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What bivy sack do you use?

Original Post
Paul L · · Portland, OR · Joined Dec 2016 · Points: 341
Ronald B · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Oct 2016 · Points: 0

Can't beat the Uber bivy! http://www.milesgear.com/UberBivy.html

I actually have the smaller "pico bivy" but since you mention size as a major concern, the Uber version is very very roomy.

Imploding Biceps · · Dirty South · Joined Sep 2016 · Points: 2,528

i used a OR alpine bivy in the cascades back in september, sometimes when the dew point is pretty low you can get some condensation at the top of the bivy where the hoop is. but it has never been unmanageable. the Advanced bivy has a zipper at the feet that could help with it. i always leave the zipper open about 6 inches and try and place my head so my breathing kind of escapes outside.. 

a bivy sack isnt for everyone though. but i love mine. can pretty much sleep anywhere. 

Dennis Shaver · · Estes Park, CO · Joined May 2012 · Points: 0

I usually use the SOL emergency bivy. Super light, cheap, hardly takes up any space and does a good enough job but have only used it during summer alpine rock climbs. If I think weather might be especially shitty and I might have to spend a significant amount of time in it then I'll take an OR alpine bivy assuming I can't take a tent like in rmnp. Otherwise I just bring a very light tent that pretty much weighs the same as the OR alpine bivy. 

Dave Leydet · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 180

OR Alpine Bivy

Karl Henize · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 643

IMO, I would ultimately opt for two-three different types of shelters.  There aren’t any really great quiver-of-one options for alpine climbing.  

Get a “one-time use” disposable emergency bivy sack for day trips, where you do not actually plan on bivvying.  Get a fully featured / breathable sack + tarp and/or small tent, for planned bivouacs.  

I would only opt for a non-waterproof sack if you only plan to bivvy in dry conditions.  Non-waterproof fabrics are really meant for windy conditions, where it will not rain (e.g., always below freezing temps).  

The more down insulation you have, the more I would err towards getting a double wall tent.  The more you will be out in buggy conditions, the more I would opt for a tent over a bivvy sack + tarp.  If you want to use snow caves, quinzhees,and igloos, I would opt for waterproof breathable bivvy sack.   

For the PNW, I have really enjoyed using the Hilleberg Unna tent for planned overnights in wet and windy conditions..  

bernard wolfe · · birmingham, al · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 300
bernard wolfe · · birmingham, al · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 300
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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