Bothy Bag/Shelter

[Gerald Magnes]

Is anyone familiar with a Bothy Bag or Shelter. As I understand it, they're multiperson, water proof nylon shelters for emergency bivouacs in winter conditions. They're apparently common in the UK, but not so much in the USA. They're lightweight, and 2 (or more in larger ones) can sit in them, using their body heat to warm the inside space. A salesperson at REI was telling me about them a couple of days ago, and they seemed like a good idea to carry on winter day trips for emergency bivouacs. He described being able to raise the ambient temp to about 20 degrees inside while outside it's -10F. Here's a UK outfitter link he gave me:
http://www.outdoorwarehouse.co.uk/acatalog/info_313.html

Anyone add any more info or experience about these?
thanks
Gerry

[Christopher Chupka]

I have never used one before but check out the Wild Things Bivy Shelter:

This exciting new product for 2007 solves the age-old question….should I bring it? Designed by AMGA guide Jim Ongena, this bivy shelter weighs in at 13 ounces and will shelter four people in a storm. It can also serve as an overnight shelter for two in a pinch. This should become standard equipment for all outdoor leaders and guides because it’s so small, light, and useful you’ll never leave home without it.

Standard:

Silicone Impregnated Ripstop Nylon
Weight: 13 oz (0.37 kg)
$150.00

Ultralight:

Cuben Fiber Reinforced Spinnaker Fabric
Weight: 3.8 oz (0.11 kg)
$225.00

[Sam Haraldson]

Picture on the Wild Things Website.

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