BD Lightsabre first impressions

“Well I just got my Lightsabre and set it up in my office, good thing I work alone.

Specs
Packed weight 1lb 4oz
dim 94" x 35" x 25"
packed size 3"x 5"

Upon opening the REI box I found two sil nylon stuff sacks one for the poles and stakes and one for the bivy. I was amazed at the small size of the stuffed bivy. The stuff sack is about 8" x 5' and is not stuffed tight. Also included 4 "Y" stakes, a long length of black guy line, a tube of sealant and a syringe.
I quickly scanned the setup directions and unrolled it. This material is light, definately not going to stand up to abuse, but does a tent get much abuse? The floor is an almost see thru olive drab silnylon and the upper is a little heavier yellow epic fabric. The two poles slid right into their spots after some wiggling. They do not have sleeves they are held in place by the cut of the fabric.
The quality of the biv is excellant I have not noticed any seam problems.
LOL it says in the directions not to leave it setup without staking it down, even light winds can blow it away.

A full length Ridgerest fits inside flat. I then slid my 0* bag inside and crawled in. It was alittle awkward getting in but something I could get used to. There are 2 zippers one for the mesh and one for the door. You have to unzip the mesh to get to the door zipper. At the top of the door arch is a hood that allows you to leave the door open in foul weather to still have ventilation. In nice weather the door can be unzipped down to about your waist, leaving the mesh up to keep out the bugs.
This is a bivy so I wasn't expecting alot of room but there is some. Enough to have most of my gear inside especially of I put my empty pack under my feet. Of course I can't sit up in it but there is some head room 25".
If the fabric is as good as some of the reports that I have been hearingI think I have found my ultimate ultralight cool/cold weather shelter. I will probably still use a siltarp with my OR bug bivy in the heat of summer. And I think I will still use a siltarp as added coverage for this, to give me a cooking shelter.”

“Guess nobody likes new gear!”

“Nice review are you going to use it on the Catskills trip? I'd like to get a look at it.”

“Yup, I will bring it. There is a surprising amount of room in it. I need to test it out in some rain after I get it seam sealed.”

“Cool that trip might be the maiden voyage of my tarp as well.”

“I am very interested in this bivy myself. I already own the Tripod which weighs in at 2lb 4 or 6 oz.

I agree that there is plenty of room and ample headroom. I only use it for cool weather backpacking where size, space and weight are of utmost importantance.

I'd just like to drop that extra pound. Hmmmmm, no I probably have enough tents already.

Let us know how it holds up in a downpour.

Moz”

“Can we get a link or a pic of it?”

“http://www.bdel.com/gear/backcountry/lightsabre.php

Here is the web page sorry i don't do links.”

“Interesting!

Didn't someone mention a vent problem, or something like that, with this model?

It sure does look cool!”

“I have never heard about a vent problem. The "door" can remain open about 4" and still keep the rain out.”