Need help deciding on a sleep system

I just used a tarp/bag/bivy system for the 1st time last weekend and really liked it.

I believe most put their pad inside the bivy, as it helps keep it underneath you. I had a Gossamer Gear thinline 1/8″ pad under a short NeorAir and had no issues with the thickness taking up too much of the bivy.

For the price, the BMW Nano is a big step if you aren’t sure yet you want a bivy.

Equinox makes a popular bivy for about $60, but it doesn’t come with a but net. You could possibly improvise by wearing a regular head net while you’re sleeping.

I have a Titanium goat bivy i bought used but new from a BPL member and I really like it. Costs about half the BMW Nano. It comes with two bug net options or no bug net at all. Here’s some pictures of mine. At 7oz with the full head net, it’s only slightly heavier than the Nano.

If you’re planning on using the bivy under the gatewood cape or alone in nice weather, maybe you could look at the SMD Meteor bivy.

As far as pad length, just as with the bivy, perhaps it’s best to get a cheaper pad like a thermarest z-lite or ridgerest, and chop it up and try sleeping on it at various lengths. You can duct tape the pieces back together if you make it too short. Back sleepers can get away with shorter pad lengths because they don’t have to worry about hips getting sore on unforgiving ground. Side sleepers like me generally need/want a pad that extends down to hip length at least. I like to get my knees under there as well, so I need at 47″ pad.

Also, if the weather is nice, there’s no reason you couldn’t ditch the bivy and just use a bug net instead of tent. The Simblissity is pretty cheap.

With my tarp sleep system I went for the Equinox bivy. As James pointed out the Equinox bivy is a great price. I was originally planning to make my own bivy. But for the price and due to my lack of sewing experience I went for the equinox. I plan on using a head-net to keep out the bugs. I like this option because I can also use the head-net throughout the day, as it is not attached to the bivy sack.

When using the gatewood cape you may want to go for something that offers good water protection (also depends if you go down or synthetic). When expecting rain, I feel that the top fabric on the Equinox bivy sack is not as resistant to water as I would like if I were to be using a cape or poncho as a shelter (I may be overprotective of my down bag).

I am not sure what type of fabric ti goat bivy employs, but it looks like it could be a good option.

The Equinox bivy seems like a pretty sweet setup at a great price. Is there any option on it for an integrated bug net, or can it easily be modded? Also, how's the length for taller guys, since it appears to only come in one size? I'm 6'3". I think if I get the bivy, then a quilt is definitely the way to go, since drafts won't be a problem. If I were to get one of the BMW ones, would I want the 90 or the 180, I don't see temp ratings on these. What other synthetic quilts or bags should I look at, maybe the fanatic fringe PG Delta 30 Deg Sleeping Quilt?

Consider the SMD Serenity NetTent. Good ground sheet. Good bug protection. Fits under your Gatewood Cape.

I have thought about that. However, for the same weight and similar cost I can get a bivy, which seems like a more versatile piece of gear.

"for the same weight and similar cost I can get a bivy, which seems like a more versatile piece of gear."

Maybe, but my gatewood w/ Serenity or a bivy is the most versatile I've found, because of its use as raingear.

I am 6' and the equinox bivy fits me. I just jumped in it and could extend my arms about a foot over my head while fully enclosed in the bivy. I was not in my bag.

As for adding a bug net, I am sure that where there is a will and some skill there is a way.