GAME CHANGING Shelter for Hiking and Backpacking! | Uber Bivy by Miles Gear

[@michaelwood3477]

I had bought this Uber Bivy years and years ago and put it through hell sleeping many times in large rock potholes on high exposed rock, and as well met many high altitude afternoon rainstorms in Colorado with very little condensation. Only once did I get sufficiently wet and in a down bag of course, as the rainstorm was extreme all nighter and the base of the bivy got quite wet. Fortunately with the ample space above the head and torso the majority of my body stayed dry. I bought a second Uber bag a few years ago as the tyvec tub was getting quite thin from the many uses and in extreme harsh conditions. I still use both bivy's but they are not for using on every trip just like anything there is not a 'one size fits all' true at any time. I will mention the positives I like about this bivy and that is I can set it up in about 2 minutes (try that with any tent). I have the Durston Xmid 1 solid and even as quick as the pitch is with that (five/seven minutes) you also can't just set up a tent anywhere because of size and pegging constraints, but with the Uber B I can just about find that most beautiful site regardless of wherever I am wanting to pitch. BTW, I also camped with a 27lb dog with ample space above my head and I am 6'2" so lots of extra length and extra width for some of my necessities as well. I could go on and on but this is getting lengthy and I am late at chiming in on this thread as it looks to be a half year old but just wanted to comment on this bivy as it performs much better than many and most other bivy types. My favorite thing is that the top of the bivy matl. is wonderful at breathability and waterproofness which is a Godsend if you are considering a bivy.

[@natehikes]

Mike - Your comment isn’t too late and it’s really nice hearing from a long term Uber user. I agree, this is a fantastic bivy. My only knock is the weight, but hey, it seems bomb proof, so hard to argue that aspect. Thanks for your input and I look forward to years of Uber Bivy use. I’m pinning this comment to the top of the thread!

[@UberBivy]

Nate, Thanks for the great video review. I know that bivy sacks aren't for everyone, and even I won't take it if I know it will be several days of rain. In the Sierra Nevada we have intense thunderstorms but usually only last a few hours. However, on rescues It has performed flawlessly in some really nasty weather. The bivy will not wet out and I have woke up dry and discovered that my bivy is in a puddle of water. I love sleeping under the stars again with door pulled back. Above tree line in the Sierra, tent space can be hard to find but I can always find a spot for my bivy. I hope your video doesn't make me lose what little free time I have left :)

[@natehikes]

My pleasure! I’m glad we connected and continue to converse about this bivy. Thank you for everything you do (and have done) for the SAR community and your fellow hikers.

[@ulperformance4087]

Usless for sleeping in exposed areas of wind, rain and snow as there is no support at the rear of the bivy to prevent the weather from being felt through the fabric/sleeping gear. However, olved by adding a tarp or tent. Additionally, a large number of bivy owners with this type front entry/exit vs side entry/exit bivy find it difficult to get in and out.

[@natehikes]

You literally described the perfect conditions to use a bivy.

[@davidwhite5858]

Just received one on the porch! We will have to wait and see how things go! Can’t believe even seam sealed. 👍

[@natehikes]

I hope you enjoy! See you in the backcountry 🥾

[@Gneiss365]

Looks like a good option. For those who speak metric: It's 2.4m long, 66cm at the foot end and 91cm at the head end, has 61cm of headroom, weighs 737g (or 893g with the included ground sheet).

[@natehikes]

Meters? Centimeters? What kind of witchcraft is this?? 🤣😉😜

[@NessNayii]

I'm in the UK, so thanks, appreciated!

[@Templercz]

​@@natehikes pure logic, ask your NASA why they use it 🤷‍♂

[@frstesiste7670]

It reminds me of my old OR GoreTex bivy with very similar features. Hopefully more breathable/less condensation problems, but that doesn't help much in wet weather. Getting in and out in rain will get water inside and also add to condensations problems. With the superlight tents from ZPacks and others it's really hard to find a good reason for a bivy today IMO. The exception is as an emergency shelter in extreme wind where a bivy will hold up better. That's a very rare use case for most people though.

[@natehikes]

I carry a zpacks 5x7 flat tarp, so like 7 oz overall. I feel ya, it’s hard to justify except for the fact is super durable and better in extreme weather. I do like how simple it is to setup.

[@wisenber]

Good reasons are requiring less space and little setup. . .and much cheaper than what you mentioned. They're great for a thruhiker that mostly does shelters as they can be used in a shelter or standalone.

