Is The GeerTop Bivy Tent The Best Budget Bivy Tent?

[@outdoorswithrichard]

The Geer Top Bivy Tent is a fantastic budget bivy, ideal for stealth camping, wild camping or general camping. A budget bivy, that’s well made, in a choice of colours and with some great features, what’s not to like! The side entrance is great and the extra room in this bivy is also definitely a bonus and makes it a lot less claustrophobic! 👍

[@Paul-go8nw]

I do hope Geer Top have improved their waterproofing in those tents. Previous reviews on KZbin videos have not been good. Mind you this is going back a few years ago. Certainty would be improved with a tarp overhead. I personally like side entrance bivys making it a more easier enjoyable experience. I personally think you do give a honest thoughly sound review. ❤

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comments. Your right, the waterproofing did use to be an issue on the first model of this bivy, but this bivy is GeerTops “GeerTop Bivy Tent 2” which has had improvements made to it, including the waterproofing. The side entrance for me definitely makes getting in and out easier! Also tarp coverage for bivy camping is a must! 👍

[@lauriebloggs8391]

I can also vouch for the waterproofing on the Plume 2

[@FatBlokeDoingStuff]

Great video! I'm going for my first winter overnighter in a couple of weeks. Can't wait!

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thank you for your comment. I’m pleased you liked the video! Good luck with your first over nighter. Let me know how you get on! 👍

[@Raven-vo6dl]

hey ! just gettin into solo backpacking was looking at this tent and was thinking of doing some colder trips howd it do one your winter trip?

[@outdoorswithrichard]

@Raven-vo6dl to be honest I wouldn’t use this bivy for multi day solo backpacking, as it’s too small and although its alright for one night, for multiple nights you would crave more room. An actual solo tent would be better suited, as a solo tents would have a similar weight and pack size, but offer you a lot more room when pitched! Also in the cooler months, you will get a lot more condensation in this bivy.

[@robertredwood9944]

Just subbed. Great video. I’ve got an alpkit elan. This one seems to have more room. Also iam 6 foot 3. Nice to have reviews with a similar size to myself. 👍🏻

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comments, cheers for the sub, enjoy the channel 👍

[@Phoenixonesix]

It's a cheap bivvi. I suffered really badly from condensation but it was a very wet afternoon and night. The extra head height is brilliant. I don't understand why they would make it in camo, then put highly reflective tags all over it. Enjoy your camping.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. Condensation is always a factor, regardless of tent or bivy. I don’t think you can ever fully prevent it, only try to reduce it. I do agree having any reflective points on a camo coloured tent/bivy does seem to defeat the object 😂

[@lauriebloggs8391]

There's enough space I reckon to put 2 downward cowls under the hoops on the sides of the head end? Would that not ease the potential for condensation further?

[@outdoorswithrichard]

@@lauriebloggs8391 Thanks for your comment. That might help, but to be honest a lot of condensation appears due to the lack of breathability. Now regardless of what bivy you have, or what fabric it’s made out of, no fabric is 100% breathable, so condensation will always be a factor. Also they reckon you add +- 10 degrees to a sleep system, when using a bivy, along with the time of year you’re using your bivy, this too, will make a significant difference!

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Condensation is always an issue with tents and bivis. you can minimize it, but never 100% get rid of it. the problem is even worst with a bivi since the limited airflow. One thing you can do is to leave the first door open and add a small tarp set very low over it.

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@DiabloOutdoors Out of all of this style of bivi, this is one of the better ones for managing airflow as the bivi is off the body; but yes, it can be an issue as there is much less airspace therein than a tent. However I think Geertop have missed an opportunity with this, to put 2 downward facing cowls and mesh, on the head sides within the frame. Nevertheless, after several, my go to bivi and excellent value. Has proved totally waterproof too.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Very good review. However there might be two issues. I'm also 6'2" and have the same body type. And... I'm also a side sleeper. This being said, @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="606">10:06</a> we clearly see that your top shoulder is almost matching the top of the bivi. And this is a problem since most air mattress are 3" to 4" thick. And when we see you with the full sleep system, you're on your back. So that worries me. Second: I don't know if it's because you've looselsy set the tent or not, but there's a lot of sag, so that worries me vs the rain. Again, very good review. Well done and thank you for that video.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comments and I totally appreciate what you’re saying. Unfortunately I personally feel no bivy is ever perfect, as we are all different in size and at the same time we all want different features in a bivy, however for someone that’s taller and broader, I’ve found this bivy to be the most generous in size and height! 👍

[@DiabloOutdoors]

@@outdoorswithrichard The roomier bivi in this category and price range is the Eureka Solitaire AL (at the moment of writing this). And the weight is about the same. The hydro is way lees tho at 1800mm

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@outdoorswithrichard Absolutely! I'm 6'4"..............

