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REI Minimalist Bivy - LongOnly At REI
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REI Minimalist Bivy - Long

Item # 731432

$69.93$99.50*

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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 is sold separately

Imported.

Item 731432

REI Minimalist Bivy - Long Specs

Specification

Description

Season4-season
Design typeBivy
Average weight1 lb. 1 oz.
Average weight - metric0.48 kilogram
Dimensions88 x 31 inches
Dimensions - metric223 x 79 centimeters
FabricREI Elements/ripstop nylon laminate
Packed size6 x 10 inches

REI Minimalist Bivy - Long Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI Minimalist Bivy - Long
 
3.6

(based on 11 reviews)

91%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (9)
  • Stows easily (5)
  • Warm (5)
  • Comfortable (4)
  • Easy to set up (4)

Cons

  • Collects condensation (3)

Best Uses

  • Backpacking (7)
  • Hiking (3)
  • Mountaineering (3)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid adventurer (8)
  • What Is Your Gear Style:
  • Minimalist (5)

Reviewed by 11 customers

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Sep

24

2007

(13 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Great bivy for first timers.

By Zip

from Virginia

About Me Avid Adventurer

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Poor Fly Design

Best Uses

  • Backpacking
  • Beach
  • Hiking
  • Mountaineering

Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

I bought this over a year ago when I was contemplating trying out minimalist backpacking. I have been a low-impact backpacker for over 10 years and was curious about alternatives for a tent. I found this at the REI store and bought it because of the price tag [$]A year, and many nights backpacking later, I am in love with this bivy. I use it primarily for solo backpacking, but on occasion, bring it on group trips if there isn't enough tent space. My biggest complaint, like the other reviewer is that the mesh over your face has no cover for rain. This requires you to keep a tarp or raincoat around when you sleep. Another drawback is that, unlike the other more expensive options, this bag is not made of breathable materials so there is a significant amount of condensation on the inside of the bag when you wake up. I would not recommend this product for people who use a down sleeping bag! It is very warm with a synthetic bag, and adds at least 10 degrees to the warmth of your sleeping bag. Even so, I usually try to dry both my sleeping bag and bivy out during the day, while on extended trips. It works well in rain and snow.On thing to take into account is the psychological aspects of bivying. The mesh is in your face all night, and you don't get the false sense of security from all of the scary night creatures of the wild, that a tent provides. You are certainly in for some awesome nights star gazing with this bag.I guess I would say, if you are trying to get into minimalist camping/backpacking, but want to test it out first... this is a must. If you are sure you want to buy a bivy I would suggest getting a gore-tex bag, despite the price.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(13 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

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Mar

4

2009

(8 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

 
3.0

Probably the best bang for your buck

By TheDuderino

from Boulder, CO

About Me Outdoor Professional

Site Member

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Stows Easily
  • Water Resistant

Cons

  • Poor Hood Design

Best Uses

  • 3 Season Camping
  • Backpacking

Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

REI did an OK job on this bivy. Either way, I still consider it a steal at the current price. Both the materials and construction are up to par with the best in the industry, but I would have gladly added the 3 or so ounces and maybe 10-20 bucks to have some design issues taken care of.

Heavy rain can make things difficult with this sac. The area covering the face is only mesh, and will not keep the rain out. I think the general idea is to use your jacket shell or siltarp to cover the face area if it happens to rain. Keep this in mind.

Last summer, I used this in heavy bear territory. Thus, I decided to cook my meal a good 100 yards away from camp. Without any real warning the clouds opened up, spewing 1st rain and then hail. I didn't have any form of shelter covering the bivy, and my sleeping gear was more or less just shoved into the bivy sac.

To make a long story short, I was not prepared for rain, and given the mesh face design plus my distance to reach the bivy after the hail started pelting, I literally spent the night swimming in the sac. I didn't have time to cover the face so I attempted to just curl the sac around, but this lead to heavy pooling in the zipper areas that are supposed to be right side up, and the water creeped its way in. Oops. As you might imagine, the down bag/sponge I was using didn't help the situation. I did learn that I'm not very prone to hypothermia, which is nice.

There is no slick way of slipping into this sac, and if you don't have a few minutes to situate and cover your face, you might be in a bind (and it will take a few moments to become situated in this sac). I will continue to use this bivy, but I will bring a small siltarp to make rainy days and nights a little easier to deal with.

Don't let my mistake dissuade you from checking this bivy out. Just be ready to deal with the scenarios that arise with bivy sacs and pay mind to this particular design, which is workable if you plan ahead.

Lastly, I've used this sac to add about 10-15 extra degrees of warmth rating to my sleeping bags on winter alpine trips. It kept me warmer and ensured that my down bag didn't pull up any heavy condensation from tent wall icing.

