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Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Commando on June 20, 2018, 08:51:12 PM


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Title: Bivy?
Post by: Commando on June 20, 2018, 08:51:12 PM
Just curious to see what bivy s guys are using. I’d like to get one but really don’t know what to get. I was thinking either the or helium or the enlightened equipment one I think it’s called the recon? I am planning on using it mainly for sept elk and maybe use it into oct. thinking mainly as a way to protect from bugs since I’ll be ordering a mega tarp later to use as a shelter. Does this sound like the right way to go or should I re think my set up?
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: Special T on June 20, 2018, 09:04:13 PM
I have used an older Verizon of the OR Alpine and loved it. If you add a light weight tarp to keep some of the water off it it really shines because the  breathable membrane doesn't have to work as hard. I spent months in mine.

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Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: Shawn Ryan on June 21, 2018, 11:40:22 AM
Have had good success with my TiGoat Raven:  http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Omni-Bivy.html
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: Commando on June 21, 2018, 08:52:29 PM
Have had good success with my TiGoat Raven:  http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Omni-Bivy.html

I was thinking of getting this bivy but their website is saying there outnof stock and I’ve been trying to get in touch with them but they won’t return my emails or phone calls... I’ll keepntrying to get in touch with them but we will see
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: Shawn Ryan on June 21, 2018, 11:11:36 PM
Have had good success with my TiGoat Raven:  http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Omni-Bivy.html

I was thinking of getting this bivy but their website is saying there outnof stock and I’ve been trying to get in touch with them but they won’t return my emails or phone calls... I’ll keepntrying to get in touch with them but we will see

One-man show at TiGoat, or it used to be.  DJ is a good guy.  His products are in high demand, so you have to wait sometimes.  Give him another try.
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: wa_archer on August 27, 2018, 11:14:05 PM
I have the helium and so far it has worked great.  I like the bug net or totally in closed option on it. 
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: trophyhunt on August 28, 2018, 06:25:56 AM
don't look past Outdoor Research   https://screenshots.firefox.com/xcgzPzuoQjBP5bsB/www.outdoorresearch.com
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: yakimanoob on August 28, 2018, 08:14:16 AM
I've never done the bivy thing, but it's certainly been on my mind.  The enlightened equipment one looks pretty sweet...
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: MAVsled on August 29, 2018, 07:07:32 PM
Borah bivy bag, very pleased with this bivy.
always in my pack, always.

http://www.borahgear.com/sidebivy.html
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: X-Force on August 29, 2018, 07:09:22 PM
Borah bivy bag, very pleased with this bivy.
always in my pack, always.

I put one on order... still have a couple weeks to wait
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: MAVsled on August 29, 2018, 07:10:53 PM
forgot to mention
the side zipper option is awesome. Sure makes it EZ to get in & out of the bag.
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: X-Force on August 29, 2018, 07:44:55 PM
forgot to mention
the side zipper option is awesome. Sure makes it EZ to get in & out of the bag.

 :tup:
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: ridgefire on August 30, 2018, 08:46:37 AM
I have been real happy with my TI goat bivy. The bug netting and zipper for both sides are really nice features. That with a tarp and your good to go.
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: N7XW on August 30, 2018, 01:24:10 PM
Tagging along on this discussion  :tup:
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: Dtray332 on August 30, 2018, 05:58:59 PM
I know this may sound crazy, but have you ever just used a military poncho with a poncho liner? Military guys can probably chime in on this. I've used it in all sorts of climates. Everywhere from night desert to high mountains in Afghanistan.  Just lay the poncho out and put the liner on top. Line up the liner strings on the liner with the holes on the poncho and tie them in. Then close the poncho like a big taco and snap it up. Only advise I have is do not sleep with your face inside, or you will wake up soaking wet. It doesn't breath very well, but very warm. If you want to keep cover your head from rain, just use a second poncho tied as a small shelter above you head and pack. If you get caught in a rain storm, just put one of the ponchos on and cover yourself and your gear. It is the one thing the military got right.
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: ian_padron on September 02, 2018, 01:15:46 PM
If you're running a tarp, a bivy is redundant.

There are no bugs up high in September and certainly not October.

Why pack the extra weight?

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Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: coonhound on December 06, 2018, 08:13:03 PM
I used the bivy approach for years, I guess I must be getting soft, I moved to an ultra light one man tent.  The Big Agnes Fly Creek has a total pack weight of only 2 lbs, the comfort is worth the couple ounces to me.