[@natehikes]

@@wisenber you read my mind. Use it in or out of shelter 👍

[@FOXMAN09]

Bivies can be used anywhere with their tiny footprint, are very stealth which is why i bought mine (this one in the video aint stealth though as it's brighter than the sun), can be used for privacy in shelters/hostels/couchsurfing, add warmth in chilly nights, can be made with more durable materials as it's smaller so it wont add up to too much.

[@wisenber]

@@FOXMAN09 Bivies have a lot of different use cases. A mountaineer looking to minimize the size of a campsite needed usually wants a highly visible option in the event a rescue is needed. If you're prepping for the Apocalypse, high viz probably isn't a feature you want. But you probably do want a break away zipper on the top.

[@codyheisinger2190]

would aftermarket poles be an ideal upgrade?

[@natehikes]

Never crossed my mind. I wouldn’t bother if it was me.

[@DerrickLytlephoto]

A Hyperlight tent weighs the same and actually has room. I’m not anti bivvy but yeah.

[@natehikes]

You can get a tent at 1/2 the Uber even. I suppose it comes down to different gear for different circumstances. I personally would never pay what HL charges, albeit good gear.

[@npsimons]

Here's the diff: you can just lay out a bivy, in any weather conditions, get in, and be sheltered. No UL tent I've ever seen is that fast to setup (I'm especially thinking of the ones that use your trekking poles as tent poles). On top of this, no tent I've ever seen (*especially* the UL ones - they almost *always* have to be staked out) can fit in the space a bivy can, nor work on impenetrable surfaces, ie rock. High in the mountains, you can find plenty of small spaces where even if you had the room for stakes, they won't go in to granite.

[@mtadams2009]

@@npsimonsI have many nights in my Zpacks Duplex and I have hiked for weeks in crapy pouring rain and setting it up has never been a big deal. Condensation yes, that can be an issue but that’s about it.

[@stigcc]

@@npsimonsRight, the bivvy has its place. But it should've been lighter in my opinion.

[@ervinslens]

Such a beautif presentation my friend, professional work!

[@natehikes]

Thank you for the compliment and for watching 💚

[@pedroclaro7822]

fr this dude is great too bad for the agorithm

[@natehikes]

I’ll get visibility over time. Loving the process. Thanks for the compliment!

[@pedroclaro7822]

yes sir. Stick to it! you've got a knack.@@natehikes I vaguelly remember one of the big US backpacking youtubers making a video on his most viral videos. Dan becker probably. Might wanna check it out. But basically - use full caps titles and attention grabbing clickbaity-thumbnails that aren't misleading (misleading gets viewers irritated). Make obvious mistakes on purpose so people comment to correct you out of irritation. Point out big flaws that you're not willing to correct (like audio being effed by wind or whatnot. I've see written captions as apologies, or cartoon birds edited on top of a video to 'mock' annoying birds that wouldn't shut up and let the person record peacefully). Hope this helps mate!

[@mtnbound2764]

this looks literally perfect for a lightweight shelter option

[@natehikes]

For a bivy, it’s unbeatable. However, there are tents just as light (or even lighter) you can get too. Just a heads up. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@icas80]

That's a bivy that I may have to look into. Pair it with a tarp and I got me a lightweight bikepacking setup

[@natehikes]

Link for his website is in the description. I truly believe in this bivy, I have no affiliation or kickbacks for any sales made. And agreed, I have a 7x9 flat tarp I want to try with it. I hope you try it out (let me know if you do)

[@fiskersproductions]

How does this compare to a USMC improved bivy?

[@JimSiverts]

The condensation in a bivy can become overwhelming. There is just no way to avoid it. 🎉I’ve been driven out of these from soaked sleeping bags that I finally gave up on them. Not sure why this one would be any different. This would be handy as an emergency shelter but not sure I would ever use it as a primary shelter.

[@natehikes]

I’ve had my fair share of those nights. Not much with this bivy (thank goodness).

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

It can be avoided with the right, breathable material. If you get a nylon or polyester bivy you'll not only get condensation, you'll sweat. High end, breathable material does cost though. But buy once, cry once.

[@gillyc15]

Do these type of bivys get condensation in any climate?

[@natehikes]

All shelters can condensate - But you should be more cautious with a bivy, as all bivys have a greater potential to condensate. If it’s really humid or wet, it may condensate more than if in a dryer environment. Ventilation is key, and the Uber allows you to do so quite easily. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@Chris-lp3dm]

Looks alright but it isn't really anything new. I used a Camp 7 bivy in my SAR work and recreational wilderness travels for many years. That bivy was fantastic. Same concepts, hoop design, bathtub floor, good overlap of zippers. Could keep me dry in a massive downpour or warm and snug in a blizzard. So the ideas of the Miles Bivy look right, because I've experienced them countless times in the Camp 7 made so long ago.

