Outdoor Research Standard Bivy Bivy Tents
Outdoor Research Standard Bivy Bivy Tents
USER REVIEWS
[Feb 04, 2003]
Christopher Ameel
Backpacker
Great product. Have used it for over a year now without issue. Never leaks and breathes very well. Mostly used on winter hikes and never get any ice build up or "sweating" inside. Customer Service Never needed any.. Similar Products Used: Clark Tent (Heavy), Black Diamond Megamid |
[Feb 15, 2002]
David
Backpacker
I wanted to get away from my(no catenary cut) saggy, 3 lb. A-frame tent. Too much weight, and the wind makes it snap and pop like gunfire. I am almost always too tired to pitch it perfectly, to minimize these noises. I walked into REI (in Santa Ana?) and asked for the lightest "tent" they had. "You want a bivy," the knowledgable salesman said. He was right. Mine is super lightweight and has kept me dry and warm on several trips into the Sierras. It went with me on a Springtime trip to Mt. Whitney, where it frustrated endless hordes of blood-sucking mosquitos. I would climb in at sundown, zip the mesh shut, and stargaze till I fell asleep. As I thrashed around, the goretex clamshell would flop over my head, covering me up completely. But it never smothered me. You can still breathe in an acceptable manner if it closes up on you. I am slightly ;) claustrophobic, but when a sleeping system is lightweight and keeps you warm, I''ll get over it to have the advantage. Recognize this for what it is, (the ultimate minimalist tent), accept it for what it is, and use it. Your back will thank you. Customer Service "Unknown, Captain." Similar Products Used: Nothing like it. |
[Sep 15, 2001]
pfrederich
Backpacker
Strength:
None
Weakness:
None for truly light backpacking, a bivy is the only way to go and this one has been very workable for me. several times have spent rainy nights in it and up to six inches of snow, and the gore tex does its stuff admirably. However, the lack of any poles means that it will lay right against your face, and that''s unpleasant. Next time I''d buy one with poles, like the OR Advanced. That would be perfect. Similar Products Used: None |
[Jan 24, 2001]
Aaron
Backpacker
I purchased this bag as a 2nd, meaning there was a flaw, which it was missing a snap button. That was no matter to me considering the price. It's lightweight, waterproof and fits my sleeping bag ideally. Well designed and carefully seam taped was what sold me. As far as the "ivory tower englishman" below, it's clear he expected physical properties no bivy bag could deliver. Similar Products Used: Walrus microswift is my solo normal home |
[Oct 25, 2000]
Forrest Reed
Backpacker
I have used this bivy a two years now. The first time was in northern Maine sleeping on 4 feet of snow, with a ground tarp. My intention was to test it to see just how waterproof it is. Sometime during the night it started to snow like hell, 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". Customer Service Very Helpful with my asking dumb questions Similar Products Used: None |
[May 11, 2000]
Tim
Backpacker
This bivy bag is a bomb-proof but very spartan solo sleeping tool. If you like sleeping like a cocoon, this one is for you. The Goretex is great, however I do find it retains some condensation in the morning upon waking if it is moist out. But, with any warmth or sun, the Gore will lift it off. I'm actually going to exchange it for the Deluxe bivy because of one reason: the bivy, when closed is literally in your face. If you don't mind this, this is for you. It can be restrictive of movement during storms, only allowing sleep. But, other than that, it is perfectly light, packable, durable, waterproof, and solidly holds the sleeping-pad holding. Similar Products Used: None |
[Jan 03, 2000]
Eric Franklin
Mountaineer
No muss, no fuss. This is my type of item - lightweight, useable, and durable. You cannot persuade me to make a trip without mine. My most recent escapade placed me in the grinning maw of an extremely hostile storm at altitude. This bivy had me feeling that everything was just groovy by the time morning came around. Well, maybe not grinning, but I certainly knew that I would survive the night! |