Bug Bivies

Borah. I found the 24" zipper way too short for trying to get in or out of quickly. In a tent/shelter, it takes enough time to slip in my liner, get arrranged proper. Otherwise, very nice. I sent it back with no problems. Decided I liked a tent better for more bug protection, but I am debating on getting a much roomier bivy with a long zipper and a tarp like you, but it all adds up to more weight than a ZPacks Hexamid tent, but the nice thing is, lower cost. I'd like to try a tarp that stakes down on the ground, making for a smaller staked footprint. I've been looking at bug netting, but it all adds up to more weight than the Hex. A bivy for cowboy camping would be nice, just more gear to spend money on. It would save weight for snow camping also. What do I want more?
Duane

What type of tarp?

If in A-frame, I would use none but the MLD. It's top entry allows to loosen the "suspension" cord(s) and drop it to the ground for easy entry via the top. You can literally sit on it and work your way inside easily, then tighten the cord(s).

Nothing against the Borah or others of its type, but in A-frame mode I hate crawling, getting muddy, and brushing against wet walls any more than I have to, and you can't help it with standard design bivies.

Also consider the SMD Serenity – my favorite because I can sit up to change clothes, and a big SIDE entry – much easier if you have a side entry tarp, although the MLD would be easy.

Chris, I had the Borah Bug Bivy and really liked it. I am 6', 245 lbs so I bought it in the long/wide and really loved the roominess of it. I sold it when I sold my Trailstar and regret both decisions and wished I was still using both. My only suggestion for you is to get one with a good bathtub if using under a tarp. If not for the protection from spray then for the shield from dirt via blowing dust, etc.

Another vote for Borah Gear bivys (with side zip). I'm a quilt user so I actually sold my bug bivy in favor of a regular bivy from BG, I was getting a lot of drafts and wind blown through the bug bivy under my hexamid which was my primary reason for selling it. If I didn't live and hike in a relatively windy area I would have continued to use the bug bivy from BG. Nice, simple, customizable, and a great price point.

I ordered a Yama bug shelter 1.25 with an extra zipper along the ridge line. This allows me to pitch it taught as a regular bug tent in fair weather or loosely under a tarp in rainy weather like the MLD bug bivy.