User Review: Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy

Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy
Above: The current Advanced Bivy, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 16, 1998 by Doug Hutton

Rating:
Design: 3 Season Bivy Sack
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: Easy to Moderately Difficult
Weight: 1 lb. 10 ozs.
Price Paid: $245

First of all, I din't pay full price, I bought it at a "Gear Grab." I looked for this model in particular because a couple of other bivy sacks I had tried rested on my face at night, which I couldn't stand! The OR Advanced Bivy is super light, packs very easy, and sets up with little difficulty. The only set up problem involves remembering which of the two poles goes in which position. Once that mystery is solved (it does come with directions, but hey, I'm male!) it is very easy to get in and out of.

One of the features I like is the straps in the sack that hold your mattress in place. Also, in reference to the pole set issue, it allows for, depending on your preference and the weather, for the opening to be left fully or partially open, with a net, or can be closed fully. One problem, not unique to this bivy sack, is that in the fully closed position, condensation does occur, fairly heavily.

Other than that, I've used this for anywher from solo summer overnighters, to winter snow camping, and it has worked very well.

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