Event or Momentum for a bivy only shelter…

Ryan,

I purchased the MLD eVent Soul Side Zip Bivy with the same idea as you…weather proof bivy as a shelter without a tarp.

I have not used it directly in the rain yet, but I have used it snow camping in a snow trench with great success.

I have yet to have condensation inside the bivy bag.

Two weekends ago I went on a trip where I let my friend borrow my bivy and my MLD poncho tarp. (Carmel Valley in CA).

It did rain on us lightly…the poncho tarp kept the rain off of him and no condensation.

Based on my few experiences, I think that the eVent fabric moves moisture out of the bivy very effectively and having been in the snow with it, I did not have any snow melt pentrate the eVent top.

Something else to consider, even if you are just using the bivy without a tarp, you might want something to give your face some protection from the rain.

The MLD bivy has a built in head net and you can zip it the bivy so that you have a small blow hole for air, but if it dumps on you….water is going to get in.

A momentum bivy with a small tarp may be the way to go for you.

That is what my friend is getting from Ron/MLD after using my setup.

Hope that helps.

-Tony

Even with eVent it's difficult to get by in precipitaion of any significant amount. You might do what I chose to do. I have an MLD Soul Bivy Side Zip in Momentum and carry an MLD Grace Solo tarp in Spectralite. For the extra few ounces, and almost no packing space, you'd have a comfortable and fairly weather proof system.

In testing my tyvek GCB I've used the little MSR e-wing for this exact purpose. It weighs 6 oz., provides good coverage (44 sf) and costs less than $100.00, perfect for backup additional protection when using a bivy.

Well, since the bivy (with the added features) would have cost $330, and it seemed risky to go with only a bivy, I just ordered the MLD Cuben Monk tarp.

Shouldn't cost me too much in weight, and it was a lot cheaper.

Thread hi-jack but along the same lines.

I ordered a Side Zip bivy from MLD with the eVent top and 70d Silicone Coated Ripstop bottom, in wide. I placed the order around the first week in january and received the bivy a couple weeks ago.

I have spoken with Ron and I can return it (for a penalty of being placed in the back of the queue ~8 weeks) and switch fabric types if I really want.

My situation is that I'm combining this with a GG SpinnTwinn and at the time of the order, didn't think twice about having extra bomber protection with the upgrade in materials. Since receiving the 14.5oz monster I've had some serious doubts in my decision.

The tarp is about 10oz with all the guylines/stuff sack and combined with the bivy is not very UL now. Since i have the tarp i feel that the eVent is not really necessary and the bottom 70d material is just overkill b/c i carry a polycro groundsheet.

I'm thinking of returning it for the same style bivy with the momentum top fabric and the standard bottom fabric. My size is the wide option but that will only add about 1-2 oz for a total of less than 10oz compared to 14.5.

My backpacking locale is the South Eastern Appalacian Mtns and 3 season only for now. I will be combining this with a GG tarp. What thoughts can you guys offer? Especially about the types of material on the top and bottom of the bivy.

I think i'm settled on returning it for the standard material based on previous posts (and i don't mind the wait) but I would just like some input.

Thanks.

-Dana

I don't know if it helps but i have a WM down bag and the SE is pretty darn humid. So again, i think the momentum would be beneficial?

– Dana

I realize i jumped when ordering the bivy originally, but i was a little less informed than i am currently about the pros/cons of the materials being used.

bumpity bump bump.

Any suggestions on whether or not i should keep the original?

Thanks.

– Dana

Dana,

I have the eVent Soul Side Zip with the discontinued 2.0 Silnylon bottom and in wide, again…equal to yours.

I love mine, but now that I have had some experience with the MLD poncho tarp, in hindsight I might opt for the Momentum top and standard bottom.

That said, the weight difference is relatively minor, so it really is a personal preference for your piece of mind knowing that you have a bomber shelter that could survive totally exposed without a tarp or save the weight.

On the plus side, the Momentum is going to breath a little better than the eVent, however, I have found that the eVent does a very good job of moving the condensation out of the bivy….really is a toss up for you.

Hope that this helps.

-Tony

Tony,

Thanks for your input. I think while i have the opportunity i'm going to return the bivy for the momentum/standard bottom fabric.

i really can't see me using it w/o my tarp and the momentum will allow my bag to breathe better in the SE.

the 7-8oz is worth it for me.

Thanks for the push :)

– Dana

PS – i love the yellow eVent and green bottom!