UK issue Goretex bivvys - a quick question

[listenclear]

Hi guys,
This is probably a stoopid question but just wondering if in theory you could sleep in one of these through the rain. I know they are waterproof but does that include the head end as well?
Been looking at pictures but i cant seem to make out what is going on at the head end.
Cheers in advance - once again

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

It's a big sock shape with a drawstring closure. So as long as the end is slighty down it's dry.

Nick

 

[durulz]

Mmm...I suppose they should be. Depends on whether it's been properly looked after and waterproofed. Not sure I'd trust it myself. I'd be inclined to put a tarp up as well and then all will be fine.

 

[Shewie]

You could make/buy a micro tarp which just protects the head end. The sort of thing Bob sells here

 

[crazyclimber]

I'd trust them in terms of waterproofness (as long as there's no holes or anything) but like Shewie said a tarp or poncho's a good idea with a basic bivy like that - will keep you far more comfortable if ( / when) the rain starts since you won't have to worrying about twisting the bag around. Alternatively you could build yourself a small lean-to or find something to that effect, anything really to stop your doss bag getting wet while you get in, and somewhere with a bit of shelter to cook in in the morning

 

[steven andrews]

I have slept in them when there was no option of a tarp and it is an uncomfortable experience. Rain finds its way into the head end and if you go completely under the bag condensation (and suffocation) can be a problem!

 

[Sussex Man]

Hi, I must say I rate them, I once spent a night in one in a shallow stream with no sleeping bag about 0deg C. I was fine,(it didn't leak at all- not a dribble) then when let out into civvy st. i took mine with me, I used it at the top of Toubkal (sp) in Morroco, when i lent my sleeping bag to one of our party (she was cold) It is the earlier version in og, i wash it with tech wash then proof it everytime with wash-in proof, then spray the seams with spray on stuff. It has never leaked- even in a stream, if it starts to rain i gather the hood right over my head and turn on my side- breathing through a gap of about 5am dia. It doesn't bother me !

 

[harryhaller]

The german army doesn't use goretex in their bivis apparently - they use 67% Polyester and 33% Polyamid.

Does anyone know how that compares to goretex? I have the choice to buy the one or the other - a British Army Goretex or a German Army Polyester/Polyamid sleeping bag cover (aka bivi) - the german army ones are more expensive.

 

[Retired Member southey]

I to would have no worries recomending the issued bivvie, i just spent saturday night out in mine with while out on my bike, lashing storm rain and high winds sleeping by the road on the isle of seil, dry as a bone in the morning it would have been a great nights sleep if i haddnt packed my wifes issued sleepbag insted of mine, couldn't even fit my shoulders in, one quick application of a swandri and i was toasty.i would say the only draw back is the opening as the only way of totaly stopping any rain either from above or rebounding of the ground is to hold or tie it closed but the moisture builds up, keeping the drawstring inside to use as a bailing sponge worked well though.still quite cheap and very effective imho.

 

[peds8045]

Used them in all weather when i was in the Army. The main thing to remember is that although they are 'breathable' they do not make for human breathing when they are sealed up, if you have the draw cord pulled tight shut you will suffocate. I once woke up in a panic not able to breath properly (you only do it once) and it was a mad few seconds until i managed to find the small opening where i could suck the air in.

Other than that they are pretty much the dogs testicles even in heavy rain.

 

[harryhaller]

Thanks Southey and Peds. This is the one I'm looking at - is it like yours?

 

[nige7whit]

Could always get a body bag.... they're 'waterproof' and cheap.

 

[steven andrews]

..but not very breathable - which is an advantage when they are used for their correct purpose.

 

[Retired Member southey]

Thanks Southey and Peds. This is the one I'm looking at - is it like yours?

yes exactly like that, just be aware of buying any with repair jobs as with all gortex, unless its done right it's not worth buying. and no one likes a drippy bag