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Why use a Bivy


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  • #1272680
    Randy Martin
    BPL Member

    @randalmartin

    Locale: Colorado

    In this day and age of really lightweight 1P tents in the 2lb range I am seriously questioning the point of investing in a Bivy bag. Can someone explain to me why you would EVER invest in a Bivy or Bivy/Tarp combo when there are so many full 1P tents with huge space in the same weight range as a Bivy/Tarp combo?

    #1727980
    Clint N.
    Spectator

    @cnewitt

    Locale: Utah

    One of the most popular reasons for tarp/bivy use is flexibility of the system. You can have a system that includes a bug bivy or net tent, a cold weather bivy, and a tarp. With this system you can cover all types of 3-season weather and some winter stuff and only bring what is needed. Careful bivy and tarp selection still beat out all but a few 1P tents in terms of weight. As far as space goes, a Gossamer Gear SpinnTwinn tarp is much larger than any solo tent, weighs about 9 oz., and you can add various bivies or bug tents for 5-10 oz. The weight for this system can be less than 20 oz. with great flexibility.

    #1727981
    * *
    Member

    @jsj42

    I have a highly water resistant (can withstand a brief rainstorm or plenty of snow) bivy that weighs 10 ounces. I haven't seen a tent that weighs that little (though the Lightheart Cuben gets close). This bivy packs down to the size of a 16 oz Nalgene.

    I can throw this bivy down anywhere and don't need to stake it down.

    In RMNP alpine areas, tents are illegal.

    Of course, in general bivies are a pain to get into and out of, their breathability/stuffiness can be problematic, and, most annoying of all, when sealed up (even with the hooped pole designs) tend to make me feel like I'm going to suffocate.

    #1727984
    Scott Pulver
    Spectator

    @scottp77

    I can carry a poncho/tarp, stakes,guy lines, and bivy for half that. That's shelter and rain gear for a pound. Add in the versatility of a tarp and bivy combo and it's an easy choice for me.

    #1727985
    Randy Martin
    BPL Member

    @randalmartin

    Locale: Colorado

    One of the major advantages of a tent is in higher elevation locations where high wind is the norm not the exception. I suppose configuration of the tarp can block the wind somewhat but my point being that wind driven rain would seem to be problematic, particularly above treeline.

    #1727986
    Mark Ries
    Spectator

    @mtmnmark

    Locale: IOWAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

    I have not yet bought or even used a bivy but my lighter weight tents TT and lightheart are a little breezy in winds as tarps which I have not tried either are as well so Im sure they are going to add warmth more so with wind. Im oftened tempted to try a tarp bivy combo but I bring a dog often and can see down sides with the dog

    #1727989
    William Zila
    BPL Member

    @ultralightwillinn-m

    Locale: Albuquerque

    I do it simply because versatility I can plop my bivy down if the weather looks good and ditch setting up the tarp but I still have protection for my pad and bag and protection from bugs and light un forecasted rain and it allows me since my bivy has a mesh face panel I can star gaze and feel more connected to my surroundings but if I get to camp and the weather doesn't look as promising I have my tarp which also is much MUCH roomier then any one man and most two man tents that's why I use a tarp/bivy combo just my 2cents take it for what it's worth

    #1727991
    Stephan Doyle
    Member

    @stephancal

    My cuben tarp weighs 3 ounces.

    My bivy weighs 7 ounces (and the one I have on order should come in under 4).

    Can you find me one of those tents with huge space in that range?

    #1727998
    Scott Pulver
    Spectator

    @scottp77

    A well pitched tarp will do just as well above treeline as a 2 lb. tent. As long as you pick a good location and have a wind shedding tarp configuration, a tarp will be just as effective if not more(depending on the situation). But there have been many times I have been above treeline with winds that would easily destroy either tarp or any 2 lb. tent….luckily having a bivy gave some protection from the elements.

    And as for warmth, I wouldn't think a 2 lb. tent would add much more warmth then tarp/bivy if any. Any 2 lb. tent will likely be made out of the same materials as a tarp and bivy. Besides, I leave it to my pad and bag to keep me warm ;)

    #1728003
    Nick Gatel
    BPL Member

    @ngatel

    Locale: Southern California

    Poncho/Tarps require a bivy. Larger tarps like a SpinnTwinn or a similar sized cuben tarp do not require a bivy at all. My Nano tarp is ~ 5 oz, and large enough not to require a bivy.

    Bugs? Head net at < 1 oz works fine.

    No rain or snow? Tarp stays in my pack.

    For serious winter weather, I use other options.

    #1728027
    BlackHatGuy
    Spectator

    @sleeping

    Locale: The Cascades

    When I did the Teton Crest last year, we were blessed with amazing weather – no rain for the entire week and clear (though chilly) skies at night.

    Being in my bivy, with no tarp overhead, allowed me to fall asleep every night to a sky packed with stars. The bivy was really just a ground cover, as I had my head stuck outside the bivy. I loved it.

    #1728034
    Ultra Magnus
    Member

    @ultra_magnus

    For me, it's a money thing. I can't afford any of the sub 2lb tents out there, esp. ones on the bigger side (3 person), which I'd need it I wanted to bring any of my kids along. So, I'm going the myog route- and a myog tarp and bivy is a lot easier and cheaper to make than a tent setup. I still do intent to make a 4 person mid shelter, but that's further off in the future, after I have more experience with the sewing machine.

