Suggest a bivy bag?

Talk about anything.

Moderators: Bearbonesnorm, Taylor, Chew

Post Reply
redefined_cycles
Posts: 9282
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 8:19 am
Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by redefined_cycles »

Sorry.

Should be light and versatile as the AK hunks XL but I don't want a Hunka.

Should be cheap enough but not as cheap as the army issue gortex offering but just as strong :smile:

Should be readily available and easily pacjable and decent for winter.

I'm asking for too much right!
ScotRoutes
Posts: 8144
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 9:56 am

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by ScotRoutes »

My #1 question regarding bivvy bags is; does it need to be waterproof or are you going to use it under a tarp?

My #2 is; does it need to have midge netting?
redefined_cycles
Posts: 9282
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 8:19 am
Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by redefined_cycles »

ScotRoutes wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 1:58 pm My #1 question regarding bivvy bags is; does it need to be waterproof or are you going to use it under a tarp?

My #2 is; does it need to have midge netting?
Thanks Colin. Won't be using a tarp but not too bothered about midge netting (though it would be an advantage as and when I ever go up to the highlands I suppose).
User avatar
whitestone
Posts: 7848
Joined: Thu Dec 04, 2014 10:20 am
Location: Skipton(ish)
Contact:

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by whitestone »

You're into the "Quality, Light, Cheap - pick any two" conundrum there Shaf :lol:

For under a tarp use I'd suggest the Borah Gear bags - good quality, light (170g for the Argon versions, 130g for the DCF ones) but not cheap. I think they (two Argon models) ended up being £80 each after shipping and import duty. John at BG is open to doing reasonable mods to your spec for no extra cost.

There's the Tyvek bivy bag from Joe's shop, again probably best used under a tarp. I think John Climber just received one.

Standalone (Lie-alone??) apart from Alpkit have a look here - https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... y-bags-c41
Better weight than wisdom, a traveller cannot carry
User avatar
Bearbonesnorm
Posts: 23905
Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:53 pm
Location: my own little world

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

I'd be looking at something from RAB Shaf. Something like an Ascent would fit the bill but it might be a touch heavier than you'd like and you may need to look for a SH one. The other RAB option would be an Alpine but they can be a bit snug - you'll certainly not fit a mat inside. I've found the breathability of RAB eVent bags to be fantastic under just about all conditions.
May the bridges you burn light your way
redefined_cycles
Posts: 9282
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 8:19 am
Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by redefined_cycles »

whitestone wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 2:26 pm You're into the "Quality, Light, Cheap - pick any two" conundrum there Shaf :lol:

For under a tarp use I'd suggest the Borah Gear bags - good quality, light (170g for the Argon versions, 130g for the DCF ones) but not cheap. I think they (two Argon models) ended up being £80 each after shipping and import duty. John at BG is open to doing reasonable mods to your spec for no extra cost.

There's the Tyvek bivy bag from Joe's shop, again probably best used under a tarp. I think John Climber just received one.

Standalone (Lie-alone??) apart from Alpkit have a look here - https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... y-bags-c41
:grin: yes I was thinking that myself and after looking at my first 2 options from previously I'd settled on something at around £100 :smile:

Borah, though under 100ish quid was a bit too slippery for me when I last had one Bob and eventually I may just have to settle on a tarp. Joe's tyvek I have seen before but a bit too tight for my needs...
redefined_cycles
Posts: 9282
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 8:19 am
Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by redefined_cycles »

So you reckon this https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... bivi-p1761 would be quite big? Has anyone had long term use out of this as it does come in a longer version https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... 000-p14977
User avatar
voodoo_simon
Posts: 4038
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 9:05 pm

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by voodoo_simon »

RAB bivi at sportspursuit is half price
https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/pr ... id/2220490

I have similar and really like it. Mines in bright yellow though, so not so stealthy
ScotRoutes
Posts: 8144
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 9:56 am

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by ScotRoutes »

redefined_cycles wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 2:43 pm So you reckon this https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... bivi-p1761 would be quite big? Has anyone had long term use out of this as it does come in a longer version https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... 000-p14977
I have a RAB Ascent.
It's my waterproof bivvy bag option so used without a tarp or with a micro-tarp.
Midge netting works well.
Top can be held open with an overhead line to a branch or a loop fitted under a tarp.
Works really well in adverse conditions.
redefined_cycles
Posts: 9282
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 8:19 am
Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by redefined_cycles »

ScotRoutes wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 2:51 pm
redefined_cycles wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 2:43 pm So you reckon this https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... bivi-p1761 would be quite big? Has anyone had long term use out of this as it does come in a longer version https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... 000-p14977
I have a RAB Ascent.
It's my waterproof bivvy bag option so used without a tarp or with a micro-tarp.
Midge netting works well.
Top can be held open with an overhead line to a branch or a loop fitted under a tarp.
Works really well in adverse conditions.
Is this as big as a Hunka XL pls Colin
redefined_cycles
Posts: 9282
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 8:19 am
Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by redefined_cycles »

voodoo_simon wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 2:46 pm RAB bivi at sportspursuit is half price
https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/pr ... id/2220490

I have similar and really like it. Mines in bright yellow though, so not so stealthy
Good link that thanks so much Simon. Looks a bit tight for my needs (am 5ft11)?
ScotRoutes
Posts: 8144
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 9:56 am

