Finding the best bivvi bag for you !! 

A few years ago I went on a diving trip with my old club and we stayed overnight in a campsite. I took a single hoop bivi with me as the weather was fine and I didn’t have room for a tent. I woke up in the morning to find some joker had made a cross out of a couple of sticks and some cord and planted it a the head end of my bivi. Everyone thought this was hilarious and my bivi was called the body bag every other trip I took it on. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Hi Dan.Good information on bivvys. I have a British Army bivvy bag, which I used on Dartmoor last night on Winter Tor, for International Bivvy night. Woke up,covered in ice, but it helped to keep me warm. All the best👍🏾🇬🇧🥶

I like the Geertop hooped bivvy: the side entry, superior ventilation, a bit more room inside, and the fabric held up off my head and shoulders and off of the foot box. I'm always saying that I am an old fella: that gives me some satisfying perspective on 'new' things. Bivvy bag is a new phrase for a bedroll: in the United States, Abercrombie and Fitch provided them with a sort of lean-to canopy that protected the head area from the weather. My grandfather and my father would have used them. I always wanted one as a youth...but I built a cabin and made bunk beds and that took me in a different direction. The drawback to ALL bivvies is the lack of protected space to move around in, to sit up in, to cook in. I was never a 'good recliner' for camp needs.

Absolutely love your show, don't change anything of how you do your show, so calming and you feel like your in the woods to.

I got the well known and very popular Dutch Army hooped bivvy but the rarer XL version last year and it's brilliant. I'm 6ft 2" and my 60Ltr backpack and boots still fit inside it with me. It's also gore-tex so it's properly waterproof which negates the need for a tarp in rainy conditions. *Yes I've already tried it in the rain and suffered no water ingres. If you want a good stealth camping bivvy this is the one in my opinion.

I have a super cheap camo bivvy like yours, I like it and have used it a few times. It is small as you say. I had a squirrel eat his way in for a snack. 😂 My favorite part is where you tell on yourself. 9:20 " I don't support stealth camping, but I do it meself." 😂 Brilliant!

The problem it seems with the OEX bivy is the hoop is located down a bit over your chest area, not over your head. So when you’re in the bag the top is right above your face. That’s probably what makes it seem claustrophobic

I have used a few different ones. I always have a tarp over them for a bit of outdoor space though.

well done Dan !.. always good to hear to hear your thoughts - personally, I've got the Dutch Army bivvy

I'm ex army, and have a few exercises under my belt in the MTP bivi. Used in combination with that and my army doss bag, and you've got a decent shelter warmth wise. Even used my bivi in a tent last November up a mountain in Scotland as an extra layer. But the best thing is if you keep your doss bad in the bivi whilst packed away it waterproofs it.

Mate, you ain’t a wimp, I suffer from claustrophobia when I got cancer and had to go in the scanners it f**ked me up and now I can’t even sit in a car if it automatically locks itself 🤣😂😆 I’ll stick with me hammock and tarps. Nice one Dan, I like the comparison videos 😊👊🔥

Thank you for this video. And you're the first one I've seen who've set the Geertop with a perfectly stretched fly. Well done and again thank you for this comparison.

Great honest video marra, I know what you mean about claustrophobia,unfortunately I’m getting an OEX Salamander for birthday present .so hopefully I can work my way around that 👍

Geertop for me as you can put your kit in and when your ready to get your head down, just step into it no wriggling around and has more space, keep them vids coming 🤩

Great demonstration, Dan. I love bivvis. I have a British Army bivvi, a US Army bivvi, a Snugpak Stratosphere, and an REI bug net bivvi. They have their place depending on what type of camping I do. I'm not claustie, but I can see where the Snugpak or even the US Army bag could be a pain for those who are.

I would probably go with the gear top. Another great video mate.

The same army bivvy as I use, usually with a DD tarp. Great bit of inexpensive, easy to set up kit 👍

Hi Dn, Good video as always. I have the geartop and the OEX bush pro bivvi and enjoy using them both. I don't think that I would get on that well with the salamander because I sometimes have limited movement with having a bad back. The only conn Ive ever had with any bivvi is condensation.

Really useful mate, cheers!

Great review and well thought out comments. Thought you would choose the british army bivvy, understand your reasons. I have the geertop and agree, with an air matt and sleeping bag you are close to the roof, which does make you think about a coffin! I also have the dutch army bivvy, suggest you give it a try. There are also other army surplus bivvy s that you can get that have a center zip, which helps with the getting in and out.

