Outdoor Research (OR) Helium Bivvy review and setup

[@EspenFrafalne]

I wanted to buy one of these, but could not find it for sale in my country. So i continued looking around, and ended up with the "Bivanorak" from Hilleberg. It is designed for the Sweedish air force pilots, and can be used as a bivy, raingear, and windbreaker (weight 550g/19,4oz - length 240cm). I have always thought that the "poncho tarps" are too small to be used as tarps (although they are plenty big enough if you have a waterproof bivy), and so when i saw this "Bivanorak", my first thought was that it probably sucks. But as i looked more into it, i found that its design have some nice benefits over regular bivvys, like the option to sit up straight with the head and arms outside the bivy, a big zipper which makes it easy to get in and out of the bivy, and adding an extra layer of clothing to provide some extra wamth during the evening. Sleeping with the head in the hood should keep condensation at a minimum (this is not practical if you use a sleeping pad inside the bivy, but you could still open the zipper as much as needed for some good ventilation). A headnet is a lightweight and compact option to deal with bugs. If you need to go outside the tarp when it rains, you can just open the bottom to get the sleeping bag out of the bivy, and walk around with just the bivanorak. I have not been able to find what denier (thickness) it is, but i suspect it is best to use a groundsheet or foam pad underneath. I got a nice thick foam pad, which should be comfortable enough when im tired after a long hike (especially when placed on soft ground). My small 1x1,45m tarp (100g - $5 on ebay) makes sure no rain hits my face, and provides a dry space for cooking when its raining. I also got a Zpacks "Duplex" tent, so i do *not* do this to get my weight down... "Minimalism" facinates me, and i believe this type of camping will provide a much stronger feeling of being out in nature than i would get from sitting inside a tent.

[@experimento1826]

i got really wasted once and decided to drink and cook in my bivy. i ended up spilling the vodka all over the place and tipped over the propane stove and the whole bivy caught fire. because of all the plastics, then ended up melting and clinging to my body causing burns. it was pretty much the craziest camping trip i've ever had!!! i don't cook directly in the bivy anymore. I usually just put the propane stove immediately outside the bivy entrance, and then i also use a shot-pourer for my liquor bottle in case it tips over :) !!! great vid!!!

[@KajsaTylen]

Now that would've made a good KZbin video!!! 🤣🤣

[@c.2119]

I want to camp with you.

[@stevelampley2591]

The bivy crawl! Good practice for getting out of bivy when the need arises.

[@michaelhobster3600]

Really great Kajsa , informative, humorous as expected and to finish it off extra Kajsa humour a caterpillar crawl

[@mariastevens6406]

You're adorbs. Thanks for the review. This is one bivy I've been considering

[@KajsaTylen]

Thanks for watching!

[@amonster8mymother]

I can get mine into an integral designs siltarp stuff sac. It's just 9ver 1L and I dont use the big tarp anymore.

[@KajsaTylen]

Do you use a tarp at all?

[@amonster8mymother]

@@KajsaTylen yes I do. I did use the integral designs siltarp 1 , the big 10x8, then when I felt confidant I went to the smaller 5x8, I found that I liked using the smaller tarp in freestanding it was more like a wing. And the bivy was always dry. The tarp only weighs 225g. And I started using 9nly one trekking pole and a small stick I cut for the Y to prop up the back of the tarp. For most situations I found that to be ok and less than 2 lbs which is better than most tents. 👍😎🇨🇦

[@KajsaTylen]

@@amonster8mymother Sounds like a great setup!

[@amonster8mymother]

@@KajsaTylen it's ok. I'm wondering why we don't have cuben fiber bivvies

[@crossbowoverlandthewhiteox5045]

This was great! Everything I wanted to know before buying it (which I now have done). As a side note, I love seeing gear reviews by fellow women, it makes such a nice change :) So excited to get my new bivy and take it out on the track

[@KajsaTylen]

I'm going to do an update on the bivvy now I've used it a while. Still love it, just a couple of things to be aware of. Like don't completely zip it up!!

