Bushwalk Australia

Edited to include some thoughts in comparing RAB Ridge Master Bivy

Some other members here were interested in the Nemo tents and airbeams. This bivy arrived today and thought i'd share a few pics:

Nuts

Looks good.

What is the finish like? How easy is the air support the pump up? Does the pointy end open? And what is the REAL weight?

P

Well..... you'll have to come and have a look...















Ow..ok..
The finish is good. The design is a bit high tech for me but I can see what they were aiming for. The breathable shell material is where the weight is, very much like eVent and the floor is Thick! The front opens at one side or can be rolled right back to the beam (or the floor rolled back to expose bear ground). At around 6' yer head rests short of the beam so there is some space for gear...

I've looked at these a couple of times. The pole free design has some appeal. Is it fuss free or fiddly? How claustrophobic is it when you're inside and all zipped up?

The beam takes seconds, maybe 6/8 pumps.. It will be a squeeze to get your head around if youve never bivied, not for an uncovered down bag... Good size once in and 'feels' bombproof!!! Time will tell..

I did stick it on the scales Peng, 1100 something but i'll post it when i pull it down, there are some modifications I can see and i'm waiting for rain (oh, and thats 'bare' ground... )

Thats a real neat bivy. If the airbeams fail, you still have a fully functional bivy.

I also noticed they released the 2011 version, abit lighter at 600 grams but in yellow. The yellow gogo elite isnt as good looking as your green and its not cheap at 300 quid....http://pedalhead.net/2011/08/19/nemo-gogo-elite-bivy-initial-thoughts/

MJD has been using one of these on and off for a year or 2 now, he seems to like it. Though it gets overlooked for the lighter, more "tent like" Terra Nova these days.

Yer, I wonder which one mjd has??

NP: There are several models, that yellow one being the 'ultralight' version i believe.. (its actually 760 odd g's) theres an LX with full inner mesh and the Moto at 1.5kg and sit up size.
The extra length, heavier floor and shell material and especially the side door made the decision (for me). tbh I didn't really pain over the weight. Ive got some tent sized options that aren't much heavier but wanted something with a small footprint and extra safe without carrying a separate bivy (and I liked the colour )

THe RAB Ridge Master should be here soon. Apparently the specs are out and I haven't found anywhere giving the actual dimensions. I'll probably decide between the two, I have a RAB bivy and have slept in the rain with it so trust the material. If this Gogo material is as good (perhaps i'll give it the sprinkler test..) it may be hard to choose though the airbeam 'looks' like a great idea. I was surprised how quickly it popped up and how sturdy it gets. Their Morpho could be a nice tent sized option..

The weights include some extras, all sorts of big tags and heavy bags, likely 100 odd g's not needed. I also think that a solid peg either end would be enough. This may be one 'tent' where those wire pegs work (around the base). I dont know whether it needs the mesh over the side door (perhaps in Qld).

Not for everyone. The foot end will see the s/bag touch the sides (so it still is a 'bivy') but the head end (where it matters I guess) is roomy..

Do they all look similar? Because his looks very alike to the one in the pic..?

I did look at them a couple of yrs back, not sure what models or materials they were using.. apparently the OSMO works pretty well.. I can't imagine there will be 'no' condensation.. RAB's tent event material is good but still does get some in the right conditions..

http://www.nemoequipment.com/tents2011

Rab Ridge Master review :
http://terrybnd.blogspot.com.au/2012/03 ... vouac.html
Franco

Cheers Franco, I saw that vid also.. '70cm if not too much short of a meter' I could have send them a tape ; ) it doesn't look huge with that mat in...

hi Nuts
OK, now I get it...
Yes kind of funny that he reviews the shelter with his camera (phone I imagine) sideways and does not bother to measure the bivy.
I had a look at the same stuff under ID , they give the same measurements.
Based on the packed size (30cm long) I would think that the real height is between 60 and 70 cm , but I am guessing since I could not see a single shot of anyone standing next to one of them ...
Franco

Franco wrote:Based on the packed size (30cm long) I would think that the real height is between 60 and 70 cm , but I am guessing since I could not see a single shot of anyone standing next to one of them ...
Franco

Ha.. good point.. perhaps 90-100cm.. but i'm guessing your more likely right.. It does cost a bit to try these things out but I find it useful. This one looks smaller than the Nemo but then the square end may be more useful. It picks up some weight (relative to the Nemo) somewhere unless the fabric is heavier as it doesn't have all the front mesh and zips, beams, lantern hook and other hooks (going on review and specs). I did the string test but i guess i'm better 'hands on'. I'm not the best at doing reviews either (but i'm happy to answer any questions )

Just to add here, the size:



And (wont excite ULers or perhaps anti-ULers...) ftr in factory mode weighs 1128 + 4-8 pegs.

