User Review: Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy

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

Reviewed April 23, 2003 by Lou

Rating:
Design: four season waterproof bivy sack shelter
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: Simple and quick
Weight: 31 oz
Price Paid: $270-$300

Specifications:

Length: 90 in./229 cm
Pole height: 19 in./48 cm
Width at shoulder: 25 in./64 cm
Max. shoulder circumference: 78 in./198 cm
Width at foot: 21 in./53 cm
Max. foot circumference: 56 in./142 cm
Weight: 1 lbs. 15 oz. / 880 g complete;
1 lb. 6 oz. / 625 g without poles & netting

Features:

Delrin overhead pole
3-layer, 1.1-oz. Ripstop Gore-Tex® upper
Fully taped seams
Guy line loops
Large no-see-um netting section, removable
Sleeping pad straps on floor (patent # 5,941,264)

Review:

The Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy Sack holds up to all weather conditions (in the mid east). I've used it in the dead of winter in the Appalachian trails as well as the summer. It is 100 percent waterproof and windproof. It is lightweight and takes up a minimal amount of space in your pack. It comes with two poles that snap into the sack for an overhead awning and a pole for the bottom. This opens up the front of the sack allowing for more shoulder and head space. Although, the sack tapers down to the feet and it gets quite tight. It has good ventilation if you keep the hood open. It you shut the hood you will get some condensation, which is the only drawback. It is a tight squeeze, I am 5'10" and weigh 150lbs and I had just enough room. There isn't much space for tossing and turning. Although you can fit in a full length sleeping bag and it even has straps for your sleeping pad. It's difficult to get in and out of, but that will be the case with any bivy sack. It offers great protection from the snow, wind and rain. This is the tent to buy for solo nights and extreme weather conditions. Although it's quite expensive, the quality and craftsmanship is excellent.