User Review: Bibler Hooped Bivy

Bibler Hooped Bivy
Above: The current Hooped Bivy, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed September 2, 1998 by Charles Chen

Rating:
Design: Bivey
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: Unpack from stuff sack, toss on to groundsheet.
Weight: 25 ounces
Price Paid: $199

The Bibler is a well made, well thought-out, comfortable bivy that balances function verses weight. The hoop does a good job of keeping the mosquito mesh off of your face. I had also found by simply positioning the hoop that I am able to stay relatively dry in a downpour. The boxed design at the head of the bivey allows ample room to store items - headlamp, water bottle, eye glasses, clothes, rain jacket, etc.

In making a purchasing decision, I looked at the Bibler Bivey Sack, and OR Advanced Bivey. I climbed into both with a sleeping bag and pad and lounged around in each for fifteen minutes or so. While the OR Advanced Bivey seemed to have more space, it just didn't feel right. I suppose that this is more of a personal preference point. Another concern for me was weight. It seems to me that the primary intent of a bivey is for emergency use. If a bivy hits the 3lb range, then for the same weight cost I might as well bring a light one-man tent.

Strangely enough, I have found the Bibler bivy light enough and comfortable enough that I bring it on all of my trips.

While Bibler bivy is not roomy like a tent, I do find that I can write in my journal using my headlamp. When necessary, I can sit up immediately and get a 360 degree view - useful in times of perceived danger. If I need a bit more shelter, I can quickly rig a tarp alone, or using my walking poles.

While I cannot bring my pack into the bivy with me, I don't really see any reason why I would want to. Because of concerns about rodents, and larger animals, I simply hang the whole pack. Ditto with my boots.