What's with the Bivy? Two Ultralight Sleeping Setups

[@TPoint40]

I'm liking these "on-the-bike/during-trip" interviews, with the other video coming to mind the bike-check one you did with yourself and two buddies. I'd enjoy seeing more. I like the "real-life" informational aspect of it while also feeling like we're getting a peek behind the curtain or behind the scenes look.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Great, thanks for sharing. I'll try and do more.

[@tjkearns5091]

Joe, Always so well spoken and stoic. Great video Neil!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

No filler, all gold!

[@___IG]

I enjoy hearing about the gear people take on trips and why. Fun video! Would like to see the size packed though, vs other setups

[@skier222]

I love my OR helium bivy. It only comes out when I don't expect rain. It's great for a little warmth, wind protection, moisture/dew management, and keeping dirt out. I pretty much always sleep with my head out, but can zip closed for short squalls or to put in contacts somewhere protected. Re: "an ultralight tent is only a little bit heavier," it's also several times more expensive. I found my bivy for $70 on Facebook and it weighs under a pound. An ultralight tent that comes in near/under 2 pounds will cost several hundred, minimum.

[@1972Konaboy]

I use an OR Helium Bivy and tarp bikepacking or backpacking. Love it and sooooo light.

[@drvoxmentat]

Me too. The hoop and guy lines make it a bit more “tent-like” inside. And oh so tiny and light!

[@FrankLee-m7y]

When I biveyed during my bike packing trip I used a space blanket for the ground cloth. I love the baseball cap idea for space making above the face in the bivy

[@paulscircle]

Bivy's, trully thought they were done for, lol. With the more modern tents like Durston x-mid and the bikepacking Big Agnes, MSR and Nemo lines. I totally get it for this AZ arid climate its just fine. I have spent many night never setting up my tent and just sleeping under the stars in AZ. Thanks again Neil and friends for all you most awesome content. Paul

[@klunkébikes]

Very inspiring setups! My not quite as minimalist shelter for a 10 day tour of the Gaspé peninsula in Quebec included a DD Hammocks ultralight 3x3 meter tarp which I set up like a tent most nights, and I had a cheap Grand Trunk hammock I was able to use a couple of nights when flat ground did not exist. That 1 lb tarp + 1 lb hammock + a compact trekking pole and a handful of stakes gave me a whole lot of campsite options for around $200 total cost. And I added a foil backed poly tarp to use as a groundsheet on the tarp/tent setup and as a pseudo bivy the nights I was in the hammock. I'm hoping to make a video detailing the trip soon!

[@clc1117]

Thanks for the on-the-trail video! I love my current ul setup. I’m rockin a or helium bivy, a klymit superlight insulated pad, and a 35 degree rab bag (only 1lb!). I pair this with my down hoody, down pants, and 2.5 pillows. I really need to keep my head elevated for good sleep. This setup is great and keeps me warm even into the freezing temps. Next time I go out I’m going to try rolling the bivy, pad and bags all together for quick setup and breakdown.

[@westernimagesnevada7849]

Used a bivy and tarp with success even when it rained. The down sides were, it’s tough to get dressed and the bugs. If the bugs are bad you are forced to crawl in and zip up. It’s hard to read inside these fabric coffins.

[@benboo6351]

Hooped bivy all the way! My Macpac Bush Cocoon weighs as much as a tiny tent, but it also functions as one

[@SBC-Dualsport]

I would like to try a bivy system. I never thought I could do a hammock until I tried it.

[@gmjohnson77]

Integral Designs! Old skool, I wish they were still around

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Thanks for an interesting video. Offering feedback respectfully only because I've tried versions of their systems over the last 50 years. From lawn and leaf bags, tarps, to cowboy camping, I have some great stories about cold and rain camping. I guess that is why we do this, the views, trail friends, and memories. All of the bits and pieces of their sleep systems weigh almost the same and probably take up more space than a modern single wall backpacking tent. Tarptent by Henry Shires, model ProTrail weighs 680 grams, cost $239, made in USA. It sets up in 3 minutes, one front pole, 30D floor and 20D Silnylon rain proof body. Tarptent makes the same model in Dyneema at 504 grams and $500. Add a 20 degree Western Mountaineering bag, a modern sleeping pad, and you're warm, safe, and comfy from the deserts to the mountains for three seasons. Bonus, the tent vestibule is just big enough to fire up your stove in the morning for coffee. Happy trails☮

[@theweakshop]

He y Neil - huge fan of the OR +Tyvek system.

