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Outdoor Research Bug Bivy

$79.00

(13)

Item # 684087

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When clear nights prevail but insects threaten to reduce your blood volume, the Outdoor Research Bug Bivy is the sleeping chamber of choice.

No-see-um netting won't let the obnoxious little buggers through, and the overhead pole keeps them from getting too close to your head
Single overhead shockcorded Delrin® pole keeps bivy up and off of face when sack is closed
Long-zip end opening allows rapid entry so you can minimize the number of micro guests
Sleeping pad straps keep your sleeping pad secure
Small mesh pockets holds nighttime essentials
Includes Delrin pole and stuff sacks
Shoulder girth is 50 in.

Imported.

Item 684087

$15.80

with coupon code ANNV13
May 17-27 Details

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Outdoor Research Bug Bivy Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Outdoor Research Bug Bivy

4.0

(based on 13 reviews)

83%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Lightweight (13)
Easy to set up (7)
Packs small (6)
Comfortable (5)
Durable (4)

Cons

Too cramped (3)

Best Uses

Backpacking (9)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (8)
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Survivalist / minimalist (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (5)

Reviewed by 13 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Apr

2013

4.0

Decent product, with a few buts...

By endMD

from Stavanger, Norway

About Me Military/Law Enforcement

See all my reviews

Pros

Lightweight
Packs Small

Cons

Too Cramped

Best Uses

Backpacking

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

Have not used on trail yet, just in living room. Here are my impressions:

It should come in a Long version. I am 6'2, and though I do fit, my feet are at the end. An extra few inches at the end would be appreciated for over 6 foot. But! This is not a major downer, as it is functional, just not as roomy as one would hope.

The plastic pole is not great. It is flimsy, and does not have a round end to aid in insertion. So, it snags on the way to the other end, which consumes time in trying to insert it. Recommend replacing with a nice aluminum pole.

Seams are not sealed (as far as I could tell), and are not of a bathtub design. So, it will keep ground condensation, and small amounts of moister from penetrating, but don't expect it to keep you dry if rain water comes anywhere above ground saturation.

Although it is tight (it is a bivy) the net does stretch considerable amount, so getting out of a sleeping bag is not a problem, as your netting will give for your knees, head, et cetera.

The pole does keep the net off your head and chest, as in your bag is half open; but it will drape your knees, legs and feet, so bugs can still bite, so staying under a bag, I recommend.

There is enough room at the head for small items, book, light, water bottle, knife, gun... pillow.

Overall, it is what I was looking for. I am pleased with my purchase, the price was great. One with skill could make something similar, but would come close to its price in materials. I think it will do the trick.

Mods/Suggestions. Replace with a higher quality zipper. Extend for Long version by a few inches. Possibility for a second, smaller tube for feet (better protection). Top zipper, from top pole to middle of bag (easily done oneself with needle and thread).

Pair with a tarp, ground cloth (all weather SPACE blanket), and your set.

Hope this helps. This is a good purchase, just be aware of it's flaws and you'll be good to go.

Mike

Service and delivery comments:

Fantastic. Shipped to APO within a week.

LOVE YOU REI!

Comment on this review

Nov

2012

5.0

Used often Grand Canyon backpack trips

By GilaHiker

from Pennsylvania

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy To Set Up
Lightweight
Packs Small
Sturdy

Cons

Best Uses

Backpacking

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

I sewed a full length, two way top zipper off center on the mesh and this greatly simplifies entry/exit.

Comment on this review

Oct

2011

(5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Decent product

By BackwoodsDrifter

from Chico, California

About Me Avid Adventurer, Homeless

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easy To Repair
Easy To Set Up
Lightweight
Packs Small

Cons

Bottom is NOT waterproof
Mosquitos bite through it
Zipper slides off

Best Uses

Backpacking
Backyard
Spring Summer Fall

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

I have been using this for about 3 months homeless. The netting will tear regularly but is easy to stitch up with dental floss or fishing line. Be careful not to unzip it all the way as the zipper slides right off and is a pain to get back on. Sleep with your sleeping pad underneath it, as the bottom WILL allow water to seep through and wear out if set on the bare ground. As someone else mentioned mosquitos will bite through it if your bare skin is touching the net. All around this is a decent product and a much better choice than a hanging bug net. On one of the nights I didn't use this I had to go to the ER because a spider had crawled into my ear. This product serves as a more versatile alternative to ear plugs.

