Can't decide what to do - OR Alpine Bivy

[SquidHC]

Hey All,

I have an Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy, which is a great piece of equipment but feels a bit too claustrophobic to me and is honestly a bit snug at 6'1" (or maybe that's just the claustrophobia). I am picking up a Jimmy Tarps shelter that can't close (open front) and don't mind the extra protection of a nest/bivy ect but I'm just trying to decide if the bivy is overkill/too heavy for inside another shelter. Never used a tarp before, and am honestly a little nervous about a shelter that's wide open in snake country. I don't find many issues with bugs in Eastern Oregon.

Sorry if that doesn't make much sense, but I'd be interested in thoughts/opinions about packing a 4 season bivy AND tarp, or alternatives to this idea.

Anyway, any input is appreciated.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I've been using a floorless mid and bivy for all my mountain hunts now going on 5 years, but I use an UL (6 oz.) bivy. I think a 4 season bivy is way over kill when combined with a shelter. We don't have snakes in AK so I have no experience with that issue, but I would think that a 4 season bivy wouldn't provided any extra protection against snakes than a UL bivy would.

 

[dog812]

Jimmy also makes bivy s

 

[mrbillbrown]

Borah Gear will make you a custom over size bivy if you want a little extra room.

 

[Beendare]

Its important to know: bivys can hold moisture against your bag.
I would go with a tarp and a small tarp over your bag

 

[Jimss]

I like room..especially when hunting in wet weather. It's super nice being able to dry things out at camp. It could be a challenge changing clothes when it's raining out in a bivy! I can't imagine a bivy for more than a night or 2 in bad weather. You may want to take a look at a tipi or Tarptent? I bought a bivy around 5 years ago and have never used it! If I want to go ultra-light I use the fly off my Hilleberg Nallo tent. I often bring a painters plastic (buy at Home Depot). The Nallo fly is bomber-proof and ultra-roomy. If it snows I can always add the tent body and footprint. The fly, poles, and painters plastic weigh around 2 lbs. It has gobs of room me plus all my gear and is possible to open up the vestibule on either side to cook. Very nice for extended trips!

 

[AK Troutbum]

Its important to know: bivys can hold moisture against your bag.
I would go with a tarp and a small tarp over your bag

The two UL wt. bivy's that I have both have breathable fabric on top and are designed to be used in combo with some sort of shelter (not stand alone), so condensation between the bag/quilt and bivy has never been a real issue for me.

 

[CrzyTrekker]

Look at Tarptent. They make several excellent one man models and they are ultralight.

 

[DaveC]

Sorry if that doesn't make much sense, but I'd be interested in thoughts/opinions about packing a 4 season bivy AND tarp, or alternatives to this idea.

Anyway, any input is appreciated.

Sell the Alpine and get a larger tarp or fully enclosed mid or tent. Bivy sacks make condensation worse and are a poor way to add warmth.