Bivy Help

JMDavies

WKR
Joined
Mar 23, 2020
Messages
359
I'm in the market for a lightweight 3 season bivy. I've looked at the Big Agnes 3 wire and Outdoor Research. As of now I'm leaning towards the Big Agnes but looking for other brands and suggestions. The Canvas Cutter appears to be too big and bulky for my needs. Thanks
 

THBZN

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 27, 2015
Messages
216
While not a 'classic' bivi sack per se, you may want to check out the Sierra Designs High Side 1. Clocks in around 2 lbs. or so, but gives you a bit of room inside as well as small vestibule; nice feature when you want to keep your boots dry, etc. I know it is a popular bikepacking shelter since it packs so small.
 
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
1,001
There are quite a few other lightweight bivy options out there. I have the Mountain Laurel Designs eVent bivy and it's pretty nice.
 

Legend

WKR
Joined
Jun 13, 2017
Messages
774
I have probably spent an honest 200 nights in a bivy. The only one I use is the Black Diamond bipod. Funky material that works in the worst snow, rain, and wind. And it breathes which is even more important.
 

Summitmike

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 5, 2016
Messages
127
Location
Summit county, co
I'm in the market for a lightweight 3 season bivy. I've looked at the Big Agnes 3 wire and Outdoor Research. As of now I'm leaning towards the Big Agnes but looking for other brands and suggestions. The Canvas Cutter appears to be too big and bulky for my needs. Thanks
I have a big Agnes 3 wire that I was just getting ready to post
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
5,824
Borah Gear Bivy gets my vote. John makes a few different kinds.

I only have about 6 nights in my Borah but am very happy. Had it out a month ago in 40* rainy weather with the wrong kind of overhead tarp. Very dry and kept me comfy in what could have been an unpleasant night.

I have used bivys for 20 year - army goretex, 2-3 OR versions, SOl and one other I Can’t recall. Borah is a perfect blend of well built and lightweight. Email JOHN your specs and he can make something fast. I am on the husky side and had my XXwide custom in less than three weeks.
 
Joined
Dec 26, 2013
Messages
3,758
Location
Edmond, OK
Been running a Borah Gear SnowySide eVent bivy the past few seasons. Excellent bivy and would buy another if this one failed. Oversized at 36” x 96” with a custom zipper to match my Slick Bag and weighs 13oz with loops and cord at the corners.
 

turley

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 20, 2019
Messages
264
If you want more of a stand alone bivy then the Big Agnes 3-Wire, Borah Gear SnowySide eVent, MLD Soul eVent are good choices as they have a waterproof breathable fabric.
If using a bivy in conjunction with a tarp then a Borah Gear Side Zip or MLD SL Bivy area great options. They are not only more breathable than the fabrics above but lighter as well.
I use a Borah Gear Side Zip with a MLD DCF Grace Solo tarp for 3 season trips and normally when the weather is nice just throw down the bivy without pitching the tarp.
 
Last edited:

207-12A

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 12, 2017
Messages
215
Are you planning on running it stand alone or with a tarp or other shelter? I like my Borah Gear but wouldn’t use it without a tarp unless you’re 100% sure about no precipitation. As a lightweight option paired with a tarp though, I think it’s hard to beat.
 
OP
J

JMDavies

WKR
Joined
Mar 23, 2020
Messages
359
Are you planning on running it stand alone or with a tarp or other shelter? I like my Borah Gear but wouldn’t use it without a tarp unless you’re 100% sure about no precipitation. As a lightweight option paired with a tarp though, I think it’s hard to beat.
I'm planning to have a tarp with me and using it when concerned about weather.
The Borah website appears to be having issues. It isn't showing the options described in the thread
 

Bryanboss429

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 26, 2018
Messages
136
Location
Central Washington
I'm planning to have a tarp with me and using it when concerned about weather.
The Borah website appears to be having issues. It isn't showing the options described in the thread

If you have any questions, make sure that you contact him. John was very helpful when It came time for me to order mine. He even through out a few suggestions when I described to him the conditions/environment/climate that I would be using the bivy in. I ended up with an extended side zip and an extra wide to accommodate my cold weather gear and for how big that I am. I don't think I paid any extra for the changes either.

Since you are going to be using it with a tarp of some kind, I don't think that you can beat it for cost and performance. When the weather is nice out I seldom use a tarp with mine.
 
Joined
Apr 29, 2019
Messages
81
I'm planning to have a tarp with me and using it when concerned about weather.
The Borah website appears to be having issues. It isn't showing the options described in the thread

I just ordered a side zip from Borah last week.
I cannot find anything about the Snowy Side E-Vent model.
If anyone has a line on those, let us know!
 

turley

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 20, 2019
Messages
264
Borah Gear used to release/make them more towards autumn. They are very responsive to emails so you might reach out and ask if the Snowyside will be available.
Here is a link from when I purchased one a few years back:
 

elkhntr

FNG
Joined
Jul 17, 2013
Messages
10
I use the BA Fly Creek 2 and had really good luck with it, very lightweight and roomy for a single person, tight for 2. Hilleberg has some 25% off right now too.
 
Top