[@crossbowoverlandthewhiteox5045]

@@KajsaTylen Great to hear! Look forward to hearing your thoughts :)

[@mikeyourbag8997]

That's sexist as F. I've never once thought "I'm glad a man did that review for that recipe in the kitchen". WTF. I'd really like to see more women construction workers, trash truck drivers, in the infantry on the front lines serving their nations. I'd like to see more women as police, more women as janitors, and more women as oil rig workers. Pretty much any blue collar job I'd like to see more women in. Thank god for our men holding down those careers.

[@canuckcyclist4674]

Just looking at bivvy bags as I have been using tents. Thanks for the ultra cute review! Nice set up too, I like how you have everything sorted ... Greetings from Canada!

[@KajsaTylen]

Thank you, good luck with your bivvying! Jealous of what camping must be like in Canada!

[@KevAlberta]

@@KajsaTylen and here’s me a Canadian in the Rockies watching your video before I take the same bivy to castle mountain 😂

[@KajsaTylen]

@@KevAlberta Exciting!!!

[@douglasfreeman3229]

I have one of these. The hoop tends to flop over constantly, so I had to fit a guy rope to keep it upright.

[@KajsaTylen]

Yes I found the same, but pegging it out also works, I've found. 👍

[@cpcompany3319]

If you have the appropriate mat and sleeping bag, could you use this Bivvy in a North Yorkshire downpour in winter without that extra canopy you used in this video ? Thanks.

[@KajsaTylen]

I'm not sure I would want to use it in a downpour. While I'm relatively certain that if you closed it up completely it would be waterproof, I struggled to breathe properly when it was completely closed, and condensation is so great that you may as well let the rain in! If you were sheltered enough to leave it slightly open then it shouldn't be too bad. Sorry for being vague!

[@cpcompany3319]

@@KajsaTylen Appreciate the reply.

[@simonrochford2186]

If money and weight were not an issue, which would you rather have..the OR Helium or the Rab Ridge Raider?

[@KajsaTylen]

This one. The Rab is more than twice as heavy, which likely means it won't pack down particularly small either.

[@AndyRobinshaw]

Hi. I have this bivvy too. I find if you peg it out it holds the shape better. Sometimes 1 guyline at the top of the door too. 5 pegs and a guyline only about 80g heavier if weight is an issue 😁👍👍

[@MrPwor]

Wow this looks awesome! I’m going to buy one and use it for military exercises. Having the bugs off and spiders not crawling on my face when I sleep is worth the money

[@KajsaTylen]

Be warned, it is not bulletproof. 🙂

[@MrPwor]

@@KajsaTylen Doesn’t need to be bullet proof just water proof! 👍

[@mountain_del1863]

You are nuts!! Great review, all the very best from Scotland

[@KajsaTylen]

Thank you!! 😊

[@bucketofbarnacles]

Thanks for the review. Good suggestion to use a smaller sack and load the pole separately. I’d take a couple of binder clips instead of clothespins to hold up the cover. No risk of breaking, they’re strong, and you might use them for other purposes.

[@KajsaTylen]

Good idea!

[@StellaHulliet]

Hey there! I stumbled upon a new project called the freebeat Morph 2-in-1 eBike while watching this video. It's intriguing to see how the Morph eBike combines indoor fitness and outdoor exploration. The idea of being able to charge the bike in indoor mode is pretty cool. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Outdoor Research (OR) Helium Bivvy setup, by the way. The suggestion to use smaller sacks and load the pole separately is helpful. And I agree with you on using binder clips instead of clothespins for the cover. They seem sturdier and more versatile. Keep up the awesome work! Cheers!

[@c.2119]

I think I’m more intrigued by your upside down bicycle tarp shelter. Any recommendations on that? And thank you for the review.

[@nairolfnednilruz]

Lovly your review and very good! Thank-you!!!

[@KajsaTylen]

Thank you for watching!!

[@callumchurchill8849]

Brilliant video, I am going to buy one! A question about the stuff sack before I buy that too, is that the size an XS? I believe I have found the website and brand, Exped, they seem to do an XXS, XS, and S. Could you help? Love the channel!

