Military Bivy Sacks

[ChadS]

Guys what are the pros and cons of the Military issued Gortex Bivy's? They seem to be fairy cheap, but I'm guessing a little on the heavy side?

I have a 5* Western Mountaineering down bag and I am exploring bivy options just too make sure it stays dry. And on that note, recommendations on good bivy's for backpacking are welcome. Thanks!

 

[armyjoe]

I've used them a ton in my days and can say, you should just save a little more and look at a good bivy and pass on this one.

Its heavy, not fully sealed head area, no mesh for bugs, doesn't breath well and if he conditions are right you will get wet.

 

[dbaker]

pros- indestructible and cheap
cons- heavy

 

[desertcj]

I've been looking at bivy's recently as well. I don't think the USGI goretex bivy is all that cheap in comparison? About $100. There are two styles of bivy's. Super light and mostly just keep bugs out style and then the heavier waterproof type. If you are looking at a bivy then most likely you are using a more open type floor less shelter or no shelter at all? In this case, I think the lightweight bug bivy's are the way to go. If you are looking at using a bivy as your only shelter in wet weather, personally I would just take another look at a 1 man shelter system for the weight, space and protection they offer over a "waterproof" bivy bag. I don't have experience with bivy's so keep that in mind. This is just what I've gathered from reading and the opinion I've formed. YMMV...

 

[dbaker]

the usgi gortex bivys are like 30 bones. pretty cheap when comparing to a high end light weight bivy. i wouldn't want to pack one as there like 2 pounds. the wife and i use them for bivy camping out of the vehicle. i think there 3 layers of gortex.

 

[7mag.]

I have used them quite a bit. They are heavy and don't breathe well. I used them as a stand alone shelter many times, with my poncho covering my head and pack. I never had much of a problem getting wet, but there are much better options out there.

 

[InDeep]

Like many said the down falls are weight and they will allow bugs in . I spent many dozens of nights in a USMC bivh that my brother brought home for me while he was in leave . And still have it , it say wholeheartedly that it is as good for waterproofness as my 265.00 OR advanced bivy just doesn't have the netting weight reductions and of course the pole. But if a guy is on the fence its a great bivy to cut your teeth on !