Dutch army hooped bivi. A closer look (Zip has failed please read description)

Since I brought this Bivi I have had many camps with it but unfortunately the zip has failed

[@bigearedmouse17]

The Dutch army tendered out the construction of the bivvy to two companies, Unfortunately the Spanish company who was one of the tenders made an inferior product and was dropped. However, Some of their bivvies are out there on the market. Check the label inside the bivvy before you purchase.

[@ianhowick5118]

Yes, the Spanish company was Fecsa. The high quality bivi’s were made by Carinthia. I believe that the current version of this is the Carinthia XP Two Plus.

[@chufar88]

I've got one of these bivvys. The only label I can find is in Dutch and I can't make out either name, Fesca or Carinthia, on it. What should I be looking for to indicate the manufacturer?

[@Ambo100]

@@chufar88 mine says Madrid at the top of the label

[@hondmilodoggo]

@@chufar88 If you write the text on the label I can translate it for you.

[@David-og7wh]

The Carinthia ones are just made in 2004. ALL other batches up to 2020 are Fecsa. I can't understand the negative complaints. They use the same zipper brand than Carinthia or other high end companies in the outdoor industry.

[@WiltshireMan]

I tend to agree with you about some of the youngesters. They can leave a mess, but regarding the ownership of land my feelings lean a bit to th left. Coming from a working class background it seems unfair how a small minority can have so much contol. Ownership of land exists and on a geological timescale is fleeting! My lifetime is even more fleeting and feel that provided I don't cause harm to the environs then I should be able to camp overnight within reason, where ever I choose! ATB Sandy

[@rewpeake826]

Well said Sandy

[@nosejose1]

This is one of my favourite videos by Sandy. I watch it from time to time. It conveys the sense of tranquility one gets from being out in nature and disconnecting from the daily grind. I love the section where Sandy is reading by candlelight, a magical moment.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Mick, Thanks for watching mate. This is a great stealth bivi. It is going to open up some nice wildcamp adventures for me. All the best Sandy

[@larrybowers3861]

Hello from Alberta Canada, enjoy your video's immensely. Just ordered the Backpackers Manual. Thanks for all that you share from one stoveaholic to another!

[@MegaInspectorGadget]

When you read from the book, fantastic ! Great words to imagine.

[@williamwimbourne856]

I have really enjoyed watching your video's Sandy. When I have been ill in bed, they have brought adventure and rejuvenated my love of the outdoors. I really enjoyed your reading from the book in this clip. Thanks mate. hopefully one day I'll enjoy a cuppa tea with you. ☺

[@jinx2612]

excellent demo of how little you need to enjoy the great outdoors - it always amazes me how much crap i take and never use!!

[@the-kk4ww]

I understand what you say about being comfortable on your own out at night in the wilderness, a lot of my work is carried out at night in the countryside on my own, I find myself at peace and most relaxed when I am doing this.

[@CTX-jo3cd]

Nice one, Sandy. I've just bought the same Dutch army bivi and am building up the courage to get out onto the hills with it and give it a test run! All the best, Paul.

[@richbuilds_com]

The basha makes it for me. Would be too cramped otherwise if the weather turned bad and you were confined to camp. Great video Sandy, keep em coming :-)

[@Dan-cc5mv]

Thanks Sandy, I always enjoy your videos. Can believe you bother to pack an Opinel when you had your Jacklore at you side.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching along Tom. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks Sandy

[@simoncook6503]

Hi again Sandy After watching this video three times, I splashed out and bought a Dutch army hooped bivi. Most impressed but I have yet to try it out (hopefully next week.) Having bought it I thought I would have another look at your most informative video to refresh my memory. Can't wait to get out in it.Thanks again for another splendid video. Simon

[@lifeguard2564]

So glad I just discovered this channel. A newbie to wild camping so all your tips are great! Subscribed.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Craig, If your refering to the bushcraft show then yes I will be there. Going with Funky prepper and a few others. looking forward to it. Sandy

[@kimbullock475]

Was searching Bivvy videos tonight and of course there was one by Sandy Jack.... What amazed me most was the story at the end....That was so fascinating....Thank you so much Sandy......Just like a Christmas fairytale......Twas truly Awsome. ATB.....Kim.

