Alternative to Tents
Bivvies are small, lightweight and easy to rig up. These three reasons alone make them a popular choice for a one-man shelter or emergency shelter.
Also known as bivouac sacks, the bivvy looks like a loose sleeping bag. They are waterproof and commonly used by solo hikers, mountaineers and soldiers.
Also known as bivouac sacks, the bivvy looks like a loose sleeping bag. They are waterproof and commonly used by solo hikers, mountaineers and soldiers.
Construction
The simplest bivvy sack design consist of a single layer of waterproof fabric. Early versions of the bivvy employ silnylon as the waterproof shell. It is a very lightweight fabric that provide about another 10 degree fahrenheit extra protection from windchill and rain.
One big problem with earlier bivvy sacks is the humidity that condenses on the inside causing users to have wet sleeping bags in the morning. The use of the waterproof/breathable fabric, Gore-Tex, helps to remove some of the humidity while keeping out water from the outside.
Another way that this problem is addressed is by using an inner vapor barrier liner bag or VBL. VBLs prevent body moisture from entering the condensing in the sleeping bag.
Traditionally, bivvy bags have a small hole above the user's face for breathing. Thanks to Gore-Tex Exchange Lite, an air permeable version of the fabric, the bivvy can be safely zipped up to cover the whole body including the head thus shutting out the elements completely. This new fabric allows both carbon dioxide exhaled by the user and moisture to escape.
One big problem with earlier bivvy sacks is the humidity that condenses on the inside causing users to have wet sleeping bags in the morning. The use of the waterproof/breathable fabric, Gore-Tex, helps to remove some of the humidity while keeping out water from the outside.
Another way that this problem is addressed is by using an inner vapor barrier liner bag or VBL. VBLs prevent body moisture from entering the condensing in the sleeping bag.
Traditionally, bivvy bags have a small hole above the user's face for breathing. Thanks to Gore-Tex Exchange Lite, an air permeable version of the fabric, the bivvy can be safely zipped up to cover the whole body including the head thus shutting out the elements completely. This new fabric allows both carbon dioxide exhaled by the user and moisture to escape.
Bivvy Shelters
In biological terms, the bivvy sack is a macroinvertebrate, meaning it has no spine or rigid structure. Bivvy shelters on the other hand employs hoops over the head and feet so that the fabric is kept off the user resulting in more breathing room around the head. This also prevents the condensation from soaking into the sleeping bag.Bivvy shelters are a bit heavier than bivvy sacks but the increased comfort justifies the additional weight. However, bivvy sacks are still favored among mountain climbers and backpackers or adventurers on dangerous expeditions as a compact emergeny shelter.
Popularity
Improvement in bivvy shelters have given rise to the number of experienced hikers who favor them. Some like the Outdoor Research Deluxe Bivy have anticlaustrophobic features like a white interior with a shock-corded Delrin hoop for breathing room and 5-foot zippers that allow you to ventilate while staying dry.
Bivvies have also increased in popularity among carp fishermen who fish throughout the night. This tiny little tent alternative is becoming more advanced and user friendly as manufacturers scramble to make better bivvies in response to the increasing demands.
Bivvies have also increased in popularity among carp fishermen who fish throughout the night. This tiny little tent alternative is becoming more advanced and user friendly as manufacturers scramble to make better bivvies in response to the increasing demands.
A bivvy is also known as
- bivouac sack
- bivouac bag
- bivy
- bivy sack
- bivy bag
- bivvy sack
- bivvy bag
Stormproof Bivvy Sacks
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- john_way john_way Jul 23, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
- You have written great lens. I have never imagine that there is so advanced shelters like Biwy. Thanks for the info!!!
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- solutions4u solutions4u Jul 19, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
- Nice camp tools. I love handy things. can these also be use as to camping into mountains? Can it be use also in different environment? Like what if it is snowing? I was just wondering how long would these products as to it is being portable can be installed and kept?
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- creditrepairman creditrepairman Jul 16, 2009 @ 10:58 am
- This lens is pretty informative about a new product to me. This is the first time I heard about bivvy shelter. Me and my partner love camping and we bought 2 sleeping bags and a tent. But after reading your lens I think I should also give a try to bivvy. It seems to be quite comfortable. Thanks a lot for sharing such a lens.
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- jessica79 jessica79 Jun 27, 2009 @ 8:45 am
- Thank You for the information. These products are really great. I like camping and staying at the open places with friends and these products will be really useful.
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Reply
- jgreene1333 jgreene1333 Jun 22, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
- Appreciate the info. Definitely something I'll look at in the store, next time I'm getting ready for camping.
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Shop for Bivvies
- Advanced Bivvy
- # 3-layer Gore-Tex Respiration Positive fabric
# Durable Hydroseal coated waterproof nylon floor
# Fully taped seams
# Two shock-corded Delrin poles, overhead and circumferential: dual delrin pole system
# Removable no-see-um netting covers opening
# End-opening zipper with wide storm flap
# Sleeping pad straps (pat. #5,941,264)
# Sized to fit thicker mats like the Exped DownMat 7
# Five stake loops, three guy line loops
# High-volume foot section with zippered vent
# Small internal mesh pocket - Bug Bivy
- # No-see-um netting
# Durable Hydroseal coated waterproof nylon floor
# Single overhead shock-corded Delrin pole
# Sleeping pad straps (pat. #5,941,264)
# End-opening zipper
# Three stake loops, two guy line loops
# Small internal mesh pocket - Outdoor Research MicroNight Bivvy
- # Ultralight, water-resistant/breathable Pertex Endurance fabric
# Durable Hydroseal coated waterproof nylon floor
# Fully taped seams
# No-see-um netting at opening
# End-opening zipper with storm flap
# Three stake loops, two guy line loops
# Small internal mesh pocket
# Highly compressible, packs to half the size of a one liter bottle
by Jonsky
Hi I'm Jonsky and I love the outdoors particularly hiking, camping and backpacking. (more)
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