Just what I needed! I think I might buy that geartop

Another good informative video Dan thanks for sharing 👍 😀 👏

I like the look of that hooped bivvi. I watched a video few days back where a couple had those salamandas sleeping in a cave. They got soaked through. Definitely need a tarp for that one. Great episode dude I'm looking for a bivvi upgrade. so good timing. I still use an old 54 pattern bivvi. It's all sun faded but still works a treat.

Hi Dan,i bought the dutch army single hooped bivvy and dont get on with it due to claustrophobia. British army bivvy and basha works best for me. All the best.

Great video, thank you very much for sharing, you have provided a lot of 'food' for thought.

I like the geertop. It’s been very good for the price

I have the American MSS version which I like because it has two different sleeping bags plus a Gortex bivy bad and stuff sack. You can use all three bags for winter or one of two bags for cool weather. I use a tarp for extra cover. I have three different hooped bags all side entrance with two being MILSURP. A Dutch hooped bivy and a Russian hooped bivy. My Aquaquest bag is the lighter of the three. I’ll use the MSS for backpacking as the weight is a little better carried on my frame packs. The two MILSURP ones I can carry on my L-35 bag with no trouble. The Aquaquest I use with my no. Frame bags. Great info video.

Always wanted to try a raised/hooped bivvy but always wondered about sleeping bag absorbing condensation (in a tent i try not to have anything touching fly sheet for that reason). Would be fantastic size and weight though for stealthyness/packing etc!

As always a fantastic video, I would definitely consider getting one of these. Would you consider trying out one of those bigger canvas tepee’s ? they are more expensive but apparently you can also get a stove inside and could survive in one almost all year round.

I used the vaude 1p bivvy, side entrance and hoop to keep it off your face, really good, waterproof, condensation free 👍edit-very similar to the geartop

your editing is very good!

Just watched it today, got admit I'm with you on this one, british army bivvy bag, I used it in the TA, slept out in -8 on exercise, it works.

I would like the Geertop bivvy. Easier to get in and out. And you can sit and cook if you have a tarp over you. Thanks so much for sharing!

I like the side entry one.

Dan the British Bivvy is designed to be used with the modular sleep system. Two bags, the summer lightweight has a built in mozzie net. So used as designed wouldn't present an issue for those using it with a British Army lightweight bag.

Hi Dan, You may already know this, but just in case. You mentioned in your video about bugs etc entering your sleeping bag or biting your face. Why don't you consider purchasing the British Army modular sleeping bag system? It is designed to be used with the army bivvy, so fits perfectly. The bags are basically a copy of the Carinthia bag, Carinthia is a £300 bag. The modular system is made up of four separate bags and used together will be good for circa -20 degrees (should be -30 degrees, but I will go into this later). They can all be used independant, so baically you mix and match. You can buy the sleep system complete for about £120 or separately (used condition, but I will explain in a bit) . The winter (medium weight bag) is a big mummy bag that zips up the centre just leaving a hole for your face (snuggerly!). The jungle bag (light weight bag/summer bag) is a side opening sleeping bag that fits inside the winter bag to increase the comfort rating. Or you can use either the winter bag or jungle bag separately depending on the time of year and temperatures you are expecting. The winter bag usually comes with a thick cotton liner, so this makes up the three sleeping bags. The jungle bag ties into the liner and the liner then ties into the winter bag, so you now have three lays that don't move around within each other. The forth layer/bag is the bivvy which you already have. I have the complete set of four bags and it is so flexible and will fulfill all your needs. The jungle bag comes with a bug net which zips around the bags opening. This is a perfect arrangement for the summer, jungle bag within the bivvy. Another positive is that you can build up your system at home and strap it all together and then when you get to your location just roll it out just like an swag bag. This pre-prepared sleep system and a tarp is the quickest set up. You can obviously also include your blow up sleep mat (deflated) and just blow it you when you get to location. I use the system when the car is close (circa 1 or 2 miles), during car camping, and I also roll it up complete and put it in a 30 litre blue waterproof barrel to then use during wild camping via canoe. The negatives are that the full system is quite weighty and bulky, so not something you want to walk too far with and definitely not back pack with. Sounds a little weak because the army carry them! You will be very lucky to get any of the bags brand new or unissued. So always go for the A1/highest grade from army surplus. They normally haven't been used much because the army send them to surplus after about twenty washes due to the loft degrading, but they will still fulfill our needs in the UK winter. After all, they are design for foreign lands. Make sure you get the medium winter bag for the modular system because there is another winter bag which is not designed to be part of the modular system, it will state this in the discription. Yes, they are used. If you are lucky you might get an unissued bag (but doutful), so new but it has been in storage. Get the best grade you can and they will be in good condition, but they might smell a little musty from being in storage. They will have been cleaned, but put them in the washer to be sure. Take the whole system to a laundrette instead of trashing your own washing machine because you will be able to wash them all at once, and they are heavy when wet! Have a look at Red Branch Bushcraft channel, he does a good review of the system, but there are plenty of reviews on RU-vid. Mmmmm. this has turned out to be a long post..... WAKE UP! Regards Dan PS excellent choice of name, Dan

I've just bought a British army bivvy, I haven't got round to using it yet but I look forward to using it now after watching this video and seeing all the comments or here and your input! Thanks for a great video 👍

I love my bivys and I have owned a few over the years!

