The North Face Backpack Bivy

Bought this for fastpacking and have used it about 6 nights over the AT in CT/MA and NH.

Pros: easy to set up, packs down very small, lightweight

Cons: no bug netting, requires at least 2 stakes, little ventilation

This bivy is about 85% of everything I'd like in a lightweight solo. I was stuck in it for a 12 hour downpour and it kept me completely dry (I did seamseal it before going out). The fabric does tend to stretch out a bit a few hours after the bivy is initially set up and if you don't re-tighten you'll feel the fabric on your legs.

If it incorporated some king of bug netting allowing you to open the front a bit and somehow eliminated the need for stakes I'd give it 5 stars. This winter I think I'm taking it to a seamstress to add the bug netting, but for this summer, I bought a large square of netting and I just drape it over the unzippered opening.

Don't expect to get your backpack or an animal in it with you, there isn't enough room. I'm 6' and fit fine.

Solid piece, can't wait to use it.

I bought this like new with a snapped rear arch pole from an Ebay seller. Came with everything as new.

Simple fix, right? I have a sack full of aluminum pole remnants from dead tents in case I need to fabricate a missing pole. 

Well, following the length of the original poles I cracked the center pole twice, just as the original pole was.

I'm like, WHAT GIVES???

So I shortened the center of the three poles by an inch and it took like it was made for it. Can't wait to use it.

Only thing is I need to figure out how to install netting and another zipper for the opening so it will be comfortable after a rain or when the nights get hot.