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REI Minimalist Bivy - Long
Leave the heavy tent behind! With its waterproof, breathable design and meticulous details, the long-length REI Minimalist Bivy sack is perfect for use in snow caves and as an ultralight shelter .
- Breathable REI Elements® laminate adds waterproof, windproof qualities to the tough ripstop nylon shell; features a durable nylon taffeta floor and factory-sealed seams
- 6 zipper sliders let you configure mesh panel and arm openings a variety of ways
- Differentiated zipper pulls (1 round and 1 flat) let you easily adjust hood and arm openings in the dark without confusion
- Mesh bug panel extends from shoulders to top of head; can be rolled up and secured via toggle and loop when not in use
- Internal sleeping bag attachment clips to the hang loop at the head of your sleeping bag to keep it from shifting around
- Built-in rain-gutter flap below shoulders keeps dew and rain from rolling over mesh panel
- Roomy configuration provides 64 in. girth at shoulders
- Includes stuff sack
Imported.
Item 794291
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REI Minimalist Bivy - Long Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Lightweight (21)
- Packs small (20)
- Easy to set up (19)
- Waterproof (12)
- Comfortable (10)
Cons
- Condensation (5)
Best Uses
- Backpacking (17)
- Hiking (9)
- Mountaineering (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (18), Military/law enforcement (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (16)
Reviewed by 24 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
Cons
- Condensation
Best Uses
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
I bought this for an eight day August backpacking trip to the high Sierras. I woke up every morning to moisture and sometimes ice inside. The sleeping bag was always wet from condensation. I had to let the sack and sleeping bag dry every morning which usually didn't take long in the low humidity. I was careful to breath through the mesh rather than inside the sack to minimize the condensation but that didn't help. It never rained on us so I don't know if the sack is waterproof. I live in Georgia and won't even try it here due to the high humidity. It does pack very small and light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Mountaineering
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
Used the bivy for an overnight stay at 11,800 feet on Mount Massive and for two nights at Snowmass Lake. Got rain on Massive but not at Snowmass Lake. I stayed dry throughout. Nothing more than the normal amount of condensation expected with any bivy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
It's good.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
Cons
- Not Waterproof
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
Glad I tested this Bivy before taking into the field!
Bought my REI Bivy based on other reviewers who said they experienced a dry experience - "water proof"
Mine was not.
This bivy is not waterproof.
It wicked moisture onto my sleeping bag.
I had plenty of ventilation, side zip open and no condensation formed in the head area.
BUT! The overnight dew settled on the top of the bivy and wicked directly inside.
I woke with the outside of my sleeping bag damp from the mid-section.
Running my finger down from the middle inside of the bivy, moister everywhere.
Big disappointment.
Maybe I got a dud, 'cause others are saying they were dry from a night of rain?
Not in this bivy they weren't.
Pros: Light weight and a snug fit for me (6'2"), with 2 extra inches head room.
(My underlay was an REI Half Dome 2 Plus Footprint and inside the bivy a Thermarest ProLite Plus Mattress Regular and sleeping bag was a Marmot Helium 15 long.)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Aussie in the USA
My Sleeping System - Bivy not water-proof.
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
Cons
- Small
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
It did what it said, mostly. It's not so breathable. Couple of mornings I had ice on the inside of the bivy down by my feet on the outside of my bag. Biggest problem I had though was rolling side to side (side-sleeper) as it's floor-ceiling tall around the belly but not so much at the shoulder/face. I just kept winding up down in the thing and would have to inchworm my way back to the top so I could breath which, again, because it's sooo tight was a real PITA. For the $$ it's fine though. Like the multiple zipper pulls which allow you to make a vent at the waist areas.
Thermalite Pro, Down Mummy REI bag sleep system. 5'11" 185. Long Bivy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
Cons
- Collects Condensation
- Not good in warm weather
- Not Waterproof
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Mountaineering
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
The basic structure of this bivy has a surprising design flaw: IT ISN'T WATERPROOF! It is incredible that the bivy has no rain cover over the face area, so if it rains on you at night, the bivy is basically a tub that fills with water very quickly. You can try covering the face with a rain jacket but water will drip down from your shoulder (if you sleep on your side) and the jacket can easily blow off if there is wind. Even in a light rain you will be sopping wet within a few minutes. Also, with no foot ventilation there is quite a bit of condensation. I would recommend paying a little bit more for the Sierra Designs Highland that corrects these problems.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
Cons
- Condensation
- Hot
- Short
Best Uses
- Hiking
- Survival
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
I purchased the minimalist for shelter on backpacking trips to minimize weight. I will have to continue the search as after one outing with the minimalist there is no way. The condensation buildup was horrible. Woke up the next morning soaked from the condensation. Additionally, it was very hot in the Minimalist despite being a cool night and me having a warmer bag. The icing on the cake was the fact that I am 6'3'' tall and purchased the long bag. It was anything but long. I barely fit with a pillow. I am sure it is a great asset to have for back country hikes for emergency situations just not what I would look for in a ultralight shelter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
Seems good enough...hopefully
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
I have been using my REI Minimalist Bivy for all of my hiking/camping trips for the past year and a half. It produces little condensation. It is great for ultralight camping/hiking and it is small enough to be a backup. I literally always bring it with me. It is by far one of the most useful purchases I have ever made.
I love the REI Minimalist Bivy!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Packs Small
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
- Too Cramped
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:
I'm 6'4" 220 lbs. and find the girth a bit constrictive.
The net piece separated from the body at my forehead in the backcountry once. REI repaired it for free and I have used it probably three dozen nights with no issues.
I carry a cheapo blue tarp which I support with trekking poles and guy lines.
My feet stick out from under the tarp but I have never had a hint of moisture getting through. One night on the south approach to Muir Pass it got so windy and rainy I was half expecting to lift-off. All sorts of water blew-in under my tarp and smacked the bivy from all angles but I was snug as that bug you read about.
Another time I slept in a hard freeze, waking to a nice crust of frost on the bivy from my sweat migrating through the material. I think it works perfectly.
My sleeping bag's hood holds the screen off my face-invaluable when Sierra Nevada mosquitoes swarm. They have no chance.
Important to select a bed site with good drainage.
Worth every nickel to me. It's a fraction of the weight of any tent.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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