Bivy Sack suggestions

[quadrafire]

you can set them up using trecking poles if there are no trees around.

I'd like to see that

[JackOfAllTrades]

you can set them up using trecking poles if there are no trees around.

I'd like to see that

Me Too!

Referencing the photo above, I'll seldom hang my hammock in an open area like that. I try to find trees that are very near the total length of my hammock and back in the thicker brush/trees. You get much less sag in the lines/hammock that way and less potential to blow in the wind. No mice when you're off the ground, but the squirels and other tree dwellers will com check you out. I'm always amazed at how many birds land on the lines in the morning. OH, and I find that i'm warmer in a hammock than when on the ground. Keep it low to the ground without touching.

[Maligator]

Hmmm...I really like the looks of that Hennesey Hammock. Just might have to try one of those out. Thanks for the link 

[Rob]

you can set them up using trecking poles if there are no trees around.

I'd like to see that

Here you go:
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/use-as-a-tent.html

[quadrafire]

HUMM! kinda odd, but ok! I give'm an A for effort

[JackOfAllTrades]

I don't use treking poles anyway, but I'm still leary of full suspension using poles in many of the non-lawn, (grass roots that hold the soil together) situations where I would use a hammock. But, in the absense of trees suspending a hammock in that manner could possibly have merit.

-Steve

[sakoshooter]

I'd lean toward a light weight tent over a bivy. Just my opinion. I've slept both ways plenty and trying to get dressed or cook is a real pain if it's windy, raining or both when you're in a bivy. Plus you'll want a waterproof cover for your pack since it'll have to sit out in the weather along with the rest of your gear. I use a Wild Country Quasar mtn tent. Vestibule on both ends. All gear fits in either vestibule plus I can cook in one from within the tent if the weather get bad. My partner and I spent a day and a half in it a few years back when a storm blew in on us while elk hunting. I wouldn't have wanted to be in a bivy that time for sure.
Most bivys weight about a pound but only cover your bag. The OR Advanced bivy creates a hooped area that's darn nice but it weighs about 2 pounds. Both of these options are not counting what you're going to have to use to cover the rest of your gear with. Another pound for that. A tent is not that much more in weight but provides a lot more shelter.
I sure like sleeping under the stars on clear nites though.

[DD8]

Wow, this is quite the conundrum. My gut was to go with my ultralite tent (3.8 lbs) for storage and room but my buddy tells me I don't want the extra weight. I feel like i'm not gonna enjoy the confines of the bivy but the weight saved will be nice. Geez.

[Miles]

Wow, this is quite the conundrum. My gut was to go with my ultralite tent (3.8 lbs) for storage and room but my buddy tells me I don't want the extra weight. I feel like i'm not gonna enjoy the confines of the bivy but the weight saved will be nice. Geez.

The bivy I put a picture of on the first page is 1 lb 6 oz,  the tent is 1 lb 3 oz.  You can get some shelters that you can move around in and sit up in that are lighter than a bivy....so I'm not sure how you're saving weight?  If I were you I would keep researching a little before deciding....

[Miles]

I just bought the Golite Shagri-La 5 this year and it weighs in at 2 lbs 14 oz  with the stakes and center pole.  It gives you a 9'5" x 9'5" square footprint and is 73" tall at the center. 

Now being trapped in a bivy trying to get ready in a rainstorm...or in a tent that I can stand up in....not a hard decision (for me anyway).

[JPhelps]

Miles beat me to it.  It is hard to get much lighter than the ultralight tents.  Tarptent has two models that weigh less than 2lbs.  The contrail is 1.5 lbs and requires hiking poles and the moment weighs 1.9 lbs and is free standing.  They also include bug netting and tub style floors.  Check them out at tarptent.com.   To each their own and the bivy may work better for you though.

[JackOfAllTrades]

I think ultimately, a back country hunt/hiker needs many options. Bivy/hammock for those deep or quick scouting trips. Tarp tent to go with the Bivy or bag alone for those nice weather excursions. Lightweight tent for when you could get caught in some bad weather.

If I had partners, then I'd probably opt for tent and sleeping mat. Without a partner, I'm lookin to shave ounces. 

-Steve

[Snapshot]

A good bivy sack and a super light-weight tarp is golden. I've been rained on hard and I've also awaken to find several inches of snow on top of my Integral Designs bivy; yet was always dry and warm. The tarp is a luxury for keeping the wind and rain off while cooking or getting dressed.

[Wanttohuntmore]

I agree with what Snapshot says, a bivy with a small light tarp would suffice.  A lightweight tent or tarp tent would work well too.  I've slept in 2 different bivy's, a home made one that I build, using goretex and coated nylon bottom, and a military gore tex bivy.  Both work OK for one or 2 nights, after that, if you don't air it out, it will start getting wet with condensation.  I've probably spent 30 nights in them in weather from 15 degrees to 80, and can tell you that a tent is nicer.  I'm currently experimenting with tarp tents/ or cheap tarp shelters. 

[JBR]

I was in the same boat. Started looking at bivy sacks and got inside at least 10 different models/brands.  I'm 6'3"/205 lbs for reference.  Bottom line there was no way I was gonna survive hunting in one of those for several days.  The OR one was what I thought I was gonna go with but could not even move in one and could barely get it closed.  In a rainstorm it would be hell, for me. Already have a one man tent by Mountain Hardware, but it was close to 5 lbs. Then I decided to spend the money and get the Kifaru paratipi. Its 12'6" long and 7'6" wide, and 56" tall neat the front.  Using trek poles, its only 2 lbs 4 oz and EASILY fits 2 guys and all their gear inside. You can also use their small packable wood stove inside of it to cook, heat and dry your clothes. There is a clothes line inside near the ceiling and bug netting.  It is BOMBPROOF.  I have the 6 man tipi already.  I picked up a used paratipi and sm stove on the forum and its on its way in the mail now.  Split between 2 guys, you can have a lightweight, packable heated bivy on STEROIDS.  Http://www.kifaru.net/paratipi2009.html