[@chrisbastardi1277]

Cool product, just curious though does anyone know why the company will be shut down?

[@natehikes]

The owner just wants to do something different and time is lacking for him from what I understand.

[@chrisbastardi1277]

@@natehikes I see, fair enough. Thank you for responding!

[@UberBivy]

These are handmade in my garage and after making 700+ bivy sacks it's time for a break.

[@markdaddario1941]

@@UberBivyI ordered one a couple weeks ago and was just reading up on it more and came across your reply here.... I just want to say I appreciate your time. Time is something we can't get back. I can finally retire my old REI Cyclops bivy! Or when I get the new one from you soon. Bright red and yellow Gore-tex top, blue cordura bottom, I've had it since the late 80's I believe. Odd design with a hood and face netting but robust. Double zipper to allow arm use, and with the hood, great for mountaineering and whipping up that hot coffee while still extremely well protected. Ah well..... time moves on, and so does material design! I look forward to less condensation! Thank you!

[@AlainStewart]

Nice review. Do you think it's bigger than the Outdoor Research bivy?

[@natehikes]

Hey Alain! I doubled checked the measurements (I had previously been interested in MSR bivys) - And yes, the Uber has more space. Miles Gear also sells the Pico bivy, which would be more comparable to the dimensions of the MSR bivys. But with more space comes more weight, which the MSR bivys have the Uber beat by a significant margin. Thanks for your comment and for watching. I’ll be checking your channel out too 💚

[@UberBivy]

Even the PICO bivy has more room than the OR bivys.

[@DanWCarter]

Much rather have the roominess of the many full size tents weighing under 2 lb today.

[@natehikes]

I have a zpacks 7x9 flat tarp (6 oz) and several tents under 2lbs. Sometimes I tarp, sometimes I tent, and now sometimes I’ll Uber bivy. There is not one shelter built for every single instance I backpack.

[@FOXMAN09]

I like my bivy more than this to be honest but the pole system is exactly what i was looking for because i cant risk flying with my bivy as carry on due to airport security possibly confiscating my poles. Thanks for showing those up close, ill try to replicate it.

[@natehikes]

They work better than I expected. You can lose the connection pieces that go between the poles if you’re irresponsible enough. If concerned, a little superglue does the trick.

[@michaelbrohl1625]

I know they said gear would hold it in place but I wish they had simply added some loops so at least I had the option to stake it out.

[@natehikes]

@michaelbrohl1625 I actually agree. Not really to hold it down, but to pull it taught.

[@fairwind8222]

Cool that it’s a little different/ modern….but not enough to change my opinion that the aquaquest hideaway is the best bivy for me!

[@natehikes]

I do love the side zip the aquaquest has. Very nice. The Uber has a ton more room, if you’re into that sorta thing. But yea - stick with the aquaquest if you’re having good luck with it. She a beaut!

[@Ascerian]

how heavy, does to fit tall men comfortably?

[@natehikes]

90 inches (2.29 m) long and 26 oz (737 g). It fits an extra long and extra wide sleeping pad with room to spare.

[@joseligeiro]

Greetings. The poles. Where can I get them? What are they made off? Thank you.

[@natehikes]

Not quite sure. Plastic of some sort. I’ll see if I can find out

[@joseligeiro]

@@natehikes Thank you. I am trying to find something like that, but havent find it yet. Any info could be of use. Please, dont forget about this. I am from Portugal, Europe, If you need anything form here, let me know.

[@robbynatividad6857]

Love it! Where to buy?

[@natehikes]

Link is in the description!

[@citizenphaid1880]

So bummed not available in the UK.

[@natehikes]

I feel like you guys across the pond like bivys more than your American counterparts. I dig it. Thanks for watching and bummer about the shipping ☹️

[@justinw1765]

Don't be. Considering the materials it is made out of ( *very* inexpensive materials, talking like 2 to 4 dollars a yard when bought in high bulk), it realistically should cost no more than like 75 or so dollars (that's including fair wage, US labor). And if you scour construction sites/dumpsters here in the US, it is not hard to find Tyvek Homewrap (the bottom material), completely for free.

[@noleftturns]

Looks like it would be extremely hot in the summer - not enough ventilation.

[@natehikes]

Considering a lot of tents can be stifling in the summer too, you have a valid point. You can actually prop the door of this bivy opened, or even pull the floor closest to your head off the ground to not only create vestibule space, but it also opens up the airflow quite well.

[@outdooroutpost6061]

I had the RAB style version of this and it was super difficult to use. If it’s raining or wet out crawling in almost everything gets wet. The other thing was gear storage. Sure you can stuff stuff inside but once it’s in you aren’t getting to anything inside and you become even more cramped. Cooking you are doing on the outside. You will not be eating in these. The price is pretty high considering it’s made of tyvek. You are talking $$20-50 in materials and that’s a stretch. No way near a $210 price point in my opinion. The positives. You can sleep virtually anywhere. They’re low to the ground so it you want to stay hidden they’re great for that. My rab was super cozy and kept me warm in freezing temps but I never did more than a night. Overall if you have the coin sure go for it but i barely used mine and I camp ALOT. I went back to a USGI bivy when I want to use a bivy and it’s way more practical with a full body zipper design. I’m now using a hilleberg akto. I can sit up and cook and still have small shelter. My stuff fits inside and I don’t have to get on my hands and knees to get inside.

[@natehikes]

I think you make a valid point about the entry. A full length zip would be more ideal.

[@Steginko]

I had bivy for several years, but changed to ultralight tent. There is no much difference in weight, but big in comfort. Its impossible to change clothes in bivy, during bad weather you need additional shelter, or stay inside wet. If you need to go out and back during night- really uncomfortable. I slept in tent, hammock , under the tarp and bivy would be always my last option. In this particular colour, low profile type of shelter, what I consider as small advantage of bivi is not an option execpt snowy time.

[@natehikes]

It’s nice to have a variety of shelters to choose from - Hammock, tent, bivy and tarp.

[@PrinceStoner]

Hey man I’m HOMELESS cuz my wife kicked me out. Still paying the mortgage judge ordered. Where do I get one of these so I won’t be cold n wet while I work n pay the mortgage while homeless?

[@andrea4633]

it looks nice but there are full tents out there that weigh less so i don't see the point except in areas where a bivi is allowed but a tend isn't (above tree line in some areas of the apls for example)

[@natehikes]

I know. The weight is pushing it, especially when considering modern tents. I usually strive to go UL, and bringing this would make that a challenge. I really wanna see if I can piece together a UL loadout with this bivy. It’ll be hard, but I like a challenge! Thanks for watching and visit again soon 🙂

[@DavidKD2050]

hmmm, I am in need of something, either a bivy or an ultralite tent. I know everything that is on the market, but not this product. For me the advantage of a bivy is the significant reduction, or elimination of stakes. Man, how I hate the "dodge the rock, bend your peg, game. And then there is the footprint size. Not to mention the lower profile for windy conditions and fast setup in cases of bad-difficult, weather. I will look at other reviews. Thanks, love your style. Great review. :)

[@natehikes]

Thanks! And you hit all the benefits right in the head. Thanks for watching!

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

If I can use my blow up pad and still have room for my feet to move around

[@natehikes]

100%

[@kenwebster5053]

Yeah, what happens when you arrive at your campsite after walking all day in rain & it's still raining. You’re wet, your clothes are wet, your pack is wet & now all these wet things are in your bivvy with you & you are still wet with zero possibility of getting dry. No, just give me a tent with a vestibule every time, that way I get dry and stay dry in a totally dry sleeping area. Thank you Dan Durston for the X-mid!

[@natehikes]

Use the vestibule feature. It’s not perfect, but what is? Tents and bivys all have a time and place. Kinda like a 4x4 truck VS a sports car. This bivy can go where tents can’t and withstand harsh wind and driving weather better than most tents.

[@kenwebster5053]

From what I see, most people who Bivy also carry a tarp because it's simply more comfortable, providing a degree of shade & weather protected space to, prepare meals or for sleep etc before entering the Bivy. With a tarp, you simply have to protect the entrance from the prevailing wind direction. You could get away with something minimal like the 1 person DD tap S. Some prefer the versatility & space of a 10'x10' square tarp because you can close the entrance down very small, or even do a completely enclosed setup with a floor. However, once you do all that, you a pretty well at or beyond the total weight of a tent-based setup anyway. Sometimes on remote solos, I carry a 1P Tarp S & a SOL escape Bivy, just in case. But the reality of this is that it's not a whole lot lighter than just taking my X-Mid & good luck getting a decent sleep in the SOL Escape sweat box! @@natehikes

[@Newriverartist]

Very interesting! I have done a lot of hiking but don't like to camp out. I am a professional artist and I share my paintings here. Cheers on a Sunday!

[@natehikes]

Checking out your channel now. Dang - You’re works are impressive! Thanks for watching and for subscribing 💚

[@RoughWalkers]

I wanna use it in snow 😅

[@natehikes]

The only time it’ll blend in 🤣 Finding it very useful in winter!

[@RoughWalkers]

@@natehikes 100% 😂

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

I talked to Dave about his products and decided to go elsewhere. Got a custom Mountain Laurel Designs eVent bivy. Has a side zip. Extremely breathable, waterproof, YKK zips. I also got the smaller full length pole system from Canvas Cutter that works well with it. And it gets very little condensation. Don't have to crawl in from front. The custom part is having them make me an 85" long, 87" girth end to end. No tapering. And it's a dark fabric, great for stealth.

[@natehikes]

Side zip - that’s an amazing feature. Those ML bivys are pretty dang awesome. I really dig ML products in general and think they don’t get enough credit. Thanks for the comment, come back again!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That is an interesting bivy. I was just chatting with you on the youtube creators page. Just subbed ya. Your videos are very well done Nate. Keep at it, I am sure you will go far on the platform. Best of luck to you. Perhaps we will see each other on trail someday in those magnificent mountains

[@natehikes]

Thanks man! Maybe we can plan something together someday considering we’re so close to one another. It looks like you have a ton of winter experience in the Whites - friggin awesome!

[@crazydiycatmom]

Came across your videos, and this is a good option for my bf! Thanks nate!

[@natehikes]

You’re welcome Sarah! Thanks for subscribing 💚💚💚

[@Oldsparkey]

Here in Florida and the Semi Tropical Weather it would make a great Sauna. You cold weather folks have it made with something like that. They are to confining for my likes , give me a good Jungle hammock or UL tent any time.

[@natehikes]

Good point. I fly to Florida for work often and it’s so dang hot and humid down there. I don’t know how you do it!

[@Oldsparkey]

@@natehikes Most of us don't from May to October. Heat , Bugs and Hurricanes.

[@natehikes]

@Oldsparkey kinda the opposite here. A lot of people stop hiking/backpacking when winter hits.

[@honeybadgerhikes]

With the Duplex, a 2 person tent, coming in at 19oz, it’s hard to justify a very small and heavier shelter-just saying. It is pricy but I’ve been in all night rain storms that would have been unbearable in a bivy. Make it sub 10oz and it’s a teaser to try.

[@natehikes]

I get this comment a lot - and I typically carry a zpacks 7x9 flat tarp by itself for about 6ish oz. It’s nice to change it up from time to time.

[@markdaddario1941]

I have a Durston but I have also used a bivy in winter when fast was crucial, stakes were going to be a major challenge, and less wind resistance very desirable. My old REI Cyclops bivy and a couple dense foam layers saved the day, along with a good down bag. Wyoming, so, dry to begin with, but very windy sub zero conditions. The extra room in the Uber, which I recently ordered, will be greatly appreciated. A small, challenging limited area footprint makes a bivy a great alternative in some situations, absolutely. I can carry a few extra ounces. A gallon of water is 8 POUNDS. Like my Moss Tent! lol

[@user-he8qc4mr4i]

I the right conditions! Well, Bivys are meant to be used in extreme conditions

[@natehikes]

I mean…not really. Lots of FKT’ers, bike packers, UL’ers, and others use them for their other benefits. Maybe not THIS bivy, but many have other applications.

[@nickyl9040]

Kelty used to make a tent just like that

[@natehikes]

I believe I recall that, but it had a bunch of guy lines too (if I’m recalling correctly)

[@ollvebranch]

Price aside, Is it better than the breathable, waterproof Carinthia family of bivvys?

[@natehikes]

Oooo - I’m not quite sure unfortunately

[@royphair9676]

It's only made out of tyvek not the most expensive material

[@natehikes]

The build quality is incredible. I was quite surprised when I got my hands on it.

[@mtadams2009]

Looks cool but it weighs more than my Zpacks tent and I actually have room inside my tent. I have not seen anyone use a bivy in over a decade. I guess for the money someone will like it.

[@natehikes]

A great segue to plug another video of mine: Ultralight Backpacking is NOT All About Weight! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4eslI2whKiGqNE

[@UberBivy]

I put the bear burrito meme back on my webpage for all to enjoy :)

[@natehikes]

I saw it! Very cool 😎

[@jkmarshall3553]

Dude, bears can get in there... easy!

[@natehikes]

Bears can get into any pitchable shelter if they want to. This bivy does not increase the chances of that occurring.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Sadly, 26 ounces is about 10 ounces heavier than my tent.

[@natehikes]

Yea. It’s about 20oz more than my tarp as well. Thanks for watching!

[@erikcornog9479]

How is a knockoff bivy a game changer?!

