Ivan...

 

[Hetzen]

You have to remember that condensation and wetness doesn't just come from your breath or rain. If you create a small eco system with a tarp or tent, everything underneath it reacts to the difference in temperature. In your case, the soil as well.

The soil has loads of moisture in it. A good way of explaining it, is looking at mist in the morning as the ground heats up from the sun from a cloudless night.

I'd say you won't regret getting a bivy invovled. It not only protects your sleeping bag from outside moisture, it also acts as a wind barrier.

 

[Jinsin456]

You're better safe knowing you'll be okay than sitting wet and cold at 3am wishing you had bought a bivi mate, doesn't cost much but you would give a years wages for it if you try to sleep cold and wet.

 

[Paul Webster]

Well Mr Webster , i can see the change from swinging is worrying you slightly , and as others have said a bivvy would be a very good idea especially as i have just see the latest forecast for our trip !!
Anyway we will laugh as much as always see you Sunday pal ...

Ivan...

Yea, the definite lack of trees is troubling me...took along time to get my hammock setup right and haven't really thought much about ground dwelling. Might just have to take loads of alcohol and get smashed and pass out, won't care if I'm cold and wet then!

 

[The Lord Poncho]

A bivi will give you peace of mind, but you don't really need it. We used to make do without them, fitting 2 people in feather sleeping bags under a single 58 patt poncho. With the large tarp you have got, you shouldn't have any troubles- just don't be tempted to use a groundsheet which can channel water in under your tarp- seemingly the most common method of getting a soaked sleeping bag.

That said, these days i always use a bivvi bag, but unless i haven't been using a tarp at all, i have never actually needed it.