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Perfect for anyone who likes to sleep out in the open and stargaze but needs something to keep the bugs and rain off should the need arise. (The single pole design is all one needs to keep the netting, and thus the mosquitoes, of one''''s face.) I think of it as more of a waterproof sleeping bag cover (which can be used as a temporary shelter) than as a tiny tent. There can be some condensation if the outside humidity is high or if a coating of freezing rain interferes with the breathability of the fabric, but after several years of use in all kinds of weather, the condensation has never been enough to seriously affect the insulation qualities of a down bag. Besides its adequacy for my spartan needs, I appreciate the light weight, compactness, and simplicity. (Particularly the latter. Who likes to wrestle with lots of stakes, poles, and a soggy fly, the morning after a hard day''''s hike?) The simplicity is further enhanced by the possibility of using a full length sleeping pad underneath the bivy, doubling as a ground sheet. The product performs as well as or better than the manufacturer claims, and I give it five stars for having enhanced my backpacking experience more than any other single piece of equipment. However, for anyone who needs the roominess and "security" of a tent, this is not an appropriate shelter. It is kind of a compromise, for those who are attracted to the minimalist approach to backpacking. To my way of thinking, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages

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Walrus Swift

A bit expensive and definately not a tent but a great place to crash if you're in a hurry. The sturdy gore tex helps justify the cost by keeping heat in and water out. The fabric also seems to deal well with condensation but some build has to be expected if the rain cover kept tightly closed. No other real surprises in that the design is a simple one, problem free working exactly as expected expected. OR has made a very good bivy.

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I would like to say that the quality that i have expierenced with all of Outdoor Research's products are well pure quality and pure innovation. The thought of the straps that hold down the sleeping pad work well at keeping the pad in the center of the sack where it does its jog insulating. Mountaineering? Using a Ridgerest and a Thermarest to insulate you from the cold? This bivy has no complaints, with plent of space to adjust the width of the straps, this bivy would easily accept three such pads if necessary. The three layer Gore-Tex is sure to last long enough that i will never see a drop enter the sack through the roof. The floor, being hydrosealed and rienforced is sure to have the same longevity as the top. The pole design is one of the best on the market, even thought the sleeve that the pole goes into is a bit too small and made of a fabric so durable that it doesn't allow the pole to be removed as easily as a tent's pole. The bottom line is that this is one of the best bivys on the market, the Advanced and the Standard and the Basic bivies, all from OR, sure to be right along with it in the rankings. If you want quality buy OR.

Customer Service

I lost the stuff sack and i emailed OR about the loss. They said that they did not sell replacements but that the dimensions of the bag were the same as the number 3 bivy and that to replace the sack would cost more than buying the more durable Advanced HydroSeal stuff sac from my local outdoor store. They also answered any questions that I had about the sealing of their gloves in less than two days. I guess that OR knows what customer service really is.

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TNF Soloist Bivy and my trusty tarp.

I bought this bivy sac two years ago and took it to Peru to climb and backpack. Through all conditions, rain, snow, etc. I was dry and snug. Over five thousand meters, it performed perfectly. The straps for a mattress are ideal and the single pole design is easy, light weight, and adaptable. If one likes to backpack, explore, etc. alone then I believe this makes a perfect shelter...

Customer Service

No experience. I've never had trouble with OR

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Nylon tarp.

I have only used this bivy a few times. The first time was in northern Idaho sleeping on 4 feet of snow, with no ground tarp. My intention was to test it to see just how waterproof it is. Sometime during the night it started to snow, so I closed up the cover. Even though it was freezing outside there was hardly any condensation on the inside, except for the non-breathable parts of the bivy (like the seam tape) but overall it was not a problem. During the night the snow I was sleeping on melted and created a puddle of water an inch or so deep but not a drop made it inside the bivy. I slept dry and warm, I never had to zip up my sleeping bag because the bivy adds about 10 degrees of warmth, it keeps your face warm during the night. So I am sold on its "waterproofness".

However I am a restless sleeper and tend to move around a lot during my sleep. I kind of wish that the bivy would have a little more space to move around in. It is cramped a little, this is something I will have to get used to. I do love the sleeping pad retention straps built into the floor, they worked perfectly. Between twisting and turning to get settled and waking up and flipping over a few times, I expected the sleeping pad to be on the side of the bivy when I woke up, but It was perfectly centered at all times. Good idea OR.

I think as I get used to sleeping in bivys I will like them more. I plan on using this bivy as my only shelter for all future solo backpacking trips. You just can't beat the compactness and light weight. If you are looking at a bivy and are a restless sleeper then consider getting a bigger bivy at the cost of a few ounces or bring a flask of Scotch along to help put you to sleep.

Customer Service

I did recieve a longer pole for my bivy (about 3 inches too long) and was going to return it, but first took it on a trip. After the bivy got wet it stretched or something and the pole was able to fit perfectly. Now it fits fine. I think OR sends out longer poles with the intention that the bivy will stretch.

The OR single pole bivy is awesome! I have used non pole bivies and got tired of the skeeter net sitting on my face letting the buggers bite! The single pole keeps the netting off the face, and gives you enuf room to sit and read during a storm. Best yet, the pole flops down on your chest when the storm is over and the bugs are gone so you can sleep under a starry sky!

Customer Service

One of my poles was too long, and OR sent me a new pole and told me to keep the old one for a spare...got to me very quickly.

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Feathered Friends non pole bivy, North Face soloist, OR advanced bivy.

I slept totally dry in this bivy while a torential downpour was happening. I also stayed very warm. I've used mine in the Olympic Mountains of Washington state for three seasons without any problems. Tough fabric, yet light.

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OR Standard Bivy

I have had great luck with the OR Deluxe bivy. Easy to "put up" in the dark and rain; far superior to versions without the hoop. Keeping the netting off your face on hot nights is worth the extra price and weight

Customer Service

OR is a well run company and very responsive to consumer needs and feedback

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L.L. Bean Bivy