Showing posts with label Bivys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bivys. Show all posts

Thursday, October 9, 2025

This Tent Breaks The Rules - MC Tomount Bivy Tent


Normally I love MC ToMount tents but not this one!
This is by far one of the poorest designed tents I have ever tested.

Seriously....it's crazy bad.

- MC Tomount Bivy Tent : https://amzn.to/4nm33kt
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Will This $120 "Stealth" Bivy Tent Leak? - Alps Mountaineering Stealth 1...


This is the Alps Mountaineering Stealth 1 Bivy Tent - the company claims that it is waterproof.....this will soon prove to be inaccurate.

This bivy/tent in virtually all ways is a failure.

Links : 
- A.M. Stealth 1 Bivy : https://amzn.to/4cXdnLa
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Stealth 1 Stats : 

Materials : 
75D 185T Polyester fly with 1500mm coating
150D Polyester Oxford floor with 2000mm coating
Two, innovative one-piece fiberglass poles allow for quick setup and breakdown
6 aluminum tri-stakes, 4 stake loops; 2 pre-tied guy points

According to AM this bivy tent offers the following:
Ample ventilation for less condensation and a more comfortable sleep
Large, step-in opening allows easy entry and exit without crawling
Durable, waterproof, and breathable fabric is fully seam-taped

Stats : 
Color : Cranberry/Ash
Base Size : 6'10" L x 2'9" W
Center Height : 1'9"
Tent Area : 15.5 ft²
Minimum Weight : 1 lb. 12 oz.
Total Weight : 2.1 lbs. With the pouch,stakes and lines
Packed Size : 12” L x 11" W x 3" H
Pole Diameter : 2.5mm FG
Style : Step in Bivy

Price : Retail is $120 but I picked this up on Amazon for $100
....
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Thursday, April 18, 2024

This Is What a Poorly Designed Bivy Looks Like - Alps Mountaineering Ste...


To Alps Mountaineering :
You all can do MUCH BETTER THAN THIS!

Every aspect of this bivy is disappointing and the fact that components were forgotten and it couldn't even be set up is ridiculous. 

This is Luke's Agenda Free Preview of the Alps Mountaineering Stealth 1 Person Bivy Tent....get ready, this product has a lot of problems.

Truth About Using a Bivy  Video : https://youtu.be/JVkPz4gn0QY

Links : 
- A.M. Stealth 1 Bivy : https://amzn.to/4cXdnLa
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- Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Pants : https://amzn.to/3bKRiS9

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If you purchase anything from the links above, you will be supporting the channel through a small commission on Amazon.  Thank you for the support and remember, TOGR is 100% Agenda Free.
...
Stealth 1 Stats : 

Materials : 
75D 185T Polyester fly with 1500mm coating
150D Polyester Oxford floor with 2000mm coating
Two, innovative one-piece fiberglass poles allow for quick setup and breakdown
6 aluminum tri-stakes, 4 stake loops; 2 pre-tied guy points

According to AM this bivy tent offers the following:
Ample ventilation for less condensation and a more comfortable sleep
Large, step-in opening allows easy entry and exit without crawling
Durable, waterproof, and breathable fabric is fully seam-taped

Stats : 
Color : Cranberry/Ash
Base Size : 6'10" L x 2'9" W
Center Height : 1'9"
Tent Area : 15.5 ft²
Minimum Weight : 1 lb. 12 oz.
Total Weight : 2.1 lbs. With the pouch,stakes and lines
Packed Size : 12” L x 11" W x 3" H
Pole Diameter : 2.5mm FG
Style : Step in Bivy

Price : Retail is $120 but I picked this up on Amazon for $100
....
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Wednesday, April 13, 2022

2 in 1 Military Bivy System - Russian Ratnik Tunnel Tent Bivy - First Look


Luke is here today to take a look at an interesting piece of military surplus, this time from Russia! This is the Russian Ratnik Tunnel Tent Bivy and the first look begins now!
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...
Russian Ratnik Bivy (Tunnel Tent) - First Look

What it is : This is a Russian Military shelter that is currently in use with special forces units.

Agenda Free Link : www.ebay.com

Where to Purchase : ebay is going to be the best source of Russian military surplus - I tried to purchase directly from a popular Russian military provider and the sale declined due to recent international restrictions. With all that is taking place with the Ukraine purchasing from outside sources may be difficult.

