Bivy bag usage in TAS

[shazcol]

Seen a few Bivy bags for sale recently on the forum. I am wondering about usage in TAS conditions and using them in general. I have never been camping with anybody who has used one.

What styles or features are needed to use one here?
What are they like for room and getting in and out during bad weather, can you get dressed in one?
Do they suffer from condensation build-up inside?
Can you get a decent mat inside them like a full lenght Exped 7 down mat?
Would you need to carry a small tarp to make a dry area for coking etc as well?
Seasonal use in Summer only maybe?

I would be interested in somebody giving a precis of there practicality and or suitable uses in TAS if people do use them here?

[tsangpo]

There are bivy bags which is just a bag and then bivy shelters which also let you put up a pole around your head and enclose you completely. I have a ~10 year old Macpac bivy shelter and have used it quite a bit, but in Victoria, to answer your questions:

Not sure

Not good for bad weather - will shelter you in a pinch but without a tarp not good. You don't want to be spending more than one wet night in them.

They get pretty bad condesation if you have the headspace up and it gets your sleeping bag quite damp on the outside, however in clear weather if you have your head out in the air all the moisture from your breath escapes there and there is minimal condensation.

I can fit a 3/4 thermarest in mine very easily however the mats work a lot better (warmth wise) if they're outside the bag because they aren't stretching the base of the bivy bag and forcing the fabric on top to tighten on your sleeping bag. A full length mat will make this even worse.

Tarp would be a good idea for over the top of the bivy and for cooking if going in wet weather / for more than a day or two where you know the weather.

I've used mine snowcamping before around Falls Creek in clear but cold weather so I could have my head in the open (also need a beanie/neckwarmer for this), it mostly depends on rain/snow which can be somewhat dealt with with a small tarp.

Sorry I can't give any Tassie experience on this but I hope it helps. EDIT: The best thing about them is that you can see the stars and don't get that enclosed feeling of a tent

[Nuts]

Strange, its showing tsangpo as the author of this topic??

Yer, pretty much agree with tsangpo. Ive used a waterproof bivy (Outdoor Research/RAB) and bivy tent thing (Bibler), the first is a hassle without a shelter/tarp/tipi. The second was less of a hassle but you can buy lighter solo tents. I have a water resistant bivy with a half side zip that works great under a good tarp or tipi, more a sleeping bag shell. It fits everything inside, is light enough to let a sleeping bag loft and the minimal weight is offset but the added warmth (ive found) Condensation is less of an issue with the lighter water Resistant fabrics (momentum?) though the OR light style goretex and any of the event bivys arent too bad

[Son of a Beach]

Strange, its showing tsangpo as the author of this topic??

That was very weird... but I've fixed it now.

[shazcol]

Thanks Nuts and tsangpo for the info. Not sure if they are really (for me anyway) a viable alternative or not. I think I would want to try one first.

[andre35]

Overnight trips i always use my bivvy. I have used it extensively in conjunction with a small tarp. Have used it a couple of times without the tarp but only when a decent spot with a bit of protection is available e.g. under a rock ledge etc. Have used the bivvy tarp set up in some pretty average weather in the south west and over the central highlands but only overnighters.... If i'm going to be out for a few days i'll take the tent. In my opinion Tassie weather is too unpredictable for the bivvy/tarp setup for more than one night. I always take my bivvy even if i take the tent. For me using the bivvy with a small (packed size) sleeping bag, or puff jacket and pants and no sleeping bag,will keep me as warm, take up less space and be lighter than using a better rated and bigger sleeping bag. With the benefit of not having to use the tent if the weathers nice. Have never really had condensation problems, but i always try and leave the zip open a little.

[Penguin]

I have a Vaude hooped Gortex bivvy.

It is great for emergency shelter and when sleeping next to a hut. I have slept in it quite a few times over the last twelve months in Tassie.

Four comments:

1. Condensation
2. It is a bugger to pack up when raining
3. It is hard to eat in when raining.
4. Did I mention condensation.

Penguin

PS As you sleep "warm" in a bivvy - I have gone to a synthetic bag with the bivvy and a S2S Reactor lines. These cope with being wet and drying fast without affecting the insulation. These have been good enough to keep me warm when it was below zero outside with no need for me to wear cloths while sleeping. This negates part of the condensation problem.

P