[@CTX-jo3cd]

Another awesome video there, Sandy! I'm going to test my Dutch army hooped bivi out on the hills very soon! It's a great bit of kit and I'm really looking forward to testing it out. I'm not sure I'll get my 120 litre Tashev pack in the bottom of the bivi, especially with being 6'3 myself - but I'll give it a go! I'll add a video of my overnight tester. Keep up the good work my friend and enjoy the outdoors! Paul

[@karenchakey]

Sandy it's such a pleasure to watch your videos, you have a way of relaxing me while I watch and listen to you talk! Nice sleep system you set up for us this time! Great reading too! I enjoyed! Take Care and Be Safe!

[@WiltshireMan]

Cheers brian, I was really warm. I think the RAB is going to be a little too warm tho as the summer approaches. It sure was good to get out. This bivi is great and has opened up a wealth of wild camping options for me. I would like to take it up onto the fells along with a micro tarp. I think it would withstand even a sever storm. All the best Sandy

[@cynthiawigington5637]

Wonderful, just loved your video. I do believe there's room for my Boxer/Mastiff in that bag. Nice you got a good warm sleeping bag you love too. Thanks for making this a lovely Saturday morning coffee for me. It ended at the perfect spot too.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Cynthia, your welcome.

[@allanthompson9695]

Great Vid Sandy. Looking into the Hoop Bivvy myself but as BlueStarJT mentioned, they aren't cheap and seem to be quite scarce. My local army surplus said the same thing. Good point about the condensation. Mouth scarf may help a little to absorb condentation from breath.

[@JToupee]

Sandy, you may be the next David Attenborough. Glad to see you out and on the mend.

[@WIKTOR75]

i don't know about anyone else but i could watch ur wild/stealth camp videos all day and along with funky prepper its inspired me to start getting some kit together and start getting out there with a friend going to be looking around local to the midlands area for locations and look into possible getting permission if not will be a late in early out no trace left.. keep the videos coming sandy along funky prepper and a few others there probably the best videos displaying this kind of thing..

[@MrMacksparky]

Your reading of Backpackers Manual was pure gold ! Anyone who has bugged out alone will know those sounds and the magic atmosphere. Always something deeper in your videos OM. Really enjoy your vids. Subbed. Greetings from Ei6KM -73's

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

hi sandy mate, thanks for you and Maverick for introducing the dutch bivvy, as a result mine came in the post last week, I filmed my overnighter in it last weekend, sorry the filming is't up to parr, new to this filming my exploits lark, hope you have time to watch it find me my typing bexbugoutsurvivor in the search box,, All the best buddy.

[@slhaynes]

I see her now. Good show. I was so busy checking the camo effects that I didn't see her pop in there by the tree. Thanks!

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Pete, RM is a great inspirer. Would be good to see a few overnighters on your channel, but I always enjoy watching anything you put up. Always interesting and enjoyable to watch. Take care my friend. Sandy

[@tattiibi99ins]

Sandy love the set up. the bivi looks like it does the trick.The read was a nice touch to the video as well. Have you ever woke up to a FART land owner tappin your feet saying what are you doing sleeping on my land? When i was a kid i had a guy pull my tent over .I thought bigfoot had me in the woods of Indiana LOL when he seen I was only a kid he said he thought i was a drunk! I asked him if he has had a problem before he said back "No and im not going to start!" sleep good kid! and he was off

[@juwright1949]

Great video. Really like the stove reflector and candle lantern combo. Will definitely use on my next outing. I use a Eureka Solitaire instead of bivy bag along with a rescue tarp both on bottom and overhead. I can see why you aren't afraid in the woods at night, you travel with that "bear dog". Good ideas :-)

[@garethbkw]

Great video mate the bivvies look a good bit of kit. If you put a couple of layers of tape say an inch long around the rim of your kettle you can use it as a cup and drink from it without burning your lips. Glad to see you on the mend mate.