Camos :
These can be found in a number of camo patterns with the most modern being the EMR (Digital Flora)

Materials :
Made of Ripstop polyester reinforced fabric with polyurethane coating.
Aluminum Poles

Weight :
Full kit : 4.76lbs
Bivy and Poles : 3.1lbs
Weight of Snow Cover : 1.6lbs

Dimensions stored :
14” long x 8” wide

Dimensions Setup :
82” long
27” wide at the head
32” Wide at the shoulders
24” Wide at the bottom
18” tall at the head

Features :
Russian EMR Digitlal Flora Camo
2x Aluminum poles
Storm flap over zipper
Velcro on storm flap
Can be staked at bottom and at top vent
Mesh top pocketed
Mesh vent on the back
Bug mesh for drier conditions
Comes with a white snow cove
Taped seams

Additional Information :
Often referred to as the Russian Ratnik Tunnel tent
Developed for the Russian Special Forces

Some companies have copied this design; one that comes to mind is the Snugpak Ionosphere; that is a very close copy, CIVILIAN copy.

All seams are taped and it is claimed that it is waterproof.

Tips :
Add a few tent stakes for a better setup
Can be setup more like a tent if you empty your pack and put i at the bottom of the bivy
Using a stick or small pole will allow for more support in the middle to get the material off of your body and your sleep system - that will help with condensation and moisture
Tie some cordage to the head vent tab so it can be easily pulled out for better airflow.
If there is a chance of being in the rain, I would recommend bringing a tarp - that way you can get in and out without everything getting wet on the inside.

Thoughts :

Quality : I didn’t know what to expect with this shelter but I can say that I am very impressed. I don’t see anything that stands out to me as an issue or problem. The seams and stitching looks excellent. The materials are strong and are impressive.

Setup : Exceptionally fast and easy.

Weight : The entire kit weighs a fair bit but if you can go without the snow cover, you can drop over 1.5lbs and that makes this more of a realistic bivy to carry.

Value : I picked this up for a Russian military overnight adventure that I plan to do in the future and I’m very impressed. I purchased it from eBay, it is new and I paid $85 for it and that included free shipping. Copies of this bivy tend to be much more expensive; generally over $150.
….
Going Into Testing :

This is a preview of this bivy and I’m putting this up so that it can be on your radar; I am going to be putting this to the test and I am interested to see how well it performs especially in wet conditions.

Stay tuned to the channel as I will have more to come including other Russian Military gear. ...
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Sunday, April 19, 2020

Truth About Using a Bivy - When, Where, Why and Why Not





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This episode is all about Bivy's and Luke will be going over the Pros, the Cons, When, Where and Why to use them...also, when not to.

…

Truth About Using a Bivy 

The topic of this video deals with Bivy’s and specifically on when to use them and when not to.  Before going any further, do keep in mind that these are my thoughts, my experiences and are based on using bivys for decades.  Since I started the channel, you all have seen me use a bivy in rain with a tarp, in freezing rain and sleet all by itself, you have seen me use them in cold conditions below 0f and in the snow.  I have also a bivy on warm summer nights in very humid conditions.

To start, lets go over what a bivy is;

Bivy sack, aka, bivouac sacks are specialized pieces of gear and like any tool will have a right time and place to use.  This is true with virtually any piece of gear but bivys are especially polarizing in terms of use; they can be amazing in certain situations or downright awful!

It was invented to serve climbers who wanted lightweight emergency weather protection for sleeping bags during multiple-day ascents, particularly on big walls.

Early bivy sacks were little more than waterproofed nylon slipcovers for sleeping bags—good for shielding sleeping bags from rain, not so good when ventilating vapor produced by body heat.

Types of Bivys :

Structured vs. Non-structured. Structured bivy sacks are great if you like a little bit extra wiggle room. They give you extra head space and breathing room. Non-structured are perfect for when you reach extreme elevations, and you really need to cuddle up to hide against the elements.

There are also Bivy Tents like the Ionosphere but that is more of a tent than a bivy and won’t be discussed in this video.

  Fabrics. There is a wide range of materials which are used for bivys including gore-tex, nylon, and so on.  Goretex in general is the most expensive due to the waterproof and breathable properties of gore-tex…those benefits translate to heavier weight. Nylon will be less expensive, less breatable, lighter in terms of weight.

  Openings. Some allow for you to crawl in, some unzip and you plop yourself inside of.  Some can be closed up completely to block bugs and some will remain open.

  Size/weight. While fabric has a lot to do with the weight of your bivy sack, there are plenty of options to choose from in size. Because the bivy sack was created for the minimalist, you do have many ultralight options. Remember, not all bivys are light and in fact, some can be heavier than a 1 person tent.

