A bivy is my first choice of shelter on the majority of my trips. I have been using the Bibler bivy for the past 3 years with no problems. It is completely waterproof (has been seam-sealed) and breathes relatively well. When I completely zip it up I do experience moisture problems from my breath. With it unzipped I experience no problems at all. The hoop can get annoying at times, although it is a small price to pay for the weight. Overall a very nice sack.

Similar Products Used:

Integral Designs Unishelter

This bivy has become a fixture on nearly all of my solo trips. I, too, have the "Long" version, and it weighs just under 28oz. in the stuff sack. It packs down to a very small size, and I routinely carry it in my daypack as an emergency shelter. On backpacking trips it adds 10 degrees to my bag's rating, and is completely bombproof. I use down bags (with plain nylon shells, not Dryloft) exclusively, and I trust my Bibler to keep them dry here in the Pacific NW. I usually combine it with a small tarp for cooking, crawling in/out, etc. I have experienced no serious condensation problems in temps as low as 0, and humidity as high as 98% (not on the same trip, of course).

The hoop does it's job well, which is to keep the fabric off my face and nothing more. I prefer this style of sack, with the opening located directly over the face, because I can sleep under the stars, yet be zipped up and storm proof in a hurry.

A very roomy bivy. Mine is the long version and has plenty of space for a pad and my personal stuff. The hoop holds the entrance open just enough to let in air and let you see the stars. The mesh cover is nice for temperate time. Though this bivy is seam taped Biber suggests seam sealing on the exterior. They provide a neat aplicator for the Seam Grip that makes a neat job only a matter of trying.