[@borewicz857]

Cool setup, I've tested it as well, but for me and our central European climate & nature it worked only in shoulder seasons. Sth like early spring or later autumn when ain't a lot of bugs and mosquitoes, which are a misery. I don't like a bivy bag though, it makes sleeping bag wet of condensation moisture. For summer or rainy forecasts I take an ultralight tent, doesn't take much space (I attach it to the bike frame top bar) and keeps the bugs and rain away. Plus I can stash all sensitive equipment inside or under vestibule too.

[@seththomas2429]

I've been using a bivy setup exclusively for about 7 years now, and I've found myself whittling it down even further. Right now it's an OR Helium Bivy with a SOL escape Bivy as a liner, and an inflatable pillow. That's pretty much it. Sometimes I'll bring a generic REI sleeping pad, but even that has been seeing less use. Much like Willie's setup I prefer to carry my warmth on my body, and I spend a lot of time riding at night. So I tend to already have adequate warmth for whatever conditions I'm encountering. The Bivy is more or less there to keep me dry and warm when I do decide to sleep. Coldest temps so far have been high 30s/low40s (F), with a pair of fleece leggings, a light merino hoody, and a rain jacket. Obviously this kind of setup isn't for everyone, but I've found it incredibly effective. Especially if you're looking for quick setup/takedowns.

[@clarkedc7822]

Curious what the total packed space looks like compared to an ultralight tent. Other than obviously ditching the tent poles, is it really that much smaller? Both of these setups seem to have extra considerations and serious compromises. I get the bivy premise for extreme setups in a race setting but are these tradeoffs worth it otherwise? Wearing a baseball hat to sleep to keep the bivy out of your face? Lol. Carrying a tarp for backup? Who doesn’t love the anxiety of setting those up in the middle of the night when that unexpected rain storm comes through.

[@skier222]

It's definitely smaller. I can fit my entire sleep system (OR helium bivy, 30F bag, Thermarest) into my seat pack, whereas even a good ultralight tent like a Big Agnes Tiger Wall takes up much of the bag on its own, and poles have to go on the outside. Unlike those shown here, many bivy bags also come with one or two small poles that keep the fabric off your face, which goes a long way towards comfort. It's totally a tradeoff, but I often choose the bivy.

[@mikedeal7457]

50 degree sleeping bag isnt that just a sheet😅 I bought a bivy, never used it. I do like to cowboy camp though and I pretty much use a 20 degree quilt year round, its no fun fighting the cold. Are you really saving weight when bring so many tertiary items to bolster your sleep kit?

[@clarkedc7822]

@@skier222 I guess you can run smaller bags, what size seat bag does your set up fit in? I also fit my entire sleep system into a seat bag (durston x-mid 1, stakes, big Agnes rapide sl long wide, 30degree quilt, Nemo fillo (the one with memory foam), and sleeping clothes) all in a Revelate 16l spine lock. The two tent poles clip to the outside but is very simple and secure.

[@skier222]

@ Sounds like a totally bomber setup. I'm a cheapskate, so currently running an REI 11L seat pack I found on sale. I bet the Durston is pretty close to the bivy in size/weight.

[@skier222]

@ I agree it's not worthwhile if you're hauling around a bunch of "just in case" tarps and stuff. For me, just the bivy is enough, and only comes out if I'm not expecting rain. Maybe it's better to say that I like to cowboy camp, and the bivy is my "just in case" gear.

[@JakeLuke308]

Hmm... based on what I watched I may do a hybrid of bivy and tent when I go to Arizona next month. If I bring the fly and poles from my Durston Dome X and some Tyvek I may be in good shape. I might also bring a 3/4 ridge rest pad for protection beneath my inflatable pad.

