What is a Dutch Army Hooped Bivi?

Viewers often express interest in my Dutch Army Hooped Bivi when they see it on my wild camping videos, so I thought I'd put a quick video together to give them a bit of a closer look and explain some of the features.
Many thanks for watching!
#wildcamping #bivi #camping
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[@rare-in]

That must be one of the more comprehensive overviews of the DAHB on YT, particularly with the tarp advice: One day perhaps, it's on the wish list.😉 Thanks for putting the time in.

[@DesGreene]

Glad it was helpful! I don't tend to use a tarp with it very often, but I have tested some setups in other videos. Great piece of kit on its own👍 Thanks for watching👍😊

[@peesua]

I find a military poncho combined with either trekking poles or sticks are perfect for providing an 'admin space' at the head end without adding weight to your pack.

[@DesGreene]

Hi there! I like that idea👍 Can't beat dual purpose kit, and it looks like you can get lightweight ones at a decent price. Thanks for the suggestion! ATB👍

[@ndoriag1214]

Wow beautiful shelter

[@DesGreene]

Thanks very much for watching👍😊

[@LadyStrzygaPenitentialCell]

Very interesting video. Thank you for sharing. 🦇👍

[@DesGreene]

Really appreciate you watching! Best wishes & have a great day👍😊

[@donroy7825]

Hi Des 👋 !! Thanks for the full demonstration and tour, good information 😊 👍. Cheers, Don

[@DesGreene]

My pleasure! All the best & thanks for watching👍😊

[@j.juergen1010]

Hello Des. An good made Clip 👍 The name of the producer is FECSA / Fábrica Española de Confecciones S.A. (FECSA) The company is based in Spain and produces this bivy bag and various military sleeping bags under license. The main difference lies in the use of other materials, which is then reflected in the price. The zippers of the FECSA bivy are sensitive and need to be treated with care! Occasional rubbing with a stub of candle makes it run easier and prevents " hooking " . Wish you a good Season 2023 and with all the best from Germania Jürgen

[@DesGreene]

Many thanks Jürgen! Somebody else mentioned that the quality of materials on the Spanish ones is not quite as good. I've certainly never had any issues with the fabric or zips, but I do try and use the zips carefully anyway, and always avoid putting them under side strain. All the best to you!👍👍

[@semare_on_tour]

Vielen dank für deine impressionen toll gemacht wir wünschen dir einen schönen Tag gruß semare

[@DesGreene]

Vielen Dank fürs Zuschauen! Bis bald👍😊

[@MontyOutdoors]

The material if it's the official one is Goretex while the unofficial one is something that mimics goretex - but is equally as good. Despite the weight and bulkiness, it's a fantastic piece of kit. So spacious and great for trapping warmth too. I can't wait to use it in winter. Hope you are well mate!

[@DesGreene]

Hi Monty! All good mate, hope you are well too👍 I think most dealers only go so far as saying "Goretex like material" or "air-permeable material". Would be interested to hear what others think, as there certainly appears to be at least two official manufacturers the Dutch Army have used over the years. Cheers for your input!👍

[@JenniferLupine]

Great tour of your Bivi! I haven’t tried sleeping in one before… looks really comfortable… and I especially like the idea of being able to look out and see the sunrise! 👌👍🌅🌅

[@DesGreene]

Hi Jennifer. The Dutch Army bivi is a brilliant design, and a great experience to camp in. Is bivi camping as popular in the US, with bears etc to worry about? Another viewer said I looked like a bear burrito! 😂 Thankfully not a problem here in the UK! Thanks for watching and have a great weekend👍😊

[@JenniferLupine]

@@DesGreene Bear burrito- that’s awesome!! Uh, I don’t know, but whenever we go we bring tents … some people talk about ‘cowboy camping’ sleeping out in good weather with no tent… I would do that if I was with other people…. I only see other people using tents/ or hammocks now. Yep, we have to keep our food and scented items well away from the tent due to bears and other critters, mice, etc. Hang, canister or a scent proof bag. We also eat away from the sleeping area. I haven’t run in to aggressive bears, thankfully! 😉😁

[@DesGreene]

@@JenniferLupine Maybe a bivi is a good way to get a little closer to that full on cowboy camping? At least you can get some shelter if the weather turns bad👍🙂

[@JefPersonalVideos]

Beautiful and peaceful view of the place for camping thanks for sharing

[@DesGreene]

Thanks for watching! All the best and take care👍😊

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Good Review The best Dutch Army Hooped Bivi is made be Carinthia and IS basically bomb proof. The other is a Spanish manufacturer, Fest…. ?Something or other. Their zips are prone to failure. I had the XL couldn’t use it sadly, too stuffy on a cold wet night. Sold it without properly using it.

