BIVY DILEMMA

2 different beasts?

I have a Rab Sierra (AKA Integral Designs Bugaboo). I consider it a standalone item or for use with a small flat tarp. It is way overkill for using inside an enclosed shelter generally. the weight of it used with a Duomid is such that you'd be better off and more comfortable with a proper 2 skin tent?

There are various water resistant ul bivvies like the mld superlight available.

Think of the difference between a light windshirt and a heavy waterproof jacket. Its the same.

i keep tossing between the two thinking if I got the sierra i might use it with my flat tarp as well, though I think i prefer the mid so the superlight or similar seems the more sensible option.

You should be fine with an ultralight bivy. I recently took my 4 ounce bivy in a heavy heavy storm, the floor around me had about an inch to two of water and I woke up dry after moving a little under my tarp and finding a good spot, it was a terrible experience due to poor camp selection. But the bivy kept me and my back dry, I just placed my kilt and my backpack on the side of the tarp to prevent water getting to me from that side.

So yes, I survived, and the bivy proved itself worthy, all at 4 ounces.

If it is really damp you might be better off without a bivy or a bug bivy. Read this thread for ideas

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=54121

I would look at the Borah Gear bivys with a big net window. I have a MLD superlight and have had a lot of condensation cowboy camping. See my piece here on condensation.

http://40yearsofwalking.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/the-bivy-condensation-conundrum/

Is this mostly for solo use? If so then absolutely yes, any minimalist bivy will cover you. Frankly, in a DuoMid a soloist really doesn't need a bivy at all. That being said, I do use that exact setup- DuoMid and SuperLight. But I use the Superlight for bugs more than anything because rain doesn't get under the DuoMid. It's also handy if you are an athletic sleeper and don't want to brush your nice down sleeping bag against any condensation inside the tent while you roll around at night.

Another minimalist bivy to consider is the Katabatic Bristlecone.

I have a 2008 MLD eVent Soul Side Zip paired with a small tarp.

With the duomid, an eVent bivy would be overkill and eVent does not breath as well as the momentum fabric of the superlight.

I have had plenty of condensation in my bivy, which is more about the conditions I am in with dew point than a failure of the eVent fabric or the bivy.

Ron makes some great stuff.

Anyway, don't see why you would need a bomber/waterproof bivy when you are protected by the Duomid.

I have considered a bug bivy with an all mesh top for max. ventilation paired with something like a Solo Mid for a lot of flexibility and yet having full protection in bad weather.

Tony

Thanks to all posters.

You have confirmed my thoughts.

superlight bivy ordered.

Tony I don't understand your post as the Soul bivy is made with eVent and in my experience is more breathable than a superlight with m-90 but the OP has already ordered a superlight so it is too late for his decision.