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Another good review. I think Geertops waterproofing (seam sealing?) maybe have improved of late... That and the now ludicrous pricing of the Snugpak bivvi make this a very attractive option. I think also it's a better design than the Snugpak. If I was in the market for another bivvi, I would look very closely at this......not in camo though!😂

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. I always think a little extra seam sealing for peace of mind, however in saying that, I do believe, the waterproofing all round, ie seams, have been greatly improved. I think the issue previously was to do with a manufacturing fault, not a design fault. I also think this bivy is far more attractively priced, compared to the Snugpak

[@willisblevins4190]

Good show I like this bivvy thanks

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment, I personally really like this bivy! 👍

[@henrybowden9907]

I have one of these bivvies and I'm really pleased with it. I do find a lot of condensation but it's kept some torrential rain out so the condensation is a small price to pay. I agree that the bag is too damned small so I've got a stuff sack for the tent and I keep the poles in the original bag. I'm also 6!2" and I'm even wider than you, but there is plenty of room inside. I think the quality of the tent is good and I intend to keep using it.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. Condensation will always be a feature of bivys, just apart of the experience I suppose lol. I too ditched my storage bag and replaced it, as it was a pain in the arse! No issues with waterproofing either, however in saying all that, I love this bivy and have had some great times using it! 👍

[@billyjo1148]

Yeah have used one quite a bit cycling good waterproofing on mine Agree with you a lot of condensation if fully zipped I always just use the mesh if not raining

[@outdoorswithrichard]

@@billyjo1148 Thanks for your comment. Yes you definitely need some airflow, to keep the condensation down 👍

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Always carry a little micro fiber. Leave the top door open. Install a small tarp over it. This will eliminate 95% of the condensation.

[@johastings1233]

Another great video! Will you be doing some steal and wild camping videos, in the future?

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. I’m pleased you enjoyed the video! I’ll definitely be doing some camping videos in the future! 👍

[@rogerdayton]

So no need to seem seal or spray (waterproofing) it? It is waterproof as is? I'm on motorcycle steath caamping and size looks ideal!!! Just worried about it being waterproof and have no issues seam sealing / spaying to improve it if necessary.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment! I’ve never had to seam seal mine and have had no issues, so far. You could seam seal a bit more for added protection if you wanted, but like say I’ve had no issues! I also however also put a tarp over the bivy as explained in the video!

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Englishwoodsman I think did a review and wasn't ower chuffed. I think I'd be diamonding a tarp over it and that gives you a wee awning out front, excess at back and sides tucked under and stuffed with leafage for insulation.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. Yes Englishwoodsman did do a review, however that was 5 years ago. I believe. I think changes have been made to this bivy subsequently since, especially with regard to the waterproofing. I would still however always use a tarp over a bivy though. I would also use some form of a footprint, for extra protection and insulation.

[@reluctantfellrunner]

Just subbed. Best wishes on your adventures in 2024.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thank you so much for subscribing and your support! Best wishes to you as well in 2024 👍

[@BackyardDispatcher]

new sub here I love camping and hiking I am weary of anything that can gather a pool of water so a tarp is totally necessary I think it really needs something to fix the sag where your knees are because I see that area gathering water if you dont use a tarp m8 , good review

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment and subscribing! I totally agree with you, tarps are a must and with reference to the sagging in the middle, this can be a pain and potential water trap, however I think biviys in general are better designed now days, mind you, a few tweaks here and there and they could be great! 👍

[@michaelstephanides1854]

Good video for a very interesting product, thank you. For me the weight is reassuring, as this implies sturdy materials. speaking from a tactical perspective if there was a head opening, in addition to the side opening this would be an awesome piece of kit. Also , I would like the foot end to be the same height as the top so as to be able to store a bergen there. Thank you once again, Top intel.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. For a budget bivy, I personally think it’s well made. I must agree, an extra front entrance would be icing on the cake, however I do prefer a side entrance, myself. The same height throughout the bivy would be beneficial. 👍

[@lauriebloggs8391]

If you did that (foot end, same height) rain could seep under the zip flap?