[@ytf7uoybp]

They are indeed a great bit of kit & I used one for about 2 years. But a little bit too small in a lot of ways & had a look around for something better. Eventually came across a British Special Forces twin hooped which is an amazing piece of tackle & when deployed allows me to get my 75-10 rucksack in there with me too. 8ft long 3ft wide & 18" off the ground. When rolled up it is just 15" long & 4" wide & will fit across the bottom of the sack. They don't turn up for sale very often, but if you see one buy it straight away.

[@funkyprepper]

true words from the great book my friend. its about time i done a review on my bivi - i think ive had about 12 requests to do the video. want to set it up on a bowling green so it stands out lol. i just done an overnighter last night - vid up before morning. i used a pot belly stove & hurricane lamp for the 1st time - wow!!! what an ambience :) so cool you camp with your dog, im hoping to do the same with ellie soon, problem is - she eats everything in the woods and gets sick. take care sandy

[@WiltshireMan]

Henry, Camping like this is very difficult in the UK. Mostly I have permission but often times I will wild it and find somewhere to camp without permission. You must apply the wild campers unwritten law. Pitch late, leave early and leave no trave that you have been there. This type of bivi lends it's self very well to stealth camping. Sandy

[@WiltshireMan]

Thaks Foggy. The bivi is a good piece of gear. I am glad I have got it. Will use it mostly for winter camping and stealth camps. Could see you in one with the rifle poking out. Sandy

[@DENMONKEY]

Whilst I like the idea of the bivvy, once you add a tarp to protect from wet weather, I figure you may as well get a tent and gain some more room and convenience . Hammocks have been working out well for me lately. I prefer light weight but will take a little extra for comfort or protection. The hammock seems to be a nice middle ground. Now if there were just trees everywehre

[@KennethKramm]

Hi Sandy. Somehow I missed this video.... Anway, I'm watching it now! Great great review... Stay warm, Ken

[@Jackloreknives]

Hi Ken, This video seems quite popular. I do like this little bivi but in really cold weather and with the hood zipped up it does suffer condensation even though it is goretex. Sandy

[@nealeburgess6756]

Thanks for sending me the link. Interesting piece of kit.

[@ajtaylor560]

Very nice camp. Love the candle light. Cuts down on the need for heavy full. Looks to be a great piece of kit.

[@bribooutdoors]

Hi Sandy m8 just brilliant good demo of how it should be done and you really enjoyed your self didn't you LOL that rab sleeping bag really is mint and i bet you had a little giggle when you was all warm as toast, nice to see you getting out a bit more, all the best my true friend and can't wait to meet up again BriBo

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

I really enjoyed your video and leave you with this ... Do what thy manhood bids thee to do From none but self expect applause One noblest lives and noblest dies Who makes and keeps His self made laws Sir Richard Francis Burton

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Lefty, These are nice thoughtful words. Sandy

[@jeffbryan5632]

Master Tracker f

[@jeffbryan5632]

Master Tracker t

[@slhaynes]

Thanks for the video sir! I really appreciate that you gave us a shot from a distance to show how the bivy and camp looks from afar. The camouflage was effective. I didn't see Elsa the bivy dog, but I'm sure she was there somewhere.

[@madgardener5820]

Now, bizarrely, this turned up in my recommendations today (8 years on!!) I've decided to watch it because I like all your stuff. However I thought I'd point out that I didn't read the title and the bivvy is so well camouflaged that, from the thumbnail, I first thought it was a recipe for salmon cooked on a fire. Your Thermarest looked like the salmon. 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

It's the right colour thats for sure:)

[@scottishwanderertrangiacoo1149]

it is a great bit of kit that, great video Wiltshire man

[@charlesmcgonigle3539]

First time to see a bivi bag. Great for low profile, Escape and evade throw some leaves on top. No one would ever know your there. I would want one for my gear . A must for SHTF thanks

[@jeremydransfield6968]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I will look out for one! Very good video too.. Thank you again.

