Snugpak stratospher bivi vs Army issue hooped bivi

[Mike8472]

Has any one used either of these two that give me an Idea of how they compare?

I have seen the army issue ones coming up on ebay all the time and been tempted to buy one. the snugpak ones on ebay are about £90 and are often more expensive.

before I fork out cash on something like this I'd like some views/opinions of the two as to how tough they are, easy to pitch, etc.

 

[Nat]

The small army issue ones i found very claustrophobic. Packs small and lightweight. Very easy to pitch. You wo't get your ruck in one with you though.
Not any experience with the Snugpak one.

 

[nolightweight]

I used the MOD one last weekend for four nights.

Very easy to set up, pretty roomy (I'm 6' and I know where the fridge is and how to dodge salad) plenty of space for kit at the head end. Easy enough to get in/out of.

I actually set the tarp so it just covered the entry end and gave me more admin space underneath so I was pretty much sleeping outside the tarp.

I was in a Nanok 0 with an issue roll mat and was fine.

If asked; yep, I'm very happy with it. Stand by: I'll get a pic up.

Cheers to Maddave for the bottom pic, and we had a fair lot of the downward falling wet stuff that weekend.

 

[Mike8472]

nolightweight, have you had any problems with the pocket the end of the pole sits in? I have heard reports of the stitching failing and the pole pinging out.

 

[nolightweight]

Mike

It was my first time out with it but had no dramas.

It's a good question though and a good point. Can't really comment as it's not been a problem. It is something to be aware of though I agree.

I'm definately not hesitating to use the gear in this kind of set up again though.

Neil.

 

[Twodogs]

I have owned both ,

The Army one is very well made but you need to slide in and out plus it has a proper gore tex top to it.

The snugpak is a lot lighter and made of a lightweight breatherble fabric plus its easier to use due to the side zip .

For mild conditions I would go for the Snugpak but for real bad conditions the MOD .

Only becouse the MOD feels a lot more robust .

Twodogs

 

[scottisha5]

I own a Stratosphere - very lightweight easy to use albeit I use it with care as its very fine.

I also use a dutch army centre opening with flap and endy mod zip. very rugged but on the heavy side

I also own a US Modular System which needs a donkey to carry it for you but its the best thing Ive ever slept in, rugged, breathable but heavy.

So there you have it another system in the melting pot, hope this helps

atb
John

 

[Ahjno]

Stratosphere review by Pablo:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30106

 

[Hangman]

I've had the MoD one for the best part of 10 years, still working...

 

[SimonM]

I have the Stratosphere and love it, but as has already been said it feels a bit "delicate" compared to the issue one.

Just throw away the heavy steel pegs and replace them with ali or Ti.

Simon

 

[scrogger]

I have a snugpack, great bit of kit. As Simon said replace the heavy pegs and keep it WELL vented imho its not as breathable as goretex.

I also have an old style army bivvy (No Hoops) and this works well with a small tarp or poncho tarp to keep the open end dry and provide an admin area.

horses fo courses I reckon.

 

[sandbag47]

just found this on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GENUINE-ARMY-...Collectables_Militaria_LE?hash=item439e6b9456

 

[BA0659]

I own both a Stratosphere hooped bivvy and a Dutch Army Issue Hooped Bivvy (sad I know).
There is no contest.
The Stratospehere has let rain and moisture in on me twice in copious amounts. The material is flimsy and will pluck and rip on any thorns or the like in the field. A good idea but save it for your kids in the summer.

The Dutch Army DPM Hooped Bivvy is the best bit of kit I have used in a long time.
The material is durable and hard wearing.
Condensation is not an issue as you have a brilliant mosquito net built in and the ability to hang a small light from the zip ends or toggles that hold open the flap by your head, should you choose to keep it open.
I especially liked the material sewn in on the underside, to keep your issue foam roll mat in place. This protects the bivvy and the whole lot can be rolled in a oner, in a "bug out" situation.
There is room for an air bed inside (if you are really travelling first class!) and I can easily fit my rifle and assault vest in on exercise. Therefore, a small pack near your feet is easily accommodated instead.
The whole bivvy uses about six pegs and I have used it in a barn on a concrete floor with no support. The hoop remained free standing and gave me room to read without a problem. The system packs into it's own very durable bag with ease and is no real weight.

In conclusion, buy the dutch rig. It is a fraction of the cost of what it should be and I am the envy of the Unit in the field.

Good luck

pete