The Bivy

Craig – I have done it quite a bit using an ID eVent Unishelter.

My brief review here: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/display_reviews.html?forum_thread_id=16630&skip_to_post=125447#125447

Ryan Jordan also did a spotlite on this model and his description of its use pretty much sums up the experience with a stand alone hooped bivy.

I bought a OR Highland Bivy a while back but have never put it to use. I'd rather swap it for a non-waterproof/breathable bivy like the ones John West has been making as would fit into my current setup a little better. I'd be interested to sell or trade it. Mine is a medium grey color throughout and 1lb3oz weight, PM me if you're interested.

I love my Miles Gear Uber Bivy, roomy as hell, water proof and breathable and under two pounds. I'm normally a hammock guy but when I have to go to ground this thing has left me pretty happy.
http://milesgear.com/UberBivy.html

I used the ID Unishelter eVent as well and I have been happy with it. I don't think they make it any more. The Bugaboo II looks like a slightly more minimalist alternative.

Big Agnes recently modified the Three Wire bivy to use all eVent now. It used to be eVent, then they switched to the foot area being some crappy coated cloth, and now it's back to all eVent. I know it sounds like I am beating the eVent drum here, but bivies are usually a damp experience in all but the driest conditions, so having a good shell material makes a noticeable difference.

I also have the first generation of BA 3 Wire and compared the two in this thread. Nice to see that BA went back to a full eVent top with external poles!

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=15051

I use a Outdoor Research Aurora bivy It is great it's made out Gore tex 3 designed for Bivies By gore tex for OR has made this same design since the 1980's.

The bivy is fast and easy to set up you can sleep any where in small clearing that you could not sleep in with a tent, People don't know your there because you look like a boulder because you don't sit so high compared to tent and wind passes right over you.

One thing is I live and camp in southern california were the weather is pretty mild and I don't get stuck in my shelter for days like some people do in inclement weather like most areas.

I like the OR Aurora bivy better than the hooped bivy because you just throw it on the ground and slip in the clam shell door design, I already sleep with the covers over my head every night so I don't get claustrophobic like most people do, I also like the clam shell door less rain get in when you get in and out.

Only one draw back is you can't get all your gear in the OR Aurora, I wish OR made their double bivy still it would be perfect you could get your gear inside and you don't really need poles just lay it on the ground get your gear in and quilt in and sleep.
I have experimented making light weight water proof bags to hold my pack attach at my head with a nite ease "S" biner to the head stake out loop on the bivy.
Terry

Thanks so far everyone.

Sounds like eVent is the way to go.

I might just go ahead and buy Eric's OR Highlander just to save some $$$ and try it out.
I like the idea of bivies, philosophically understand the pros and cons, but have yet to actually weather a rainstorm in one so I'm hesitant to commit to spending over $200 for something in eVent right now.

Keep us posted on how it works out. The minimalism of bivying definitely holds appeal for me, but getting into one in a rainstorm sounds like a damp proposition. As a habitual poncho tarper I may not be one to talk though.