examined how well they protected

We examined how well they protected us from wind and precipitation and how they vented and transferred moisture from inside to out. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Do you put your shoes in some sort of back for the night? It weighs in at just over 500g with the bag and pole included, or you can take that down to around 450 without the pole. However, if you need this for multiple nights in a row and youre already concerned with condensation then I probably wouldnt advise this as the best option. Seam-taped AscentShell technology delivers waterproof breathability, and a single pole can be used to add headspace or left at the trailhead to save weight. Orders placed BEFORE 2pm Mon-Fri will bedespatchedthe same day, usually withParcelforce(requiring a signature). In its stuff sack this weighs just 590g, not a weight that's going to break the bank. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Dropping knowledge bombs like first aid pros! Although it isn't the lightest or most weatherproof, it offers features found only in the heavy-duty models, such as a bug screen and an inventive way to prop up the face of the bivy, giving a nice bit of breathing room to the occupant. At a bearable budget you can expect your one-person tent to weigh around 1kg. The slight difference of having the bug net/ventilation elevated above your face did two things. The packed size is a negligible 30cm long - easy enough to squeeze into a compact climbing or trekking pack. A problem with the bivy in these conditions occurs when its time to pack up in the morning as theres nowhere to roll up your mat and sleeping bag without getting wet or dirty if the weather has been poor. If I'm ever unlucky enough to be caught out in that kind of weather on a bivvy (I'd never go out on purpose on such a forecast) then, again, I'll report back. In the high desert of Arizona the weather can change fast. Perhaps, but I don't think it would be significant. A tarp can offer excellent weather protection, but only if set up thoughtfully. As always, we recommend finding the product that fits your performance needs and financial limitations. The top of the bag is made with lightweight 30D (denier) fabric while the floor is made with a more durable 70D fabric. If you're in the market for a bivy strictly for emergencies, the SOL Escape is our favorite. On the second night we had already endured hours of howling 20-40mph winds and driving rain as we got to our camp spot which by then was definitely saturated ground. Please make sure that you include yourBFPOnumber in the Postcode field on your order so we can verify the VAT-exemption. The Helium comes with a single pole that threads easily through the bag to give some structure and keep the material off your face but for the pole to stay upright it does need help from pegs and a guy. Thanks Rich. But things have softened up after repeated use and it now slides in easily enough. The Helium Bivy is ideal for multi-day minimalists who are looking to trade weight for speed, agility, and performance. If ultralight isn't your focus, our in-depth reviews also highlight the best in backpacking and camping gear. Anymore questions just give us a shout. I can certainly see myself using the Interstellar on trips like the Cuillin Traverse. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Most importantly is the realization that if you're looking for the burliest and most durable of bivy bags, this isn't it. Keen to make ultralight backpacking more enjoyable? Hope this helps. Others will feel too constrained by the bag itself, particularly if the weather is poor and you are without a tarp. Cross the UKs newest member is keeping us busy whilst were in lockdown. I can tell you that the Interstellar certainly passes the back garden hosepipe test. I might be less inclined to use this option if I was out for multiple days in constant rain or in areas with lots of biting insects constantly after me as there is no escape and a tent would definitely be most appropriate. So I am looking for a second tent in my arsenal, but I fear the condensation. At 183cm tall I can sleep in it with room to spare, so it's safe to say it's long enough for tall-ish adults. In practise I've never once noticed any condensation buildup inside the bag - even the morning after, the inside surface of the fabric has been dry to the touch. This can be a one-off print publications. The bottom line is that you can make a bivy work in many places where a tent will not high rock ledges, tight snow caves, tiny flat campsites on rocky terrain. 