[@KajsaTylen]

I honestly didn't think they came in different sizes! Would have to check but I'm pretty sure it doesn't say on the bivvy itself and I'm not sure I know where the stuff sack is! 🤔

[@thewestonfront]

Answered almost all my questions - excellent, thank you. How would you rate it vs the Alpkit Hunka you had before?

[@KajsaTylen]

I much prefer it, for the mozzie net and it allows more movement. Thanks for watching!

[@turdferguson2863]

Absolute RIP to headphone users on the intro

[@KajsaTylen]

Sorry... 😔

[@nothankyou90]

Thanks for the review!

[@KajsaTylen]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Vicks7]

Great review, which bag/compression sack did you use to store the bivvy?

[@KajsaTylen]

I don't actually remember, sorry! If I find it I'll let you know!

[@PACEUK22]

Any further trips planned this year?

[@KajsaTylen]

Yes, I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things!

[@PACEUK22]

@@KajsaTylen cool! Hope to see some more vids of your inspirational adventures 👍

[@ulnoohiker8983]

Awesome review, thinking on buying one now.

[@KajsaTylen]

Thank you! I'm sure you'll be happy with it, just don't zip it all the way up!

[@roygertel]

​@@KajsaTylen Why ? water could get in, no ?!

[@KajsaTylen]

@@roygertel I nearly suffocated with it completely zipped up once!

[@zenomolteni1253]

what is the net you're using in front of the bike? looks like it would be great to dry clothes out while riding

[@KajsaTylen]

It's a thing I got off Amazon, I think it was to put on the back of a car seat! I'll try to find a link.

[@KajsaTylen]

2 Pieces Car Seat Storage net Bag, Car Mesh Net Organizer Storage, Universal Automotive Cargo Nets, Polypropylene Universal with 2 D-Shaped Hooks Car Seat Net Pouch for Car SUV, Trunk Motorhome, Black amzn.eu/d/cWPKvLJ

[@KajsaTylen]

Don't remember paying that much though!!

[@KajsaTylen]

No, I paid £10.99!

[@hello1236096]

Hello, I know you said you had the outer up all night, did you have any condensation inside when you woke up? Thanks

[@KajsaTylen]

Some, if I recall correctly. It's not overly breathable!

[@ErikFORV3RT]

Great video! What kind of tarp are you using? Could you please tell me the measures :-)

[@KajsaTylen]

It's an "army tarp" off ebay - 2m x 3m. Cheap as chips. 🙂

[@tallaganda83]

I’d love one but the issue would be where to put bag and shoes. I could set up a tarp but if going to that length may as well get a tent. Any ideas?

[@KajsaTylen]

Depending on your size and the size of your kit, there might be room in the bivvy for that stuff. Otherwise a bin bag or maybe a tiny tarp just for your kit would also work.

[@thekevflock]

Wow you are a genius! Using a bike for your A-Frame 👍

[@KajsaTylen]

I'd love to say it was my idea but alas, I stole it from someone far more clever than me! But thanks anyway!! 😊

[@rogergraham8647]

This is a really great review. Do you think this bivi would be waterproof without the tarp?

[@KajsaTylen]

Yes, because when you close it completely, no air comes in (not recommended)!!

[@johnjolabushcraft8844]

Thanks for sharing very enjoyable

[@KajsaTylen]

Thank you for watching!

[@matthewbailey7421]

4:12 "nice and big" says Kajsa. Erm just how.... 'big' are you again? Don't want to sound rude. Hahaha. Loved the caterpillar crawl at the end. How big was it overall? Do they come in more my size please?

[@KajsaTylen]

Sssshhhh.... not everyone has met me in real life you know! Dimensions: 82" x 26" x 19.75" (length x top width x top height)

[@djxserver]

A bit of an unrepentant question. But which TT bars do you use? The arm rest look very comfy

[@KajsaTylen]

They're Redshift Sports - super comfy! Even better with their dual position seatpost!

[@kpbmx]

Great review. Do u have any idea how long the poles are when folded? Thanks.

[@KajsaTylen]

I just measure them and they're 30cm when folded, hope that helps! :)

[@kpbmx]

@@KajsaTylen you star. Thanks very much. Happy camping.

