MSR E-Bivy - 2011 BCS

This is a great item to have in a pinch. It provides reasonable protection against moisture, bugs, and adds a couple extra degrees of warmth. However, I wouldn't rely on this to handle seriously adverse weather conditions. It's no substitute for a tent or a gore-tex bivy. It is light, and packs down incredibly small, so it's a nice back up for pretty much any backcountry situation.

Very light and compact. Enough space. Pity that one cant fold it it back into it's original stuff/coke can:-o) sack. Need to cut off that section now. Space wasted, although it looks cool on the shelve for buying. The hood or cowl section is a little to short in my opinion. As I moved during the night the two ends continuously opened up, causing cold air and water to come in. Maybe Velcro or a waterproof zip could be installed to join the pieces together... The idea that the cowl or hood should come with riser bar or pole, because it lies flat on your skin and cause serious condensation. This might lift the prize, but would be more practical. I won't recommend this for a survival situation. The other model will be your better option.

Stay dry and no-see-um free with this Bivy.Keeps your sleeping bag clean and dry and are easy to get in and out of!

I replaced an OR Alpine Bivy with this due to its size and weight and I am quite happy with it. Obviously it isn't as impervious as the full on gore-tex bivy but my feeling is the trade off in weight (over a pound) is worth it if you are near or below the tree line. Even above it the adage light is right comes into play.