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Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy
If you like to travel light yet often find yourself in iffy weather conditions, the Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy offers rugged protection from the elements.
- 3-layer Gore-Tex® Respiration Positive fabric provides waterproof, windproof protection; all seams are taped to ensure waterproofness
- Waterproof Hydroseal® coated nylon floor for extra durability; end-opening zipper is protected by a wide storm flap
- Single overhead shockcorded Delrin® pole keeps bivy up and off of face when sack is closed; wide storm flap shields the zipper from wind and rain
- No-see-um-mesh at opening keeps bugs off face while allowing ample ventilation; height is approximately 20 in.
- Footprint is sized to accommodate thicker sleeping pads
- Straps keep your sleeping pad in place, preventing the bivy from rolling over during sleep
- High-volume foot section allows a more natural position for feet and is approximatey 14.5 in high
- Small internal mesh pocket
- 5 stake loops and1 guyline loop
- Includes Delrin pole and stuff sack
- Shoulder girth is 52 in.
Imported.
Item 747832
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Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Lightweight (29)
- Easy to set up (24)
- Comfortable (16)
- Packs small (16)
- Waterproof (16)
Cons
- Condensation (3)
Best Uses
- Backpacking (30)
- Hiking (14)
- Mountaineering (13)
- 3 season use (5)
- Car camping (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (19), Casual/ recreational (5), Outdoor professional (3), Professional guide (3)
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Survivalist / minimalist (11)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (14)
Reviewed by 32 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
Took a road trip from Bend, Oregon to Bozeman, Montana in December. Not wanting to stay in hotels, we camped out overnight. Set up the bivy out in the open. Snowed on us all night. There was minor condensation inside the bag in the morning (I didn't leave the zipper open at all, due the single-digit temps and falling snow), but nothing that was bothersome. Stayed snug and dry all night long.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Headroom
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
One of my best companions on my journey around Japan was my bivy sack. This tent, barely larger than a sleeping bag, became my home on mountains, in cityscapes, through the elements and under many conversations.
Regarding the quality, it was top notch. The walls stayed dry, the support beam kept my face from being covered and allowed enough room to read or write every night.
One of my biggest worries was the support around the head and chest. Worried that it may collapse during the night, I had no need to worry. As long as a small amount of weight supported the front tip (ie your head), there was no need to worry.
Spending many nights with others using regular tents, the setup speed left even the most seasoned backpacker to shame. I believe it takes me roughly 2 minutes if I were to take my time laying out my mat and sleeping bag.
Roughly 40 days, hiking around the island of Shikoku, I'm happy to say this beast held. Each night saw me, my 65 liter backpack, a sleeping mat, a sleeping bag and many journals all lying prone, inside this little blue fortress.
Lastly, I'd like to mentioned the dryness. The hike I went on contains a pilgrimage. After you visit each of the eighty eight temples, your book gets stamped and signed. By the end of the journey, you've invested a lot of time and effort in this book. I was worried it may collect condensation, if during the night it were pushed against the wall of the Bivy. This worry proved unnecessary as the walls collected very little condensation during my time with it. I can't account for winter or fall just yet, but spring and summer were just fine.
Anytime I travel by myself from now on, I'm definitely taking this bivy sack.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
I needed a low profile solo set up for some inconspicuous camping. This works great. I place it on top of a $4 tarp from Ace Hardware. I saw a video on Youtube of this bivy being sprayed by a hose and remaining dry inside but I haven't used it in the rain yet. Definitely watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KO4ad9H0ew
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- Cold weather
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Wet conditions
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
I had some reservations about buying this product because of its price and I was worried it would be to cramped and not waterproof.
Those reservations are out the window now. This Bivy is fantastic! I have owned this bivy for over a year now and it is my first choice for any type of adventure.
It packs down small and it allows me to go very light without sacrificing any sort of comfort. I have spent very cold nights in this bivy and had few issues with condensation. it ads an extra dagree or two and protects from cold wind.