[@BikeNorthSeattle]

I love my bivy when it's cold. My personal experience has been sleeping warmer. I dislike it in the rain, however. Sadly it rains a lot here, especially in the winter, when it's colder.

[@barrybogart5436]

Tell me about it! I'm on Vancouver Island.

[@BikeNorthSeattle]

@@barrybogart5436 - Oh yeah, I feel that! Depending on where, you probably got it worse too.

[@MrRay645]

like the on trail in use gear vids. Would love an ultra tiny/light set bivy set up but on the east coast its just so humid I think I would be soaked with condensation. thinking a bug net bivy and a light tarp maybe

[@timothydoyle8269]

sea to summit small inflatable pillow is a must for me on minimal set ups. Small enough to not skip out on it. Total game changer after using whats mentioned here.

[@ehounshell]

Yeah I can't stand the puffy/clothes in stuff sack as pillow. Inflatable pillow has me sleeping much much better.

[@stroudnick]

I’ve gone away from bivys here in the PNW after the 2nd time (that I know of) mice ran across my face, that and mainly have been camping with my wife, so tents have become preferred. I’d imagine there are other places where this isn’t as much as a big deal. If anyone is interested, my personal tips include, as a hot sleeper I found that a bivy adds ~10+ degrees (F) to a sleep setup and did like a thinner pad as a side sleeper, specifically my thermalite prolite. Don’t have a bivy recommendation only because my preferred bivy is used event fabric, believe raab branded, no longer in production.

[@adarogu]

I have been a bivy only guy for most of my life. I see it as emergency cover when it actually rains. If its not raining I wouldnt want be in a tent anyway. 2019 I rode Montreal to Halifax and half way through the ride I had to upgrade to OR Alpine because my bivy at the time didnt have a bug net and mosqitoes in Quebec are brutal.

[@peterstrachan1794]

I wish but there are two things in Scotland that make a bivvy a non starter. Rain and midges. The time of year when it rains less heavily is when the midges are at their height. They can break you!

[@Testbug-dy6tj]

Iv done setups like this, they are super lightweight and fast to pack up. I used a old military roll mat, and a reflective tarp, and sleep in my cold weather gear. Get a head bug net, if your scared of bugs crawling on you.

[@Windingify]

I run a Bivi + quilt and different inflatable mats. Has worked fine here in not so dry Scandinavia. But since I got my Amok, I am bringing it to every tree out there. Light gear is great, but a great sleep is better, at my age. (56)

[@neonzone4601]

i still dont know whats better or makes sense - keep the isomat outside or inside of the bivy? does it make a real difference? What is ur opinion on this?

[@ESF19791111]

INTERESTING :) THANK YOU FOR SHARING :) THANK YOU FROM ISRAEL :)

[@Incorruptus1]

Guess we want a sleepingbag with all those layers already attached. And be rid of all those separat layers. Might be nice to have one for winter summer and fall conditions/temeratures. How hard to make is that? Good luck!

[@brianlong7918]

Just back from a trip where weight became a serious issue, a bivy is getting tempting.

[@SonnyDarvish]

I'd rather have some extra space near my face, so a bivvy tent is the minimum. What I have already feels cramped in winter after adding a yoga mat and a thicker sleeping pad.

[@dalemonaco]

I bought the OR Helium and used it on a week long trip on a whim. It wasn't for me, felt like I was suffocating..

[@TarasGlek]

I love army surplus bivys for bike camping. They are tough and goretex is good for when it gets a little wet. I am 6'5 so its the only bivy that fits. Why are bivies considered out of fashion now? What changed?

[@sagehiker]

I have to have at least a short inflatable pad to help with hips and shoulders. I grew up hiking “cowboy” camping outside Tucson. Bivy use for a night is okay but days in a row are not for me.

[@landonsawaya]

These setups both make decent sense, except for one major component - the bivy! If it's not raining, why put a waterproof layer between your insulation and the air, which will serve only to trap body moisture inside?

