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Tent Vs Bivy - What's the Best Shelter for You?

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Опубликовано:

5 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 823

@azimuth361 6 лет назад

So, no kidding, there I was, my last weekend in the States before leaving to live in Europe for a few years. As my last hurrah in America, I decided to summit Pikes Peak. I planned on hiking halfway up to Barr camp on Friday, spending the night, summiting on Saturday then coming back down to spend another night at Barr Camp, then coming down on Sunday. I only have a freaking huge six-man tent. I thought, "No way I'm lugging that thing up and down Pikes Peak", so I decided to build a hootch, just a sleeping bag on the ground with a tarp for overhead cover. Barr Camp is a pretty easy hike. A lot of people bring their dogs. In the middle of the night, all the dogs started barking. I tried to sleep through it, but couldn't. I felt something sniffing around my feet. I yelled, "Hey! Get away from me, you stupid dog!" And kicked the sniffing creature in the nose, sending it scurrying. The next morning, a fellow in the next camp site asked, "Hey! Did you see the bear?" I froze, "Ba... ba... bear?" "Yeah. He was sniffing around your campsite." I turned white. "Hm. I'm pretty sure I kicked it in the face." Next time, I'm renting a cabin.

@StonedAlone 4 года назад

Hahaha that is an epic story, damn

@micahwong6323 4 года назад

That. Was TOTALLY WICKED

@didntThinkBeforePosting 4 года назад

that bear gonna think twice about human camp sniffing now

@lukehobbs3177 3 года назад

That is hilarious!

@aaronfuentes5919 2 года назад

Don't mess w/ a man & his sleep

@elidemosthenes5722 6 лет назад

I've often used a bivy + tarp setup when backpacking and I've found it just as good as tent when it comes to protection from the elements. There's obviously not the same amount of space to move around, but a tarp keeps the rain off you and the bivy keeps you from any wind or mud. The tarp also acts like a vestibule where you can cook if you have to and store your boots and backpack.

@mateuszk3210 2 года назад

My RAB bivy is about 550g which is pretty heavy with Cumulus tarp (which is must have for bad weather) another 170g, so total is 770g. That is above many of modern UL treking pole tents (that are below 500g including mesh and rainfly). What Bivy would you suggest that is not just a bugnet like the one Darwin showed ?

@elidemosthenes5722 2 года назад

@@mateuszk3210 I have an old-ish Integral Designs bivy that I love, but weighs about the same as your RAB. Unfortunately that company doesn't exist anymore, but you could probably find lighter setups of similar quality these days. I think the Black Diamond Twilight is pretty light (under 300g), and would probably be a little more breathable than the older models - though I've never owned one.

@mateuszk3210 2 года назад

@@elidemosthenes5722 thanks I've been looking more at stealthy colors like OR Helium looks nice but as heavy, something like Tera Nova Moonlite or Borah biviy. It would be used with tarp anyway, but I don't know many options at the moment, so kind of researching.

@karst-erikbus6346 Год назад

@@mateuszk3210 I have a Katabatic Gear bivy. 220 grams. Plus a DCF tarp that's also a poncho 150 grams. Saves me, poles, rain clothing and a tent (1.5kg).

@mateuszk3210 Год назад

@@karst-erikbus6346 thanks, in the end I've got OR Helium, been using last winter and summer. So far so good, works as expected.

@jeffs6229 6 лет назад

Bivy/tarp set up in winter/fall trips and a tent in spring/summer trips. It’s that easy. Smaller shelter allows for a heavier sleeping bag in winter trips and I’ve found the bivy adds a little warmth. Love your channel!

@kemo1832 6 лет назад

First off let me say I liked this video good info. Though I'd like to say something to think about when it comes to bivy's. In many situations where maintaining a warm temperature throughout is important, bivy's are typically a better option as they are easy to heat up and hold body heat in.

@-lien8string541 4 года назад

kimo cataraha When I was in the Marine Corps, being cocooned inside a bivy sack early in the morning was heaven.

@drumstickscarecrow 6 лет назад

I'm a former tent camper who made the transition to hammocks 2 years ago. When I switched to hammocks, I still wanted ample coverage, so I went with the Warbonnet Superfly tarp. It's an 11x10 foot tarp with doors, so it's much like having the same sort of protection from the elements as I'd have with a tent. Since I've made that transition, I've never looked back.

@carrdoug99 6 лет назад

I have always been a tarp - ground cloth guy 40+ years. Love the versatility, and lots of fresh air. Have added a Sol escape bivy in the last 10 or so years, pretty basic. In fact never owned a tent till I had to round up my son who had migrated 50' away in a meadow up in the Sawtooths. Found him sleeping with his butt up in the air. He was 18 mo. Old.😳😄

@brianjones4413 4 года назад

hilarious!

@skategreaser 4 года назад

Don't tell Mom.

