Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Sub 200 gram bivy ...



Andrew

If you like bivvies, you might like this. While sorting through my gear I discovered my MSR Skinny One. Like a bivvy but a little roomier. I used it a couple of times on tour in Tasmania a few years ago but I'm a big bloke and find small tents claustrophobic.

It's no longer sold but I could be persuaded to part with mine. More info here.
Oh, and there is a footprint to go with it too.

How much roomier is your latest addition?

I like it, for what it is.

I wouldn't like to be rained in for days at a time, as I'm getting softer in my middle age, but as a light weight shelter thats well vented and meshed (insect proof) it looks like a unit that could hold it own.
Certainly luxurious compared to a basic bivy, sized wise and much better vented.
Looks much easier accessible than my Microlight and a two pole tunnel design should handle "some" inclement weather.

I'm well sorted for shelter currently, but if I weren't, this ticks a fair few boxes.

Protrail is 30cm wider, and hopefully won't feel claustrophobic.

RonK wrote: hopefully won't feel claustrophobic.

Yeah, I've promised myself the bigger Minaret for my next trip.
Bulkier, heavier and slower to put up than the Microlight, but as I'll be leaving much later in the year for my next trip, much more pleasant to be stuck in for a few days at a time when the weathers undoubtably rubbish.

I was going to head off a couple of weeks ago but the weather was crap on the weekend of my planned leaving date and I'm glad I put it off.
Apparently it made the record books for amount of water within 3 days or something along those lines.

I'm a fair weather cyclist

I don't think you'll gain anything recognisable size wise with regards the Pro-trail, but I like the stealthy colour and its easy packability (stuff ability) speaks for itself.
Put up time too I imagine will be quicker than the MSR unit, not important until the weather is inclement.
Looking forward to your field report

Franco has done a quick and dirty video on pitching the TarpTent ProTrail.



Andrew

Quick being the operative word.

Anyone in Perth considering a bivy might do ok to have a squiz at:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cotteslo ... 1086207227" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oh and not mine or anyone I know, I just spotted it on gumtree whilst having a trawl

rifraf wrote:Anyone in Perth considering a bivy might do ok to have a squiz at:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cotteslo ... 1086207227" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oh and not mine or anyone I know, I just spotted it on gumtree whilst having a trawl

It went quickly and not to me

Andrew

Aushiker wrote:Sub 200 gram bivy ...



Andrew

this looks really good, except i want the other one for its waterproofing.

http://www.borahgear.com/eventbivy.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

wondering if it might be a bit too warm if i tour in summer? it's actually going to get very little use (as i'd prefer to stay in guesthouses etc.), but i don't want something that's going to screw me if it DOES rain, even a little.

bit pricey now with the lousy exchange rate!!

found this spreadsheet linked from an article (also below).

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... edit#gid=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://40yearsofwalking.wordpress.com/ ... conundrum/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anyone in WA considering a bivvybag might want to have a quiz at
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ellenbro ... 1093695156" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ignore their spelling.

It appears to be big brand name Mont, made of Gortex and has a mozzie net.

Price looks good

Not mine or anyone I know - just one I spotted on Gumtree

Doesn't look too bad a deal rifraf!

RonK wrote:Why would you want to sleep in a claustrophobic coffin? I've tried it and disliked it intensely. And talk about condensation...

On the other hand you could sleep comfortably in this Tarptent DW Moment.

One kilogram, one pole, one minute pitch.

Hi Are these any good and if so, where in Australia can I buy one. Rather buy from shop than on line store

cheers

Daggles

Bikepackers Magazine has a first look at an interesting but in my world heavy bivy, the Nemo Escape Pod bivy. I do like that you get a lot of space around the head and if I was using a floorless mid it would be a possible option. ANyway if you are looking at bivvies it is another option.

For those interested in bivvies, Massdrop have a drop on the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy at the moment. US$119.99 + postage of $12.50. Personally I think if I was considering a bivy this would be in my short list as it is a design I like based on my limited experience with bivvies.

Some caution is required with the Tarptents. The model I have is now discontinued, but I had all sorts of problems trying to avoid the mesh between the canopy and floor being directly exposed to rain. Extra pegs and guy points didn't really help, and in the end it seemed like the cut was just ill thought out.

There's also the problem that the canopy doesn't come anywhere near the ground on some of them. That might not matter if pitched in the bush, but if you're at a caravan park or a music festival the lack of privacy and display of contents to potential thieves are a worry.

I've since reverted to something a bit heavier for non-wilderness trips.

The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is back at Massdrop - ~ AU$168 in your hot little hand.