I need a new bivy

Most will disagree with me on this, but…
I tend to find the small net area of the drawstring, and most bivys, to be too stuffy except in the winter and even then I tend to like a bigger net area.

You don't need so much coverage if your under a tarp.
The bigger net will help reduce your chances of condensation.

I usually use the SMD Meteor bivy, but most would consider that too open. Other bivys are maybe a better compromise for most.

I do find that the net area of the Meteor does block enough drafts to help reduce cold nose in winter camping. It also blocks a good amount of splash/spray as well, but not as much as a full coverage bivy.

If you can sew then I would make one yourself. If not I really like the Katabatic gear bivy. Hope you find one that works.
Dustin

Steve-
I just checked out your kayak blog. Nice.

On the netting, I just got a report about bivys and sub zero weather by Don Watson, who
likes to go out in the cold. Here is what he said about the netting part of the bivys-

"The insect netting at the head was not just unnecessary for winter use, but actually a nuisance, as the netting accumulated frost from my breath and rained it down on my exposed face and sleeping bag. Much less of a problem (though still present) with a head opening lacking netting."

Just shows to go, different people, different conditions make for different needs.

Good point David.

I did have some frost forming on the net from breath freezing one night, but I also remember thinking how much warmer it was with the net closed.

I have only really zipped the net over me a couple times below freezing. Up until recently, I either didn't bring the bivy or left the top open.

Do you need a bivy?

I've been using a bivy and tarp for a while now, but am starting to like the idea of just using a larger tarp. I'm thinking about making myself a 7'x9' cuben fiber tarp, like the one Bryce F. recently had custom made. This looks like it would give enough coverage to protect from most storms, especially if you stake it down tight and set it up properly. Then, during the summers, you can use something more like the SMD Meteor Bivy or a full on bug bivy instead for some extra space and bug protection.

This may save you from any of the problems of the bivy, by just removing the bivy.

I tend to squirm a lot when I sleep. So, yes, I think I need a bivy. I could see myself thrashing around, rubbing against the tarp, or sticking my feet almost out from under it. I am notorious for rubbing my down sleeping system against the condensation on inner tent walls. The "tarp" that I am likely to use is my Gatewood Cape (though that Yama Microburst looks enticing…) which others have said is large enough to not need a bivy, but which I think is easily small enough that I would rub the sides during my nocturnal thrashing. And wet, collapsed down sucks.

I don't do "real" winter camping- though I push the shoulder seasons pretty hard- so the miniscule warmth advantage of the bivy is moot for me. (If I mid-winter camp it tends to be in the desert southwest.) I would like to get into the real mid-winter camping but when I do I'll get a more appropriate bivy that will hold my winter bag. So, I guess what I'm saying is that I don't think I need to worry about keeping the netting area small so I don't loose heat. On the other hand the MLD full-netting option looks excessive. I winder if Ron would make me a custom SuperLite with just a bit more netting area than the standard so that I can put my condensation worries to rest?

I took a look at Katabatic and SMD bivys, since others mentioned them. The SMD Meteor is half mesh! That's probably excessive for me, but would probably be a great option anywhere on the (humid) east coast. OTOH I do like the size of the mesh on the Katabatic Bristlecone, though it is 0.5oz heavier. It also uses Pertex Quantum for the top of the shell whereas the MLD SuperLite is all nylon. Would the Bristlecone breathe significantly better? As I said I've always been impressed with MLD products and I could probably talk Ron into custom-making a SuperLite with a larger mesh window, but if the Bristlecone performs significantly better I'd be tempted. (granted, they are both just a DWR fabric.)

Dean,

So if I understand you correctly, you need a bivy because you are going back to a tarp. Correct?

I am a tarp guy, and have been one for 40+ plus years. If there is a combination or style I have probably tried it.

Until a couple years ago, my lightest and most common set up was a poncho/tarp with a bivy. Bivy only required because a poncho/tarp does not provide as much coverage as a larger tarp. For a year I used a MLD SilNylon Poncho Pro and a MLD Soul Bivy Side Zip almost exclusively. I cannot say enough good things about the system, especially the side zip bivy. The one thing I hated about the bivy was the bug net. I just don't like nets in a bivy. I would have just cut it out, put didn't in case I ever wanted to sell it. Bugs are rarely a problem where I hike because they don't like me and I don't like them, but sometimes I use a head net. At night the bugs go to sleep when I do.