[@natehikes]

This bivy is approaching 13 years in production. Basically OG status 😜

[@LeifMacIver]

I have a plex solo it’s not perfect but damn it’s lighter, much more room inside! and packs down to at least the same size. Like the video but hells no

[@natehikes]

lol valid, although this bivy would be better in more extreme conditions - high wind, winter, above tree line etc. Also function well day to day. Kinda like a jack of all trades. But ya, I feel ya.

[@LeifMacIver]

@@natehikes The bivy is definitely not better in snowfall. I’ve been above the tree line in most overnights with the solo without problems. But yeah not in any extreme wind yet

[@natehikes]

I was using it in snowfall last weekend and it did okay. I was able to sit at end of bivy and sorta drape the storm door over my head to do my thing. But if the wind was blowing it would have been different.

[@LeifMacIver]

@@natehikes cool man keep it up!

[@33sosa85]

its a beautiful burritos for bears! jk. im gonna look into this

[@natehikes]

You’re making me hungry 🤤 Thanks for watching and feel free to drop Dave an email - He’s super nice and quite informative.

[@Mark-gl2fz]

Outdoor research bivy is lighter cheaper and not tyvec

[@natehikes]

True. This has a ton more space.

[@turdnugget123]

No thx

[@natehikes]

Your handle cracks me up! How did that come about?

[@MoosebearAdventures]

BIG garbage bag does the same job for 1$ 😊 I don't understand why it's so expensive - this is not a tent and it's not ultralight

[@natehikes]

Garbage bag? That’s just trash talk 🤣

[@justinw1765]

I am also perplexed by the very high price. These materials when purchased in bulk, cost from a range of like 2 to 4 dollars a yard. And you're talking like 3 yards of material for the main part, plus a little netting, a zipper, and a plastic pole. For an experienced sewer, it probably takes like an hour to complete.

[@Bikepacking]

Shame he closing the business down which mean no warranty .. was going buy one

[@natehikes]

Email Dave and see what he says

[@nonservitium]

Cool product, but not worth $210

[@natehikes]

I’m understanding in the fact that this is a cottage company, which generally means higher prices. Sometimes you gotta support the little guy and after talking with the owner, I would pay for it all over again. Super nice dude and he’s on a mission to get this product in people’s hands without much of a profit margin. I would 100% say he does this out of love more than anything else. Appreciate the comment and that you presented it nicely. Come back to the channel again, I’d love to have you.

[@wisenber]

Try to replicate it for less. You might find the value is more than you originally thought.

[@justinw1765]

@@wisenber Are you joking or being serious? When you buy these materials in bulk, you can get them for like 2 to 4 dollars a yard. Heck, if you go around to construction sites/dumpsters, you often can find Tyvek Homewrap completely for free (the bottom material). Construction uses big rolls of this stuff and often don't use a whole full rolls so they throw the rest away. The two main materials involved, Tyvek and Polypropylene are made out of the cheapest, most ubiquitous, most manufactured plastics on the earth--HDPE aka high density polyethylene (the Tyvek), and another label for polypropylene is number 5 plastic--the same stuff that yogurt containers are, that many storage bins are made of, etc, etc. Absolutely nothing special or high end about the materials involved. The price that was being charged was extremely high for what you got, meanwhile having extremely poor UV resistance (especially the polypropylene).

[@markdaddario1941]

@@justinw1765You keep repeating yourself. The two main materials, yeah, you can buy in bulk. Now get the netting. The seam tape or glue. The zipper in the right length. Stitching. Sectional poles. Making the pole tubes, the inner pockets, the cutting and sewing to the pattern. Now how many hours do you have into it? Did you need to make room to make it from space used for something else? It takes time, it takes sourcing, it takes materials, it takes practice, it takes money to advertise. It takes time to do any shipping and handling, paperwork, taxes..... you make it sound like no big deal at all. No doubt then, you could make and sell one for less money! Or not.

[@evanbrunelle3466]

​@@markdaddario1941every company over prices this shit lol. How long has manufacturing been around again? They just know hiker and backpackers will buybthe newest shit for whatever price as long as they like the name or how they can brag about their "new materials" aka construction site materials 😂 ive been in manufacturing in very large scale and smaller. They all wanna make ridiculous money and make bullshit claims.

[@eddydewilde4958]

Thats two" nahs " in a row Nate. For a smidge more you can sit up and cook in a tent.

[@natehikes]

For 1/2 the Uber you can bring a tent. So probably not for those considering weight alone.

[@marksadventures3889]

I think it cost too much, it would blow away. I live in a very wet 🇬🇧 and it wouldn't last here. White tent?! No thanks

[@natehikes]

Not a fan of the white myself. Yea - without gear inside it’ll blow away.