@wolfeadventures 3 года назад

Does the sol bivy breathe well or do you get condensation?

@carrdoug99 3 года назад

@@wolfeadventures It does breath (I think they make one that doesn't, so be sure to check). It's synthetic, so it can get a little damp feeling, but nothing serious.

@wolfeadventures 3 года назад

@@carrdoug99 thank you.

@KD-bk7gd 5 лет назад

After my third night of racoons stepping on me in the middle of the night, I was over the Bivy hype.

@WhoThisMonkey 5 лет назад

Haha, that sounds amazing!

@netanel8897 5 лет назад

hahahah oh man

@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587 5 лет назад

@Bill Randall lmao

@LO-gg6pp 5 лет назад

@Bill Randall ah the "shoot em" guy - original

@Ujasoncook9267 4 года назад

Still intrigued by them. I'm gonna get a cheap one and try it out. But you have a point.

@4-SeasonNature 5 лет назад

Thanks Darwin as always. I have used both tents and a bivy and I agree with your evaluation of the pros and cons between the two items. I cold winter or very windy conditions, I feel that the bivy is warmer than a tent and less prone to wind interference.

@Pumpkin_Fart 5 лет назад

I love the Snugpak Stratosphere bivy shelter. I feel like its a backpacker's dream shelter...packs up very small and very light.

@jearago 6 лет назад

The bivy / tarp combination like you've shown gives me all of the storm protection, space, and vestibule advantages of a tent, but with unlimited pitch options, and without the weight and condensation issues of a tent. Great videos!

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

Yep! It's a very versatile set-up for sure! Hike On, Darwin

@andrewharmon8332 6 лет назад

I use an MSR backpacking tent for most of my hiking. I recently however have started to try hammock camping and I love it. My gear and I are off the ground in stay dry no matter what. I use a sleeping mat and plan to get an under quilt, a bug net, a hammock and a 6 sided tart from my favorite hiking gear site outdoor vitals. I primary hike in Minnesota were I live and the surrounding states on the superior hiking trail and a bit in other places. I am 18 and this summer I will be going on my 3rd hike without any parents or adults. Hiking is the ultimate freedom and way to connect with the outdoors.

@bisleykid 6 лет назад

I went to a hammock a couple of years ago and have never slept better. Like you I am somewhat claustrophobic and the hammock gives a lot of latitude as to how I pitch it, low and tight for bad weather or high and open for good weather. Really enjoy your vids, keep them coming.

@jgaffney2010 5 лет назад

Tarptent. I used a Contrail for 10 years, but recently upgraded to a Notch because I wanted a side entry. I met Henry Shires when I drove to his house, and he was nice enough to set up 3 tents in his yard so that I could try them on. Sturdy, lightweight tents that give you some privacy and protection from the elements and bugs. Highly recommended.

@Argethebarge 4 года назад

Please don’t stop making videos, you’re legit a hiking legend man I truly look up to you as a passionate outdoorsmen!

@tootsla1252 5 лет назад

I'm with you! I love my tents. I think I have four of them - one for every occasion. But make no mistake - it's a tent for me every time - no cowboy camping, no bivvies ever! I want that home on the trail as you say.

@renaecummings8068 6 лет назад

Most of the time I’m hiking with my husband. Based on that alone, a tent like the Duplex or Gossamer Gear The Two, are both very light shelters that are great for one if I decide to solo, or two. So...tents gets my vote.👍

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

There's just something really nice about having a Bunch of room to spread out, isn't there? Hike On, Darwin

@daleroller1208 6 лет назад

I live in Oregon. I just got a US Army goretex bivy last week. Looking forward to using it with a small tarp to set over my upper body.

@truett4260 4 года назад

I've used the MSS goteex bivy for years. I have been in heavy wind and heavy rain on multiple occasions in that thing and stayed dry every time. It is bombproof and I'll never leave without it.

@LaconianConcepts 3 года назад

Another PNW-er here that loves his Bivy. I have used the MSS for years and can attest to its fame. I recently switched to the Snugpak SF Bivy to save a full pound, and while not as bomb proof it is VERY waterproof. With a good 10x10 tarp I can setup a tarp-tent that rivals the trekking pole tents and is the perfect system for me. I hammock camp most of the time and even use it in my hammock. This allows me to carry gear than can crossover so I can change my setup as terrain changes on through hikes without adding a bunch of stuff I don’t use.

@rudyo8409 6 лет назад

Man" I like having 3 options . Tent/bivy/hammock . And it does have condition preferences . Sweet Vid" Thanx 4 sharing.

@ronnieo9571 5 лет назад

I met this guy who was bike packing across the country and he rolled himself up at night on the side of the highway in a walmart tarp.

@glbwoodsbum2567 5 лет назад

I've got a hardcore buddy that's gone cross country many times on his Harley after the Marine Corps. And he would sleep at the side of his bike in a parking lot.