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by ScotRoutes »

redefined_cycles wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 3:09 pm
ScotRoutes wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 2:51 pm
redefined_cycles wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 2:43 pm So you reckon this https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... bivi-p1761 would be quite big? Has anyone had long term use out of this as it does come in a longer version https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... 000-p14977
I have a RAB Ascent.
It's my waterproof bivvy bag option so used without a tarp or with a micro-tarp.
Midge netting works well.
Top can be held open with an overhead line to a branch or a loop fitted under a tarp.
Works really well in adverse conditions.
Is this as big as a Hunka XL pls Colin
Sorry. No idea
User avatar
Bearbonesnorm
Posts: 23905
Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:53 pm
Location: my own little world

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

Is this as big as a Hunka XL pls Colin
Pretty much. You certainly won't struggle to get a mat inside.
May the bridges you burn light your way
redefined_cycles
Posts: 9282
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 8:19 am
Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by redefined_cycles »

Thanks Stu.
User avatar
fatbikephil
Posts: 6511
Joined: Wed Apr 02, 2014 10:51 pm
Location: Fife
Contact:

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by fatbikephil »

I've used my ascent with a mat inside and a winter bag - its a little snug but not to the point of squashing the down in the bag.
User avatar
voodoo_simon
Posts: 4038
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 9:05 pm

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by voodoo_simon »

redefined_cycles wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 3:11 pm [quote=voodoo_simon post_id=284352 time=<a href="tel:1645969563">1645969563</a> user_id=3402]
RAB bivi at sportspursuit is half price
https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/pr ... id/2220490

I have similar and really like it. Mines in bright yellow though, so not so stealthy
Good link that thanks so much Simon. Looks a bit tight for my needs (am 5ft11)?
[/quote]

Ermm, pass! I’m only 5ft 7 but have plenty of room in mine.
fatbikephil wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 5:55 pm I've used my ascent with a mat inside and a winter bag - its a little snug but not to the point of squashing the down in the bag.
Similar experience too but I do find it more comfortable with the mat on the outside rather than the inside
User avatar
barney
Posts: 743
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2011 12:21 pm

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by barney »

redefined_cycles wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 1:54 pm Sorry.

Should be light and versatile as the AK hunks XL but I don't want a Hunka.

Should be cheap enough but not as cheap as the army issue gortex offering but just as strong :smile:

Should be readily available and easily pacjable and decent for winter.

I'm asking for too much right!
Shaf, I've got a Black Diamond bivvy bag I no longer need.

If you want I can put it in the post and if it suits you can have it.

Let me know.

Cheers 👍
Wait for me...
redefined_cycles
Posts: 9282
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 8:19 am
Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by redefined_cycles »

barney wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 11:19 pm
redefined_cycles wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 1:54 pm Sorry.

Should be light and versatile as the AK hunks XL but I don't want a Hunka.

Should be cheap enough but not as cheap as the army issue gortex offering but just as strong :smile:

Should be readily available and easily pacjable and decent for winter.

I'm asking for too much right!
Shaf, I've got a Black Diamond bivvy bag I no longer need.

If you want I can put it in the post and if it suits you can have it.

Let me know.

Cheers 👍
Yes pls barney... pm incoming
kvragu
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2021 2:41 pm

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by kvragu »

Borah (non-dcf) floors are not really waterproof, which may or may matter, but good to have in mind since they're advertised as such.
Lazarus
Posts: 3599
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2013 10:49 am

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by Lazarus »

its a silpoly floor and [ though rarely used to be fair] never had an issue with my floor
Are you getting condensation under your mat rather than water through?
User avatar
sean_iow
Posts: 4269
Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2014 12:08 pm
Location: Isle of Wight

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by sean_iow »

Can't say mine's ever leaked and it's been used in some terrible weather. I occasionally get some condensation under my mat.

The uppers are not waterproof so you have to be careful not to put it upside down and kneel on it* and also to make sure in the night you don't slide about and the upper end up against the ground, but not an issue once aware to be careful.

*I once got mine out, chucked my silk liner in, mat and quilt, just to get them out of the bar bag. Knelt/sat on the bivi whist sorting more kit and only when I went to organise the contents did I notice it was upside down and the pressure had forced the water through and my liner was wet :roll:
Adventure without risk is Disneyland - Bikemonger
kvragu
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2021 2:41 pm

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by kvragu »

It's not super porous but I used it without a groundsheet a and always noticed a bit of wetness on the bottom. At home while washing, I tried pooling some water in the outside bottom and the other side was damp. Haven't really tried anything much more conclusive. It's not a huge deal, but I'm not sure if I'd leave the groundsheet at home any more.
Last edited by kvragu on Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Shewie
Posts: 662
Joined: Sat Oct 05, 2019 5:27 pm
Location: Leeds
Contact:

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by Shewie »

I've got an MLD Superlight which I use on every trip, never let me down since I got it in 2010, Ron calls the bathtub fabric pro silnylon which I think is just 40D.

Also got a BG bivvy but it's not a patch on the MLD in terms of quality and finish

Treated myself to an eVent Soul bivvy last year but not tried it yet.



I like bivvies :grin:
kvragu
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2021 2:41 pm

Re: Suggest a bivy bag?

Post by kvragu »

Shewie wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:10 pm I've got an MLD Superlight which I use on every trip, never let me down since I got it in 2010, Ron calls the bathtub fabric pro silnylon which I think is just 40D.

Also got a BG bivvy but it's not a patch on the MLD in terms of quality and finish

Treated myself to an eVent Soul bivvy last year but not tried it yet.



I like bivvies :grin:
I never had anything from MLD but couldn't find a fault to the borah. I'd love an event soul, tho. One day!
Post Reply