Titanium Goat Ptarmigan Bivy

thanks for the pictures! it's helped clear up the mess in my head while trying to figure out exactly how i was going to add the netting and side zip into the bivy I'm making. is the outside zipper a water resistant zipper or is it just a regular zipper. curious since i noticed there is no flap over the zippers. also how far back from the zipper is the hang loop on the actual hood?

>>I recently purchased this bivy myself. This is my first bivy and I'm curious to know what you all recommend using to tie the head net loop to the tarp. I suppose the obvious answer is paracord or spectracord, but was thinking something more elastic migh be best to create some tension between the netting and tarp. Or may be I'm over thinking this one… Thoughts?<<

FWIW, for the photos, I used nylon Mason's Twine…dirt cheap, lightweight, actually holds a knot when needed, reasonable strength. I expect I'll do the same under a tarp, though the differing pitch height of the tarp (wind, weather, terrain affecting this) makes me want something that is easily adjusted. The Mason's twine with a mini-tension lock would be peachy!

Mark,
I recommend getting a couple of yards of the thinnest ( thus lightest) shock cord you can find.
Try the 1/16th from Thru-hiker.com or the 3/32 from Quest outfitters.
This will allow some movement and adjustment without undue stress on the tarp/bivy.

Great pics. How far does the side zip go down from the chest zip? Also, are there two zips on the hooded part to create a small breathing hole or just one that zips from the shoulder to the side.

just got my ptarmigan bivy w/full net option, weighs 7oz, cant wait for spring to come to use it, im diggin the full net.

Patrick asked
>>How far does the side zip go down from the chest zip? Also, are there two zips on the hooded part to create a small breathing hole or just one that zips from the shoulder to the side.<<

I just checked. The DWR zipper is a two-way zipper that allows you to close down the DWR top cover from BOTH sides. This would allow you to close the top to a small breathing hole if desired. Once the top DWR zipper turns the corner, it opens about 2 feet down the right side.

The bug net zipper is a one-way zipper that can be open or closed, but only from one side. I hope this helps.

Gentlemen,
Please examine your Ptarmagan zippers –

Are they Really DWR zippers?

>>Are they Really DWR zippers?<<

LOL!! Well, to be more precise, "the zipper attached to the DWR material"! ;-)

Thanks William, that helps.

William

What kind of price difference was there between the Raven XL and the Ptarmigan. I am looking at basically the same bivy as you considering I'm 6'4".

I know the Side zipper is +$25 and the Full bug net is + $20

Matt

Another question,

Any of you that own the Ptarmigan Bivy particularly tall? According to the size of, I should fit. (6'4" and the bivy is 87" long)

What do you all think?

Matt

I am 6'1 180 and own the Ptarmigan Bivy with the net extenion (giving it more space). I use a big anges clear view 60 inch mummy and add the GG thinlight 18 pad in colder weather. my bags range from a MH 15degree ultra lamina, 32 lamina and a fleece bag. It is a tight fit for me. If you use a thinner pad it might not be a problem but I have thought about saling my Ptarmigan and buying the raven.

Excellent information, Thank you I might as well just do my self the favor and get the Raven.

Now, If I could only get a reply for the guys at Titanium Goat. Maybe they have been out backpacking for the last few days. :)

Matt you might want to try calling them because are not quickest with emails sometimes, but for the most part they have been pretty quick with mine. I've got a Raven XL with side zip and full net hood coming in the next few days so maybe I can offer some insight when it gets here.

Patrick, Thanks for the reply. I think I will give them a call. I am very interested in their bivies and like what I see.

Let me know what you think once you receive yours.

Thanks

Matt

I ordered the standard size Raven with bug net today. I'm looking forward to checking it out.

Sorry to dig up this old thread, but I couldn't help comment.

Did anyone consider that what the original poster THOUGHT the Ptarmigan was, could be a much more brilliant design than what it ACTUALLY is???

If the net were indeed sewn in over the DWR hood, then you could adjust the breathing hole size, and warmth/ventilation/view without having the unzip the mesh, adjust the DWR hood, then zip the mesh back up, which would also give the skeeters a chance to make their entry. Secondly, instead of folding the hood back under the bivy, with the part over your face against the ground, it would be simply folded under the sleeping bag, where it could double as a pocket for any spare clothes and be used as a pillow!!!

The only drawback to having the mesh over the DWR hood is that overspray might collect in between the mesh and the DWR hood, but if I am getting that much overspray around the hood I probably have bigger problems on my hand anyway.

If DJ at TiGoat can't make it custom, then John at Borah (http://ulgear.blogspot.com/) almost certainly could, if not for less weight and money too.