Pros : Generally lightweight, can add up to 10 degrees to your sleep system which may be desired for cold weather trips, most are either waterproof or at least, water resistant, can be bug proof if your model is sealable, when using a bivy by itself and in good conditions, you are going to be able to make camp in places you never thought possible; locations were are impossible for tents and other shelters. Block the wind wonderfully. Super easy, simple and quick setups

Cons : Not a good solution for rainy and wet conditions unless used with a tarp, bivys add numerous degrees of warmth to your sleep system which you may not desire if it is warm and humid.  Condensation issues are common with bivys, bugs can be unless your bivy features a way to seal up the entrance….if you can seal yourself in, you will be adding more warmth and will be limiting your venting…that equals more moisture.  Bivys are generally very limiting in terms of space….if you love being restricted and having limited amounts of room to move around, you’ll love a bivy (most people don’t like either of these).  If you are a fan of sprawling out and having a lot of space, a bivy can take some time to get accustomed to.


Friday, April 21, 2017

Black Diamond Big Wall Hooped Bivy – Preview



Today Luke is previewing the Black Diamond Big Wall Hooped Bivy.

…

Link : http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/tents-and-bivys/big-wall-hooped-bivy-BD810209_cfg.html



Price : $270

Colors : Black Diamond Yellow

Size : Long and regular

Big-wall-specific design incorporates a strong waterproof tie-in point.

Sewn-in flexible wirecircle airspace

Dual sided zipper and mesh covered opening

RF welded tie-in point for secure anchoring

ToddTex single-wall fabric

Taped seams

TECH SPECS

Season: 4

Average Packed Weight: [Long] 870 g, (1 lb 14 oz)

Minimum Weight: [Long] 740 g (1 lb 10 oz)

Dimensions: [Long] 251 x 89 cm (99 x 35 in)

Area: [Long] 2.2 m² (24 sq ft)

Packed Size: [Long] 15 x 33 cm (6 x 13 in)




Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Carinthia Micro Tent Plus (Eberlestock Micro Condo Tent) - Preview





Today Luke is previewing the Carinthia Micro Tent Plus which is more commonly known as the Eberlestock Micro Condo Tent here in the States.

….

One-Man tunnel tent with integrated mosquito-net.

749,00 euros or $854.00 (eberlestock price is $899)

NATO Stock Number: 8340-41-000- 2527.

Link Carinthia : http://www.carinthia.eu/bags/en/shop/Outdoor-equipment/Outdoor/Biwaksack-Bivybag/Micro+Tent+Plus/?card=1218#_tab_content3

Link Eberlestock : http://www.eberlestock.com/Micro-Condo.htm

Dimensions: 34 x 106" [Enough interior space for one man and a backpack]

Weight: 1800 g / 3.9lbs

Can be used as a bivy

Includes poles, no stakes which you will need.

Full-length awning

GORE-TEX® Gas Permeable Technology is a unique three-layer laminate, absolutely waterproof and extremely breathable. Unlike the GORE-TEX® Membrane, that is used for clothing, GORE-TEX® Gas Permeable Technology is air-permeable As a result, our bivy bags can be closed completely, providing absolute weather protection along with great comfort.

Five loops on the back hold the insulating mat in place.

Bivibag - tent one soldier

Bivibag Micro Tent is actually a tent for one soldier. For its useful properties associated with small size in a collapsed state and low hmostostí it is used mainly by members of special units

The bag has an unfolded shape of the tunnel with the opening over the entire length by means of two fasteners

Special double flap covering the zip opening and makes it waterproof

Taped seams prevent water seepage

The bag is waterproof up to a height of water column 10000 mm

On warm nights can keep the lid open zip and ensure good ventilation, with integrated mosquito net prevents access of mosquitoes and other vermin. Mosquito Net has a separate closure

The five tabs on the bottom prevents undesirable shifts in the terrain the insulating mat

Dimensions:

unfolded: length 270 cm, maximum width 75 cm, height 43 cm

in a collapsed condition: length 35 cm, about 12 cm

Material: Gore-tex, including special modifications, which provides coverage in infrared light

Water resistance: 10.000 mm water column

Weight: 1800 g

Color: olive green RAL 7013 (upon special order, the upper part of the German Army camouflage pattern)

NSN (NATO Stock Number / NATO Stock Number):

8340-41-000-2527

Packing Size: 13.7" x 4.7”




Friday, May 13, 2016

Aqua Quest Hooped Bivy - Preview





Today Luke is previewing the Aqua Quest Hooped Bivy and it's going into testing now!

….