So, its very compact but relatively heavy. Not really at all a 'better' option than many of the lightweight tents available, probably a good second tent.
For me, I like to camp where I end up at the end of a day and have found places where a tent just won't work. Iv'e always preferred a traditional bivy and some sort of shelter for solo walks. I guess this is a compromise of the two and maybe a good choice for camping up high, solo walks and where campsites (or shelter from full exposure) aren't certain. Here's somewhere as an example:

About the closest comparison (I could find) is the RAB Ridge Master Bivy. I really want to like this one. RAB gear comes well made and they seem to get things 'just right', not too much bling and just what's needed. As Franco pointed out (somewhere) they have been purchased by Integral Designs, another company that seems to make similar solid working products. This in mind, the RAB is virtually the same as the ID 'Nestor' Bivy, I guess a more familiar brand and model name aimed at the US market.

That aside, I like the colour :



Unfortunately, it doesn't really offer anything that the Nemo can't beat.

The Nemo is slightly bigger in every dimension, it has better options for ventilation and more access points. The RAB uses traditional pole structure which may appeal to some but in the advantages of a small 'tent' the concept of an inflated pole I imagine will be much more versatile to pitch. It may not deflect snow too well but thats not so much an issue either (in this case). The RAB does have a larger side door, making side access easier and packs a bit smaller (being able to separate the poles from the tent body). Nemo Osmo and RAB event material test at about the same 'breathability', if they perform as well as each other in practice there shouldn't be much trouble there. I'll try to remember to come back and update here when iv'e given one a better run. Not having endless resources, one will have to go but its looking like the RAB unless theres something iv'e missed in picking over them both..

PS.. The RAB maximum height is 64cm..

That GoGo looks the goods. Very tempting.

Look forward to the to the road test.

P

Well ...
Equip Outdoor Technologies, the company that owns Rab also purchased Integral Designs.
It also owns Lowe Alpine and Outdoor Designs.

The Rab bivy looks less claustrophobic (?)
One thing I had in mind with those is to attach a tarp to them to get an "awning" for rainy afternoons .
(to be taken down at bed time)
Should be easy with two trekking poles and particularly with the Rab.
That would be the same tarp you carry to protect you from the sun at lunchtime in Tassie...
Franco

Ha, well.. all corrections encouraged!!

Surprisingly (once in) neither 'feels' claustrophobic. Iv'e only spent time in one solo tent, the Akto, and that felt worse.
I guess these designs are 'just enough'. Iv'e been thinking of modifications and tarps but each time come back to thinking that they aren't Really necessary. That said, a big (see out sized) peak vent on the RAB (that could be pulled back from inside) would be nice or two vertical zips. Some sort of side door extension/attachment would be easy enough, adding a verandah off the side..

I'll likely make a short entry/groundsheet under the side door and upper body area for now.

Hi Nuts

Just curious to see how the gogo has performed since you got it. How do you find condensation in it etc.
Cheers
Mic

On a cold closed up night it will get some mic. It was just damp under the peak though. The peak of the arch needs tie outs, probably over a pole or something. The airbeams flex more than alum poles. A synthetic sleeping bag/quilt/ outer or over bag is ideal, the bag will likely brush on the foot end fly, esp with a thick mat. I cut a short carbon pole but the foot can work with a loop clipped to a walking pole. Cut/sewed a groundsheet that is wide enough to cover kneeling to get in, long enough for the main tent body. It also works as a 'wrap' so the tent fits in the pack front pocket, stays dry but can drain: http://campl.us/esxFsMG3ofk

Thanks for that. I really like its design. So simple. Not sure it would have much of a place up here in SE QLD though in the warmer/wet months. Id be swimming in there. Mind you that's when I love my hammock the most.
Have you had it in snow? I can't imagine the airbeam would hold up to much snow?

No, no snow this winter. It looks like it should shed ok. The beam is stiff.. just more flexi than a solid pole. It has good ventilation but yes, I'd even try a hammock up there, anything to catch a breeze.

Just a heads up that there is one (still cheap) on ebay (us): http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brand-New-Ne ... 257a87d95e

I know cause i'm thinking of moving mine on. I know larger, older and perhaps even less flexible people have these but i was likely kidding myself

In short, I wanted it to work but don't really have a place for it. Have done some more work on my diy tent (which is bigger and half the weight). To complete the review; it does get some condensation, not too bad. The airbeam will collapse in a side wind (without guys on the guy out loops), not unmanageable. For someone wanting a commercial product for over-nighters (or more predictable weather), especially in tight camp sites.. it's ok. I like the breathable material, if the tent collapses (in theory) it's still ok.

If your a short-backed gymnast, it might be your nirvana.

Does the side door of the Gogo LE have mesh inside?

g'day. No, just on the end

Thanks, i am interested in buying this tent but i am a bit worried about condensation when it is fully closed. What is your experience, especially in the early morning?

Don't have much to add to the above (limited experience). I sold mine for mainly cause I don't bend that easily, think i would have found a way to deal with the sml amount of condensation (which was to be expected).. bivy bag, weatherproof s/bag etc?

So you think it was not as comfortable as a 1p tent, right?

No, though theres no difference once laying down...
What I did like is when you do finally do so (lay down) they 'feel' big, no fabric just there above t head.