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Product Description
A versatile addition to any minimalist backpacker’s arsenal, the bivy is a waterproof, breathable sleeping bag cover that can be used on its own, as an emergency shelter, or in conjunction with a tarp. This pair of bivy bags from Terra Nova delivers on all fronts: Lightweight with a simple drawcord closure, each packs down small into an included stuff sack Read More
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...
Thanks 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!
I researched these a while back. The gist IIRC: if you want a light, breathable non-custom bivy, the Moonlite is only outperformed by the Montbell Breeze UL. Differences: Montbell is ripstop, Moonlite has an integrated bug net, Montbell has a more articulated hood.
Compared to the SOL Bivis: the normal Escape is heavier and less breathable. The Lite version (only comes in orange) is lighter but less breathable and does not have an integrated bug net nor a drawcord.
As for the hood, the Moonlite has a drawstring which allos to cinch the upper together; not a fully articulated hood but similar effect. At more than 6' tall it gets quite tight though
If you're looking at the Moonlight version,I'd recommend you check out the Ultralight Bivy at borahgear.com. Lighter, cheaper, well reviewed, excellent personal support, and made-to-order here in the USA for those of you that appreciate that sort of thing. I think mass drop previously offered a version it that sold out fast. These Terra Nova bivys seem like a reasonable deal. Like the Borah Gear product, I probably wouldn't use them as a stand-alone shelter when rain is in the forecast, but they pair nicely with a tarp.
CPT_RedBeardI have the side zip for ease of entry/exit. Loop sewn into the center of the bug netting section allows you to elevate it off your face (I use a small segment of light elastic shock cord and connect it up to my trekking pole in the shelter). Here's my set-up with the Borah Gear bivy + tarp, a cheap mylar ground cloth, Lawson cord, pad & mass drop/EE quilt in the bivy:
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And I still think both of the bivies on this drop would work well in a similar set-up (and they're well priced).
Does the Moonlight version, with zippered bug netting, fully enclose in case it rains? In other words, is there a zippered hood solid fabric for full weather protection?
BirnbaumGalI made a more general post above. The normal Escape is a tad heavier and less breathable than the Moonlite, and without bug netting. Probably a little more robust though, and it provides additional insulation by reflection which the Moonlite does not.
Jae9Actually an interesting ?
if the survival bag compresses the down reducing loft as everyone knows the sleep bag loses efficiency and the rating will go down.
if the sleeping bag is at maximum loft and the survival bag sits loose on the sleeping bag that will increase insulation and certainly will be worth some extra degrees.
good luck
It's unfortunate the heavier Survival model doesn't have the bug net. Are there other options for adding bug protection if one wanted to go with the heavier Survival bivy?