[@DesGreene]

Hi Michael. Useful info about the two manufacturers👍 I had heard reports of failed zips, but always thought it might be down to bags that had had a bit too much abuse! Touch wood, I've had no problems so far. I'll check to see ifvthe makers name is on the label next time I use it👍 Hope you are keeping well! ATB!

[@NaomisAdventures]

Thanks for sharing

[@DesGreene]

Thanks for watching!👍😊

[@StepsbyKaatje]

That looks like a great bivi. Maybe a bit heavy. But great for wild camping! Have a great day! Kaat

[@DesGreene]

Hello Kaat! It is a little on the heavy side, but a tough piece of kit and always a great experience using it 😁 Thanks for watching! Have a great day also👍😊

[@CeritaFandaVancouver]

Thank you for sharing and showing the nitty gritty of this heavy duty of your Bivi. It's always nice to know the pros and cons. Have a great September!

[@DesGreene]

Glad it was helpful! Many thanks for watching! Best wishes & see you soon👍😊

[@TeaInValhalla]

Good evening and happy hump day Des, thanks for the informative video, really interesting and very well put together ❤️ have a great week, Ceri and Kat ☕️ 👍 🧭 🗺 😀

[@DesGreene]

Hi Ceri & Kat! Hope it was helpful in case you're ever tempted into the wonderful world of bivvying! 😁 It is brilliantly designed and well made piece of kit! You have a great week also👍😊

[@curiousodyssey]

Hey Des, interesting video. I'd feel pretty safe at night in on of these next to a hedgerow or similar, you wont stand out at all ⛺

[@DesGreene]

It's surprisingly difficult to spot, even from a few yards away! Great for stealth camps👍 Many thanks for watching!

[@debsmostexcellentadventure5353]

Watching now des debs xx

[@DesGreene]

Thanks Debs👍

[@stevew585]

Thanks Des, this was a brilliant video, I'm getting one ASAP.

[@DesGreene]

You're welcome! Hope you enjoy it👍 Best thing is, even if it doesn't suit you, you'll always get your money back. Got rained in on my last wild camp and spent about 11 hours in it 😂 Not ideal, but kept warm and dry and no condensation. A bit bulky, a bit heavy, but probably my favourite bit of camping kit!

[@stevew585]

Hi Des, I'd like your opinion on something please. Ive seen alot of people using this with a tarp, but why? Obviously for the extra protection, then why not just stick with a tent??? Also, surely it would be no longer a ''stealth'' set up, I really am looking forward to getting a Dutch bivvy but so many using tarps with it? it just seems odd? Are these bivvy not 100% waterproof? I must be missing something .....:}@@DesGreene

[@DesGreene]

@@stevew585 Hi Steve. I suppose having a lightweight tarp gives you somewhere to sit up, cook a meal etc. They are really waterproof, but if I know it's likely to be raining I'd probably rather take a tent. I did get caught out on my last bivvy camp, being stuck inside it for hours when unexpected rain set in!

[@stevew585]

Strange thing is Des, I'm guessing if you combined this Bivvy with a quality Tarp, it would weigh more than a Two man tent! lol....see my point...lol that's where the tent comes in!@@DesGreene😁😁 Personally I cant see the point, but each to their own. 😊

[@DesGreene]

@@stevew585 Even the bivi on it's own weighs more than my one man tent. I only really justify it on ease of pitching, and that I enjoy the very basic camping experience 😁

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

Ey up buddy. I'm definitely tempted to pull the trigger on one of these, thanks for the review 👍🙂

[@DesGreene]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you get a good one👍 Mine was advertised as Class A, but looked unused when I got it! All the best & thanks for watching👍

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

@@DesGreene Where did you get yours from?

