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Product Description
Able to withstand rain and snow, the Alpine Bivy by Outdoor Research is made of waterproof Gore-Tex Respiration Positive fabric that protects from the elements and keeps condensation out. The overlapped zipper opening lets you breathe freely without letting in a draft Read More
I have one of these. I've used it several times in alpine scrambling situations and am very happy with it. My most memorable was in a snow cavern under a giant boulder on the flank of Mount Stewart in WA. It was wet and cold all night but this thing kept me pretty comfy. It's not the lightest weight bivy sack but it's about half the weight of a lightweight 2p tent and the arch pole that keeps the fabric off your face while being zipped in means it's comfortable even with conditions like bugs or rain.
I used one of these on a backpacking trip in December. Temps were in the 40's and fell just below freezing at night. Humidity was fairly high.... but, I returned it after the trip (thanks REI) I had a lot of condensation inside - even with leaving head open. I also found that for two pounds it had little space on the inside while there are single person double wall tents out there that weigh in around 2.5 lbs. and allow you to actually sit up.
This is currently on Backcountry.com for $109.54 w/ free US shipping. $136.92, extra 20% off taken after placing it in your cart.
https://www.backcountry.com/outdoor-research-alpine-bivy Thanks for the awesome deal, Massdrop!
Saw some discussion about how this bivy has a design flaw where the hoop can't be tied open so that the bug netting doesn't drop down onto your face, allowing bugs to bite you. Some online reviewers mention modifying this sack to add tie points for guy lines to 1) hold the hoop up, 2) stake out the sack so that it gives you more room and keeps the sack fabric up and off your body and your sleeping bag. I know people don't want to buy something that costs almost $200 and then have to mod it, but that's part of the fun, right? I intend to use the sack for winter camping, for which I think it's more appropriate. I think for 3-season use you'd want to use an ultralight tent or rig a bug net with a tarp.