REI Co-op Minimalist Bivy - Regular
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Leave the heavy tent behind! With its waterproof, breathable design and meticulous details, the REI Minimalist Bivy sack is perfect for use in snow caves and as an ultralight shelter .
Shop similar products- 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
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
View all REI Co-op Bivy Sacks| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 4-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Weight | 15 ounces |
| Packed Size | 6 x 10 inches |
| Bivy Length | 82 inches |
| Shoulder Width | 32 inches |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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Pretty decent
I just got back from using this on a two night hiking/snow shoeing trip in northern Michigan. First night it was used in a trench in the snow and the temps dropped to -9F. Upon waking up in the morning, my sleeping bag was completely dry, and there was only a light layer of frost on the inside of the bivy (which shook off easily). Second night was more of the same, but not as cold. This time, there was some ice/moisture on the toe of the sleeping bag, but only a small area. (it may have been up against the non-breathable bottom of the bivy) I was able to fit a 1.5" thick sleeping pad inside the bivy, which worked great. Overall, I am very satisfied with it.
Good for minimalist campers
I used this bivy to keep moisture away from my down, 0-degree sleeping bag, and add some warmth. It worked great. We camped in a snow quinzee, just set my bag inside and set the bivy sack on a not-so-good foam matress. It worked great for what I intended for it. I am planning on camping next time in a little warmer place and just setting up my hammock and bring this sack in case of rain. Only bad thing I experienced was the condensation build-up, mostly because it was 15 degrees out and I kept trying to blow my breath in my bag, breath that later became moisture and got trapped between bag and bivy, I really dought that it will happen camping in spring, summer or fall. Overall another great product from the REI family
I NOW PREFER THIS OVER THE TENT
I went up to MT Whitney in early March last year and decided to leave the tent behind. Took this bivy with the Radiant +10 degree down bag. 50-60MPH winds blasted me through the night. I did freeze but i did not make a snow shelter from the wind, my fault. Temps were in single digits without wind chill above 10,000 ft. My bag was dry, no condensation. My sleeping bag fit just fine in the bivy. The bivy packs up very small. the weight savings is worth not taking a tent. I would just dig a trench or snow wall to protect me from the wind next time. I have five tents and I keep taking this bivy over the tents.
Great for Backpacking
I've always used a one man tent or just a simple tarp when backpacking. Decided it was finally time to try a bivy and figured this was a cheap enough way to see if I liked it. I took it on a 5 day backpacking trip in Central California. It worked perfectly! I used it in my hammock 2 nights and on the ground 3 nights. All 5 nights I slept without any issues. The mosquitos were horrible but when in the bivy I had no worries. It rained for 1 1/2 days straight and stayed perfectly dry with my poncho hung above my head (because of that mesh opening for you to breathe easier than a traditional closed up bivy). I'm 5'8" and it fit me fine. This will be my go to EVERY backpacking trip from now on since it seems durable enough to last for years.
It's A Body Bag!
Yikes! This thing is essentially a body bag so that when they find you you're all set to go. Just throw you on the truck and they're off to the morgue! Other reviewers were not kidding that there's no ventilation in this thing, ..... just pure wrap-around nylon to keep you nice and clammy. If I can overcome the price, I might give the alternate vendor a try to see if the extra ventilation makes it any less claustrophobic. This product is a terrific idea in theory. But ten minutes after zipping yourself in, you'll be itching to get out of this thing before you suffocate, - even with the mesh at the head.
Great Bivy sack for the Price! MTF
Okay, so people gripe about the condensation developing on the inside. I found that using the dowel for retaining the netting as a tie off point to the top of a tent or a line under a poncho make a great way to keep the netting and most of the bag off of your face and chest, thus reducing the condensation. I've used it at Flapjack Lakes these last three weekends and it works great. I use a light weight sleeping bag or just a liner and I am plenty warm. Just buy this. It's a great product and it works well.
It keeps water out..... AND in
I purchased this item for a minimalist outing. I took it this weekend and thought I'd have a great night in it. That was the theory and I slid into it and fell asleep. It was a humid, windy night at the bay with temperatures in the low 40's. I woke about 2am and was shivering cold. After waking up enough to try and figure out what happened, I realized that my 30 degree bag was soaking wet through and through. That was pretty much the end of the night. I got dressed in multiple layers and escaped the wet cold mess. I will return it within the next couple of days when I get to REI. Worst product I have ever used.
worked for me
The minimalist bivy lives up to its name. Do not confuse this with a true stand alone bivy sack. The mesh screen will allow rain to get you but if you sleep under the simplest of tarp shelters you will remain dry and your bag will be protected from splatter and splash. Multiple zipper configurations are available providing plenty of ventalation options and allow for left or right hand zippered sleeping bags. The mesh screen kept a big camp spider from becoming too friendly and allowed air exchange. The bottom of the sleeping bag was slightly damp by morning but quickly dried. The extra warmth was a plus, allowing packing of a lighter bag. The large opening makes for easy entry and exit.
Worth the money
This bivy works great as a back up on trips when we are using tarps on some extended trips. It protects well from heavy rain blowing in under a tarp and adds a couple of extra degrees on chilly nights. The cost and weight make it almost make it silly not to have it. It does not breathe as well some higher end more costly fabrics but it serves its purpose well. The design make it easy to get in and out of and its nice to fold downif it gets to warm.
way too narrow
I really had high hopes for this bivy. great design but just too small. I am 5'9" but have very wide shoulders. I can't even lay flat I have to hunch my arms in and try to fold them over the top of me. I simply cant lay flat without busting a seem. If this was made maybe 6" wider it would be a gold mine. I wish that they had a sleeve for a pole to lift the mesh of your face. I would use the heck out of this thing if only I could fit.