[@DesGreene]

@@Adventures_with_Sog A couple of years back, there was a dealer in Germany auctioning them on eBay. Usually ended up around £60, so much cheaper than here. Postage was about £20 or more though!

[@RVAHikerGirl]

I have been thinking about a bivi for a while, so thanks for doing this video. ~RVA~

[@DesGreene]

Hi RVA! These Duth Army ones are a great piece of design. Not sure how easily available they are in the US? Fantastic piece of kit if you can get hold of a good one! Many thanks for watching. Catch you soon👍😊

[@CamperVanya]

That was an interesting share. I did wonder what exactly it was after you used it in your last video so thanks for explaining 👍 ATB, Sue.

[@DesGreene]

Cheers Sue! Not quite as comfortable as the campervan, but still a great piece of kit!👍😁

[@viajeros-al-andalus]

I see you so well equiped for your next wild camping videos jeje enjoy it and have a good weekend Des!

[@DesGreene]

Yes, hopefully we'll get some nice autumn weather! 😁 All the best & have a great weekend also👍😊

[@MoreThanJustaCleaner]

Been considering one of these for some time. Oh, and everyone likes a nice Dawn, or a Jenny 😉😁

[@DesGreene]

Great piece of kit if you can get a good one Karl👍 Usually more Dollys where I camp! 😉🐑🐑

[@LivingtheSilverLife]

One of Bills friends uses a bivy. Bill likes a tent. Glad it’s worked well for you.

[@DesGreene]

Yes, I still use a tent a lot of the time, but if I know the weather is not going to be too bad, then the bivi is great! Thanks for watching & see you soon👍😊

[@travelingwithjuhaeng.6269]

Wow! 💕It's such a great and beautiful video Thank you for your great videos Have a great and happy day today Have a nice piking❣❣❣

[@DesGreene]

Thank you for watching! You have a great day too!👍😊

[@daveanddianethrowingcautio5707]

I've never used one of those. Thanks for sharing.

[@DesGreene]

Very much back to basics camping! 😁 Many thanks for watching and see you both soon👍

[@NicoleHikesalot]

Great shelter and review Des. Yes lovin'the material and wide opening. Very compact when you're in there. I would think it would be very comfortable with one of the inflatable pads .

[@DesGreene]

Hi Nicole! It is a great piece of kit, and a lovely way to camp if the conditions are right. Many thanks for watching! Have a great week & see you soon!👍😊

[@FXWalesAnnaAlf]

This looked great Des and good to see and have you explain . It's great that you can see out but are still warm too. Like how it's quick to set up and low profile bit it's good you explained the negatives too 👍 ~ Anna

[@DesGreene]

Thanks Anna 👍 It's a great piece of design and a really fun way to camp if the weather isn't too bad! 😁 All the best & see you soon👍😊

[@TheCountrysideChannel]

A fantastic piece of equipment

[@DesGreene]

They are a great piece of kit. Hopefully not too long before I'm out in it again....I'm too much of a wimp to use it in winter! 😁

[@StephenandYhana]

Hi Des, this was a great review buddy 😊 I have seen you using this in previous videos and I have certainly considered buying one myself 😊 It would be great for stealth camping for sure 😊

[@DesGreene]

Hi Stephen! They are a great piece of kit. A few people had asked about it, so thought I'd do a more detailed review. Many thanks for watching & have a great weekend👍😊

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice review Des. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@DesGreene]

Thank you! Really appreciate you watching👍 ATB & catch you soon👍

[@soggz4246]

Great bit of kit! I have an Alpkit bivvy, and although smaller and lighter,there’s not too much room. Ben after one of these Dutch ones for a while, but can never seem to find any for sale! All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@DesGreene]

Yes, the main downside is the weight. I got mine from a German dealer on eBay (not sure if he's still selling on there or not?) . Shipping costs were a bit eye watering, but still cheaper than some of the silly prices you see them going for! Cheers for watching & commenting👍

[@pbknittingdesigns]

Excellent 🌹🙋🌼

[@DesGreene]

Many thanks👍😊

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Superb Sharing as usual! Lot of love and great respect from a solo mountain hiker friend from the Lower Chitral District of Pakistan.