[@martycuff1]

Mr Crabtree of the woods, " LOVED IT SANDY" Regards Marty

[@MINDWISEMAN]

Nice one Sandy, good bita kit to add to our strategies of stealth and low profile outings. Glad to have got you considering gettting it, will be modifying mine soon with extra hoop at foot end, developing the impro I did on Silbury. May catch up with you at the BC show if I go. Cheers Pete

[@Bill-vp3tr]

Hi Sandy I enjoyed your video I find them very relaxing. I live in British Columbia Canada and we have large predators. I took my daughter camping in my new camper. In the middle of the night we had a visit from a large black bear. He shook my 1/2 ton Dodge 1500 and 8 foot camper. I'd send some pics if I could I think you would like. Take care keep the videos coming Bill

[@MRPK1967]

Howdy Sandy - interesting to watch this vid. You set that up just how i set up my swag bag that i purchased when in the Ozzy outback. When using it in the UK I always make a roof and protch with a tarp. The bivi is very similar but the swag has another loop at the foot end and both loops can be tied off to a tree to keep it taught. Regards PK

[@KennethKramm]

Sandy, awesome review. You look very comfortable. I need to purchase something similar .... but maybe lighter weight, becasue it doesn't get very cold in east Texas. Thanks for posting. I like the lines your read.... Stay warm my friend. Ken

[@WiltshireMan]

Kersten, I would like very much to hear more stores you have to tell about yoyr camps in the superb Dutch army bivi. It is a most excellent piece of kit. Sandy

[@mcleodharry]

hi, just found yr review when i searched for some reviews of the dutch bivy. i just bought a brand new one on ebay. great piece of kit. yr video was very helpfull for my first setup, thank you !

[@nighthawk6376]

" Sandy by Candlelight " LOL! Nice Vid mate, The Lad's will miss you at Bazza on Friday, Foxy will have to tuck them in, and read them a bedtime story Instead! :) Regards! ..Tony.

[@RobertsBulgaria]

Hard to imagine that this video is 7 years old already and I have watched all of your Dutch Hooped Army Bivi videos because if I recall, you suggested a modification to hoop the bottom part. I think your Mate Joe did it, but since he folded that channel I don't seem to be able to find out what you/he did exactly. I don't particularity want to sleep with my rucksack down the bottom and I'm a little worried about interfering with the integrity of the Gortex if I start stitching another hoop tag on the bottom. I'm thinking that some kind of clips might do the job - any suggestions (if you get a chance to answer this), Many Thanks. EDIT:- No worries, I found your Mate Joe's new channel and it was all explained on there. Cheers

[@shoogelniffty1]

An excellent vid Sandy ,more of them please. Why not tell us a true happening that happend to you on your maney camping trips, i love campfire tales. cheers Al.........

[@WiltshireMan]

Pete, I will be going to the BC show. I do hope you are able to make it. Would be great to meet my KZbin hero !!!! The bivi is great But now the warmer weather is here I'm back in the hammock mostly. All the best Sandy

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks PK. I think it's good that your swag can be supported at the foot end too. I am very happy with the Dutch bivi . Sandy

[@G0TLU]

Thanks Sandy. Really shows the effectiveness of the camouflage colours, at 02:00 it's practically disappeared!

[@WiltshireMan]

I see this bivi as a useful tool in my camping armoury. It has advantages over a hammock in that it is warmer and more stealthy and therefore very good for winter. But the hammock is more comfy and will be my prefferred choice for most camps I do. Checkout Bribooutdoors. and Jester bushcraft. They are up your way.