40 different models were up for consideration during our research process before we bought the top 9 contenders to put to the test for this review. I now work with an outdoor equipment company who supply some of the lightest kit from the best brands on the market and I get to test quite a lot so if you let me know a rough budget you might have I can give you a few options to consider. Problem? We aim to not only bring you the best of the best but the highest value, especially when it comes to performance and cost. Access to a year's subscription to Rockfax Digital. There were some issues and in the morning while packing up I did see plenty of evidence of condensation with a decent amount of wet patches on the mat and sleeping bag. As the entire top portion of the bivy is open, we had no ventilation issues. Speak with one of our experts. It performed way above average in most of the metrics we tested and its overall score was higher than any other bivy sack during our testing process. Even during downpours or extended periods where complete protection is necessary, we recommend "cracking" the mesh or zipper to allow some ventilation of the condensed air inside. Cross the UK: Lets Run Adventures Hanging Stone Leap Race Review, New date added for Outdoor First Aid and D of E Leader discounts, Hadrians Wall Walk: Day Three and a Half, Cross the UK: Trail Running in the Cairngorms Part Two Lairig Ghru. I've found I can read a book inside the bag for instance. When filling in your details on the website, please enter your card holder address as normal, and the delivery address in the following format: ChooseBFPOif you are VAT-exempt, United Kingdom if you are not. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Bluesign is a system that provides safer and more sustainable environments for people to work in and everyone to live in. An appropriately distanced ride (in every sense) in the glorious North York Moors! You wouldn't want to spend more than a couple of nights in it on the trot, but for alpine climbing or short weight-conscious backpacking trips it would be the absolute business, and I'm sure there are users of either bent who'll readily make the investment. the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, weatherproof, roomy, ease of use, bug screen, Lightweight, versatile, stows easily, price is right, Lightweight, breathable, packs down small, Limited to colder and drier climates, tight fit around feet and torso, This very well may be the new standard in what we expect from a top-notch bivy sack, This model boasts an enticing weight, comfort, and versatility ratio, An effective and lightweight bivy that far outperforms other emergency or minimalist shelters, If storm protection is your sole need from a bivy sack, the Alpine is a strong contender, Ideal for light and fast missions in drier and/or colder climates, Water-resistant, breathable nano-shield fabric with seam-sealable seams, Top: Pertex Shield 2.5L 100% nylon Bottom: 100% 40D nylon, 20D ripstop nylon 2 ply breathable 1000mm, Yes, one overhead shockcorded Delrin pole, We searched high and low looking for some drawback with the OR Helium Bivy and found none, A functional, lightweight bivy with several features to keep you comfortable and a few bucks in your wallet, A lightweight and simple model that helps protect against unforeseen wind, weather, and cold, The Alpine offers superior storm protection without any frills, Performs best in alpine and desert environments when weight and space matter, While the BD Bipod is quite functional, it isn't without a few frustrating aspects, If you want to complete your dry climate lightweight bivy kit, the Escape is an excellent choice, We found the Tact to be best suited for very occasional emergency use, Roomy and warm in cold climates, yet relatively heavy and stuffy inside. How to choose the best bivy sack? Reproduction without permission is prohibited. No problem. Each of our reviewed products has unique characteristics that might create a compelling reason to consider it for your next outing. Both allow for ample ventilation during a rainstorm and no-see-um mesh for nicer weather. In these days of ultralight single person tents, does the hooped bivvy still offer any advantage? A newly designed side entry makes getting in and out of your shelter faster and easier than ever before, while innovative zipper design and built-in sombrero allow you to sit up and perform tasks (like cooking and packing) without stepping outside. Nice run on the moors today. You're supplied with a bivvy bag and a short collapsible plastic pole. If payment or a more substantial payment paid monthly or yearly which includes full access to Rockfax Digital and discounts on Solar powered torches used to be a joke, but thanks to advances in technology Dan Bailey has now seen the light. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Any Next Day orders received after this time will bedespatchedthe following working day. Ultralight and minimalist models can often be less spacious to cut down on the amount of material used. Machine wash cold separately, rinse thoroughly. If your location means that your purchase is VAT-exempt, we are happy to deduct the VAT from your order before shipping. I am visiting Scotland in a few weeks to hike and run the Glen Coe Skyline and so a solid, lightweight sleeping system is needed. From emergency bivys to the ultra-protective alpine expedition models, it's important to have a firm understanding of the characteristics of the bivy you're considering. Having ample headroom during a downpour is one of the most critical points in maintaining some element of comfort in a bivy. Read Review: Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy. I'll have to update this review as the summer progresses. The most weather-resistant bivy sacks are the Outdoor Research Helium and the Black Diamond Bipod. In warmer conditions you can tie up the waterproof outer and just have the mesh across your face which has a huge, positive impact on condensation build up too. - - -. Hooped bivvys give you a bit more space and comfort than a simple bag, but less so than a tent. and Please note that our postal services are dealing with unprecedented numbers of orders just now; there may be a short delay in your order's arrival but will will get it to you as soon as possible. Whether or not to bring a bivy depends on many factors, and everything from weight to the weather forecast to the available space in your pack can influence the decision. As a result, an Many people don't realize that some bivys can give you enough headspace to read or to sit up a bit so you can comfortably sip your coffee or slurp your miso soup. It may look like something you'd run the London Marathon in, but for practicality in foul weather this 'sombrero' feature is great, as is the ability to use your hands without getting out of the bag. However this is still a moot question, because while the Interstellar is roomier than many bivvy bags, its internal space is not limitless. - - - - -. Regardless of whether a bivy has those features, some of these traits are not needed by everyone, and they may be worth sacrificing interior space in order to save weight and space in your pack. The SOL Escape deviated from the norm by constructing a bivy from metalized spun-bonded olefin, which is typically used as a moisture barrier for home construction. Nice review Dan. If the temps are variable, or you toss and turn in your sleep (and can't easily ensure your mouth stays at the bivy opening), it might be a good idea to bring a synthetic sleeping bag instead of a down sleeping bag. It's a neat idea, and a solution to a genuine issue since such things are normally a bit of a struggle to achieve in a standard bivvy bag. I've often pondered this question - and in this case the answer is yes, in some circumstances. I bought the Sea to Summit Solo tent last year and the condensation was awful. Synthetic insulation will retain its insulating properties and keep you warm if it gets damp or even soaked. All rights reserved. The things we considered that contributed to the comfort rating of these each tested bivy included insect protection, roominess (volume and floor plan), ease of use, and added features, such as gear pockets or straps to hold your sleeping pad in place. For added stability in wind you can guy it out at the head end - though no guyline is supplied. Enjoy your future bivy adventures! It also has obvious application in an alpine setting since it is genuinely light enough, while still offering you a good bit more than a simple sack design. You are, as cheesy as it sounds, one with nature. Chris from Denmark. This is certainly not going to be for everyone. Different types of fabrics work best in different situations. With cold hands, in the wind, it's a bit of a struggle to cram into its bag (feet first, to squeeze the air out) and I think a marginally larger and more robust stuff sack would have been good, at the cost of only a few grams to the headline weight. Testing was conducted in the field, in various environments, from swampy conditions to snow, to rocky ledges. It's not as comfortable as the OR Helium, but it's close, and the Backcountry Bivy weighs less, which is a bonus. Mat in, or mat out of the bivvy bag? The lightest reusable bivy is the SOL Escape. The result is that if it's raining (or, in the case of the above picture, very cold and windy) you can sit up and perform close tasks such as cooking without having to leave the shelter of your bag. Fliss Freeborn trials dehydrated chillis from seven brands with varying results. The top side of the bag is Outdoor Research's proprietary waterproof/breathable AscentShell, a 3-layer, 20 denier nylon membrane fabric. If you're venturing to a snowy alpine environment with likely precipitation, you want something you can spend a lot of time in comfortably and that you are confident will keep you dry. Michael, Great revirw. Yes I do have massive feet; but I can't help thinking that more of a box shape at the toe would have been an advantage. This clamshell opening bivy is ideal for fast and light missions. Required fields are marked *. We adder laugh! The Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy is a past favorite and proved once again that it's an effective and functional bivy for a wide variety of situations. a work