MLD liteSoul bivy

[Ryan Faulkner]

Has anyone here used this? im interested in it because even with wide and long options the bivy only weighs 4.8oz
BMW vapr NANO bivy 5.4oz in size large.

I would probably only go for the long option giving me a 4.5oz bivy, almost a whole ounce off the BMW

cheaper too

[Stuart Burke]

It seems kinda weird that there would be that much difference in the weight of the two bivies. The MLD bivy has a momentum top that has a finished weight per square yard that Ron claims is the same as pertex quantum which the BMW bivy top is made of. Both bivies also have cuben bottoms that I would assume have similar finished weights per square yard. So I wonder where the weight difference comes from? I would be inclined to believe the posted weights for both bivies because of the companies that make them have such good reputations. Maybe the cut of the MLD bivy tapers a lot more at the foot end compared to BMW bivy.

I have a MLD superlight bivy on order and should recieve it in a few weeks. If you are still interested in the MLD bivy I will give you feed back on my bivy.

[kevin davidson]

Yes, you won't go wrong with either the MLD or the Oware made BMW bivvies from a quality or design standpoint. Personally, I have the somewhat heavier but more robust Soul Bivy, which has performed very well for me. The cut, although tapered, has sufficient room for my normal Winter bag setup. The Lite bag may be even more tapered to save weight in keeping with it's use of the lightest materials, so check the dimensions to make sure it will work for you. I think that Ron of MLD gives a little more value and extras including custom mods with his products—but, then again, you're dealing directly with the manufacturer.

[Jason Shaffer]

I just got back from my first trip w/ the LiteSoul. It is considerably narrower than the BMW Vapr, esp in the footbox. I used a Nunatak Arc Alpinist and it made for an efficient fit. Anything much loftier would only get compressed. I'm 5'9" and if I had it to do over I'd have Ron make it a few inches longer. The bivy doesn't quite cover up to my neck, leaving maybe 2-3" of bag exposed when the bivy is unzipped. This may be due to my bag's lofty footbox. Also I think the LiteSoul's hood is deeper than the Vapr's; in other words, the zipper is placed lower.

EDIT: Noticed a pretty drastic price change on the LiteSoul since I bought mine – see MLD's website.

[kevin davidson]

I've noted spec changes on the Soul bivy from when I got mine. It's now listed as having the same dimensions as the Light Soul. My bivy is wider.

Ron's prices used to be cheaper than BMW but now they are about par on equivalent offerings (if you are a BPL member).

[Ron Bell / MLD]

Hi All,

I've adjusted a few specs on all the bivys.

All the girth/length dimensions of all models are the same. The foot girth was increased from 46" to 50". The length of the regular size is now about 2" longer. All the weights went up a few tenths of an ounce to reflect the size increase.

FYI: The weight of the built-in zippered bug net in the Soul and Soul Side zip models are included in the base weight.

The LiteSoul now comes (no extra charge) with the seperate bug head net and can be specified as short, wide, long or wide and long for the same base price.

Thanks for the feedback,
Ron

[kevin davidson]

Thanks, Ron. I think those are great moves.

Now, when are those new shelters coming out? :-)

[Christopher Plesko]

All I want is an EVENT top, cuben bottom bivy that's *just* big enough like the Montbell bag cover I've been using. Draw cord opening, turn over if it rains.

I am seriously thinking about an MLD Alpine bivy for my winter racing next year though. In wide and long for my -25 WM bag.

The Montbell bag cover weighs 6.29oz. If I could drop to 4 oz that would be great.

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