Bivy
Choosing the Right Bivy Sack
Ever since ultra light camping has become the norm for most people, bivy sacks or bags have also risen in popularity. You can easily keep your load light without having to worry too much. There are quite a number of designs and styles that you can choose from.
One of the foremost functions of a bivy sack is to help keep the sleeping bag dry and to help increase the warming capacity of the bag. People who travel by themselves in the backcountry can go ahead and take advantage of bivvies. They are perfect for hiking trips that would take longer than just a day. Hence, if you want to go on a long biking or walking trip and want to keep the load as light as possible, then get your own bivy bag.
Climbers were the first people to use bivy bags. They served as a form of emergency shelter that can help protect them from the weather. The term bivy refers to a Bivouac sack. It can be spelled as “bivvy” with two “v’s” or “bivy” with just a single letter “v.” Essentially, they serve as modified sleeping bags.
The first bivy bags made were created from a single layer of waterproof fabric which was designed as a slipcover. These were made to help protect sleeping bags from the rain. However, people experienced problems with the bivy sacks because of the poor ventilation. Moreover, condensation would form because of the intense body heat.
Today, the bivy sacks are usually made from Gore-Tex or materials that provide proper ventilation. On the outside, they are usually made from a reliable nylon coated urethane which helps to waterproof the sack.
Here are some elements you might want to consider when picking a bivy sack for yourself:
Think about the armholes. You might want to have them so that you can easily keep yourself warm yet still be able to do simple things like cooking while inside your bivy. Also, think about the zippers. Make sure that they are full zippers so that you can have proper ventilation. Make sure there are enough straps to help secure the sleeping bag in place.
If you don’t mind carrying an extra pound, you can have your own bivy tent or bivy shelter. This is a slight modification of the original style bivy, except that it contains tentlike qualities for an extra pound or so.
Although the bivy sack is very popular for light packers, not everybody is comfortable using one. Some people complain that it is too stuffy because of the limited space. If this is the case for you, then you have other options that you can look into so that you can get plenty more space.
Bivys - Amazon.com
Deluxe Bivy Blue
If you are looking for something light to bring to your next hiking trip, then why not get this Deluxe Bivy Blue. This is probably one of the best ultraportable bivy sacks that you can take with you wherever you go. Moreover, you get a really good and affordable price for this bag. The great thing with this sack is that it has enough room to make you feel comfortable. It will help to keep you warm and happy without any problems at all.
MSR E-Bivy
This is a very compact and easy to carry bivy. Just like MSR’s E-Wing, this little bivy bag was compressed to the size of a soda can so that you can easily carry it around as a form of emergency shelter. It can also serve as complimentary protection for your sleeping bag under a tarp or a boost in warmth for your bag during colder seasons. It has a durable, coated floor and silnylon that will help fight off the frost and the dew. Once you have opened it, the bivy sack expands easily from its packing.
Thermo-Lite 2 bivy
When going out on a nature trip, it is important to always come prepared. Hence, it’s important for you to have this Thermo-Lite 2 bivy on your hands, just in case. It is the perfect bivy sack for you to have if you intend to sleep outdoors with temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It will help you survive through the night and will be a perfect shelter during drastic conditions. You will find that this bivy sack has a durable and water resistant exterior to help keep the elements at bay.
Outdoor Research Bug Bivy™ Sack
Want a bivy that will meet all your needs while you go on your hiking trip? Then the Outdoor Research Bug Bivy is the perfect one for you. Use if wherever you might go, but it is especially helpful to keep insects at bay. You can easily use this bivy sack outdoors or indoors to help protect you from insects or the elements. Setup is also quite easy as long as you read the instructions properly. You should have no problems getting putting this up and breaking it down.
Black Diamond Tripod Bivy
If you have been looking for a bivy that can help you weather out the harsh elements especially if you find yourself in the cold, alpine outdoors, then this Black Diamond Tripod Bivy is the perfect companion for you. There are three Easton poles that can lift the bivouac sack away from your head and feet. It has a large zippered entry that has a good mesh panel to help keep the insects and bugs away yet let fresh air inside.
