Conduit SL Bivy

Update (Sept 24, 2002): I recently brought this on a trip to the Black Hills National Forest and found it claustrophobic in warm temps with threatening rain. Perhaps using it as a tarp is better in warm weather? A tent like the SD Clip Flashlight would definately be more comfortable in those conditions. 3 stars in warm / rainy weather. Still 5 stars in cold / dry / windy weather which is where it truly excels.

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This is a great, lightweight product that packs small and extends a sleeping bag's useful range. While I haven't done a scientific study, I've heard these generally provide an added 5-10°F of warmth and of course additional water-resistance/water-proofness (bottom).

I like this bivy during summer - autumn at moderate elevations (9,000 - 10,000') when I think either: (a) my bag isn't going to be warm enough, and/or (b) there might be a very small chance of precipitation. In 2001, I used this with my 20°F down bag and full-length Therm-a-Rest UltraLight (placed inside the bivy) at Lake Helen (10,000') on Mount Shasta in August and at Upper Grizzly Lake (9,650') on Mount Harrington in late October. Both times I slept very well. This works well at Shasta's Lake Helen and Mount Adams' Lunch Counter (9,000') because both areas have "rock walled camping spots" to handle the wind (nice when there's no snow in the camp spots anymore). When you are in a bivy, you will definately be below the top of the rock walls whereas tents can stick out with their tops exposed to the wind. Since your face is not covered, you still get the beautiful under-the-stars effect. No worries and no waking up in the middle of the night freezing - a good night's sleep!

It should be noted that this is not a completely enclosed system so if there is precipitation or bugs you may need to be creative. I've gotten the opening down to a 2" diameter hole in very windy conditions on Mount Whitney, however, I'm not sure if I would go smaller as people have suffocated and died in bivy sacks. Also, there are no poles with this, though I have to admit I've never understood the concept of reading a book in a bivy sack. For colder weather and more extreme situations, I would go with something like the OR Advanced Bivy Sack. Use this to make your sleeping bag warmer and you won't be disappointed. Finally, I need to mention the main deciding factor for me in getting this one vs. others - price, it can't be beat at around $100 vs. $200 - $350 for others (which admittedly can be used for more extreme conditions but are heavier and take up more space in one's pack).

This is the best bang for your buck. It works, but with no bells and whistles. I wouldn't cout on it to keep you dry in a downpour. I would recommend using it in conjunction with a tarp.

Nice bivy sack. Love the zipper seal to keep water out. Use mosquito netting though to keep bugs out as your face will most always be exposed. One thing I did not like was that if I put my Thermarest inside it, it felt really cramped and tight. You can still get by but it feels somewhat claustrophoic. Does a nice job though of keeping you dry and with my minus 20 degree sleeping bag, I've never been cold.

its a good bivy if your not near moisture, I used it for winter climbing and mostly in Lea-tos. it does the job but not to durable..

This bivy is great for an emergency shelter or as extra moisture protection in a tent.



As a primary shelter it isn't that great as it allows too much moisture in while also not allowing enough out. I always seem to have tons of body moisture trapped inside with me and my bag. It's also quite small and doesn't allow for storage of much clothing or gear inside. The fact that you can't zip over the face and head is also another reason not to use it as a primary shelter.



On the plus side it is very light and small, doesn't cost very much and is great in a pinch.

This is an adequate bivy at a good price. You can remove one of the double zippers to save weight and bulk (the extra zipper didn't match with my sleeping bag anyway).

Not a bad bivy. Don't use it in cold weather, the plastic window doesn't breathe and your breath condenses, raining ice down on your face