Excellent Bivy Sack

By James C Watts Ranked #340 - Sleeping Bags November 28, 2008

This thing isn't so much a bivy sack as it is as mini-micro tent. I really dig this bivy because I can't sleep with fabric or netting hanging in my face like you get with a regular "no-pole" bivy. This one gives you a tiny amount to move around or partially sit up, and keeps the bivy fabric up off you and your bag, which reduces condensation (more air flow through the sack). It certainly isn't roomy inside, but fits a 15 degree down bag with me (6'1" 160) in it without trouble. Fairly easy to set up once you get the hang of it, but you should probably try it in your living room before headed out to the mountains, which you will have to anyways, and why I gave this only four stars: A $300 bivy really should come taped / sealed from the factory, but this one doesn't. Be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours crouched over with a tube of seam grip, because you have to manually seal every last seam on this thing to make it truly waterproof. Other than that minor inconvenience, this really is a well thought out and executed product.

Disclaimer: My review is for the older Bibler model of this bivy sack, although I don't believe anything has changed other than the brand name.

View Details: Black Diamond Tripod Bivy Bag

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes