Wide bivy: To buy, or not to buy…

FWIW, I've used my NS along w/a 20"wide Thermarest inside an Equinox bivy just perfectly. I'm 6'1" and appreciated the extra room, not to mention what you probably already know: that a bivy virtually eliminates drafts when using a quilt.

Still prefer a hammock, though:)

Do they make hammocks that can hang from sagebrush yet? I go hiking in Southern Utah's red rock country alot and would love to try the hammock thing. lol!

Not sagebrush, of course, but from the rocks themselves, yes. all sorts of climbing hardware works for this.

Ryan,

I have a wide superlight bivy that I use with a GG 1/8" thinlight, montbell UL 90 pad, and a REI 30 degree subkilo. I am glad that I went with the wide option. If the bivy was any narrower there would start to be loft compression in the foot area.

MLD normal sizing have been reported to be slim.

Maybe ask Ron Bell directly.

I would suggest the wider option because it allows better breathability within the bag, allows to stock stuff inside the bag in case, and does not compress down.

I just placed my order – maybe I'll e-mail him and add the wide option.

Are there any disadvantages to having a roomier bivy (except the .4oz weight gain – I'll cut my toothbrush in half again to make that up)?

I used to have a regular-width MLD bivy. I'd definitely recommend the wide option, and I'm a pretty skinny guy. With a 76-77" girth, I can sit up comfortably inside for eating, foot care, map juggling, etc. That makes for a much more livable arrangement.

The main disadvantages are the greater airspace to keep warm, and greater convective heat loss if you toss and turn alot – but neither are especially noticeable compared to a narrower cut, IME.