Link Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Quest-Hooped-Bivy-Tent/dp/B00D1BPCJ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463108180&sr=8-1&keywords=aqua+quest+hooped+bivy

Link Aqua Quest : https://aquaquestonline.com/product/hooped-bivy/

Price : $100 - $199.95 depending on site

Colors : Green and Orange

Specs:
----------
Capacity: 1-2 Person

Weight (Complete Kit): 2.4 lb / 1.1 kg

Waterproof rating: 10,000 mm

Breathability rating: 3000 gr/m2/day

Packed Size (Uncompressed): 16 X 6 X 5 in / 40 X 13 X 13 cm

70D RipStop fabric

PU coating

Heat taped seams

‘No-see-um’ inner mesh

Clear TPU outer window

Head section air vent

Batwing Stiffeners to elevate foot bed

Extra wide shoulder and foot areas

Accommodates anybody up to 6’6” (2 m)

YKK zippers

Included: Bivy, 1 lightweight collapsible shock cord pole, 5 lightweight aluminum pegs, storage sack


Friday, August 28, 2015

Mammut Ultralight Bivy - Review



The Mammut Ultralight Bivy is compact, light weight and perfect for the cooler months.  Let's take a look at it now.

Link : http://www.mammut.ch/store/US/en_US/B2C-Category/Equipment/Sleeping-Bags-and-Pads/Accessories/Ultralight-Bivi/p/2490-00550-2088-195-3




Monday, July 27, 2015

Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy




I've been testing out the Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy for a number of months; let's take a look at it now.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Snugpak Stratosphere - Preview




Today we are taking a look at the Snugpak Stratosphere Bivy.
…
$136.32 on Amazon

http://www.snugpak.com/outdoor/tents-shelters/stratosphere

COLOURS AVAILABLE Olive
PACK     2.49lbs
 WEIGHT 1.13kg (including pegs)
DIMENSIONS 90"(L) x 41.7
(W) x 19.2
(H)

PACK SIZE 12.2
(L) x 5.5
(W)


SEASONS Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

This is a free standing ivy but it will blow around if not staked in.  The 2 Bow Poles and 7 Stake Points of this 1 man tent

• Zip: Full length side zip
• Fabric Outer: 50D Nylon Rip stop (5000mm HH)
• Highly Breathable (5000g/ m2 Moisture Permeability)
• Fabric Bottom: 70D Nylon Taffeta with PU coating (8000mm HH) (bath tub style)
• Poles: 8.5 mm Aluminium (Outside diameter) with screw lock tip
• Seams are waterproof and taped
• Ultra compact 1 Person shelter
• Stands up to severe weather
• Makes sure you stay dry
• Small Pack size
• Ultralight alloy pegs

Friday, January 24, 2014

Czech Army Three Piece Sleep System - Preview



Today we're taking a look at the Czech Army Three Piece Sleep System!

Link : http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/MLT-4951

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Eureka Solitaire Tent : Review -



We're reviewing the Eureka Solitaire Tent!

...

Eureka! Solitaire - Tent (sleeps 1)
-          $69 on amazon
-          Two-hoop bivy-style tent for one sleeper (21.33 square foot area)
-          Ventilated with a large mesh roof; attached full coverage fly
-          Zipper in roof cloth for easy entry/exit
-          Includes two storage pockets and one flashlight loop
-          Center height of 28 inches; weighs 2 pounds, 9 ounces
Perfect for singular trekking and walkabouts, the Eureka Solitaire is lightest, most compact three-season solo tent made by Eureka. It's also extremely well ventilated with a large mesh roof--great for stargazing during summer trips--and the zippered roof provides an extra exit in nice weather. This two-hoop bivy design offers an efficient tunnel design, with a durable 6.3 mm fiberglass frame is shockcorded for fast set up. The full coverage fly is attached, so it can be rolled back or put in place very quickly. Other features include nylon pole sleeves for easy setup, three storm guyouts on the fly, two storage pockets, and one flashlight loop.
Specifications:
  • Area: 21.33 square feet
  • Floor size: 2 feet, 8 inches by 8 feet
  • Center height: 2 feet, 4 inches
  • Wall fabrics: 40D no-see-um mesh
  • Floor fabrics: 70D nylon taffeta
  • Fly fabrics: 70D nylon taffeta
  • Pack size: 4 by 17.5 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces
  •  
  • 2 hoop bivy-style tent
  • Durable 6.3 mm fiberglass frame is shockcorded for fast set up
  • Pole pockets on one end; ring and pin on the other speed set up
  • Nylon pole sleeves aid in set up and stability
  • 3 storm guyouts on fly
  • Includes 2 storage pockets and 1 flashlight loop
  • Zipper in roof cloth for easy entry/exit

I’ve had this tent for many years (2007, 2008) and it has always worked well for me.  It is more of a bivy than a tent in my eyes but it is a very cheap and economical shelter from the elements.  It does a great job of keeping rain out.  Used it many times in some heavy downpours and had no leaks.
Easy to set up, easy to break down.  While I wouldn’t recommend it for winter use, I have used it in a snow storm and I was fine.  This tent will not handle snowloading and for that I would say 3 seasons only.
FABRIC
·         Wall
40D no-see-um mesh
·         Fly
70D nylon taffeta, 1200mm
·         Floor
70D nylon taffeta, 1200mm
·         Mesh
40D No-see-um


: My Review :
For a beginning to backpacking this is a great option.  It’s inexpensive, offers just enough space, protection from the elements too.  The entire package weights about 3lbs which isn’t bad, especially for the price. 

