Bivy Recommendations

depends what you are looking for.  If you are looking for something that blocks wind, keeps your quilt from ended up in the dirt, and provides bit of protection from spindrift or splashes… the MLD superlight is just about perfect.  I have been delighted with my for 9 years.  If you are needed protection from rain hitting you because you are using a micro tarp, then you will want a top which is waterproof not just DWR.  I personally am not fond of full WPB bivy’s… but others seem to think they are fine.

I do like the idea of being able to use just the bivy to keep rain off when cowboy camping, but also just leaving the face covering off when I just need to keep dew off or rain splashing under the sides of the tarp. This is what drew me to the helium bivy

Katabatic gear Bristlecone bivy..

For just a lightweight bug bivy i always used Borah Gears bug bivy.

Im on the East coast.. i hike primarily in NY, NJ and PA.

The MLD Superlight and Katabatic Bristlecone are the two popular lightweight options when you just want to keep the bugs out and maybe protect your sleeping bag from spindrift, rather a WPB bivy that is a complete shelter in itself.  I have used a Superlight for years.  MLD will make you one with an oversized mesh hood to allow better ventilation- that’s what I got.  They’ll also put a DCF floor on it if you want one.

There are no bivys on the Katabatic website right now.

I’m happy with my helium bivy, when I don’t expect rain I use it alone or otherwise under a tarp.

+1 to Mark’s comments above about the MLD Superlight. When I expect rain, or hear rain, I put up my tarp and crawl under it.

But sounds like you want a bivy to provide protection against rain and not carry a tarp. I think a lot depends on the conditions in which you are camping and your tolerance for condensation.

I have a Integral Designs (now RAB) 3 layer eVent bivy without a zipper to save weight I used a few sometimes snow camping under a tarp or in a snow cave and I found I was getting too hot and sweaty.

I have had good experience with the OR Interstellar bivy, but it can be quite warm in humid summer weather.  Like all bivys, even those that are waterproof, it is best used with a small tarp.

Can anyone comment on Rab Alpine Bivy vs OR Helium Bivy? Which one is better in terms of breathability?
The Helium has a hoop which is convenient and is even lighter than the RaB without it…