Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: snake on April 23, 2017, 08:01:20 PM

Title: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: snake on April 23, 2017, 08:01:20 PM: I know there are some other threads on this subject, a decent Bivy weights about 2 pounds. There are one man tents that weigh about 2 pounds. Is there any advantage to using a bivy if i can find a tent that weighs the same?
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: zwickeyman on April 23, 2017, 08:36:51 PM: If you are talking Bivy tent vs regular tent of comparable weight the regular tent is the way to go. I had a bivy tent that weighed 2# but now use a 2 man tent at 3# and that extra pound is worth it. You can sit up to get dressed, cook in the vestibule if pouring and I can keep my bow or muzzy in the tent

Bivy bag is another story. In good weather I can go with just my bag that weighs 8 oz but even in bad weather I bring a 10x12 tarp at 17oz and can handle some pretty harsh weather but over all for me the regular tent is the way to go
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: kselkhunter on April 23, 2017, 08:45:01 PM: My vote would be light tent over bivy. Bug control early season, and rainstorm protection for all seasons. If looking to cut 1/2 pound or a pound, I usually look to my midsection instead of buying new lighter gear. I have a great 3lb tent, and would never take a bivy instead of it due to unpredictability of weather.
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: WaltAlpine on April 23, 2017, 08:52:48 PM: Can you guys tell what brand your 3lb tents are?

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Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: kselkhunter on April 23, 2017, 08:55:50 PM: Big Agnes. 1lb 15oz for UL2, 3lb 8oz for fully packed UL3 (2lb for lighter config). I also have the MSR Hubba Hubba which is 3.4lbs. Lots of options these days for lightweight tents for 2 to 3 people.
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: Odell on April 23, 2017, 09:23:54 PM: I've got a Marmot 2 person thats 3.5 I think but just went for a bivy and tarp combo. Takes way less space and drops 2 pounds. So I added a backpacking cot lol.
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: Bushcraft on April 24, 2017, 08:24:08 AM: Advances in tent material and construction have made bivy coffins almost pointless. That is, unless you know for certain that a little dew and camp dirt is the worst thing you'll be protecting your sleeping bag against.

If you are going to need shelter from the rain, by the time you add up the weight of a tarp, line, pegs, ground sheet, bivvy and maybe a mosquito head net, you'll likely be ahead of the game with a good, modern UL 2P tent if you know that you are always going to be able to pitch it in a spot out of the wind. Big Agnes makes several excellent 3 season examples.

If wind and/or snow could be problematic, get one that is 4 season bombproof. The Hilleberg's Soulo is not what one would consider ultralight, but it has some modularity and is an awesome bombproof shelter for one guy. You can use both the liner and shell, or just the shell, or just the liner.

If you want the option of being able to throw some heat into the mix, get a Kifaru Megatarp.
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: jackelope on April 24, 2017, 10:46:19 AM: I've got a BA Fly Creek UL1 that I'd sell at a reasonable price if anyone is interested.

Think of it as a gigantic bivy bag.

They've changed it now, but it's close to this.
https://www.rei.com/product/895953/big-agnes-fly-creek-hv-ul-1-tent
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: zwickeyman on April 24, 2017, 11:21:02 AM: Mine is a BA Copper Spur UL
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: Troutdreamer on April 24, 2017, 03:30:50 PM: I use the Tarptent Double Rainbow.
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: GBoyd on April 24, 2017, 08:53:27 PM: I'm a big fan of the pyramid tents.

Look at the Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid XL. It's 21 ounces, really big for a two person, and completely bombproof. I've been through a few nasty storms in one of these and stayed dry. Also works great for snow camping.

The downsides: needs to be staked down, so it's not great on flat rock or soft sand. It can't keep out bugs.
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: snake on April 27, 2017, 07:11:24 PM: I bought a Bivy sack a few weeks ago, I have slept in it about 4 nights. I don't really like it. I wish I would have bought A one man tent. I am not seeing any advantage with a 2 pound bivy sack over a 2 pound one man tent but I don't have much experience with either. Thanks for all the input guys.
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: swanny on April 28, 2017, 09:58:59 AM: Quote from: snake on April 27, 2017, 07:11:24 PM
I bought a Bivy sack a few weeks ago, I have slept in it about 4 nights. I don't really like it. I wish I would have bought A one man tent. I am not seeing any advantage with a 2 pound bivy sack over a 2 pound one man tent but I don't have much experience with either. Thanks for all the input guys.

More shoulder room and at least some storage room in a one man tent. I use the EXPED Mira HL series 1 or 2 depending on the trip. I can sit up and change in each of them, 2 of us can sit up next to each other in the 2person. They are 2 and 3lbs tents. A tent gives you some livable space in a storm, rather than just being confined to a very large waterproof coat.
Title: Re: Bivy vs Tent
Post by: snake on April 28, 2017, 08:23:27 PM: I had problems keeping the bivy open. its made to fold down so you can have it open in nice weather, i kept fighting the stupid thing trying to keep it open while I slept. I might try to take it back to REI.