User Review: Outdoor Research MicroNight Bivy

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

Reviewed June 6, 2007 by Hugh Everett

Rating:
Design: Bivy, no pole
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: Doesn't get any easier than this.
Weight: 17 ounces/ 500 grams
Price Paid: $119

I carried the MicroNight as my only shelter on an ultralight 44-mile hike in the Washington Cascades in summer. By tying the top of the bivy up to a handy tree, I achieved the same effect as a pole in heavier bivies, with just a piece of thin cord. The mesh in the entry expanded as I pulled the top upward, which kept the fabric off my face for a comfortable night's sleep with excellent ventilation and no bug bites. I encountered light sprinkles only, and was kept dry in those conditions; I have yet to encounter heavy rain in this bivy. Overall, I am very happy with the design and extremely light weight of this minimalist shelter.