[@phrayzar]

NIce vid mate. Very well expressed feelings on being out there, couldn't agree more. Safe travels from down under.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Sandy, Thanks for watching Sandy

[@Simplemansnature]

Brilliant set-up! The only improvements I could suggest to the bivvy manufacturer is a bug mesh screen, that would also allow excess condensation from one's breathe to escape the inside of the bivvy at night while one is sleeping. I would definitely get a bug net from eagles nest outfitters. ;-) Nice candle light reading. Where I live, we have an occasional black bear, coyotes and bobcats.

[@frontporsche]

Also, Snugpak makes the "Stratosphere" double-hoop bivi, which has two mesh screen areas.

[@Simplemansnature]

frontporsche Real good then!

[@grepolis8375]

Simplemansnature It has a mesh screen on top, under the flap next to the pole: www.kitmonster.co.uk/images/dutch_hooped_bivi2-LRG.jpg

[@Simplemansnature]

grep olis okay now I see.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Patrick, Yes I have seen the Gelert solo up close and it is very well built but to short. The obvious thing is the Gelert is double skinned whereas my dutch bivi is single skinned. Having said that there was absolutely no condensation, and I was very warm although the air temp was 0c. The Dutch bivi is a lot longer and I can stretch out. Something that can't be done in a Gelert solo. Sandy

[@Lliinx]

Excellent video. I really wanted to see what a bivi / tarp would be like and you cant get much closer to the ground than that. Thats the exact setup I would like. Ty for sharing tis with us Gov.

[@BrosephRussell]

Great video it sure is nice to get out and enjoy life thanks for sharing.

[@fepowson]

Great review Sandy and, yes loved the story from the bivi, me thinks you may have to add this occasionally (story at bedtime ha) Cheers...........Les.

[@JToupee]

Excellent vid, Sandy! I would expect that the BBC will soon be after you to film some documentaries with them. Keep them coming, Jesse!

[@6brettes]

One thought has struck me over again. We only have our life one moment at a time. It’s the way we answer the challenge of each moment, face the fear and live the joy and love possible in each moment that enables us to live each moment to the full. Only then can we really live our lives.” Outward Bound Student

[@DonMilligan]

I did a search on Bivi and was pleasantly surprised to find your video, well done.

[@WiltshireMan]

Dan, I bought the uco candle lantern from the bushcraft store online and the windsheild was from o outdoors. Very cheap. Sandy

[@nilodrallub7812]

I've watchex everyone of yohr vids , always an enjoyable time for me, THANK YOU for making them.

[@MickHecquet]

great setup mate and another great day out cheers sandy for sharing

[@willisblevins4190]

Nice video good looking piece of gear thanks

[@WiltshireMan]

Mick, It's just the standard size basha. I think it's 8ft / 6ft. Plenty large enough to cover a bivi, but perhaps a little too small for a hammock. As for the reflective mat, that was on amazon. Cost about 5 quid. It is only thin with a polystyrene back. Will not offer much in the way of comfort but does boost insulation values and worth it's weight for that. Car widscreen covers are just as good. Sandy

[@honkytonk2010]

Greetings from Manitoba Canada,awesome review thanks so much for sharing.

[@leaflifebushcraft]

Amazing review Sandy. like I said on your last review of this that I have been looking at getting one for ages. once again you have made me look online at the pretty pictures of one like a little kid gazing at the sweets that he cant afford through the sweetshop window .LOL. but its the show coming up so will have to just look for the moment. Hope to see you there pal all the best mate Craig

[@bushcraft3606]

Hi Sandy Great review on an excellent system,and that is a great book.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching. Sandy

[@doogal1234]

That's very stealthy, very nice piece of kit. Camo pattern works well, from 20 yards out in broken terrain that would be difficult to see

[@jediknightofthewoods]

Very good video and perspective on what looks like a cracking bit of kit Sandy! I have never been a ground dweller but I am thinking of going down that route in order to try a few new patches out, and really like your use of that reflector for the UCO lantern! all the best mate! MTFBWY!

[@Haven2U]

One of the best vids I have watched.

[@nosejose1]

A very nice video, very well made and interesting. Thanks for posting it.

