Helium Bivy Review

Hi everyone, in this video I review the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy Bag.
I have a number of bivy bags and was keen to review this one after buying it a few months ago and testing it on a few outings, and an overnight camp n cook when I was out wild camping during the summer.
A popular and reputable company originating in the USA, Outdoor research has a large range of outdoor camping/tramping/alpine and other outdoor equipment. clothing and the like.
Having seen very mixed reviews of this bivy bag, I thought it was time to give you my honest appraisal on it's performance- the good, the bad, and the not so good.
So watch the whole video, and make up your own mind. Certainly, if you are thinking of purchasing this product then you really DO need to watch this video.
Hope you like the video and get something out of it.
Comments welcome and please like and/or subscribe if you like the video.
Thanks for watching.
Cheers
Rick
For full specs simply google "Outdoor Research" or go direct to their website.

[@BingBongBingBong-hk7kz]

Hi Richard, another great gear review. I guess you would have liked to have found some of the bags not so good points before you forked out the cash for it. I wouldn't imagine that it would be any good in heavy rain as rain would probably pool in the hollows that form near the foot of the bag. Allan

[@LifestyleandTechNZ]

Hi Allan, yeah I did a bit of checking before I bought it, but the review i watched was from the UK and the merchant packed pegs and guy rope with it, so I mistakenly assumed they were all like that- not even! lol. It's right on the end of it's "return" period too, so i needed to get this review done asap...lesson learned.

[@logan-dy4cf]

Nice review i almost bought one of those bags but decided just to push the boat out and all out i ended up with the Carinthia xp2 plus which has never let me down but will admit its heavy compared to a tent but when after a really hard day hitchhiking and getting soaked it was allways great knowing that i was allways going to be warm and dry and could be in my bag in a very short time any doubts i had about the money paid evaporated when snug inside hearing the rain chucking it down outside ,i also own a Terra nova jupiter the full gortex bag which has only been put up twice but never slept in i find it way too small im six feet .

[@LifestyleandTechNZ]

Thanks mate, glad it sparked your interest and I was really intrigued by your comments re: Carinthia xp2- as I know nothing at all about this bag but it looks great, and yes a bit heavier-but like you say, that comfort and dryness and ease of set up is such a joy when having to set up in crap weather especially. Looks great. It reminds me of my Trekmates Squall bivy, but looks superior for sure and more weatherproof and cosy. And that wee vestible out front is so valuable if you don't use a tarp overhead. Great comments.

[@michaelmcphee2930]

It gets lots of excellent reviews by influencers on KZbin, mainly about the quality and its light weight. That obviously is not enough given the deficiencies deficiencies highlighted here. The major flaw i get is that it flops down on your sleeping bag, and that would lead to condensation, which would be aggravated by rainwater pooling on the bag. Its too bad as i was seriously thinking about one of these. I wonder how feasible it would be if the top section was layered and inflatable?

[@LifestyleandTechNZ]

Hi mate, yes you hit the nail on the head with your comments re: bag flopping down on your sleeping bag etc. And in fine dry calm conditions thats probably all you need, But I think those conditions are more the exception than the rule. The thing that I also find a wee bit misleading is the advertising pics which always show this bivy fully lofted and looking great, I have put my thickest air mat inside, and my winter weight (-05 rated) sleeping bag inside and it still wont even half fill this bivy. Be good to hear from somebody who has one and is happy with it, for a balanced perspective.👍

[@michaelmcphee2930]

@LifestyleandTechNZ I think I'll be going with the MacPac cocoon. Side entry. It's a bit heavier at 970 g and about $30 AUD cheaper in Perth

[@LifestyleandTechNZ]

@@michaelmcphee2930 It looks good doesnt it. 👍

[@augustusirl]

Good critiques, especially considering it's the highest rated bag on outdoorgearlab and rated second best for ventilation -- I wouldn't have known.

[@LifestyleandTechNZ]

Thanks. Yes, I have seen a lot of good ratings on various outdoor retailer sites for this bivy, so it definitely has it's supporters. I am a bit dubious of reseller websites that have high numbers of 4 and 5 star ratings for a product thas has some big issues. But maybe most people just use it as a quick sleeping bag cover in good conditions. 👍

[@davidjackson8829]

OR usual make quality stuff. However I am not convinced that this represents value for money. Selling a label not premium product. There are quality tents for a little bit more. Trekmates Squall is better

[@LifestyleandTechNZ]

I absolutely agree with you mate. Really wanted to like this bivy...but it is so incomplete...And I think you are spot on about "premium labels"