First Time Bivy User Needs Your Opinion!!!

This is a USMC Gortex Bivy Bag…

As for the weight, it IS heavy for by bivy standards. However, that doesn't matter if you're pleased!!!! Don't switch to something else (unless you like it better – no matter what someone else says.

That bivy is less breathable than most, but is very stormworthy. It has a big storm flap over the zipper, right?

I prefer my equinox bivy, but I have to use a tarp with it to stay dry.

I would have something over my head in the rain in addition to the bivy for a few reasons:
-I would be claustrophobic in that thing if not open
– it won't breathe very well
– your other gear will be drier w/ at least a small tarp

Enjoy it! Todd

Todd,

You are correct. It has a storm flap over the zipper. When it got really cold at night I found myself completely under the hood flap and not closterphobic. I am guessing based on what you said though that a light weight tarp pitched low as head and gear protection makes good sense. I will think on that. thank you…

Any other suggestions out there?

If you really like the bivy method, you should give it a shot in nasty weather (back yard maybe) and see if you still like it. When it’s just me, bivys are so much simpler. I have and ID bag cover in pertex endurance that I use with a small (48×60) homemade spinnaker tarp and I just love it. Keeps my down bag dry and gives me a little room to cook if it’s nasty weather.

I am in California and besides the complete and total lack of weather (other than sunny or partly cloudy) we haven't had much "weather" per say. I will take your suggestion and give it a shot in the back yard during a storm. Thank you