While I may gush over it realize that it’s my first bivy and I have nothing to compare it to.
I got a long. Typical HMG top quality. Pretty flimsy on its own due to the light fabric. I think it’ll take some abuse and you could slip a bag/ quilt into it and use it as is. Putting a 25″ x 72″ pad in it gave it shape. I wouldn’t hesitate using it without stakes and guidelines, though the netting hangs in my face. With the three sided zipper, it could be flipped back out of the way. I didn’t mind the mesh being on my face. It was soft, The pad compromised the sides towards my feet. Not really a big deal. Stakes and guidelines may effect that. I’m 6′ around 200 pounds and felt that I had plenty of room. Almost $70 more than the Borah Gear equivalent. The single sided zipper on the DCF Borah was a no go for me. The higher sides should provide a little more wind protection. Initial impression is I’m very pleased with it and have no regrets.
My reasons for a bivy. I don’t like being enclosed in a tent for long periods of time. Even a spacious tent, I prefer a tarp. I like sitting out. That’s why I’m there. I often carry a small tarp even with a tent. Only having 2 poles, it’s difficult to employ both. It does add weight and takes more time. More space in the pack. My tent usually goes on the outside. Smaller footprint and easier to deploy. It should keep my quilt and pad better contained and not slipping off. Slightly harder getting in and out, I’m not kneeling on wet ground during ingress. I can put a ground cloth down under the tarp, keeping my sleeping area cleaner.
I’ve also checked out net tents by Sea to Summit and MSR. A 2 man MSR can currently be had for just over $100 on Backcountry. Tempting, but it didn’t click with what I felt I needed.
I’ll set it up today and get some pictures.
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