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REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular
$89.50
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
No need for a heavy tent! This bivy sack is perfect for use in snow caves and as an ultralight shelter.
- REI Elements® laminate adds waterproof, windproof qualities to the tough ripstop nylon shell while remaining breathable; factory-sealed seams
- A total of six zipper sliders lets you configure mesh panel and arm openings in a variety of ways
- Mesh bug panel extends from shoulders to top of head and can be rolled up and secured out of the way by toggle and loop when not in use
- Built-in rain-gutter flap below shoulders keeps moisture runoff and rain droplets from rolling down into the mesh panel
- Differentiated zipper pulls (one round, one flat) allow easy hood and arm opening adjustments in the dark
- Internal sleeping bag attachment clips to the hang loop at the head of your sleeping bag to keep it from shifting around
- Includes stuff sack
- Please note: Mesh bug panel does not feature a waterproof barrier behind it
- Sleeping bag sold separately
Imported.
Item 731431
Related Items:
REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular Specs
Specification | Description |
| Season | 4-season |
| Design type | Bivy |
| Average weight | 15 ounces |
| Average weight - metric | 0.43 kilograms |
| Dimensions | 82 x 31 inches |
| Dimensions - metric | 208 x 79 centimeters |
| Fabric | REI Elements/ripstop nylon laminate |
| Packed size | 6 x 10 inches |
REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Lightweight (21)
- Easy to set up (18)
- Comfortable (11)
- Waterproof (10)
- Sturdy (6)
Cons
- Collects condensation (10)
Best Uses
- Backpacking (19)
- Hiking (8)
- Car camping (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (10), Casual adventurer (9)
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist (13)
Reviewed by 21 customers
Sort by
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
This lacks some of the features of heavier, more expensive bivies (like the Salathe or Outdoor Research models), but it doesn't lack anything in function. With all the zippers, it's very easy to get into and out of, and can easily be ventilated unless bugs are a huge problem. The mesh netting is a real plus for normal bug season in the Midwest, and allows adequate ventilation. You'll want to use it with a small tarp (like the MSR E-Wing) since there's no rain flap over the mesh; but you'll want a tarp with any bivy. After all, at some point you have to get in or out, or cook, or pack. It's also a real plus if you stay in shelters, since it protects your pad a little and helps keep your sleeping bag off the dirty floors. The Minimalist and E-Wing together weigh a pound and a half - you'll be hard pressed to come up with a lighter shelter system. All in all, this is a bivy sack that is truly minimalist: just enough of the features you need and none that you don't, at a really light weight.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Comfortable
- Compact
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
Cons
- Not in Grizzly Country
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
I've used my REI minimalist bivy on several occasions with very good results. It is extremely lightweight and is an excellent go-lite alternative (less then 1 pound) to traditional tents. My first use was during a outdoor training event I was in charge of. An early spring storm dumped 5-6 inches of slush on us during the night. I purposely used the bivy sack during this occasion in order to test it. While there was some condensation between the sack and my bag, and while I had to sleep on my side and pull the bivy over my face as only a bug net covers it--a fact potential buyers need to note--I slept warm and dry all night. The crowd was impressed.
I've also used it on a fair weather summer backpacking excursion in the White Clouds of Idaho. Here it excelled. I loved being able to watch the deer and snowshoe slip through our camp at night as opposed to just hearing them. Unlike a tent there is NO set up time. I use mine with a therm-a-rest Z-Rest sleeping pad. I put the Z-Rest on the ground (they are virtually indestructible), and put the bivy on top of it with the sleeping bag in the bivy.
Once again there only a bug net covers the face but if it rains hard you can drape your rain jacket over the top of the sack to cover your face or sleep on your side and tuck the bug netting under you. Finally, potential buyers should be aware that bear experts discourage bivy sack usage in grizzly bear country.
Great peace of gear.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Fly Works Well
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons
- Collects Condensation
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Hiking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
While trekking into the Eagle Cap Wilderness last fall, I was excited to try out my new bivy sack. I was a bit surprised, however, by what I experienced. While I was very satisfied with it's minimal weight, strong construction and compact size, I was disappointed by the amount of condensation that accumulated inside the sack. The amount of moisture was such that I truly believed it had rained. Having a lightweight down bag, my concern was how wet it got and whether it would be comfortable enough to sleep in the next night. Fortunately we went back to base camp and didn't have to find out.