Condensation is an issue with this tent but with some practice and experience you will learn how to set it up to minimize this as much as possible.  Set up is fast; roughly 2 minutes. 

Stake it down, 1st pole in.  2nd pole in.  4 stakes and you’re good to go.
Easier than many tents to set up in the dark as well. 

If you live in a dry climate you can keep the fly off and enjoy the night sky. 
Personally I like this tent but I would go with the Snugpack Ionosphere just because of the space factor.  Yes it’s a bit heavier about a pound more but that added space is so nice.  It’s also most expensive at $170 on amazon.

It is NOT freestanding so you will have to stake it out.  Think of that before you make a purchase.
Eurake makes in general budget friendly gear and that is what this is.  It’s a good shelter but not the strongest.  Be careful with the fiberglass poles as they do have a tendency to break. 

Overall it’s a good tent.  Not a great tent in my mind.  For a bit more money you can get something that is a bit more substantial such as the Euraka Spitfire. The Spitfire is more of a tent and the Solitaire is more of a bivy.  The spitfire runs around $110.


n  If you are on a tight budget or testing the waters for backbacking, this is a good economical options.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy / Tent - Review - The Outdoor Gear Review



Here's the video review of the Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy tent.
...
Snugpak – Ionosphere 
---
·  Flysheet is a lightweight 210t Polyester RipStop pu with a 5000mm waterproof polyurethane coating
·  Inner Tent constructed of 190t Nylon with Polyester Mesh
·  50D Polyester No-See-Um-Mesh
·  DAC® Featherlite NSL® anodized poles with pressfit connectors
·  All DAC® Poles are made from TH72M aluminum - Featherlite NSL anodized aluminum poles
·  1 Doors
·  All seams are taped sealed
·  Alloy Stakes (14 + 2 Spare Stakes)
·  Available in Olive Outer/Black Inner only
Comes with a Repair Kit - repairs can be made on the move
  • TRAIL WEIGHT 2.64 LBS (Fly, Inner Tent & Poles)
  • PACK WEIGHT 3.34 LBS (Fly, Inner Tent, Poles, Stakes, Repair Kit & Carry Case)
  • PACKSIZE 17”L x 5.25”D
  • 2 way zipper
MSRP $ 229.00 but it can be found online for a wide range of prices; $120 - $170 on Amazon.
The Ionosphere™ by Snugpak® is an extremely small and compact 1 person tent. The Ionosphere™ has a very low profile and is great for those looking for a 1 person tent to keep out of the elements. Just like The Bunker™, the Scorpion 3™ and Scorpion2™ the Ionosphere™ also too has a 5000mm PU Coated Fly. The Ionosphere™ has a single entry point, No-See-Um-Mesh and all seams are seam taped. A very impressive small compact tent by anyones standard.
Endorsed by active duty military personal.

….

Common Questions that one might ask :
·         Does it come with a footprint?
No.  But the floor is very durable.  I would still recommend one though.
·         Good for kayaking?
Excellent!


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Review :

The Snugpak offers excellent bag for the buck and is highly recommended for those looking for a light weight solution to backpacking.  This is a 3 season tent and I wouldn’t recommend it for snow.  Perfect for those who want something bigger than a bivy but something smaller than a tent. 
Great for stealth camping.

Setup is extremely easy and straightforward.

Very lightweight especially when you leave behind the carrying bag and repair kit.
Aluminum alloy stakes are just fine and light weight as well.

No condensation that’s to the ability to allow great air flow.

The zipper functions very well without any nagging.

Fantastic waterproofing and if set up correctly, water will flow off of the fly onto the ground.
Plenty of room within the tent for you and your gear.  I’m only 5’4 but I have heard of guys in the military who are 6ft that put their gear with the tent and still have plenty of space.
Definitely one person unless you want to spoon all night long.


-          Verdict : It’s a buy!  Great quality and value.  This product alone really paints Snugpak in a positive light and I’m curious to try out some of their other gear.  I ultimately have to agree with what others are saying about it on the internet.  It’s a great product.

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