[@Paul-hl4cj]

lost me at 240 for a bag

[@natehikes]

You know the old saying - Buy once, cry once

[@johncrouch8988]

Way too expensive for me!😂

[@natehikes]

It’s all context. This is a great winter shelter, especially when compared to how much a 4 season tent would cost.

[@CuantoSinSentido]

Expensive af

[@carot2003]

I tend to use a Dutch army bivvy but this one looks interesting.

[@natehikes]

Interesting for sure. Not a huge bivy user, but I can appreciate a one man show making something like this in his house. Not bad if you ask me!

[@fredrik660]

I have adblocker on. but this is the one that sneaked by it,

[@natehikes]

No control over that my friend. But if you enjoy watching what people make, turn it off so they can be rewarded for their efforts.

[@tolik5929]

Sorry man , if a person is going to bother taking any shelter , give yourself some room , and get a tent . Even a tarp is better than any bivvy .

[@npsimons]

A tarp won't keep you dry in wind that drives rain sideways, and a tent won't fit on the side of a cliff. /beentheredonethat

[@tolik5929]

Why would I want to sleep on the side of a clif ? I'm not trying to blow up a bunker .Your tarp is too small if you cant rig it to keep you dry . It will also give you a better heads up if things you dont want come around . I always go armed , and pick my spots for camp very carefully . Too much wind is a no go I load heavy , not in a hurry . Like a tank , slow and steady . Where I live , people know to start walking East if they ever get lost , may take a day or so , but sooner or later , you will hit the Atlantic . 95 % forrest , so wind and finding water , is not an issue . @@npsimons

[@natehikes]

You’re talking to a zpacks 7x9 flat tarp user. Love that thing. Any and all shelters have a time and place. But yea - I dig tarps too!

[@woodsboyhunterskogsarmann]

forget it - you will be soaking wet in just a couple of hours with condensation

[@natehikes]

Dang. Which bivy do you have? The Uber or the Pico?

[@UberBivy]

@@natehikes He has neither. Just a projection of his experiences in other bivy sacks. I find it odd that I still have not seen a comment by a current UBER bivy owner.

[@jaychong12]

Fantastic product, but Bad name. Uber? Lol

[@natehikes]

I kinda like it, definitely easy to remember! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@drytool]

There are tents lighter than that

[@natehikes]

Way lighter

[@drytool]

@@natehikes Yeah, my X-Mid Pro 1 is about 16oz, but makes me dependent on stakes and poles, limiting where I can pitch, unlike the Uber Bivy, which I could throw down pretty much anywhere, as far as I can tell, not owning one.

[@natehikes]

@drytool smaller footprint than most tents, but not tiny. I was surprised when I first threw it down. No stakes is nice. And dude - I hear ya. 16 oz for a full fledged tent is hard to beat. Basically a castle compared to this, but the Uber shines in other ways.

[@npsimons]

@@drytoolHaving owned and used my share of bivy sacks, I can say you are right about the greater opportunities for bivy sites. BIvy sacks are faster to setup, and fit in more places. If you just need to hunker down and weather out a storm, a bivy sack is the way to go.

[@damonpeters900]

You can buy a roll of tyvec and make 20 of them for the same price as one of these.. The only "features" it has are the zipper and pole. Both of which you complained about being hard to use at times. You also provided no proof of any of the claims made. You simply stated that the guy who designed it said this or that. Of course he's going to say good things about the product he's trying to sell. If you're going to make a video about something being "GAME CHANGING" don't waste peoples time and show a product that's actually different or have proof of it being better.

[@natehikes]

I know exactly what sentence you’re referencing - The reason I stated it that way was to make sure people understand it needed to be vented and used properly. That’s all.

[@UberBivy]

@@natehikes I guess I'm happy that the 600+ Uber Bivy owners are more interested in using their bivy than commenting online.

[@UberBivy]

The hard structure Tyvek is waterproof but not breathable. It makes a durable floor for the Uber Bivy. Soft structure Tyvek is breathable and not waterproof. The top fabric I use is waterproof, breathable, and does not wet out.

[@yanwaspful]

According to Dave this is not a very good infomercial.

[@natehikes]

His positive comment is pinned above. But I get your angle, I used that term in the video a few times. Hey - at least I know you watched (and appreciate you doing so)!

[@rv7589]

Super gear indeed. Can you just translate measurements to metric system on the video please. Not all of us are northamericans, and you people are the only ones left (with Thailand) to use this prehistorical system. In Europe we call it "retard measurments". Objectively, it's not practical.