address. Cross the UK: Outdoor Research Helium Bivy Review. Overall, this is a love or hate piece of kit. We also paid attention to packed size, weight, comfort, and compatibility with other items. Ive just got a new lightweight tent with a super small pack size that Im testing in the Cairngorms next week and Im happy to pass on any advice that may be useful for you. Click and Collect items are available to pick up Monday Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm (excluding Bank Holidays), one working day after your order is confirmed. Having a bivy that is not only lightweight but can also be crammed into a tiny package is essential. Let us know! Assuming you're not pegged down, you can sit upright and the head end of the bivvy effectively becomes a wide brimmed hat, with the pole forming the rim. Before you look at weights and packed size, make sure the bivy will perform at the level you need it to. Have a question? Nice, too, that you can sit around at a camp and still stay out of the weather; in a standard bivvy you're either lying down snug but entombed, or you're out in the cold. My only criticism of the Interstellar is that 315 seems a lot to pay for a waterproof bag, even a really nifty and innovative one. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Thermacell devices create an insect repellent zone that's said to deter small flying insects. It simply velcros into place - there are no eyelets, as you'd find in most tents. Samaya places excellence and innovation at the heart of its development in order to offer high-performance objects that invite you to reconnect with the essential. By comparison a simple non-hooped bivvy I happen to have here, an old Rab Alpine SL, weighs 416g. This is the ideal shelter for minimalists who are looking to trade weight for speed, agility, and performance. This is something I've noticed when trying to lie on my back, when there's simply not enough slack to comfortably accommodate my feet in upright position. So yes, you can get more space for less weight than the Interstellar. Diamond Fuse fabrics use yarns with unique diamond shaped filaments that lock together to create a durable and highly abrasion resistant fabric. Is there a small risk of minor leaks through the zip in wind-driven rain? In our opinion, these models provide the best balance of durability, warmth, and overall protection. I was treating myself to two sleeping mats and using my three season bag in it and had space to turn and move during the night. I tried to have enough airflow, but somehow I end up having many wet patches in my tent. But it's the unique way that you can both sleep in it and practically wear it that sets the Interstellar apart from other such models. The Helium Bivy is our lightest, best-selling, and most awarded bivy sack of all time. includes discounted products from Rockfax. single annual An ultralight tarp can also offer a similar amount of room that a tent does, with even lighter weight and improved protection in the rain over bivys. It's hard to leave the relative comfort of the Escape on frosty mornings. An excellent day with D of E Leaders from Burton upon Trent. We regret to say that we are unable to change the address or postcode on a parcel once it has beendespatched. Incredibly quick to set up and breakdown, the ultralight Helium Bivy is 14% lighter than its last generation, and has everything the outdoor minimalist needs to be comfortable. Or for emergency protection on a budget, the SOL Escape Bivy gives you the extra protection and warmth you might need when the unexpected occurs but also doesn't put you out a ton of cash. Add a large zip pull to every possible point and you're left with a potentially confusing array of dangly bits. The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy offers fantastic weather protection, comfort, ventilation, and breathability, all in a relatively lightweight package. The two open ends of an A-frame pitch are a liability in wind-driven rain. Just hopefully not to the point of discomfort. If we recommended a bivy solely upon its price-to-performance ratio, this might be the highest-rated bivy we have ever tested. Our testers have used them over all sorts of terrain - hanging off the sides of cliffs, basking in mountain meadows, and in riverside campsites in the desert. We cant wait to get you back outside with your gear. What tarp os that? If you have a mobile number on your account you will receiveSMSnotifications regarding delivery (UK mainland deliveries only). The OR Alpine Bivy (front -- discontinued) can save up to a few pounds off of a typical one-person backpacking tent (back) because it has fewer poles, fabric, and zippers. If the best value tops your chart, look for the highest-performing product from our scores that fits your price range. This thing is knocking on the door of being a one-person tent. I agree to allow Outdoor Research to send me email marketing messages.

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