[@outdoorswithrichard]

@@lauriebloggs8391 Thanks for the comment. It might do, but the zip is taped sealed, so should provide optimal waterproofing. 🤔

[@lauriebloggs8391]

The teeth aren't.......?@@outdoorswithrichard

[@michaelstephanides1854]

Possibly, possibly not? It's the kind of thing you would need to test I guess. But I personally suspect not. @@lauriebloggs8391

[@Truthwillalwayswinoverlies]

Great video how would you compare this bivi to the Snugpak Stratosphere its a plus already that it's 100 euro cheaper but what one would you go for as a first bivi thanks.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Hi thanks for your comment. I will actually be posting a review on the Snugpak Stratosphere, by the end of this week. Both bivys have pros and cons, however I personally don’t think the Snugpak Stratosphere warrants its price tag and feel the GeerTop bivy performs as well and has better features for the money! 👍

[@Truthwillalwayswinoverlies]

@@outdoorswithrichard cheers thanks for you're insight I will watch you're upcoming review safe

[@outdoorswithrichard]

@@Truthwillalwayswinoverlies Thanks for your comment and thanks for supporting the channel 👍

[@lauriebloggs8391]

I have both...and much prefer the Geertop, even ignoring Snugpaks massive price hikes. The Geertop Plume 2 is just better designed.@@outdoorswithrichard

[@BillyRiff-RAF]

Im about to place a bid for the bivi on ebay, just wondering how difficult it will be to cover up the reflective tags on it, would a sharpie suffice or maybe army surplus cloth tape? Good video, hope i win the auction😂

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Hi thanks for your comment. The reflective tabs are fairly small, so I reckon a Sharpie should suffice, alternatively cloth or tape should work! Good luck with the auction! 👍

[@DiabloOutdoors]

No experienced outdoorsman will ever keep the guy-lines coming with a tent. Even with a Hubba Hubba. Regular guy-lines can destroy your tent in very high wind because they don't have any stretch. so we cut them and replace with small bungee cords. So there you go..your problem is solved ;)

[@RoughWalkers]

I use a cosmitto but with a basha cant go wrong

[@TheFairway8]

Would you recommend this over the Trekmate Squall Bivvi are they similar sizes interior. Cheers just subbed

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment and subscribing! To be honest, The Snugpak is probably a better made bivy. Size wise, they are fairly similar, however I’d take the Trekmates over the Snugpak. The only thing I don’t like is the front entrance on the Trekmates. Side entrance bivys are a lot easier to get in and out of. I also prefer the Trekmates, because of the pole at the foot end, keeping the bivy off your legs. I also think the ventilation is better in the Trekmates!

[@timec2002]

Great review, very insightful. What groundsheet are you using underneath the bivvy?

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment, I’m pleased you found the review useful. The ground sheet I use under this bivy is just a piece of Camo coloured tarpaulin, which I purchased from Amazon! 👍

[@timec2002]

Ok thanks Richard, I just wanted something to help protect the base of the bivvy from damage. Obviously I’d try to clear the area I want to pitch it on, but sometimes bivvy and tent bases are not too robust.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

@timec2002 Makes complete sense! Tarpaulin is a little on the heavier side, compared to the usual footprints. Amazon does offer some different size not too expensive footprints, if you’re after something lighter! amzn.eu/d/ik52QVE 🤔

[@macnasty2740]

Whats the difference between bugs and insects......

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Bugs are part of the order Hemiptera, so in reality, bugs are a type of insect. Insects always have three body parts and six legs. They also usually have four wings and two antennae. “True bugs” have a mouth shaped like straw or needle.

