Advanced Bivy Sack

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title Advanced Bivy Sack
Manufacturer Outdoor Research
Page By John
Page Type Jan 3, 2002 / Jan 3, 2002
Object ID 111
Hits 11095
Vote
The most noticable feature in the OR Advanced Bivy is the combination of a pole over the top at the shoulder position with a circumferential pole around the head end of the sack (pat. #5,458,146). The circumferential pole turns the entire head section of the sack into an awning, so the zipper can be wide open (about 5 feet) and the lower edge of the roof several inches off the ground. Rain or snow runs right down the roof, off the wide storm flap, and onto the ground. If the wind begins to kick up, the zipper opening can be reduced to prevent moisture from being blown in. If the user has wet, muddy boots, they can be set just under the roof with the floor pulled back, so they’re out of the weather but also out of the bivy sack.
  • Poles allow the bivy to open in several different positions including wide open for maximum ventilation, or awning style for shedding precipitation - keeps the overhead material off your face
  • 3-layer Gore-Tex®/ripstop nylon upper extends to ground for maximum breathability and tops a durable coated-nylon taffeta floor
  • End opening zipper with removable no-see-um netting allows easy in and out without sacrificing waterproofness
  • Factory seam-sealed to ensure waterproofness
  • Velcro® straps on floor to keep sleeping pad in place, preventing the bivy from rolling over during sleep
  • Six loops provide anchor points for guylines or tent stakes
  • High-volume foot section allows sleeping bag to maintain full loft for optimum warmth at the feet
  • Internal zippered mesh pocket holds eyeglasses or other small items for easy access
  • Made in USA

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Reviews


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Hendere - Sep 14, 2002 9:11 am - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
I used mine for a 5 day trip recently and was very satisfied. It rained daily, and I never got wet. During rain I could zip it closed except for the recommended 6" and I seemed to be able to breath just fine. The final night, snow fell and covered me and then condensation started building up, but it dries in a hurry when you get out. I could generally keep my shell gear, headlamp, and something to read inside with me without crowding me to much. After using a tent for many years, I did miss having a vestibule to cook in! The weight savings made it all worthwhile. If you travel solo, I highly recommend this product.

Alpinist - Dec 6, 2003 12:28 am - Voted 4/5

Bomb proof bivy
I've used this on 10-day backpacking trips and weekend winter mountaineering trips. It has withstood wind, rain, snow, sun and insects quite well. It's quite indestructable. Features include Goretex material, screen netting for warm buggy nights, and a shoulder pole to give you space around your head. Unfortunately, there really isn't much room inside to do anything other than sleep. That's the price you pay for the light weight. Anyone who is even the slightest bit claustrophobic would have a hard time in rain with the hood zipped shut.

My biggest complaint is that the zippers are a bit awkward. I got stuck inside once and thought I was going to have to cut myself out...! The weight savings is definitely worth it though.

Blackmouth - Sep 26, 2007 2:43 am - Hasn't voted

Very Nice
I just returned from a 6 day trip in the Sierra's. It snowed for 3 days and rained for 2. I was pleased at how well my bivy stood up to the foul conditions. I would definately recommend this bivy.
The only drawback is that it is a bivy and not a tent. Being tent bound sucks, but being bivy bound is even worse. You can't go wrong with the weight savings.

AltitudeSickness - Dec 18, 2007 5:37 pm - Voted 5/5

Best Multipurpose Bivy
I have used this Bivy in the Tetons, Sangre de Cristo range, Pecos Wilderness, and several other locations in a variety of conditions from 20 degrees below zero to 85 degrees. From windy, rainy, snowy conditions. It has always kept me dry, comfortable and secure. Even in the cold it was pretty easy to set up and settle in for the night. I have used three other bivy's from other manufacturers and by far have found this one to be above the rest. If you are a member of the "Big Boys Club", then this would be the bivy for you. The weight savings is fantastic.

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