Depends...

By Ozzy Ranked #64 - Sleeping Bags August 13, 2008

On if you like bivies or not. If you're a bivy enthusiast, the SL is one of the best on the market (hands down). On a recent trip in the Sawtooths, the bivy performed very well in rain and breathed excellently. I wouldn't recommend using it without any kind of backup tarp - it won't remain waterproof in heavy, sustained rain. Also, I was eaten alive by mosquitos (there's absolutely NO mesh netting).

After pretty extensive experience in the backcountry and camping otherwise, I've learned that carrying a few extra ounces (or even up to a pound) for a high quality solo ultralight tent is far preferable. It allows you a sheltered place to relax during the day (or a long storm - not to mention a vestibule), and the mesh alone is worth admission, especially in bug-heavy locales. By the time you add up the weight of a bivy, a light tarp, and a few stakes, there's only ounces difference between the best ultralights on the market (MSR Hubba, Marmot EOS 1P, etc.).

Having that said, let me reiterate: this is far and away the best bivy I've ever used. Mountain Hardwear makes diesel gear, and if you're looking for a bivy that breathes well and has pretty good weatherproof chops - this is your bivy. I especially like it as an overlayer on a down bag for snow cave/winter camping. As for other reviewer's comments on getting wet in the head/shoulder region: that's just the nature of the beast with bivies, even more elevated ones (like Black Diamond's tripod bivy).

View Details: Mountain Hardwear Conduit SL Bivy

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