Very amazing video well done and keep up the great work and I love using the british army basha and British army gore tex bivvy bag for wild camping

Hi, really cool video thanks. Have you ever used the Gertop bivi in rain, and how did it perform please?

Nice one Dan. I have a basic Alpkit Bivvi. I'm bigger than average and theres just not enough room for me, my shoulders, airmat and bag. I've tried having the airpad on the outside, but it really got wet. I like tohe look of the Geetrop, but the British Army Bivvi might do the job. Helpful video, thank you. Paul

Being a biker, I pack a Wingman of The Road (Toucan). Not for hikers but a great bit of kit for those with a bike. Not cheap.

Total agree Dan, British army bivi does everything well

I have the British army bivvy bag. I brought a bug net and a light balaclava plus three types of cover! Easy to use. Stay safe atvb 👍🦊

I have the British DPM bag and love slepping under a tarp with it, going to be doing a video soon sleeping in a jungle tunnel... Nice one Dan...ATB Chris.

Great explanation...personally I wouldn't go lower than a OEX Phoxx 1 tent however, if I would after pick I'd put my sleeping bag inside the Army bivvy and get in the OEX tent just because it looked better quality...The 2nd was a good design, reminded me of the Gelert Solo

Good review.

Thanks. Great job. I prefer a tent which can be as heavyv or even lighter than a bivvy bag plus poncho plus additional mozzie nets etc. It also offers privacy...when needed. Where do you put your kit when bivvy camping?

Just watched the gear top Bibby video and since it looks like you're doing it I guess that's your favorite

I will stick with my dutch army hooped bivi thanks, The first and still the best.

Love your channel !!!!!!!! Personally I prefer tent,..too claustrophobic for me .....but I love Ur reviews x

Hi Dan. Late to the video. I really enjoyed it. Glad you chose the British Army bivi. I used them quite a lot when I was on exercise with the forces. Do remember one day having to sleep in a gully in the rain once, it got a wee bit damp🤣 the bivi held up well. However my mate some how got a cigarette burn half way up and got a wee bit wet.😳 Enjoying your channel all the best Al🍻👍

There all good !!!.....depends on usage ..... I hold preference on using a double hoop side entrance because by itself it has more room to move and air space not to mention with my tarp it gives me a great out of the weather secured shelter for me and my gear...... I like the military Bivi for bugging out in a hurry or lite gear pack for quick deployment......... I try to not use any bivi tho that comes in contact with my sleeping bag to prevent moisture or leaks to come in contact with my bag itself

I've used the older DPM bivi. I use mine upside down, so you can get your boots and kit out of the rain by using it as a cover. A bit on the snug side tho! 😂😂

Hi Dan. Good review. I have the OEL Salamanda. Not used it yet though. How is it for condensation? And how do you find the durability of the bottom. It seems quite weak. Where did you get the British army bag from? Thank you. Keep up the good work 👍🏽

the geertop 🤔👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Is that you in the Geertop video on Amazon? Great video though mate. How does the geertop compare with the snugpak stratosphere?

Would the phoxx 1 not be as good, small and with a 5000 hydrostatic head ?

The low profile is great. You can cover it with some light branches.

I've had two British army bags so far. If it was raining you could flip it over and use the hood as a shelter. As for mozzies, make a net sock up with a little bungee cord over the bottom and some lighter cord to a tab to hang it to a stick to keep it off your face. Never tried a side opening one and did think about sewing a 3/4 length zip in my army one. I kind of like the feeling of being snuggled up, but as long as I can see what's outside it's not to bad. Can imagine deer walking past you and not knowing what it is in a full enclosed system can be quite frightening.

Gertop double hooped Bivvi bag is my favourite

Good reviews the rest top looks decent. I have carinthia observer goretex which is absolutely superb I use it with a thermarest I used to suffer a bit of claustrophobia at 1st but now I just don’t notice it. I was out last night just zipped up and fell asleep for 7 hrs.

G'day mate, have you ever looked at the canvas Swags that are made like this and also can be in different sizes and shape, pretty warm in winter and are water proof.