    BM

    #1728036
    Nick Gatel
    BPL Member

    @ngatel

    Locale: Southern California

    My cuben quilt is light, blocks wind and keeps the down dry. Plus it is lighter than most sleeping bags or quilts. 1/8" pad serves as ground sheet and part of pad system. Works for me.

    I now only use a bivy with my poncho/tarp and that is becoming rarer. Just options that work for me and not necessarily the optimum solution for others.

    #1728050
    roberto nahue
    BPL Member

    @carspidey

    Locale: san fernando valley

    but no matter how big the tarp is… if you are using the bivy… the size is very constricted right?

    Or are you guys saying that you set up one or the other?

    where do you change, or how do you remove layers or add layers in the middle of the night?

    OP let me know if you were thinking along the same lines…

    thanks…

    #1728057
    Stephan Doyle
    Member

    @stephancal

    I sleep in my bivy. If I have to change clothes (or any other camp chore), I do it outside of my bivy.

    #1728072
    Sean Staplin
    BPL Member

    @mtnrat

    Locale: Southern Cdn Rockies

    Been using bivies for over 30 years. I have used them spring summer fall and winter. Never really thought about pros and cons, it is just what it is. Always been the minimalist type and the simplicity is what keeps me in a bivy. Still have my integral designs bivy from the late seventies. That one is bomber and has a triangle of WP material outside the netted side zip, that can be staked out and held up with a 12" pole or stick. A great design that can keep your pack or other small area dry. Got me thinking that someone should MYOG this design.

    #1728074
    Scott Pulver
    Spectator

    @scottp77

    A bivy only needs to be as restrictive as the Sleeping bag or quilt you use, my bivy is generally just used for protection from the ground and windblown rain or light snow.

    And as far as changing clothes, I can do that anywhere I wish. If protection from the elements is needed, under a tarp there is plenty of room.

    #1728111
    Tony Wong
    BPL Member

    @valshar

    Locale: San Francisco Bay Area

    Randy,

    I think you will find that there is no one perfect shelter solution for every situation.

    With all things UL, it is about trade offs.

    Yes, the bivy and tarp that I use gives me a lot of flexibiilty and a different way to experience sleeping outdoors.

    Think it would be hard to argue about a free standing tent's advantages above treeline over a tarp and bivy in bad weather.

    To me, UL is about hyper speciallization….I have the gear/tools to carry exactly the combination of gear that I think is necessary for the trip at hand. The hyperspeicalization of going UL might give me a smaller margin of error if the weather turns bad or if it rains, but I am making those decisions for myself…risk vs. reward of a lighter pack.

    That said, I have weathers a pretty nasty storm on Mt. Whitney above treeline that put everyone's shelters to the test and my MLD poncho tarp stood strong the whole night, where other tents had rain flys ripped off. (All about having huge piles of rock on your stakes and a tight pitch on your tarp).

    Anyway, my two cents on the topic….not better, just different.

    -Tony

    #1728116
    Hiking Malto
    BPL Member

    @gg-man

    "but no matter how big the tarp is… if you are using the bivy… the size is very constricted right?

    Or are you guys saying that you set up one or the other?

    where do you change, or how do you remove layers or add layers in the middle of the night?"

    My bivy is nothing more than a "sleeping bag cover. So to answer the questions above….. the exact same way you would if you were just using your sleeping bag.

    One of the biggest advantages to a bivy is that it will block the wind if you are using a quilt eliminating the drafts. The bivy allows you to comfortably use a quilt and eliminate the ground cover. I also pack my quilt in it so it also serves as a pack liner in all but the most demanding trips.

    #1728133
    Randy Martin
    BPL Member

    @randalmartin

    Locale: Colorado

    I really appreciate the very thoughtful feedback on the topic. For the most part I think the Bivy and Tarp kinda go hand in hand and so you can't really talk about one without the other.

    I have migrated from traditional backpacking tents to ultralight trekking pole tents and now to consideration of a Bivy/Tarp combination. I suppose that's the natural evolution of someone going down the path of trimming ounces and sometimes lbs from their setup. I can see where some creativity in the pitch and location of your Tarp can go a long ways in providing an excellent shelter in even the worst conditions.

    #1728145
    Patrick S
    Member

    @xpatrickxad

    Locale: Upper East TN

    "For the most part I think the Bivy and Tarp kinda go hand in hand and so you can't really talk about one without the other. "

    I think the real strength of the combo is that you can use one without the other as your needs change based on the situation. Some times I leave the bivy home if I know I'll be able to get away from the wind and bugs and sometimes I leave the tarp home if I know there is little chance of rain.

    #1728155
    Jason Elsworth
    Spectator

    @jephoto

    Locale: New Zealand

    I use a bivy, even with a large tarp/single skin tent like a Trailstar or a Duomid. Partly this is because my JRB quilt is a bit too narrow for me:) Also I need a decent groundsheet with bath tub sides most of the time here in NZ, so I figure the only extra I am taking is the momentum bivy top, which I feels adds quite a lot to the warmth of a sleeping system. This also means that I don't have to seal myself in all the time to avoid drafts. When I get a new wider quilt I may experiment with no bivy in certain conditions. There are some impressive one person tents around at the moment, but they are just too small for my liking.

    #1728209
    Charles Henry
    Member

    @chuckie_cheese

    Locale: Arizona and British Columbia

    How many tents weigh 6 oz and don't require any setup?

    I have a TT moment, but I would use a bivy alone in warmer seasons since my raven bivy weights 6 oz and I can lie down anywhere.

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