[@WiltshireMan]

Stories from the Bivi mark. Haa glad you liked it mate. The bivi was really warm. Perhaps just a bit too warm with that rab bag inside. ATB Sandy

[@BeeFus6541]

nice Vid, I use the same cooker on my second one now they are superb.. would love to have my dog with me.. I always bring my boots in my swag or tent never leave em out.. You dont have the creepy crawlies we do though!

[@stoneman886]

great vid Sandy, that bivvie bag looks great, have to put it on my ever growing wants list, as I think it would be more appropriate for my needs than a hammock... be safe out there.. Mark

[@wufwufwufwuf]

Great video realy enjoyed it gota get a bivi now,thanks Sandy

[@MsDAVIDBETH]

Great video sandy as always, love the set up:-) Thanks david

[@daddated1]

Wonderful video,enjoyed you sharing it, liked the end too,hope you slept well. Ted

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

Hi Sandy, most of the condensation will be from breathing vapour, from being fully enclosed, as you use a basha try sleeping with the top zip open, still warm and cozy but breath can escape, I've used my standard British military bivi bag on numerous winter trips and have had no problem with condensation, I've also used my civi bivi bag inside my military one, both open, with no adverse moisture effects, hope this helps, another enjoyable vid Sandy, am slowly going through your list, and I must get out soon myself, cheers, Paul.

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

+Dutch VonUlmus It works well in cold, wet, windy conditions, like here in Blighty.

[@albertjones4803]

great job sandy as always mate bivvi well explained great set up atb alb

[@tadejfu]

I would recommend to get these bivys for cheap on ebay because even if they fail like yours did with the zipper, you can still reuse the material to fashion lets say jackets and pant. Remember this stuff is special goretex air permeable laminate, not the usual goretex membrane for clothing. It is 100% waterproof and very very breathable, hence the hefty price if bought by carintihia. For the surplus price these come on ebay buy several, use them till they fail and then reuse the fabric.

[@tadejfu]

Oh and the outer material is also the higher grade nylon 6.6 instead of normal nylon 6.0 which is tougher and more heat resistant.

[@WiltshireMan]

Good tip thanks

[@WiltshireMan]

Glad you found the review helpful. It's a great piece of kit. Sandy

[@BlueStarJT]

Brilliant , seriously looking in to buying one of these bivis , shame they are so expensive , £100 give or take . But i guess you get what you pay for . This is the set up i am drawn towards , bivi , tarp , and a cold weather sleeping bag .

[@WiltshireMan]

+BlueStarJT In cold weather you will experience quite a bit of condensation when the bivi is closed up so beware. Also very small space. I still use this bivi for stealth but also use a small one man tent in camo as it gives a little more living space.

[@BlueStarJT]

+Wiltshire Man yeah i guess thats the only down side such a confined space you will get condensation , still a good quality stealthy alternative to tents , thanks for you reply , your videos are inspirational , do you still make those awsome jackalore knifes . Atb Jake .

[@T2MOSurvival]

Always get so much more with your vids loved the words thanks again Argo

[@Jackloreknives]

Thankyou Rikky for subscribing and commenting. Sandy

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Paul, It's the best medicine Paul, but be warned it's very addictive medicine. I want to go out again. Got withdrawal symptons! Good on the stoves mate. You won't go wrong with a pocket rocket. All the best Sandy

[@TheVocalMale]

Apparently there were two contractors who won to produce the Dutch army bivvi. One was better being Corinthia and the poorer build was a Spanish contractor. I've seen a video recently explaining about failed zips and it turned out it was the Spanish release.

[@Jackloreknives]

Hi Jedi, The bivi will open up more stealthy camp options for sure. It also being so small creates a micro climate making it ideal for cold weather camping. MTFBWY2 Sandy

[@WiltshireMan]

LOL LOL. If I did that I wouldn't need the hoop as the bivi would be self supporting with a central pole to keep it erect! Good tip. I will try it next camp and made a vid! Sandy

[@TheOverlord2010]

Cracking review the best I have seen on the hooped bivi.