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Imported.
Item 813513
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Reviewed by 3 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-3
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Comments about SOL Thermal Bivvy:
So this is an update on the past review.
Since I bought this bivvy, I've had to use it twice in real emergencies. The first one was guiding a river trip for children summer camp when we got hit by a thunderstorm and we were forced to get out of the water. It took the storm a little longer to pass and had to use the bivvy to keep the kids warm until it was over.
Second time was not too long ago when my car broke down in the mountains right where i had no cell phone service. I had nothing but street clothes and the bivvy in the car. Temps dropped to the low 20's and I had no other option than to get in it. I warmed up in no time and was able to sleep. I woke up in the middle of the night and got out and used it as a blanket for better ventilation as not to get my clothes wet in condensation; I had to hike out in the morning and wet clothes while cold and windy could easily cause hypothermia whenwearing cotton.
This is a survival piece of equiepment, It's supposed to have that much condensation in order to keep you warm without any other clothes or liner in case of an emergency. Once your body releases enough heat to warm up the space in the bivvy, vapor will cease and so is new condensation unless you keep breathing inside the bag. IT WORKS AS INTTENDED and you must use it properly for what it is and not as a replacement for a proper outdoor sleeping system..
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about SOL Thermal Bivvy:
Used SOL bivvy with and without silk liner bag as ultralight sub pound summer sleep system. Some wind protection, marginally warmer than foil survival blanket due to fibrous layer inside. Condensation very noticeable, soaks into fiber layer despite foot vent, adding to cold. For this purpose have switched to expensive down quilt plus breathable water resistant bivy for total 1.5 pounds (3x heavier, 13x price of SOL) which provides much greater warmth, zero condensation, full suspended-off-face enclosure, bug protection and variable temp adjustments, optionally supplemented with a 0.5 lbs tarp/poncho. Still carry traditional foil survival blanket on all outings of any length, much more compact than SOL bivvy. In first aid situation, bivvies can be hard to get around immobile patient and reduce access to body, hence favor blankets and zip open bags.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about SOL Thermal Bivvy:
I carry this thing even when I go to school. It comes with a nice stuff sack that has spare room to fit a fire starter, a compass and a pocket knife. I haven't used it in a real emergency but I tested it once and I feel better knowing that I have it in my pack or car all the time.
Displaying reviews 1-3
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