Bivy Tents- Nemo GoGo LE / RAB Ridge Master

[photonaturally]

So a sleeping bag cover over down bags or a synthetic sleeping bag is recommended for a bivy?

[Nuts]

Yeah, that's the way I see it for these small tents. Iv'e got a MLD water resistant cover but prefer waterproof bivy (eVent for me) and a down bag myself. Wev'e used them under tarps for a long time, they can get a bit of condensation (themselves) but its manageable.

[photonaturally]

If you have something like the Nemo gogo (which I am interested in getting) would you need a sleeping bag cover?

[Nuts]

Condensation didn't seem 'too' bad but yes, I would, for piece of mind. Someone else might comment who has had a lot of time in them but I would find it hard to get in/out without touching the walls. Also in a side wind the sides bellowed in a fair bit.. with a thick mat there wasn't a lot of space around the foot end. Hope this helps.

[photonaturally]

It does. Thank you.

[infini]

Do you remember if the Gogo LE had mesh at the side zipped door?

[Nuts]

No my friend. No side door mesh.. (you asked that on the last page )

[Giddy_up]

Hi Nuts, did you end up keeping your RAB Ridge Master or sell it on. If not how has it been going, pleased or not suitable?


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[Nuts]

No, I passed it on. I seem to have ended up with a second pole set for it if you do buy one.

[Giddy_up]

No, I passed it on. I seem to have ended up with a second pole set for it if you do buy one.

Thanks Nuts, I will keep those poles in mind. I think I will get a RAB bivy and try it for quick light overnighters in winter. Might take a bit of getting use to having a smaller space to work in. I do like the fact that the dimensions would make it possible (I think) to place the tent horizontally in my pack will be a bonus.



"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[Nuts]

Yeah, it is a small package. Lots of places you can put these, even on wider animal (or people) tracks if pressed.
In the end I found that my traditional bivy and a light diy tent was a simliar weight, not a lot wider (and a lot more space inside..)

[Giddy_up]

I've seen your thread on the DIY tent and it looks a cracker, well done. I'm not as ingenious as yourself so I will have to stick to buying what I need. Think I might couple this with a small cuben tarp for a little more liveability in very poor weather.


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[Nuts]

Thanks for that- I find it's just a matter of thinking about things after you launch into them- one can do anything (lol)..
These would be great in their element: Short walks/ extended bad weather unlikely, tight places, fast paced climbs. A tarp would make them more liveable, height adjusted with the weather, franco mentioned fashioning some sort of tarp extension but probably just a free tarp/ walking pole/s would work.

[Giddy_up]

I agree Nuts, just ordered my RAB Bivy, tarp next and then off into the scrub to test them out. QLD should be a good test for condensation and water proof quality.


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[angus4356]

Hi guys. A late entrant to this discussion, but I'm just wondering whether anyone can comment on the Gogo's (or the Rab's) condensation performance with in-field use? A quick Google search over the Gogo (and the various version of it) suggests condensation is a BIG problem. I am specifically looking at the Gogo Ex, which with a full mesh 'inner' and integrated fly is "supposed" to behave like a double wall tent. Appreciate any thoughts. I have a Hilleberg Unna which is awesome but bigger and heavier (in every way) than what I'm chasing from something like the Gogo. Cheers, Angus

[Giddy_up]

Hi guys. A late entrant to this discussion, but I'm just wondering whether anyone can comment on the Gogo's (or the Rab's) condensation performance with in-field use? A quick Google search over the Gogo (and the various version of it) suggests condensation is a BIG problem. I am specifically looking at the Gogo Ex, which with a full mesh 'inner' and integrated fly is "supposed" to behave like a double wall tent. Appreciate any thoughts. I have a Hilleberg Unna which is awesome but bigger and heavier (in every way) than what I'm chasing from something like the Gogo. Cheers, Angus

Hi angus4356,

I have just purchased the RAB Ridge Master for quick overnight walks without the kids. I have had just the one night in it and was dry but the weather and atmosphere was as well so not a good indicator of moisture build up. I am expecting some moisture, especially with a larger temperature differential between the inside of the bivy and outside.

The bivy is also very quiet, some that don't have the second pole at the foot end can flap in the breeze a bit and disrupt your sleep. My one night was quite a breezy night and I slept very well.

The event seems like a nice fabric, lets hope its as good as they say. It's a mindset change to just have one sheet of material between you and the elements, or its is for me!!!!

The bivy has excellent build quality and is roomy, it feels very tent like once your in and does not give you that claustrophobic feeling at all. Packs small and light and is ideal when all you want is your pack, bivy, sleeping bag/pad and a meal.

I will try to get some pictures up for you of it set up with my sleeping pad and bag in it for reference.




"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"