Bivy Question

[Patrick W]

Just read through the recent bivy post, but don’t want to hijack it with my questions.  I am about to start a bivy and would like to get comments on design.

1.  Sorry, this is really a DCF question.  When bonding DCF with double sided tape, are both sides of the DCF equal for bonding? (using .74)
2. On to the bivy:  I would like to run the zipper from top to mid section–right down the center.  Start at the top, run through the bug mesh and end in the top material.  Theoretically, this appeals to me more than across from side to side.  Anyone tried this?

[Jerry Adams]

My bivy has a zipper down the middle.  From my head to my waist.  No zipper below the waist.  That works pretty good.

If it’s warm I’ll unzip the zipper and sort of fold under the sides.  They stay out of the dirt.  Then as it gets cold I’ll zip up as much as needed for warmth.

[Matthew / BPL]

I’ve spent some nights in an MLD Bug Bivy and I really liked the zipper down the center. It went from above my head to maybe thigh level, iirc. Keep in mind I’m pretty short at 5’6”

[AG]

as far as i know cuben doesn’t have a front or a back (except hybrid of course).

center zip is definitely superior. trying to shimmy into a horizontal gap at the shoulders is a bit like getting into a sleeping bag that’s all zipped up. you can do it. but it’s awkward.

..and my 2 cents on some other details:

use more mosquito netting than you think you need — it gets stuffy in there! i started with a small area around my face. but my second design has a good solid square yard of netting. i don’t regret it.

if you use DCF on the bottom and WPB on the splash area (head + feet) you will get condensation inside the bivy pretty much every night. plan accordingly.

if you use a groundsheet and baby your gear, then try .5 on the bottom (since it’s essentially there for waterproofing and not really for durability). no groundsheet, best to go with 1.0.

[Patrick W]

Thanks for the feedback!  I’ve been using a Borah bivy and find that I “pop up” a few or several times each evening/night and have often thought a centerline zipper would be more convenient.  I’m going to try it.

And as mentioned, it appears that it matters not which side of the cuben is bonded.

Thanks!!

 

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