MLD Bug Bivy ?

I use the Bug Bivy with my Grace Duo. I like it over the more tent-like Serenity. You basically just crawl in like you would your bag/quilt, clip it up, and close the zip. It provides very simple bug protection which is all I need it for.

Nathan,

It's a very minimal bivy compared to the serenity. That's why I like it. When hooked up to your tarp it forms an A frame. I attach the bungy cord to the rear clip, lifting the rear peak, then crawl in, attach the front bungy clip to the tarp. The A frame is now raised and the zipper runs along the peak of the A frame. Only downside to this is if you need to make a 3 am "trip" to the bushes you unzip and unclip the front. Even in the dark it's not as hard as it sounds. See attached image with rear peak attached but not front peak. Note 1/8 pad underneath the bivy and pack for a pillow.

That was my first attempt at an image. No idea why it's so small. If someone can let me know I will edit. It's pretty much useless as is.

Let's try again:

I bought it 2 years ago. I use it during the hottest months of summer when I don't expect much in terms of weather. The rest of the time I use a regular bivy sack.

As I only set my tarp up for bad weather, I normally use the bug bivy as a stand alone shelter. There is enough room inside to read. But don't count on hanging out in it for hours before you go to sleep.

Here is a photo of it from North Yosemite; normally I use a stick or two for the lower side, but in this photo I was carrying 3 poles to make a tripod out of them.

A few photos using the Bug Bivvy on its own.
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More pics and the serenity for comparison

Chris/Paul/Sean/Mike – Thanks for the info and posting up the pics. One of the concerns I had was that even with the top of the bivy raised there would still be contact with the netting and allow the skeeters to still get some shots in.

Edit:
Paul – Awesome, I guess I was posting while you put up some more shots. The shot of the BB closed up with the bag in it looks a bit tight. Any consistent problems with getting bit while inside?

BTW – I like the ability of the BB or the Serenity to be used with out a tarp and give you bug free night of sky watching.

You won't have a problem with the bugs from overhead. You might occasionally at the shoulders if you are outside of your sleeping bag. This won't be a huge deal; you can lay you bag open so your arms don't contact the netting. FWIW, my buddy in the Serenity had the same issue, so no difference there. I hate being chewed on night, it can wreck my sleep. That said I am very satisfied with the Bug Bivy.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pics to show right now. However, I have been using the MLD Bug Bivy for a while now and I find it perfect for bug protection in warmer weather. When it gets down in the 50s or below, I switch to my MLD Superlight bivy for more warmth. My Bug Bivy with a cuben bottom weighs in at 4.7 oz. I do not have any experience with the Serenity, so I cannot compare the two. I chose the Bug Bivy over the Serenity for the weight savings and because the simplicity of the design appealed to me.

-Sid

I love this combo under 20oz– UL and a easy set up too!!
I am waiting on my BPL Stealth NANO Tarp so I can shave off another 4-5oz off my tarp weight. Come BPL ship them out ASAP.
Bivys are bear coffins IMHO.

Hey Jay……I like that set up, if you want to sell the Spinntwinn when your new Nano comes, please let me know………

Sid – Thanks for your input. Your reasons for getting it is the same reasons that I want it.

Jay – Bear burrito or not I don't think that the serenity gives you any more of a fighting chance than the BB:)
I do like the features of the Serenity, but I really like the simplicity and the weight of the BB. Ah, decisions, decisions…

Jay, I like that setup. I may have to keep watching Gear Swap in hopes of getting those 2 items