Looking for the Right Bivy

“I was wondering how many people have used a bivy in the real world and if they would recommend them.

Are they for beginners?

Are they for all seasons?

Which ones are worth the $s?

Thanks in advance
Stub Toes”

“Are there any that don't cost so much?”

“You can buy a pattern and sew your own. Some places offer a sew-your-own kit for around $50.”

“where? That sounds pretty good!”

“I always said if I got one it'd be this one , but at 1 pound 15 oz I can't justify using the bivie and not the 16 oz sil tarp.”

“I don't think it qualifies as a bivy but I like my wife's Eureka Gossamer.

It took some getting used to though.”

“I use a Canadian army surplus (non-breathable) bivy sack. I use it for winter camping when there are no bugs and I love it - much less trouble than a tent. When I set up camp, I just put my sleeping bag with the VBL in it and my self-inflating mattress and go to bed. I read, cook and carry on a conversation (only when I'm with my buddy) from there. I use an MSR stove on a stand, as well as a Petzl Tikka headliamp. Works for me. My buddy who has a lot more money than I uses an Integral Designs (Canada) bivy sack which has a Gore-Tex top and a hoodloop with bug netting. He uses it year round and swears by it (and I covet it).”

“NO NO NO NO!!!

DOn't listen to them...

Get the OR (Outdoor Research) Standard Bivy... I have had it for years and it works great... use it with a tarp and you have the best of both worlds and it takes up less space than a tent.

www.orgear.com”

“Mountain Hardware's Etherial Bivy is very light weight. But the price to buy, from Mountain Gear, is pretty pricey.”

“I got the OR advanced bivy when it was $200. Its gone up a lot since. I used it '92 - '98. Didn't start dating SnowDude til then. I sat out in a few rain storms waiting for it to stop because I didn't want to get everything wet. I was able to wash up in it, but it looked pretty funny. Its great for solo trips.”

“'nother vote for the OR Standard.”

“Has anyone tried this? Equinox Ultralight Bivy Doesn't seem like a "real" bivy sack. Would it do the trick for only $59?!?!”

“I've used the REI Cyclopes for years and really like the idea of a bivy. I recently bought the OR Deluxe so I could keep the material off my face if the weather gets bad. It looks like this one will have the same "problem" as the Cyclopes.”

“I've got the North Face Trek Bivy and I love it. It is Gore Tex and it originally carried a pretty hefty price tag, but I got a real good deal on it. It has room to read,& get dressed in. You do sacrifice a little bit (no vestibule, a little less room, etc.), but I think the weight savings is well worth it.”