What most impressed me about this bivy is when I spent a week in a river valley with it. The first three days where nothing but rain. It is easy to set up in the dark and surprisingly spacious after long nights. It is a bit of an art form getting in and out of in bad weather but once you get it its easy. The first night I spent 14 hours in my bivy in the pouring rain. When The rain finally let up my bivy was in a pond. Yet I stayed warm, dry and comfy the whole time.
There is plenty of space to keep some clothes and a lamp in there with you and you can lay in a variety of positions.
Whenever I sleep in the Alpine Bivy it reminds me of being a kid and sleeping in forts I built.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys solo trips, packing light and staying dry.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Waterproof
Cons
- Poor Hood Design
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Mountaineering
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
The OR Alpine Bivy is nice for a solo backpacker. It does not take much time at all to set-up or take down and the weight is low.
I have spent some cold nights in it in the snow and it does make a big difference keeping you warm.
My biggest problem with it is the terrible way to secure the hood open to allow more cold air flow in when the night ends up being warmer enough to open it all the way, but you don't want to open up the bug mesh. I end up wrestling with it all night as there is no way to secure the hood open. I have tried staking it and pulling the lip over the hoop, but it always flips over when I turn or the wind blows just a bit. OR would it have killed you to add a clip or Velcro to secure this?? I guess I will just have to add it myself.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
My stats first to give you some idea of the room. I am 5'9 265 lbs and built like a linebacker, so I was worried about how much room I would have. Space was not an issue and I slept like a baby instantly the first night and did not feel claustrophobic. I am a side sleeper also and I had plenty of room to roll around inside this thing. It kept me plenty warm and dry, though I would recommend leaving the outer flap with e few inches open for fresh air. Even in a 25 degree night, I stayed plenty warm inside with the flap open for ventilation.
The best feature on this product is the flap itself, it overlaps the zipper so you can leave it open with just the bug mesh closed and still stay dry and warm inside. Many other Bivies do not have this feature. So with that in mind.
I researched Bivy sacks for 3 months before I purchased this one. All of my friends have it, and I wanted to be different so I kept searching. Ultimately, I kept coming back to it every time because it really is the best one out there and I would have spent way more for a less product. Now, we have 5 of these Bivies in our camp. Excellent product. Anything OR always is.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
I'd rather sleep under the stars than in a 5 star. For years I've traveled with a pad and a 10'x10' nylon tarp. I finally broke down and got this to replace the tarp. Just finished a 3 day trip and it works fantastic. I did not get to test in in wet conditions. It was dry and cold where I camped and there was zero condensation in the sack each morning. I did not need the netting or cover over my face as the bugs all go to bed before I do. I love to look at the stars/moon between short sleep periods all night long. Based on how it worked I can imagine it is exactly what I've been looking for. Very pleased.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Car Camping
- Hiking
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
This is a great bivy, I've had it for about a year and use it for backpacking and car camping. As long as you keep the zipper open far enough you won't deal with condensation. My first time using it I thought it had rained but that was just a lot of condensation. That hasn't happened since I started keeping it open.
Very warm inside since you keep most of your heat, plus this is lightweight and packs small.
I'm not a fan of the bug-mesh but out here in Colorado we have a lot of bug free areas so it's not usually needed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
This was the best thing I ever did, its very light and packs very small. O.R. says it will ad 10 degrees to your sleeping bag rating and I think that is about right. For what it is it breathes well, I've never had bad condensation problems. The bug mesh is really weird, I may just be dumb but it seems to be more of an after thought, like it wasn't in the original plans. It just doesn't seem to work the way it should try it out in the store you will see what i mean... maybe the advanced is better. All in all... wicked sweet.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Bike Touring
- KaneKunfu
Comments about Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy:
This thing is amazing.
If you've slept in a traditional one-person backpacking tent, this is going to be very similar so long as you consider one fine point: Others have mentioned the poor hood design - YOU NEED TO USE TENT STAKES.
Seriously, doing so will allow you to keep everything taut so that lip/edge of the hood can be rolled over the pole such that it will stay put (this should make sense...) If you're really concerned beyond that, you can use a clip to hold it in place.
But, I can't stress enough the importance of tent stakes. Yes, something that should probably come with the bivy sac, but an easy fix - fyi - get the MSR's.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-10
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