User Review: REI Minimalist

I have used this bivy once so far on a three day backpack in the Eastern Sierras around 10,000ft (in July). Due to nice weather predicted, and clear skies I left my tent in the car to lighten my load. Bivy is light, well built, seam sealed and looks nice.

First night was clear and nice sleeping under the stars. I used my TNF Blue Kazoo inside the bivy, a warm hat, and a tent groundcloth. I was quite warm and comfy in the upper 30s. I also used the A16 Insect bivy to keep away mosquitos.

Early second evening, dark clouds came down, and I hurriedly ate my dinner, and moved my ground cloth under some tree shelter. Put my mosquito bivy in place, propped up my hiking poles with rocks. I put my rain jacket as a cover over my face.

It rained for over five hours. I stayed bone dry inside. Just gets you stir crazy, when you cannot really move outside to use the facilities :)

Pros: light weight, well made, kept me dry.

Cons: Face netting stays over the face, and I found it annoying. I did fine using the A16 mosquito bivy (also highly recommended) and my rain jacket.

In the morning, I shook everything, put it out in the sun and dried it before packing onwards.