Oware Standard Bivy v. LMD Superlight Bivy

Both are fine but neither solve the problem with a bivy.

You have to ask yourself the obvious question: What is the number one problem with a bivy and which of them have that problem the least?

The answer to that is internal condensation, and therefore whichever one uses the most breathable material is the answer to your question.

I'm new to the tarp world…do most people just sleep under the tarp with nothing else? Im not a big bug person so should I just be looking into a big shelter if that is the case? I heard a Bivy can help with a little warmth and rain splatter/dew in the morning…

If you have a big enough tarp you don't need a bivy. With a bivy and no tarp you gain some protection from the elements, light moisture, wind especially. It's great to see a spot big enough to lay down and call it good. Only experience with your gear will tell you if it works or not for you. I use a bivy at times when I want simple. With weights of single wall shelters being so close to the weight of a tarp and bivy I think it makes it a harder choice to make. They use to be one of the lightest shelter set ups.

Ken pretty much nailed it above.

For further reading:

A few thoughts on bivies by Ron ‘Fallingwater’ Moak, owner of Six Moons Design.

My own thoughts on bivies, for whatever they may or may not be worth.

A comparison on the lightest of the lightest fully enclosed solo shelters on the market, to give you an idea that fully enclosed shelters these days offer more room, better protection, and can be just as light weight as all but the lightest of bivy/tarp setups.

In the end though, the four points that Ron makes in his article is pretty much the basis of why some of us have no love for a bivy setup.

Thanks guys. Looks like I probably don't even need a Bivy. I have an oware 1.5 tarp so it's plenty bit. I'll probably just use my HUG bug net by Papasmurf if there are bugs out and I'm under the tent.

Thanks!