I have been looking for a lightweight bivy but the reviews tend to be very mixed. Has anyone had good experience's with a lightweight bivy that they would like to share?

I spent quite a bit of time looking at Bivys lately. Planning on a deep Everglades exploration for several days and the thought of spending an unplanned night on my boat due to a motor malfunction or getting lost (turned around ;-) without adequate mosquito protection is a particularly troubling prospect. I have heard of people spending the night in the water rather than face a night out in the Glades without a sanctuary from the winged menace but I digress.

From everything I have read truly lightweight Bivys are not all that much fun. According to one review which tested numerous bivys the mid priced OR (Outdoor Research) Alpine was the top choice but I am not sure it would match your desire for a lightweight bivy. Numerous positives and I strongly considered it but realized my solo tent would fit in the same space and be much easier when the inevitable "call of nature" demands action. Be advised, REI wants like $250 for the Gore Tex wonder but Amazon has it for $140.

Well, so much for $140........this was only a few weeks back but now it's $46 more, still better than $249.



OR Alpine Bivy

I’ve used a REI bivy for more than twenty years, in all types of Minnesota weather including -30. I can’t say I love it but I’ve certainly used it.

Breathability is going to be important. I have an integral designs (now Rab I believe) South Col bivy made with event that has served me well.

Sleeping in a bivy isnt for everyone and even for those who can tolerate the lack of space they can make for long miserable days if you're stuck in the rain. I usually use mine for winter camping, mountaineering, or for short trips where the weather looks to be favorable. For everything thing else I think the extra weight of a tent is worth it.

When I looked at bivys, the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 wasn’t much heavier, so I went that route. There’s probably an even lighter tiny tent nowadays.