[@thewestonfront]

Nice presentation, but at 1.13 kg you could all but get a tent which you could sit up within which actually packs down smaller - my Hilleberg Enan is 1.2 kg and has masses more room inside it and packs down to 50-60% of the size. Side entry is an excellent feature, but what makes a massive difference is if you can use a walking pole and guy to turn the door into tarp / porch roof. Can you do that with this? This reduces the claustrophobia, gives you covered space for your kit / to cook under as long as the weather isn't too foul and gives you great views. FYI this looks like the same design as the Alpkit Bivvy - possibly from the same factory?

[@thewestonfront]

Alpkit Elan - 965g inc. pegs as it is made from Nylon rather than polyester yet only £99 as well.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. Like with everything in life, there are pros and cons, I suppose it’s what best suits your needs at the time, as well as your budget. You mentioned Hilleberg, but to be honest, the price difference is a major factor, also if I’m spending that kind of money, I would expect a lot more. You can’t change anything with the door on this bivy, but as mentioned a tarp works a treat and is relatively inexpensive and easy to set up.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

@thewestonfront thanks for your comment. It all boils down to personal choice. What suits one person doesn’t suits another.

[@LankysAdventures-e7j]

Hi, Can you actually measure this with a tape to show true measurements? As it looks a lot shorter than 7"6

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. Next time I pitch it, I will double check it, but I’m 6Ft 2” and I had loads of room, so I don’t think the length will be that far off 👍

[@ProjectTriz]

Seems crazy to me when a 2 person tent can be bought for £60. Some people just love that cosy coffin life!

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. Lol very true! 👍

[@andrewhayes7055]

Yes a crap 2 person tent😄

[@outdoorswithrichard]

@@andrewhayes7055 Thanks for your comment. Some tents aren’t great!, I suppose it’s what suits you at the end of the day! 🤔

[@Templercz]

Seems crazy because you didnt use much of your brain capacity. These bivies are primary for stealth and your only argument is price and comparison with 2 person tent wich is totally for another purpose. Why the fuck i would buy and carry 2 person tent if i go solo? lol. Oh my god, why would i buy these boots size 10 if i would buy size 14 for the same prize! ha! stupid people

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Oooops!!! Just bought one at a knock down price (in green mind you!).......Stratosphere now gone up for sale........🥴

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. Great news, you’ll really like it. A really good bivy with some great features! Green or Camo is fine, both low key colours keeping you stealthy! Anyway you can always add a little cheap Camo net over the top if you wanted! 👍

[@roberttolley5055]

I am considering for Mt bike tent.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. This is a great bivy and ideal for bikepacking, wild camping or stealth camping. I would also recommend you buy a cheap tarp to give you an extra layer of protection for your bivy, as well as being ideal to sit under, giving you room to relax, before bed! 👍

[@reviewsandprojects]

Massive condensation problems with this tent. Try spending more than one night in it! No way I'd be using this in anything other than warm dry conditions.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. Condensation is always going to be an issue in any tent/bivy. As mentioned in the video, I don’t think you will ever eliminate it, it’s more about reducing it. Everyone’s experiences are different.

[@alangauld6079]

You lost my serious interest at the weight. It's more than my tent and I'd never camp in a bivvy when I could be in a tent! I've seen the GeerTop stuff on Amazon so I was curious to see what it was like. But this one won't be for me I'm afraid.

[@outdoorswithrichard]

Thanks for your comment. This Bivy isn’t for everyone, what suits one person, doesn’t suit another!

[@Jimimac73]

It's about low profile stealth

[@alangauld6079]

@@Jimimac73 I'm in Scotland, stealth camping isn't really a thing. And even if it was, my brown and green tents blend in pretty well. Arrive late, leave early and keep off the paths... Leave no trace. I honestly don't think the extra 18 inches of height would make much difference (the camo might help). But the only reason I'd use a bivvy is for reduced weight on a very long hike(like 30 miles/day or more).

[@outdoorswithrichard]

@alangauld6079 Thanks for your comment. I hear what you say.

[@andrewhayes7055]

It's under 1200 grms🤔

[@plants4thewin]

LOL..lets do a review and not show the set up. LOL

[@outdoorswithrichard]

The set up isn’t rocket science, I’m sure you could work it out!! 🤔