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Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: Alpine Mojo on December 11, 2018, 08:37:20 AM
If you're running a tarp, a bivy is redundant.

How do you figure?
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: Zeroforhire on December 20, 2018, 06:56:14 AM
Enlightened equipment recon is the best I've used. I use it with a tarp.

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Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: ian_padron on January 15, 2019, 06:06:24 PM
What's the point of a bivy if you're running a tarp already?

If ultralight is your thing, a ground sheet and tarp will do everything you need.

Pitch it tight when the weather is nasty, pitch it higher when it's nice.

I just never understand why guys switch to floorless and then try to turn their shelters back into a tent with a floor...
If you're running a tarp, a bivy is redundant.

How do you figure?

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Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: ian_padron on January 15, 2019, 06:09:27 PM
Standard operating procedure in the WA backcountry.

No bivy, no problem.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190116/b34dfcbb3961dd27f68bf5ee7d72fe7e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190116/1df2d266f4c1e34af9193e6f420862ac.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190116/caf0900a77b6df209d2320d3204f5c5e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190116/2fa9a5b084a23a631cc95c95f6fe824d.jpg)

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Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: HikerHunter on January 16, 2019, 08:58:09 AM
If you're running a tarp, a bivy is redundant.

There are no bugs up high in September and certainly not October.

Why pack the extra weight?

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"There are no bugs up high in September and certainly not October."

This is somewhat of a generalization as I have run into lots of bugs in September before (but not always). Just depends on the weather/temperature that year. I would agree with the October statement though.

A lightweight bivy could save you if you are running a tarp/floorless shelter and run into bugs. It also adds warmth to your sleep system, so it wouldn't be just "extra weight".
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: ian_padron on January 20, 2019, 01:06:27 AM
If you're running a tarp, a bivy is redundant.

There are no bugs up high in September and certainly not October.

Why pack the extra weight?

Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk


"There are no bugs up high in September and certainly not October."

This is somewhat of a generalization as I have run into lots of bugs in September before (but not always). Just depends on the weather/temperature that year. I would agree with the October statement though.

A lightweight bivy could save you if you are running a tarp/floorless shelter and run into bugs. It also adds warmth to your sleep system, so it wouldn't be just "extra weight".
The most efficient way to add warmth to your sleep system weight-wise is to wear your clothes.

I should specify that I have not run into any bugs whatsoever (skeeters/flies) above 6k feet in September so far in my 4 years in WA.

Not sure what elevations OP will be using his set-up at.

I still think a bivy is redundant, but that's my 2 cents.

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Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: MtnMuley on January 20, 2019, 06:17:48 AM
If you're running a tarp, a bivy is redundant.

There are no bugs up high in September and certainly not October.

Why pack the extra weight?

Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

Far from the truth there. I've hunted many states including WA during those months when bugs, mice, and other unwanted pests were issues. Not to mention the slight added warmth and wind protection depending on bivy and or tarp set up.

Back to the OP's question. I have several bivys including the TiGoat Omni Raven, Borah bivy, and EE Recon. All great bivys and you can't go wrong with any of those 3. I find myself packing the Recon more these days when I go the bivy route pairied with a Jimmy Tarp.
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: stlusn30-06 on January 23, 2019, 10:25:59 AM
don't look past Outdoor Research   https://screenshots.firefox.com/xcgzPzuoQjBP5bsB/www.outdoorresearch.com

 :yeah:

They'll be releasing new models this year. Have waited out a couple rainstorms in the Alpine. Stayed dry.

Last, but not least. Don't sleep on this piece of gear: https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/en/gear-and-accessories/gear/bivy-sacks/wilderness-cover/p/2501570062222

A little of both worlds and rain jacket.
Title: Re: Bivy?
Post by: birddogdad on January 23, 2019, 10:27:58 AM
Just curious to see what bivy s guys are using. I’d like to get one but really don’t know what to get. I was thinking either the or helium or the enlightened equipment one I think it’s called the recon? I am planning on using it mainly for sept elk and maybe use it into oct. thinking mainly as a way to protect from bugs since I’ll be ordering a mega tarp later to use as a shelter. Does this sound like the right way to go or should I re think my set up?

http://www.borahgear.com/sidebivy.html
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