[@DesGreene]

Hello Sana! Hope you are keeping well👍 Many thanks for watching!👍😊

[@ScottsLand]

Class review.I do like your reviewing gear. I would maybe consider this during the summer months but I think it's a little tight for my liking but let's be honest your not in it all day so it's just for a bit of kip and packed up away hiking again. Really interesting Awesome Well done Speak soon sir 👍😁👍🥾🥾🥃🥃

[@DesGreene]

Cheers Scott👍 Yes, wouldn't be the best shelter for the longer winter nights, but great for late spring through to early autumn (so long as the midges aren't too plentiful! 😁) All the best & catch you soon👍👍

[@chrisgibson2328]

Like you say, you can add a tarp for extra space. Not bad. I was put off buying one because it was said that the zips can be a problem i.e. not working. I like the stealthy aspect of it.

[@DesGreene]

Hi Chris. I've also heard reports about zips failing. Touch wood, I've had no problems, and mine glide along fine. I suppose you could be unlucky and buy one that's been abused, but mine looked unissued when I bought it and I just treat the zips with care. Many thanks for watching👍

[@pauljones401]

I wondered how it worked!!

[@DesGreene]

Hi Paul. It's a bit different to most bivis, but I reckon it's a great piece of design once you get used to using it. Cheers for watching, and catch you soon👍

[@SetForAdventures]

Looks a great bit of kit Des , compared to a tent ⛺️ it’s stealthy, light and very quick to pitch. Unless it’s a very expensive tent. Definitely going to try and pick one up 👍😊 Great overview m8t 👍 Best wishes Simon 😊👍🏔

[@DesGreene]

Hi Simon. Obviously there's situations where a tent is a better choice, but in the right weather and location bivi camping is hard to beat! Try and get hold of one in A1 or unused condition. It's well worth the extra ££ to know the zips and waterproofing are in good order👍 Cheers for watching! Very much appreciated👍😊

[@SetForAdventures]

@@DesGreene cheers Des green watch 👍😊

[@ChrisJB]

I could've done with a bivi like that on my one and only bivi night......I got massacred by midges 😭. I'm not sure if a bivi is for me but I do like the idea of connecting more with the landscape, a bivi system would surely do that more than a tent? ATB, Chris

[@DesGreene]

Hi Chris. That connecting more with the landscape is the key for me. It is a great experience if the weather isn't too harsh. But even with the net, it's still not an ideal place to be in a full on midge attack. One reason I bought that DD tent was that it would be better in high midge season 😁 Cheers for watching! Catch you soon👍

[@54DegreesNorth]

I’ve been put off getting a bivvy mainly due to the condensation unless you get an open face one, surprised in the weight in this one to, saying all this when I get around to getting on I’d probably go for this one, nice one des 🗻🥾⛺️

[@DesGreene]

It is a bit on the heavy side! I do have a lighter tent 😁 For me it comes down to the experience if I'm honest. Just a great way to camp! Cheers for watching & catch you soon👍

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Good review Des and it does look very good quality, too small for me, as I get claustrophobia in enclosed spaces, so I would need a lot more room. Will it be packed away for the winter now? Cheers Alan

[@DesGreene]

Hi Alan. Aye, they're definitely not everyone's cup of tea. Not sure if it gets packed away yet. Might sneak one more use out of it if we get a eecent Autumn! 😁 Certainly starting to look more like tent weather already, though! Cheers for watching & catch you soon👍

[@siegfriedschlag4353]

👍🔔💖 Guten Abend, danke für das tolle Video👍wünschen dir eine schöne Woche🔔bleib gesund, see you later. Liebe Grüße Siggi und Marianne 💖FRIEDEN💖

[@DesGreene]

Hallo Siggi und Marianne! Es ist ein fantastisches Design von Ihren Nachbarn in den Niederlanden! 😁 Vielen Dank fürs Zuschauen! Bleib gesund👍😊

[@DesmondsDonders]

Would have been nice to have when in the forces.

[@DesGreene]

Hi David. I do have a British Army one 😁 Still a great bit of kit, but I do find this one is much more practical. Cheers for watching👍

[@ashleyhoward8926]

Are you still happy with it? I'm in the process of trying to buy one just now. On line auction site is too dear though. Nice to see, thanks for posting.

