Bivy with Zipper?

[Erich Foster]

What do you think? Does one really need a zipper side on a bivy? I was thinking that, if the opening at the face was big enough it would be unnecessary.

Also, how many of you use the bivy tie outs to stake your bivy down?

I am making a bivy for my brother, but I have never used one, and neither has my brother. So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My plan is to make one similar to the BMW nano, but I was going to have a permanent bug net at the head opening that could be rolled out of the way. Does the BMW nano have a zip opening on the side?

[Peter McDonough]

You don’t NEED a zipper to get in and out of a bivy, but it is a pain in the rear without one.

I use the stakeouts everytime I set the bivy up and leave the campsite, to prevent it blowing away, and also to give the head flap pull cord something to brace against when lifting the head flap.

The BMW nano does not have a zipper, as the description clearly states. However, the Side Zip Vapr Bivy does(I can see how you got confused with the descriptions though).

Here’s an example of a homemade bivy.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/2771/index.html

[Erich Foster]

Thank you for the prompt response. Yeah, that description kind of sucks. I read over it but I guess I missed the no zipper comment. Thank you for the link.

[John S.]

I personally do not need zippers on a bivy that is used as a sleeping bag cover, not waterproof.

[Roger B]

I purchased a BMW Vapr Bivy Sack without a zipper but decided I needed one and the folks at Rainy Pass did a great job of instaling one. For me it was much easier to get in and out of and was a worthwhile investment. I am now wondering if BMW will make a zipper Nano bivy, a slight increase in weight but much more user friendly.

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