Happy trails. :)

  • Gift:
  • No
  • What Is Your Gear Style:
  • Minimalist

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(8 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

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Oct

17

2007

(7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Reasonably Priced Bivy

By wilderness hiker

from Salt Lake City, UT

About Me Avid Adventurer, Avid Hiker, Avid Rock Climber

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easy to set up
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Collects Condensation
  • Not breatheable

Best Uses

  • Backpacking
  • Hiking
  • Mountaineering
  • Over-night climbing trips

Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

I purchased this bivy little over a year ago as an alternative to carrying a tent. Overall I've been pleased with it, but there are some issues you should be aware of if you're considering a purchase. As other reviewers have commented, it has two main cons: The mesh covering your face/head is not waterproof (though the remainder of the bivy is) and the material is not breatheable. Regarding the former, I simply keep my raincoat handy in case of rain or snow. This works okay for me, but it can be annoying when heavy rain and/or snow sets in. The breatheability problem though is more troublesome, especially if you use a down sleeping bag. On each occasion I've used the bivy, there is noticeable condensation by morning (I use the bivy primarily in Fall and Winter conditions). And, in the few times I've used a down bag with the bivy (vs. a synthetic), there was noticeable moisture accumulation within the sleeping bag. On the plus side though, the bivy really does increase the warmth rating - at least 5 to 10 degrees below your sleeping bags rating.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

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May

18

2008

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

a basic bivy at a great value

By JamesinAZ

from Tucson AZ

About Me Avid Adventurer

Site Member

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Collects Condensation

Best Uses

  • Backpacking
  • Hiking

Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

nice bivy sack. as it says, minimalist. mesh face panel is great for keeping mosquitos away, but your face will get wet even in a light drizzle. this is rarely a problem as i live in the desert, but for someone frequenting wetter climates, this could be annoying. the condensation factor is minor and typically only occurs around my face on a chilly night. this bivy is a great value.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

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Aug

24

2008

(5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

 
2.0

I would only use it as a back up

By seal-man

from Boston, MA

About Me Avid Adventurer

Site Member

Pros

  • Easy To Set Up
  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Collects Condensation

Best Uses

  • Winter

Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

It works we4ll in heavy rain, but the condensation build up on the inside, and the mesh over the face is rather annoying, i ended up sleeping wrapped up in a tarp for the last night of the canoe camp. I would also suggest that you buy the bivy that is just right, not to big or small.

  • What Is Your Gear Style:
  • Minimalist

Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

(5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

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Sep

7

2007

(3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Roomy and affordable

By Scotto

from Maple Grove, MN

About Me Avid Adventurer

Site Member

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Easy to set up
  • Fly Works Well
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • Rain flap would be nice

Best Uses

  • Backpacking
  • Mountaineering

Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

I knew it didn't have a rain flap over the mosquito screen to seal out all rain if needed, but it would have been a nice addition for them to add on. I have just kept my rain coat nearby and put over the screen when rain has come in. Otherwise very roomy compared to some other bivys and zipping the down the sides makes it very easy to get in and out.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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Oct

2

2009

 
4.0

one small drawback

By davepur

from Fairhaven Ma

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Stows Easily
  • Warm

Cons

    Best Uses

      Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

      Being a boy scout leader camping once a month I purchased this bag for a 50 mile canoe trip this past summer. It performed excellent on the trip. Space and weight were my main reason for the selection. I knew going into the trip that rain would be a concern so I had used it several times prior to the trip with a light tarp tied overhead. The condensation does mount up but the last trip I did not close the bug face and had no condensation at all. I used only a bag liner this summer and was extremely comfortable. Did I mention that it rained EVERY NIGHT on the tip. Never did the rain get in. My problems were that the bug mess cuts the air flow considerably. Also the main problem in that one has to be careful changing when there is mixed company. I never thought of this till we ended up sharing campsites with other travelers.

      • Gift:
      • No
      • What Is Your Gear Style:
      • Comfort Driven

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Sep

      7

      2009

       
      3.0

      Average...

      By tmen

      from WA

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Lightweight
      • Stows Easily
      • Warm

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Backpacking

        Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

        Did not hold up very well in wet conditions. Even with a tarp above it still was very wet on the inside. Good Bivy for light or no rain in forecast.

        • Gift:
        • No
        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Comfort Driven

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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        Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

        Aug

        13

        2009

         
        4.0

        Adds pleasure to my business

        By Business with Pleasure!

        from Tucumcari, NM

        About Me Outdoor Professional

        Pros

        • Comfortable
        • Warm

        Cons

        • Condensation
        • Zipper Snags Easily

        Best Uses

        • Stargazing

        Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

        I recently purchased this bivy to add to my bivy collection and am mostly pleased. As a desert man who travels for business, I find a bivy to be most comforting when away from home (NM). I recently used this bivy in Washington where I bivyed my way up the west coast. It worked great in keeping out mosquitos and other small pests, but lacked the strength to keep out larger animals....When I woke up, there was condensation in my bivy and would sometimes fill with water from the Washington showers. Good thing I had my nitwax ;) Overall this bivy works better in dry climates, BUT WHAT BIVY DOESN'T?!?!? ;)

        ps. I will sometimes add a vestibule just for kicks! so funny

        • Gift:
        • Yes
        • What Is Your Gear Style:
        • Minimalist

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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        Jun

        27

        2009

         
        4.0

        Great winter backpacking shelter

        By NickM

        from Massachusetts

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Lightweight
        • Stows Easily
        • Warm

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Cold Conditions

          Comments about REI Minimalist Bivy - Long:

          I've owned this bivy for 4 years and have used it exclusively for winter backpacking/snowshoeing trips. It does collect some condensation as other reviews indicate, but in the extreme cold I've used it in, that condensation is very minimal and turns to a light layer of frost inside the bivy. Since I've never used it above 25 deg.F I just turn it inside out and shake off the frost. I've also never used the mesh cover, I keep it rolled up. My bag is a Mtn Hardware Phantom 0 and using this bivy Ive been quite comfortable to -10 deg. F. I've never used it for warm weather camping so I can't comment on that. The price makes it a no brainer.

          • Gift:
          • No
          • What Is Your Gear Style:
          • Minimalist

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

          Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

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