[@KajsaTylen]

@@kpbmx You too! :)

[@craggerrs]

Interesting review Kajsa, thanks. Just a quick question; I randomly watched a past video of your where you mentioned having problems with your legs...were these knee problems and if so how did you overcome them? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I've recently turned to bone broth and that really seems to be helping quite a lot but would be greatly for any advice you might have. Either way, God bless

[@KajsaTylen]

No, it was muscle fatigue. Not sure about knees, though I would make sure you get a bike fit if you haven't already, from what I understand they can solve a lot of issues!

[@craggerrs]

​@@KajsaTylen I will get out on the bike some more - thanks for the advice, very much appreciated! Take care

[@rodmilankov8966]

Knee is a passive joint; it will go where muscles tell it to go! Review your bike setup (if you can afford go to a professional fitter) and make sure that your legs work like pistons - up and down only. Any side movements, even little when repeated thousands of times may cause knee issues and injury. Another important detail: make sure your gear inch ratio work in favor of your mechanical advantage, especially uphill. Trade speed for power and always spin instead of pushing hard (grinding).

[@shepit_cyclist]

Hi, I am writing from Ukraine. (Translating in google) Please tell me this Bivy has no condensation in the morning? Is the fabric disheveled well? Would you recommend him? I want to buy it myself) Thank.

[@KajsaTylen]

Hello! If you zip up the bivvy completely you will have a LOT of condensation in the morning and it will be difficult to breathe. I would not recommend zipping it up completely but if you leave enough open to let enough air in, then it's not too bad. I'm not sure what you mean by "dishevelled" but the fabric is lightweight and very strong. I would definitely recons the bivvy as long as you don't need to completely close it. If you get one, let me know what you think!

[@shepit_cyclist]

@@KajsaTylen made a mistake in the word. I wanted to ask if the Bivy is breathable?

[@shepit_cyclist]

@@KajsaTylen Thank you very much for your reply and feedback👍

[@shepit_cyclist]

@@KajsaTylen when the time comes, I will definitely write my review in the comments

[@KajsaTylen]

@@shepit_cyclist No, the bivvy is not breathable, in my opinion.

[@JohnBaxendale]

Great vid! I've been following you on Twitter for a while but this is the first time I've seen your KZbin content - really enjoyed it! I've only ever done a couple of camping trips on the bike, but had always thought lower weight was more important than lower volume, so I was surprised at that comment. Perhaps it depends how fast you go, I'm not concerned about aero but prefer less weight for the hills :)

[@KajsaTylen]

Thanks for joining me over here on KZbin! And for commenting! The volume comment will probably be a bit controversial but if you can't fit your kit into small bags, you're not going to end up lightweight anyway! That's my theory and I'm sticking to it. 😃

[@OHIDONTCARE]

Ditto

[@OHIDONTCARE]

In that I e come from Twitter and great review.

[@KajsaTylen]

@@OHIDONTCARE Thanks for joining us over here!!

[@Alastair510]

@@KajsaTylen Nah I agree about the volume comment. Bike luggage is quite restricted in volume compared to hiking gear.

[@chrisgreen8916]

Great review. What was it like for condensation in the end?

[@KajsaTylen]

No condensation with the hood up - I've not tried it fully closed as yet.

[@michaelwolf8781]

Do you still like the bivy?

[@KajsaTylen]

Been a while since I've had the chance to use it but I still rate it.

[@glyn_mtn]

Great video Kajsa! I'm torn between the OR Helium and the Alpkit Elan which is half the price but twice the weight - in your (and anyone else's) opinion, which should I go for??

[@KajsaTylen]

Depends what your priorities are. For me, the size it packs down to is more important that weight so if the Alpkit packs small enough for your needs then that's probably the one I'd go for. If weight is more important, then go for the OR. But don't blame me either way. 😆😆

[@KajsaTylen]

@@glyn_mtn It does pack up pretty small!

