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BennyT
5
Nov 15, 2017
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To clarify, I can zip myself entirely into the moonlight and be waterproof, but not in the survival? One of the bags looks to just drawstring whereas the other seems to fully zip closed, but it's not super obvious. I guess I could throw a jacket over the opening to achieve a similar effect...
Nov 15, 2017
idoc72
1181
Nov 15, 2017
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BennyTI believe the zippered upper part (over the face) on the Moonlight is just mesh - good for insects, not so much for rain.
Nov 15, 2017
BennyT
5
Nov 15, 2017
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idoc72Thanks idoc. If you have experience with bivys, could you or anyone else suggest an alternative at a similar price with the ability to completely rain proof yourself if need be? I was just about ready to go for this drop and have been looking for an affordable bivy for a while. Unfortunately outdoor gear and affordable don't go together, especially in Australia.
Nov 15, 2017
idoc72
1181
Nov 15, 2017
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BennyTYou can go a couple directions with this. Keep in mind that all "water resistant" bivies are going to wet-out if used alone in heavy rain, and all "water proof" bivies with a closed face are going to generate serious condensation inside. Either way, you have the potential to get damp.
The first option (which I highly recommend) is to pair up an ultralight bivy and a tarp. Many of the ligher (and less waterproof) bivies are going to breathe better, but will still provide protection to your sleeping bag from spray that may get under your tarp. With the face open, or covered with bug netting, and the option to vent the zippers, you'll have less condensation and stay drier inside. If the weather stays nice, leave the tarp in your pack or use it for a separate gear/cooking area. I think the Moonlight bivy in this drop is a good option. I use a borahgear.com ultralight bivy (6.1oz - has been on Massdrop before) and tarp (8oz), and am really pleased with the set-up for solo use. They are also priced fantastically! Other similar sub $100 USD bivy options include the Outdoor Research Molecule and Rab Storm (check out steepandcheap.com). Black Diamond and MSR make some good products too. Take a look at the models that have been on MD and read through the community input on them.
Option two is a more robust, stand alone waterproof bivy. They're great when you'll likely be able to vent them, but need some insurance against brief/unexpected storms (or on snow). If you're expecting to hunker down through extended rain, you will get wet from condensation with the face closed up (no matter how breatheable they're marketed to be). They're also going to be more expensive (most over $200 USD) for premium fabrics and construction. I would recommend checking out Borah Gear's Snowside Bivy - *upcoming Black Friday sale! I do some trips with a stand-alone waterproof bivy when the weather forecast is good, but venting is key.
Nov 15, 2017
CPT_RedBeard
1
Nov 16, 2017
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idoc72You answered a lot of questions I didn't know I had. Thanks for taking your time to write this up.
Nov 16, 2017
BennyT
5
Nov 16, 2017
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idoc72Thanks so much for all of that Idoc, super helpful! I hadn't even considered using a tarp, and I like it! Previously I was leaving my pack on the ground with a rain cover and bringing a few key items into a borrowed bivy - a tarp solves that problem nicely and keeps all my gear accessible even in rainy conditions.
I've had a look around and I think I'll go the borahgear option, even with shipping to Australia it works out cheaper to get their ultralight bivy and tarp, compared to the moonlight bivy and sourcing a tarp locally (especially if I wait for the black friday sales, thanks for the heads up). And the total cost/weight comes in cheaper and lighter than an OR Helium bivy, with more flexibility in summer months. You've been very, very helpful Idoc, thanks!
Nov 16, 2017
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