Hi there,
For lightweight overnighters in stormy winter weather I wanted to get the Rab Alpine Bivy (https://rab.equipment/eu/alpine-bivi). It’s simple, minimalist, uses Event and lightweight.
I now saw that OR improved their Helium Bivy and it’s about the same weight now (https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/helium-bivy-269292). A recent Outdoor Gear Lab review rated it best (https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-bivy-sack).
However, I’ve got a few questions:
The ventilation/breathability section is a bit misleading in my opinion. They give the impression that the Helium is more breathable by stating that Pertex Shield is an improvement in breathability (over the previous fabric) and that the ventilation options are better on the Helium. However, I guess that if you close both, the Rab will breathe better due to the more breathable Event fabric, right?
I’m looking for a good bivy for stormy weather, with wind and snow, and while the Helium has more options (netting, etc) for ventilation, in this scenario it does not make much of a difference?
The hoop is an improvement and provides a bit more comfort. However, if I add a loop at the top of the Rab Bivy, I would get the same result. The Rab is a bit tighter though probably – which again can be better in terms of humidity build-up in the air between my sleeping bag and bivy wall?
If I take a VBL, the Helium wins in terms of overall features… but then again there is still humidity by breathing in the Bivy.
What do you think? Did anyone compare them maybe?