[@natehikes]

Length: 2.4 meters Width at feet: .91 meters Width at head: .66 meters Height at head: .61 meters Weight: 730g Prehistoric would be metric as it’s older lol. But I get what you’re saying.

[@calvinstephenson3920]

Bivy's are trash. Good luck with head room when it's raining outside and you need headroom. The X-Mid one is around the same price and weight with room for gear inside the tent or vestibules. The only game changer in bivy's is lack of room and comfort.

[@natehikes]

You’re comparing apples to oranges

[@calvinstephenson3920]

@@natehikes apples to oranges? This is not a game changing shelter at all. For the average hiker/camper, its garbage. For a new hiker/camper, this would be a huge turnoff.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

I use my bivy in the back of my pickup. Keep it set up. I get the sitting up part but I only use it for sleep. Have a topper over truck bed. What works for me is the warmth. Suppose to add 10° inside and it feels it. Between that, a foam mat, and a down blanket it's very comfortable. So bivies have their uses. But I wouldn't get the cheap, non breathable, crawl in from the front kind.

[@tom1966mac]

$200 is way too much

[@natehikes]

It’s $220. This just even more awkward 🤣

[@storytime8034]

That Bivy looks cheap. The material definitely looks cheap.

[@natehikes]

Looks sure can be deceiving!

[@UrielShlomoGarcia-fi4yu]

That Bivy is no game changer, why? because first, its inner liner lack of ventilation will aggregate condensation due to the lack of separation of its material since it touches the hiker.

[@natehikes]

True, that could happen if you’re not careful. But many single wall tents get dripping condensation on you too. The most important area, your head, has plenty of room and several means to vent.

[@UrielShlomoGarcia-fi4yu]

Another point that I failed to point out is that the material will sag close to the body thus, will wet your sleeping bag filtrating to you through even worse if it's raining.@@natehikes

[@viahney7200]

Top fabric MVTR = 1035gr/m2/24h 1st possibility: he forgot a zero. 2nd you're lying, 3rd you don't know anything about hiking

[@natehikes]

Yes - it caught my eye. Did research, found other items with a WAY higher MVTR. Like you, I called bullshit. After testing it, and speaking with the owner on how he uses it, I am confidently concluding that it handles moisture very well. You just gotta vent it properly.

[@viahney7200]

@@natehikes I do not believe in magick, goretex is about 25000 MVTR and condensates when used as bivy, as a jacket it can definitely get damped of condensation. My previous hardshell jacket didn't condensate at all but it was 80000mvtr. If this bivy fabric is really 1035 MVTR there's no way that it doesn't condensate, you were just lucky with the weather conditions, any nylon or polyester tarp has a higher mvtr and condensate when used as a bivy. Actually even the tyvek bottom has a higher MVTR and in some particular conditions I wouldn't be surprised that this bivy condensates only with the moisture coming through the tyvek when nobody is sleeping inside if he really didn't make a mistake with that spec.

[@natehikes]

@@viahney7200 your comments are valid and make absolute sense, as I had the same thoughts. First night I totally encapsulated bc I wanted to test HOW breathable - I got wet. I called the owner, asked about the same stats you’re referencing. He gave me some advice - tried again, got wet at head but not in footbox. Repeatedly tested it over and over and got most of the condensation under control. I don’t come out bone dry, that’s for sure. And this is where my knowledge drops off - I’m not sure if it’s because there is more space in this bivy and the airflow is so good when vented? The outdoor conditions were roughly the same. Let me know your thoughts please.

[@viahney7200]

@@natehikes The size of it obviously makes a huge difference and is the main factor in my opinion that is limiting the condensation. For a same amount of moisture a bigger fabric can let the moisture get trough as fast as a smaller fabric with higher MVTR, one can calculate that. But with a 25 times lower MVTR fabric than goretex a bigger fabric size is far to be enough to avoid condensation. The pole to get more room also helps but again, there are hiking tents with higher mvtr and better ventilation that condense. One other factor is the texture of the fabric, some textures don't allow the moisture to condense as easily as others, that could be a part of the explanation. Since he produces the bivy out of roof construction materials, some chemicals that may have microscopic DWR effect are not excluded too.

[@natehikes]

I know size plays a factor, but to what extent with this bc it’s so small compared to most tents. The upper does have an odd texture to it. My 2P single wall doesn’t condense much either, a chief complaint with that particular tent. I bounced back and forth about doing this review bc I knew someone could easily look up MVTR and get mad without being inquisitive enough to have a convo about it. I appreciate that you’re being polite. Also - the last line in your comment is very interesting. I’m going to plow forward and keep testing and do a more long term review down the road (if company is still around). But so far, for a bivy, I’m impressed!