Bivy Sack suggestions

[Big P]

I've also been looking into back country gear. Check out bigagnes.com and mountain hardwear.com. Both make extremely good quality products. Pricey but worth it. Outdoorresearch.com is another high quality company. There shop is in Seattle, if you are in the area and want to get your hands on the product, you should check it out.

[Skyvalhunter]

I have an Outdoor research with no complaints. Just make sure your not clostrophobic.

[Snapshot]

I've heard positive reports on the kifaru product that was mentioned a few posts up.

[dscubame]

Seriously what is the purpose of a "tent" when it is a bivy?  It is simply a very very very light weight wrap around your bag by a few inches and it is not like bugs / flying insects are a issue.  No need for one quite frankly.

[Skyvalhunter]

My guide on Kodiak had the Kifaru teepee with the liner to cut down on the moisture. There was still alot of condensation even in 20 degree weather. There was 3 of us in a supposed 6 man but I wouldn't want to put many more guys in there than that. It was a nice light weight tent and instead of packing the center pole we just cut a pole at each camp site. The guide has sent his in to get it fixed due to some damage from the high winds. They arent cheap but from my experience worth it.

[luvtohnt]

I have and use the Big Agnes Seedhouse 2. Just under 3 pounds, it is a little tight with the wife and I but I am a big guy. It works great for me when I am alone. I think the added pound is worth the added security of being mice free. The few times I have used it, if you set it up properly there is almost no condensation (the front porch had some in the early morning). Great tent I would suggest it to anyone.

Brandon

[dscubame]

My guide on Kodiak had the Kifaru teepee with the liner to cut down on the moisture. There was still alot of condensation even in 20 degree weather. There was 3 of us in a supposed 6 man but I wouldn't want to put many more guys in there than that. It was a nice light weight tent and instead of packing the center pole we just cut a pole at each camp site. The guide has sent his in to get it fixed due to some damage from the high winds. They arent cheap but from my experience worth it.

A good reason for one but a simple very light tarp for $3 from harbor freight does the same thing and extremely practical.

[JPhelps]

Seriously what is the purpose of a "tent" when it is a bivy?  It is simply a very very very light weight wrap around your bag by a few inches and it is not like bugs / flying insects are a issue.  No need for one quite frankly.

Just personal preference.  I do NOT want to be in a bivy or under a tarp.  My shelter also weighs the same as the other two options.  Most of the time I pack my rainshadow2 for me and the partner.  I have done my research and it is awful hard to get any better for the room that this tent provides for the weight (42 oz. for 50 sq. ft. and 4 ft. tall). I can get dressed sitting up without leaving my tent.

[dscubame]

My guide on Kodiak had the Kifaru teepee with the liner to cut down on the moisture. There was still alot of condensation even in 20 degree weather. There was 3 of us in a supposed 6 man but I wouldn't want to put many more guys in there than that. It was a nice light weight tent and instead of packing the center pole we just cut a pole at each camp site. The guide has sent his in to get it fixed due to some damage from the high winds. They arent cheap but from my experience worth it.

A good reason for one but a simple very light tarp for $3 from harbor freight does the same thing and extremely practical.

And condensation is not a factor when you do not have a difference in temperature.

[dscubame]

Seriously what is the purpose of a "tent" when it is a bivy?  It is simply a very very very light weight wrap around your bag by a few inches and it is not like bugs / flying insects are a issue.  No need for one quite frankly.

Just personal preference.  I do NOT want to be in a bivy or under a tarp.  My shelter also weighs the same as the other two options.  Most of the time I pack my rainshadow2 for me and the partner.  I have done my research and it is awful hard to get any better for the room that this tent provides for the weight (42 oz. for 50 sq. ft. and 4 ft. tall). I can get dressed sitting up without leaving my tent.

A bivy is not a shelter but then that is my point.

[Skyvalhunter]

Bivy is best used on summer back packing trips when in a rainstorm you can put your pack cover over your back pack and crawl in your bivy out of the rain for a short time. I have packed a bivy into high mountain lakes to take along just incase a rain storm comes thru but they suck when you have to change clothes inside. Atleast with a tarp or tent you can cook inside and have your gear inside with you where as a bivy you have to go outside to change your mind!!

[dscubame]

Bivy is best used on summer back packing trips when in a rainstorm you can put your pack cover over your back pack and crawl in your bivy out of the rain for a short time. I have packed a bivy into high mountain lakes to take along just incase a rain storm comes thru but they suck when you have to change clothes inside. Atleast with a tarp or tent you can cook inside and have your gear inside with you where as a bivy you have to go outside to change your mind!!

[JPhelps]

I think we all agree that it doesn't matter if we pack a bivy, tarp or tent setup into the mountains that it comes down to a few simple things.

~Will it keep you and your bag dry in inclement weather?
~Is it lightweight?
~Personal Preference

[Miles]

I have done my research and it is awful hard to get any better for the room that this tent provides for the weight (42 oz. for 50 sq. ft. and 4 ft. tall). I can get dressed sitting up without leaving my tent.

I just purchased the Golite Shangri-La 5 and it's (46 oz.  for 90 sq. ft.  and 6 ft. tall).

You can also use a rope to suspend it from the loop on the top of the tent rather than carrying the pole(if you are in a wooded area), and that will save you 13 oz. (putting it at 33 oz. for 90 sq. ft.).

[bullchaser]

just my 2 i am a gear nut i love everthing that has to do with backpack hunting using good gear is half the fun for me. that being said (and for the record i am 6'3' tall and weigh 250lbs) i have tried the UL tents and tarps. and for the weight and ease of use you cannot beat the OR bivi. Reason# 1 at my size every ounce feels like a pound and not many of these options are truly as light as the bivi I.E. poles, stakes, footprint if they are as light i cannot afford them. reason#2 using the bivi takes less than a minute to set up and take down which really shines when you are trying to going in the morning. reason#3 the bivi takes up very little pack space compared to a tent plus it keeps your bag dry in route. reason #4 its easy to pitch anywear you don't need just the right spot like some UL tents you know sometimes the high country looks like the moon not great for poles and stakes.
anyway this is why the bivi works for me i know its not for everone but if you can loose some of the comforts of a tent you might find you love the bivi too. here is a pic of my older set up.