[@Dr.Schlitz]

How do you sit up in a bivy?

[@yumyumhungry]

Looks like yall are prepared well for the arid climate. If it were somewhere wet or buggy i wouldn't bring a bivvy, but for Arizona? Sure perfect setup

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Yep

[@falcoperegrinus82]

I think I'll stick with a tent. Bivys just seem too claustrophobic to me.

[@whatthehoeck]

Ive been running a bivy and tarp like Joe for years. Works good. Foam pads dont pack well is my issue.

[@marksandoval5361]

Bivy's are fine until you have to spend many hours in one during a long rain storm.

[@barrybogart5436]

That's why I also have a Big Agnes Hotel 2! Don't like cabin fever.

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

If you're not in a dessert a bivy is the way to go if you like your sleeping bag nice and wet. And nope, GoreTex also isn't the solution here, it's equally shitty and heavier. In most situations a tarp is the better solution as it allows ventilation and when you're on a bike you don't even need to carry it. Instead of bivy tents you can take a nice 1 person tent. The area it takes up and the weight are nearly the same, you need stakes for both but in the tent you can sit upright, cook in the vestibule, get in and out without feeling like a worm and enjoy life.

[@jooproukens800]

A bivy is best when used combined with a poncho or tarp when it rains.

[@redlegds_adventures]

No snakes?

[@TapioBlue]

Or mice chewing your sleeping bag.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

I was tarp camping in the desert one time during a Tarantula migration, that was a creepy night. Another time at 9,000 feet, Eastern Sierras, and the mosquitos drove me nuts; hiked out at 10pm and donated the tarp.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@ Gotta' love mice at the bottom of Tanner Trail in Grand Canyon next to the river. They were chewing at my tent screen door. I'd let them climb half way up, then slap them from the inside and watch them fly off into the dark. Fun times! Thanks for the memory prod.

[@barrybogart5436]

@@Mike-vd2qt I was camping in Canada and did that with the slugs who climbed the tent wall.

[@barrybogart5436]

I use a Geertop bivi when it is warm and dry, or I am stealthing. In fact, I learned about it from Stealth Camper Steve. It has short arc poles to keep the top and bottom up away from my face and feet. A line from each end to a peg, bush or rock keeps it taught. It was only about $100Cdn. I sometimes also carry a hammock and tarp. So a bivi that could also be used as a hammock would be fantastic!

[@marcusrawls2125]

So basically, let's go as light as possible to get the minimum amount of sleep needed to survive while on trail.

[@Hungrycyclist81]

In my opinion, you can’t beat the “Nordisk Lofoten 1 ulw”.

[@flippoo7875]

Only if your a smaller than 6'1 and love to have a lot of condensation.

[@Hungrycyclist81]

@ I’am 6’1. The Thermarest neo x-lite Large sleeping pad fits with roughly 20cm of extra space at the foot and at the head. The sleeping pad is 196cm in length.

[@bloodclartbiking]

All that exra stuff might as well get a tent lol

[@youtubezombie547]

Around town I sleep on a ground sheet with light weight sleep system but out where bears and all sorts of other killer critters, nope, tent for me. Once I had my sleeping stuff laid out, in the scrub, (this in Australia)before retiring, thought I'd better shake it out as it had been lying there for sometime, out popped 5 cm. Centipede, every time I closed my eyes that night, all I could see was those pincers.

[@marbleshikes]

Yuo trounn bivy gode sembin tarp geklvin halbostern tent stakes too

[@jacampb]

I use old goretex military bivvy. I keep a 20deg down on top of a blow up mattress inside of it all times. Pop the cap when time to get going and roll it all as one. Time to set up camp I can unroll and blow up in under a minute. The weight is all negligible next to my fat azs

[@jacampb]

Also had this in downpours nothing under nothing over. Just keep up with the dwr

[@hesgone6699]

OK now tell us how to be ultralight when it's not warm and dry and without spending hundreds on the big brands

[@dapedalist]

Prefer a tarp to an enclosed bivvy, otherwise the rest of the swags much the same.