I would use the OEX if I had to make a choice of the 3

I have the geartop bivy and like it best of all , it has enough room for me , but I have the one with the inter & rainfly , it stands up to the weather very well

Quick entry, quick exit… DEFINITELY the good old British😂

Simple bivy all the way - I used to use a joined up army poncho. I have a gelert solo which cost £30 and has lasted for years but makes you feel like your in a coffin.

Hi Dan good video nice one👍👍👍👍

Cheers Dan. I would only use the British Army Bivi if I had to use one.

I have had an Alpkit Hunka for years, great bivvy that I often use as a extra layer in a tent as well as using it on its own. So I bought a Alpkit Elan, the hooped version, I just can't get on with it. I am big lad so feel a little claustrophobic at times so I bought the Snugpak Ionosphere, not the Stratosphere which is like the Elan,which Oscar uses, it's great for hiking and a bit more room. As for the trusty Hunka I shall carry on using it, I just rig up a DD Superlight small tarp and use a Snugpak Jungle Sleeping Bag which has a built in bug net.

I have the Geertop one after watching it in your video, still haven’t used it yet though 🤣

I would say the open one bud I like the freedom of it

Dan I still have the army one. I almost never use any now as im too old and prefer the comfort of a tent.

Subed and liked! Do a review on the OR Alpine accentshell bivy 🙂

I think the Geertop is the best .

I've got an ex Dutch Army bivi not the hooped one top third opens down side and fastens with velcro from inside bit bulky but tough as hell

Is Goretex really breathable? Is there a frame bivvi made with Goretex,? I was hoping for a non sweaty bivvi with no condensation. Great video. I defo like the look of the Geertop.

The optimal setup for me seems to be: • ground cloth, • British Army bivy, • bug head net with ball cap underneath to keep net off your face, and • tarp. The tarp does most of the work to keep the elements off you while providing ample room to sit and cook, while the bivy keeps any spindrift blown under the tarp from soaking you and your bedding.

I’ve used the British army bivvy and basha with snug pak elite 3 served me well with a head net for the mozzies all year round

Thanks

I have an end entry tent like the last bivi bag - its brilliant, apart from the end entry :-(

What about condensation with the BA bivybag?

Think i would prefer the Geertop like the fact that the top can be pulled back in summer and still keep the bugs off

You should review Alpkit's range, Hunka, Hunka XL, Kloke and the Hooped Bivvy the Etan.

Good Informative Video my Friend , Perfect for showing the Types and Benefits of each , Keep up the Great work mate , Love and Best wishes to the Family !

Nice.

I love my bivi bag! (Alpkit Hunka or my Chinese 3F ultralight (200g,) one depending on the adventure). Whichever one I'm bringing, I always take a tarp. It's the UK. It's either pissing it down or too hot to be out in the direct sun!

Im thinking about maybe doing a bit of bivvy bag camping, I like the double hooped bivvy, would you recommend that I started with something like that? Cool videos by the way 👏

Good show thanks

I'm after a hooped Bivi but all of the ones I find always seem to have bad condensation, even the super expensive ones. Bit crap if using a down bag. But I'll keep looking.

For me, the gear top. I’ve never slept in one but I do have my 👁️ on the Aqua one. I think and believe, that’s the most anti rain of them all. Still will use a tarp. But crazy 😡 love for letting us see the pros and cons of them. ✌🏽 out

Gear top best

It would have to be a hoop bivi for me .like haveing me mug of tea out of the elements.☕️

i should have waited until the video had finished before i answered 🤣

Is this the goretex model used by the British Army? Is it true that moisture does not condense thanks to gore tex?

i thought you would prefer the army bag ,i like the look of the geartop, it looks like it could be used without the middle pole, the oex having blackout material defies the object of wild camping ,up early and away, dont want to be still there at 9am and folk wandering past hearing the snoring🤣

I was in the phoxx 1 lastnight and zip jammed on sleeping bag. Proper panicked as it was zipped right up which i dont normally do. I do have to sleep with zip and sleeping bag open so I can get arms out. Geertop if I had choose.

Dan for me it depends if the bivi has a zipper. Not all of us can hold their bladder through the night and there is nothing worse crawling out of the top of the bivi like a snake when going for a piss. When using a bivi with a zip I can unzip retaining lots of warmth and placing my John Thomas in a bottle I can do the necessary and go back to sleep. Atb Taff 🤠👊

Hi, I prefer the simple and easy british army bivvy bag too.

don't judge yourself too harshly about the claustrophobia. definitely a common thing. While I don't feel panicky while awake in hooped bivvis, what I did discover is they cause me extreme sleep paralysis. So my body will be asleep while my mind is awake. this never happens at home but happens every single time I've tried that style of bivvy