I have noticed some threads popping up about bivys so I thought id give my experience so far with the Borah Side Zip M90. I bought it last summer and probably have 15-20 nights in it, roughly. I know its not as much time as some would like but it is what it is for now. I used this with the Paratarp in a variety of weather. Hot July nights all the way to cold September rain/snow. I was pleased with its performance. Its functionality could use a little tweaking but it wasn't a deal breaker. I will continue to use it.
First off was the zipper. It was kind of a pain to find. I solved that pretty easy by making some zipper pulls. Here they are. This made it 10x's easier getting in and out.
Next was the net resting on my face. I didn't want that so I tied a piece of elastic cord from the loop on the netting and ran it up to my trekking pole strap. Worked perfect and the elastic cord preventing me from ripping the netting when too much weight was put on it (I know this because I ripped the hell out of the first night and had to have it sewn!) Here it is. Problem solved.
I used this plastic carabiner type clip to make it easy to hook and unhook.
When I ordered the bivy I had them sew 2 stake loops at the feet to help from moving too much. These proved valuable. I would have them add 2 to the head as well if you are going order one. They were free of charge.
You will notice in the pictures that I have the amount of face netting reduced compared to what they are normally built with. This modification was done for free too when it was sewn but I would probably have them leave more netting if I were to get another to help it breathe better. I noticed that when it would tend to get warm in the bivy during warm weather. I honestly never had any major issues with condensation either. The M90 material is pretty good at combating that. For the price and weight of this bad boy I would for sure give it a look. Weight comes in right at 8 oz with the elastic cord and orange clip.
First off was the zipper. It was kind of a pain to find. I solved that pretty easy by making some zipper pulls. Here they are. This made it 10x's easier getting in and out.
Next was the net resting on my face. I didn't want that so I tied a piece of elastic cord from the loop on the netting and ran it up to my trekking pole strap. Worked perfect and the elastic cord preventing me from ripping the netting when too much weight was put on it (I know this because I ripped the hell out of the first night and had to have it sewn!) Here it is. Problem solved.
I used this plastic carabiner type clip to make it easy to hook and unhook.
When I ordered the bivy I had them sew 2 stake loops at the feet to help from moving too much. These proved valuable. I would have them add 2 to the head as well if you are going order one. They were free of charge.
You will notice in the pictures that I have the amount of face netting reduced compared to what they are normally built with. This modification was done for free too when it was sewn but I would probably have them leave more netting if I were to get another to help it breathe better. I noticed that when it would tend to get warm in the bivy during warm weather. I honestly never had any major issues with condensation either. The M90 material is pretty good at combating that. For the price and weight of this bad boy I would for sure give it a look. Weight comes in right at 8 oz with the elastic cord and orange clip.
