Lightest top zip bug bivy of them all

[Monte Masterson]

4.5 oz. Made with .50 noseeum and 7D silnylon floor. It’s 28″ tall at the head so about 4″ inches taller than an MLD Bug Bivy, yet about 4″ less in length and about an inch narrower. I also included solid 7D triangles on front and rear ends to greatly help repel rain spray. Bivy is long enough for someone up to 6′ tall. The MLD BUG Bivy 2 is 3″ taller (27″) than the regular MLD Bug Bivy and is much more protective against rain, but it weighs about 7 oz.

The Borahgear Cuben Bug Bivy weighs 3.9 oz for a standard/standard chest zip and 4.2 oz for side zip, however a top zip is much better IMO and this bivy is taller and provides more head space.  Yama big bivys also have low head heights at 20″ regular and 23″ bigger.

[HkNewman]

.50 noseeum

How is working with .50 noseeum?  One UL startup company posted on their “insta” it was a bit more difficult as their .50 noseeum mesh stretched. Not sure if all supplies of this mesh do the same, but difficulty was mentioned.  Still they were able to bring the weight of a mid inner down significantly with a sil floor (~6 oz).

Of course their attached floor didn’t appear to have much of a bathtub floor, so thinking a higher floor might negate saving weight on the mesh?  What do you think working with the stuff?

(note: not going to mention the company as they’re not offering the option and do not their social media deluged by requests).

[todd]

I’m in drool mode Monte!!!!  I’ve long preferred top entry as well, and yours is amazing.  Wow.

[Monte Masterson]

.50 noseeum is hell to work with really H K. The .67 at only .17 oz per sq yd more is a lot easier to sew. I find I need to use a brand new rotary blade when cutting the .50 because a dull blade makes the edges curl and roll and that’s the worst thing, I also find that when sewing to silnylon I must keep the .50 noseeum underneath or the netting will stretch too much, even with a walking foot. Professionals with the right machines can probably sew with the netting on top however.

[Monte Masterson]

When paired with a 5.4 oz 7D cat-cut tarp I have a sub 10 oz double wall tent (without lines and stakes) which provides good rain protection. Tarp is 5.5′ X 4.8′ X 9′ so with the solid end triangles on bivy fitting perfectly with the tarp, rain spray is kept at bay in all but the worst blows. I realize tent is too small for most BPL readers but this is the SUL forum.

Foot end of tarp being tapered to only 4.8′ wide means less rain is able to make its way inside. Again, its size conforms proportionally to the 7D silnylon end piece on bivy.

[Author]

Posts