[@DesGreene]

Hi Ashley. It still remains one of my favourite bits of camping kit, even though they aren't light weight by any stretch of the imagination! You're right though, prices seem to have gone a bit crazy recently. Probably due to import costs rising. Hope you manage to find a a good one👍

[@ashleyhoward8926]

Thanks very much for the reply. My A+ grade arrives today & got the best deal by not using an on line auction site. Keep up the good work & thanks for posting such helpful information.@@DesGreene

[@DesGreene]

@@ashleyhoward8926 Nice one! Hope you enjoy it👍

[@DesGreene]

@@ashleyhoward8926 By the way...on my last camp in it I had to quickly shelter from rain, and discovered that my 36l pack can fit in the head end of the bivvy! 😁

[@ashleyhoward8926]

Thanks for your help. Mine arrived in as new condition & I set up a test tarp shelter to test it last night. Length & width are great& I'm 6'2", but height wise cramped with my winter thermarest neotherm mat within. I'll have to place the mat under the bivvi or buy the original dutch army foam mat., otherwise it's absolutely fantastic. I'll hide a tiny pen knife inside, in case the zips fail with me in it ! Adventures here we come.@@DesGreene

[@wendingourway]

Bivi...nay...that's a Bear Burrito is these parts. LOL Does makes things nice and easy and a great option for one for sure. Take good care and enjoy the upcoming weekend. Bruce and Otis

[@DesGreene]

There's a coincidence! Just eating my lunch and watching Otis when your comment came in! 😁 It is a great piece of kit, and luckily no bears here to enjoy me burrito style! Have a great weekend also! Hope you're doing OK👍😊

[@ammarkhan_8]

44 like 👍 for your amazing content my new friend 🤗 stay blessed, stay connected 👍🤝✅💟✨🤍

[@DesGreene]

Many thanks for watching! Much appreciated👍

[@chrisjakeman9059]

Great review I have one have you any thoughts on reproofing one?

[@DesGreene]

Thanks Chris! So far I've not had to reproof it (and I do usually use a light groundsheet to help keep it as clean as possible) but when I have to I was going to try that Nikwax TX Direct spray on stuff. Seems to work well on other breathable fabrics. Have you tried anything yet?

[@chrisjakeman9059]

@@DesGreene hi Des no I haven't yet I was thinking of washing in the stuff in the bath then the dwr after .

[@WyeExplorer]

It's a super bit of kit des. I simply like the DPM. Along with the easy erection and size you're away in and out of camp as covert as. Mark

[@DesGreene]

Hi Mark. That stealthiness is a great plus! The main downside is the weight, but thats a factor of the great fabric it's made from. Cheers for watching! ATB👍

[@Markjick]

@@DesGreene Hey, that's good to hear des. Yeah, at least it's robust.

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Hi Des, I'm always very curious about different bivvy setups. The Dutch Army Bivvy does seem to be a popular choice by those who like a like bivvy camp. How much did you pay for it? My backpacking tent is currently with the manufacturer for repair, I only used it twice, and the zip went. Also was a fairly good make too and currently tentless; after watching this, I might consider a more structured bivvy system. It looks easy and quick to put up. Thanks Des. Have a great week and all the best. x

[@DesGreene]

Hi Rachel. Sorry to hear about the tent! ☹ I bought my DA bivi from a German dealer a couple of years back. It was an eBay auction, but I think including postage I paid round about £70 or £80 (postage was about £30 ! 😨). They do seem to have rocketed in price though, and it's best to get one in A1 condition. Not sure it would be my shelter of choice heading into winter, but for the warmer months it's great!

[@DesGreene]

Hi again. Saw your comment about sleeping mats, but it won't let me answer for some reason. The one I've settled on for the bivi is a Vango Trek 3 Compact. As mentioned, because it's only 3cm thick, it uses up less space in the bivi than a fully inflating mat. Cheap for the R value as well! 😁

[@Dutcharmytent]

Sound information

[@DesGreene]

Many thanks! Still one of my favourite pieces of kit.

[@yasinnabi]

“Making money is a common sense. It’s not rocket science. But unfortunately, when it comes to money, common sense is uncommon.”. Robert Kiyosaki

[@DesGreene]

Thanks for visiting👍