Decent materials but big design problems

By Anna C. Ranked #252 - Bivy Sacks October 16, 2009

I bought this bivvy intending to use it for winter guiding and as a lightweight shelter for fastpacking. I basically use it as a sleeping bag cover and an emergency bivvy in my search and rescue pack now, and in non-bug season in conjunction with a tarp for maximal rain/wind/snow protection. It's a decent bivy that, when rigged right, is fairly waterproof. The big issue is that the hoop is poorly designed - flimsy and too short to actually stand on its own and protect your head while keeping the bug net or fabric off your face and allowing enough ventilation. It would be reasonable to tie the hoop up to a branch or tarp line, but there is no loop on the arch to tie off to - I ended up sewing one on myself. I would also prop a crazy creek in the vestibule to create a decent head space. The vents in the hood don't really work (too small and won't stay open), so zipping in totally in is a recipe for discomfort. It only comes in one size, so I end up with about 8 inches of extra fabric at my feet (I'm 5'6") which just gets wet. It's fairly light, but the pole and vents are dead weight, so go for a basic sac if you just want an emergency shelter or a bivvy with real poles (like the BD bipod) if you want a bombproof shelter for all-around use.

View Details: Sierra Designs Zagori Bivy

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