I'm off for a weekend under a tarp (probably in a forest) and I have a Alpkit Hunka. I'm wondering if I'm under the tarp and no rain is getting in do I actually need to get into the bivy bag? It has no zips and seems like it might feel quite restrictive so I don't want to use it unless I have to.
When to use a bivy bag
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I'd take it. Unless the ground beneath you is bone dry (which at this time of year I suspect not), its a dry barrier between the ground and your sleeping bag - you could insead take another tarp for this job, but getting inside a bivvi both protects you from the elements and you'll be warmer for it (I believe they can add another 5 degrees)
EDIT: I'll be taking mine this weekend!
EDIT: I'll be taking mine this weekend!
If your setup is lighter/more compact than the bivi, then I'd use it myself in summer. With weather like this now, I'd take the bivi.
I still stand that if under wood cover and with a tarp, thebivvy is not a necessity. Of course you need some ground cloth and a mat.
A side benefit, but very important for me, of the bivvy is that is keeps all your stuff together. If sleeping on non flat ground it can be very annoying and detrimental to sleep to have your layers sliding under you.
I also use a Hunka and put the mat inside it. In woods I use the bivvy and a poncho, no tarp. If not raining I sleep the head out. If it starts raining I crawl back under the poncho.
A side benefit, but very important for me, of the bivvy is that is keeps all your stuff together. If sleeping on non flat ground it can be very annoying and detrimental to sleep to have your layers sliding under you.
I also use a Hunka and put the mat inside it. In woods I use the bivvy and a poncho, no tarp. If not raining I sleep the head out. If it starts raining I crawl back under the poncho.
Depends on your size I guess. Not as bad as I thought. I sit on the hood part and can just slide in with bent knees.
It is a bit restrictive. I use a very think closed cell foam mat and a Carinthia Tropen (or an Exped poncho liner) and there is no much room left. For a winter sleeping bag it would be too small and would reduce the loft I think. A zip would be a big plus.
The hood is another minor annoyance. It is hard to get a snug fit and, if sleeping with a blanket/liner you have to carefully wrap yourself to avoid draft.
On the positive side it stands rain very well and I never had condensation issues, which is a surprise given it is not the most breathable fabric (condensation is a mysterious thing).
All in all I really like it. Light, cheap and quite strong. I slide my mat in it, then myself and I can sleep anywhere. I might by the XL version. It is only 140gr heavier.
I put the mat and the bag inside my bivy, the orange bag on the ground might be a bit slippy.
I found it useful to practice getting in and out of the bag in a hurry at home.
I'd also echo Dunc's thought of it starting to rain overnight...it's happened to me, and I was glad I was in the bivi.
I found it useful to practice getting in and out of the bag in a hurry at home.
I'd also echo Dunc's thought of it starting to rain overnight...it's happened to me, and I was glad I was in the bivi.
lately i have started to put my mat under the bivi bag, that way you get a little bit more room in the bivi bag.
Once you have slept in the bivi 5 or 6 times, you will get used to it and not feel so closed in, and still have the guarantee of staying dry if it rains.
Col....
Once you have slept in the bivi 5 or 6 times, you will get used to it and not feel so closed in, and still have the guarantee of staying dry if it rains.
Col....
I have one of those wide entrance ex-Army bivi's in OD - entrance/exit is a doddle with both self inflating mat and sleeping bag inside.
Getting the hood of the bivi in line with the sleeping bags' to get a snug fit round your head can be a bit of a wrestle, but achievable.
Getting the hood of the bivi in line with the sleeping bags' to get a snug fit round your head can be a bit of a wrestle, but achievable.
Jonno, if your mat is small enough put it in your bivvi with your sleeping bag, this is what i would do if my mat was smaller. Because my mat is massive i tend to put the sleeping bag in the bivvi then sleep on top of the mat, i also put a ground sheet on the floor as a bit more protection. Saying that i did sleep out under a tarp this weekend but without the bivvi an i was perectly warm although it was mild. hth
The problem with this time of year in the UK is that all nights are damp rain or not. If you're spending a few nights out and don't use your bivi your sleeping bag will end up damp if not wet.
I don't use the bivi under a tarp in the dryer months but from September onwards tend to use both.
Broch
I don't use the bivi under a tarp in the dryer months but from September onwards tend to use both.
Broch
I'd take it 'cos it WILL rain - especially if you think it won't. It doesn't weigh much or take up much space and It helps to keep your sleeping bag clean. You can always have it ready in case the rain comes. It also adds a bit of warmth.
This is one of my set ups,survival bag and bivi bag with thermarest in the bivi and my sleeping bag and tarp above ideal for all weathers ,and the survival bag doesn't make it slippery.Just thought i would share that.
Scots_Charles_River
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
You need to use it if it is not raining as it may rain and you will get drafts, cold air sinking, or winds. If room is available you can stand into the bag and then bivvy. Your much better being warm and dry than risk it.
You can practice getting into the setup in yer hoose !
Nick
You can practice getting into the setup in yer hoose !
Nick
for the sake of the space/weight of a bivvy bag, i'd certainly take it, better to be safe (and comfortable) than sorry.