[@glyn_mtn]

@@KajsaTylen yes, I can tell by the exped drybag you used. I just need to see how much the Elan will compress (but I think the Helium will beat it)

[@KajsaTylen]

@@glyn_mtn Let me know what you find out!

[@glyn_mtn]

@@KajsaTylen yes I will, definitely.

[@Art-uv5fu]

This bivy vs REI passage 1 tent ?

[@KajsaTylen]

I'm afraid I don't have an REI bivy 😔

[@robster6868]

Hi,interesting vid,I’ve got the new alpine version which is as slippery as hell if you don’t pitch it on perfectly flat ground,the 2 guy out points are insufficient in my opinion and the pad strap inside has gone also from the earlier version for what a 50gram saving.A novel way of hanging the tarp from an upside down bike,personally I’d never disrespect my bike by doing this.👍

[@KajsaTylen]

Thanks for the feedback - I also found it quite slippery when I put it on grass so would probably peg it out on that kind of surface. No pad strap on this version either, which is a shame. As for the bike, if you watch my other videos you'll see that I'm not averse to disrespecting my bike. 🙃

[@robster6868]

@@KajsaTylen I also find it works well indoors as a sleeping bag protector in some of the unmanned grotty mountain cabins we have here in the Pyrenees 😉

[@KajsaTylen]

@@robster6868 Jealous of your location.

[@robster6868]

@@KajsaTylen It certainly beats Essex that’s for sure.

[@KajsaTylen]

@@robster6868 A lot of places do. 😊 And the Pyrenees beats a lot of places!

[@TALKCalgary]

I couldn't stop laughing when you said you need to use a clothes peg to hold open the fly

[@KajsaTylen]

Happy to entertain!

[@shanew634]

Very informative thank you.👍

[@pulchralutetia]

Great video but it's sold out everywhere!

[@KajsaTylen]

🙁🙁🙁 Seems everyone is thinking the same thing!

[@RuthBradford-HarrisPhotography]

I bought one of these in 2019 but had to return it as most of the external tabs and loops shown in the manufacturer's images were not present (it had one each end but they were in odd, offset positions!) and it'd have to be tied taut with guy ropes for my purpose as it'll be the sole shelter (no tarp) in potential winds and I'd need it not to lay on the sleeping bag for condensation avoidance. Can I ask, Kajsa, how many external loops yours has? I see your post is recent so I'm hoping the manufacturers might have corrected the problem, though no-one seems to have any at the moment anyway!

[@KajsaTylen]

Mine has only the two offset loops as well - thought it was weird but other videos seems to confirm this is the case for all of them! I'd be interested to know what OR says about it - did you ask them?

[@archivist17]

Great review.

[@Taffwildmanofthewoods]

New subscriber 👍 I'm looking at buying one of these bivi's for winter time. It looks just the job👌atb Taff 🤠👊

[@KajsaTylen]

Thank you!! Just don't zip it up completely (extra tip for you)!

[@alfredstimoli2590]

Younger and much lighter me would have thought a bivy would be great. Older (63) and heavier (105kg) me look at it immediately get claustrophobic. :-(

[@fatcat9109]

I can't hear you, had to turn on the subtitles

[@KajsaTylen]

Do you have a volume button? 😜

[@KajsaTylen]

Thanks for watching though, hopefully newer videos have their audio improved

[@alonsocabezon1]

nice!

[@Pilbsu]

Volume is all over the place in this video D:

[@KajsaTylen]

Well, we all have to start somewhere! Hopefully I've improved on that.

[@Simcore999]

👍

[@hoser7706]

I cannot believe you voluntarily sleep on an Xframe mat. Lol. Were you forced to? 🤣🤣

[@KajsaTylen]

😄 It packs up so nice and small!!

[@hoser7706]

Very true. And some people fit it perfdctly. For us oddballs the Neoair Uberlight is tiny packing, as are some Klymit and Big Agnes AXL pads. I use all 3 quite happily. Personal choice. Do you like the bivy?

[@KajsaTylen]

@@hoser7706 I will check this out, thanks! The bivvy is great, as long as you don't zip it up fully, then you might suffocate to death!!

[@amonster8mymother]

👍😎🇨🇦