In all, I used it twice on the same trip and the results were the same. While I'm not giving up, I'm somewhat sceptical about any improved performance this fall. Hopefully I'm wrong and can write a more positive review. I'd have a tough time giving a thumbs-up to anyone thinking about buying this product.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bad in the rain
- Collects Condensation
- Poor Fly Design
- Too Cramped
Best Uses
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
I just got off of Mt. Baker where I had my first experience with this product. We ran into some weather so we decided to bivvy for the night. This bivvy sack was the most uncomfortable and impractical design that I could imagine. Rain leaked in through the mesh opening and soaked my bag. I didn't sleep much since the drops of rain kept bouncing off my face through the mesh opening.
If you're going to pack a bivvy then I'd go with the ones with the little awning to protect against the conditions. This one may work for emergencies or perfect weather but I certainly wouldn't spend money on it. I'll be trading it in this week.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Comfort Driven
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons
- Collects Condensation
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
I took this bivy along "just in case" on a 3 day ultralight backpacking trip in the Eagle Cap Wilderness in NE Oregon in mid-November. I had an ultralight down bag, very basic tarp, and the bivy for shelter.
On the second night of the trip, I had about six inches of snowfall and very high winds. In the middle of the night, one of the snow anchors to my tarp gave way.
Despite 70+mph winds and heavy blowing snow, my down bag and I stayed dry inside the bivy!
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
- Packs extremely small
- Sturdy
Cons
- Collects Condensation
Best Uses
- Car Camping
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
Not exactly car camping, but I use this bivy for weeklong supported cycling vacations, most recently RAGBRAI in Iowa. One duffle for the entire week carried from town to town by a luggage truck. Pack size is important in this use and the bivy packs way smaller than a tent. Setup is quick but for my use on these trips tear down is equally quick as I have to get my gear bag on the support truck before it departs early in the morning.
Typically I have used this in the heat of the summer with a light 45+ synthetic bag (see condensation below). If you just jump in a zip up it is too hot but if you get in, cool down a bit and slowly start closing up over 10 minutes it is just right. If it is really hot and you are sleeping on top of your bag the fabric can feel a little clammy next to your skin (not clammy wet, just clammy wierd). Bugs have not been an issue on most of my uses but I am a side sleeper so the screen on my face is not an issue. I put my pad inside which works well since I am a flopper. I like the flexibility of the zipper setup with lots of options for entry as well as extra venting.
The only issue I have had with the bag is on humid nights there is some condensation on the foot of my sleeping bag. Not enough to soak through but damp to the touch. I will typically pull the sleeping bag out to air dry the foot while I eat breakfast and then pack up afterwards. Some mornings I have woke up with lots of dew on the outside of the bivy but no moisture soaking through to my sleeping bag.
The other issue I have encountered with using this bag in the crowded campsites of RAGBRAI is getting tripped over in the middle of the night. You need to carefully pick your spot so you are between others tents and not in the pathway groggy campers stumbling their way to the portapots. I put a loop of Kelty Triptease Lightline around my sleeping area so folks using flashlights get a heads up.
I have slept through a couple of light, early morning summer rains but not experienced a heavy downpoor in the bag. No problems with the rain, hid my head under the extended fly of someone elses tent.
While initially a bivy may seem claustraphobic I find it non-confining. Basically you are in a sleeping bag out in the open. Love the ability to stargaze and feel the breeze on my face.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
Cons
- Collects Condensation
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
I use the bivy a week at a time every other week guiding in the North Carolina mountains. My only complaint is condensation. It only builds up around my feet if I don't zip it all the way up, but covers entire interior if fully zipped up. It is weather proof and durable. Takes up very little room in pack as well. I set up with thermarest inside of it and a lightweight tarp over it if it is going to rain. I would definitely buy again.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Set Up
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Zippers Work Well
Cons
- Collects Condensation
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Beach
- Car Camping
- Hiking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
Fits perfectly over my old U.S. military issue bag (Intermediate Cold Weather). Does collect a considerable amount of condensation by morning, but dries quickly. Perfect for anyone concerned with minimal weight and protection from harsh weather. I carry a tent now because my dog isn't a puppy anymore; not much room for company.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Backpacking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
It was a joy to sleep in. I stayed warm and dry. My one complaint is that the no-see-um mesh is so fine that it blurs your vision and interferes with stargazing, so do that before you get zipped in!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Water Resistant
Cons
- Minimal condensation
- Water gets on face
Best Uses
- Any season
- Backpacking
Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular:
As a scout group we took a trip into the superstitions to hike peralta trail and weavers needle. All i brought was the bivy and my sleeping bag. The amount of wait i saved hauling on the trail was remarkable th bag weighed in at only 15 oz. We bunkered down with heavywinds, and the bivy conquered it like nothing, it had also added about 10 degrees to my bag which was great. With very minimal condesation the bivy was all i really needed. Dont question it this bivy is awesome and affordable.
- Gift:
- No
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Comfort Driven
REI Minimalist Bivy - Regular Related Items
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