I really prefer a large tarp (8 X 10). But the poncho/tarp & bivy was the lightest set up at the time. Then came Cuben. So for over a year I switched to a BPL Nano Tarp and a Marmot Essence jacket. Less weight and more coverage when sleeping. No bivy needed. I was much happier.

Then a few months ago I saw the zPacks Hexamid and the poncho/ground sheet… now we are talking less than 7 oz for shelter, rain gear, and ground sheet if you use trekking poles.
I have a Wild Oasis (same set up as the Gatewood), and like you always knock condensation down on me or rub against the side. It just never worked out. And I had visions of similar problems with the Hexamid. Never happened; there is plenty of room in this small shelter and I have had zero problems. You can buy a separate CF pole at 1.1 oz for the Hexamid, if you don't use poles. I have stopped using trekking poles and find the CF pole a little flimsy, so I am looking into an alternative.

Now, how do I like the zPacks system? Absolutely in love with it. Quick set up. The ground sheet clips to the shelter with optional clips and becomes a bathtub floor, which makes it easier to organize things, and is much, much bigger than my polycro sheet. Normally in good weather I skip a shelter. But I like this shelter so much, I have set it up on every trip since I got it, which is something like 6 or 8 trips. In poncho mode, it is the best poncho I have ever used, because it is not as big as anything I have used in the past. It covers my UL pack, the hood works fairly well, and it goes almost down to my knees (I am 5' 11"). Although not sure it will be large enough to cover my McHale LBP 36. Yes I am a little concerned about using Cuben as a ground sheet and rain gear, but so far, so good. I got the Lite 1.0 cuben poncho. Some people worry about spray coming in the open side of the shelter. It does have a little bit of an over hang, and I haven't had any problems in the rain to this point. Joe did the CDT with this shelter without a problem, and some of the time his wife joined him in it. You can get an optional beak.

So… no bivy needed :)

P.S. In snow I use a tent.

I have never owned the MLD bivy but when I had my bristlecone I loved it! The DWR was great and mesh panel was big enough that I didn't have any condensation problems. Plus with the bristlecone they are already made and can be returned if you don't like it.
Dustin

I have a MLD Superlight Bivy I would sell.
-Zipper: left
– Size: Regular Size
– Color: Black
– Options: All Net Only Hood
I have used it several times and it is still just like new I will sell for $125.00 it you would like.
Mark

http://locusgear.com/lgnews/pneuma_bivy_tyvek

Thin Tyvek material employed. Light!
And near the face, there is a zip-on bug net.
Consideration is also lifting the hook point.
Expand the three different sizes, colors white
I want to buy.

http://locusgear.com/products/shelter/pneuma-bivy-tyvek

I had a katabatic bristlecone and liked it a lot as far as bivies go, but ultimately found it unneccessary with my zpacks hexamix duo. The hex is only 6 oz and has plenty of coverage. If I need bug protection while sleeping I use a bugnet over my hooded jacket. This setup is about 5 oz lighter than with the bivy and besides I like the simplicity of less stuff.

I have and use an MLD Super Light with a tarp. The bivy has the full bug net hood. I got that for the rare occasion when the mozzies just won't quit or are excessively heavy. Most of the time, I just use the bivy as ground cloth and as protection from night breezes – adds an extra level of warmth.

I'm very happy with the Super Light, and expect to continue to use it. I recommend it highly. As you say, I have never been disappointed with MLD's products or service. My guess is that Ron would further customize a bivy for you if you talked to him.

Stick with MLD and have Ron make it to your desire. You can't possibly go wrong. Wonderful stuff.

Katabatic Bristlecone is awesome.

Thank, All,

Yeah- it looks like it's coming down to the SuperLite or the Bristlecone. Given my history of good experiences with MLD I'll likely get a SuperLite.

From my experience, you can't go wrong with MLD products. I recently picked up a MLD Superlight Bivy off of gear swap but flipped it because it was too small. Its a quality piece of gear. Then I bought one of John West's Ultrilight Bivies for $80 and am very impressed. The quality is up to par with MLD. Momentum on the top. Weighs in at about 6 oz. I highly recommend getting in on the next batch he makes. For the price, you can't go wrong.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=55681