Comment on this review

Aug

2011

(6 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

2.0

Good Idea Bad Product

By mitchJ

from Anchorage, Alaska

About Me Professional/Guide

See all my reviews

Pros

Lightweight

Cons

Flimsy Construction
Netting is Not supported
Too Cramped
Zipper in the wrong place

Best Uses

Trash

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

Great idea but poor product. OR has been a name I have come to trust . But this one was a flop. I was recently introduced to the "Catoma bed net" if you want a Great product look it up. [...] So if you come to Alaska bring a Catoma Bed Net.

Comment on this review

Sep

2010

5.0

Just what I needed for Grand Canyon

By Just Another Grand Canyon Hiker

from Grand Canyon, AZ

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easy To Set Up
Lightweight
Packs Small

Cons

Best Uses

Hiking

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

I recently used this on a 4 day Grand Canyon River Trip. Kept the insects away, easy to set up; and at 6'2" had plenty of room to move around. The first night we had a monsoon storm, rained all night. I had simply strung a plastic sheet between my hiking poles; and stayed nice and dry- compared to some folks with tents. I got it to keep the 'things that move in the dark' away; and I'll use this for 3 seasons in the Grand Canyon- winter I'll use my MSR Tarp Tent.

Comment on this review

Aug

2010

(11 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

Not for tall people!!

By kyle1983

from San Diego, CA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy To Set Up
Lightweight
Packs Small
Sturdy

Cons

Too Cramped

Best Uses

Backpacking

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

This bivy is constructed very well. However, if you are over 6', its not for you! Also, if you use a Big Agnes mattress, you definitely won't fit! I know its listed in the description as being for people around 70" so its partially my fault for ordering it.

OR, if you're listening, please offer different sizes! I would gladly purchase this again if you made one for tall people!

Comment on this review

Mar

2010

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great quality, but a little snug

By chammer82

from Bakersfield, CA

About Me Ultralite Backpacker

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy To Set Up
Lightweight
Packs Small
Sturdy

Cons

Snug

Best Uses

Backpacking
Mountaineering

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

I recently bought this item using my REI dividend. Originally I was going to make my own bug netting, but not being all that inclined to sewing I decided to try this guy out.
The set up is really easy. All you have to do is unroll it, lay it out, and slide the pole through and your all set. I would suggest that you either stake out the top side of it or put something there to hold it up, otherwise it wants to keep falling down.
Being a ultralite guy I weighted it out and it was dead on with the specs. They didn't add in the carrying bag weight which is common, but that is only 0.9 ounces.
I got it to go along with my tarp set-up and it goes great with it. Being that it is not tall it makes it a lot easier when you have to set your tarp height lower in high winds.
One more thing I would add is that the ground section is of very good quality and seems to be very durable. I might not even use a ground sheet which is also a great weight saver.
I would say that the only negative thing I can find is that is a bit cramped, but there's still enough room to read a book and have some wiggle room.

Comment on this review

Feb

2010

(13 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Well Designed

By Matt_Oz

from Australia

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

Backpacking

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

I would like to comment on the pole design, in reply to the criticism in an previous review.

The pole "slides inside" a tape tube and has a 4" velcro flap closure on the insertion end. There is no way, even in extreme winds that the pole will free itself. In fact it takes a minute to extract the pole from it's home.

There is also three loops around the base (which I never bother to use) to stake out the bivy. There is two loops to string up the mesh instead/aswell as using the pole (one at feet one at head). This is good if you are sleeping in the tropics only your underwear, as mosquito bite through mesh that is touching your skin.

Comment on this review

Aug

2009

(9 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

No Bugs!!!

By Outdoorwinger

from Rochester,NY

About Me Casual Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Lightweight
Roomy
Stows Easily

Cons

Best Uses

3 Season Camping
Backpacking

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

Keeps the bugs at bay which is great however the head opening is a bit awkward would like to see a side zipper but over all I really like this bivy,I use it under my Equinox 8X10 tarp and sleep like a baby.

Comment on this review

Mar

2009

(24 of 25 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

No Bugs No Pain

By AZBill

from Prescott, AZ

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Keeps bugs off
Lightweight
Stows Easily

Cons

Best Uses

Warm Dry Weather

Comments about Outdoor Research Bug Bivy:

This does exactly what it says it will do. It keeps the bugs off. It does not claim to be spacious, warm or weather proof. You can not find lighter more compact packing bug protection. I use it in hot Arizona riparian areas that attract every bug from miles around. The solid bottom and mesh top keeps the mosquitos, kissing bugs (cone nosed beetles), scorpions, etc at bay. One night I watched a scorpion crawl on the OUTSIDE of the netting between me and a full moon rising over the canyon rim of West Clear Creek. It was fun to see the silhouette against the moon and know I did not have anything to worry about! I recommend the OR Bug Bivy to all my backpacking friends.