@WhoThisMonkey 5 лет назад

I've done that many times on the fly when you don't have enough time to set up camp properly. Just lay it out flat, fold it in half and lay in between. You'll be damp in the morning due to condensation, so propping up an air hole with a stick helps. If you can find a load of long grass or hay, you can make yourself a comfy mattress too!

@charliekendall4288 4 года назад

@@glbwoodsbum2567 I knew a biker who would chain the bike to his leg while sleeping where ever he stopped.

@glbwoodsbum2567 4 года назад

@@charliekendall4288 Good thing no one ever took off on the bike with him attached.

@stoicodysseys6352 4 года назад

I am currently looking into an ultra-light tent. I am currently using a hammock system.

@waynehead7271 5 лет назад

Congratulations! You seem to be an honest broker of information, to me. BTW: I'm 55 y.o. and have been camping/packing all of my life. I live in the PNW now, and in a tsunami zone to boot, so my OSB (e-bag/BOB) always has a traditional/military surplus WP bivy and a tarp. I add the tent & small chair, with a decent menu of extra food, when I am "just going camping." Kinda wish I was still young enough to do what you do, with today's tech, but really appreciate that you seem to be an honest broker of information. There is so much pablum out there now, that I have to give props where it's due. Keep trekking/questing ... and make it home safely. ~Peace~

@progresiverocklover 5 лет назад

I am using the OR Helium at the moment, very happy with it. It's a four season bivy, already seam sealed, but water has gathered in wet mornings in side the tent and because of the limited space my sleeping bag was very wet more than once... It's great as a tent that's super light weight and that will be there in case of need more than an essential outdoor house. I'm hiking the Te Araroa in New Zealand now so it's perfect because it's mostly huts here and a light and small backup plan of a tent is just what I need here.

@chefcocoasadventures8794 6 лет назад

I am a Hammock person. But will go to a tent from time to time. Thank you for all the great vids. Happy hiking.

@MorettiPyrotechnicsLLC 6 лет назад

On the trail its been an experimental thing to use a hammock set up but while im kayak camping I reach for the tent and I think the tent is just gonna be my all around go to shelter. I love the security of the backpacking tent.

@TangoDeltaDelta 6 лет назад

Great video and "hike your own hike" advice. I like my hammock and tarp setup for most weather hot or cold, sunny or rainy. It keeps me comfortable and dry off the cold and damp ground, or in or out of the breeze as needed, and away from most bugs. I have had to "go to ground" a few times, which I found disappointing, when there was no place to hang. It works mostly like your bivy and tarp then with trekking poles, except the hammock body isn't as thick as a tent tub.

@CheeseCrackersandaJeep 6 лет назад

I actually learned a lot! From being a tent person myself, I never used a bivy! Thanks for the info!!!!

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

No Prob! Hike On, Darwin

@williambakos2716 6 лет назад

Used something like your bivy setup in the infantry. Poncho for a tarp and gortex bivy over sleeping bag.

@Mod-rw9cw 5 лет назад

William Bakos we call them bashers

@WhoThisMonkey 5 лет назад

The British army do it this way too. Practical for military, you can see around you and keep watch unlike a tent.

@MotoCampAdv 4 года назад

Shit when i was in the infantry we just dug prone firing positions and slept in them with poncho liners

@1066toph 4 года назад

Poncho and poncho liner. When I was 25th ID didn’t have the Gore-Tex Bivy. We were ultra light packers except for all the ammo we had to carry.

@boathemian7694 3 года назад

Ecotat?

@tomkruczek668 6 лет назад

I agree, Darwin that the conditions really dictate what to use. I have a 2GOSystems Trifecta Bivvy and 3 tents - Two from Henry Shires; the other is a Big Agnes Foidel Canyon 2. The Trifecta is for staying in shelters, emergency use as a bivy or tarp but also part of a sleep system using a Vapor Barrier Liner for cold and sub zero temps. In wet conditions, the combination of the bivy and my one person tent makes sense to help avoid my EE quilt getting damp. This doesn't happen with the double wall Foidel Canyon tent as it's very solid, but is also a much heavier tent and its for hiking w/a partner where we split the tent between us to help reduce weight. It's also for winter camping. Anyway, I was reluctant about bivy's and now I see how they can really add value. I take the Trifecta with me all the time as a "just in case" piece of gear, too.

@theamazingfreak 6 лет назад

Hi Darwin, Another great video. Thank you. A different option that we have here in Australia is called a Swag. NO.. not your gangsta walk and talk rubbish. This originated in the 1920's during the Great Depression. Many men would walk from town to town looking for work. What they slept in was a simple bed of oil cloth wrapped around a few wool blankets. This became known as a Swag. If it was raining these men would make a rough primitive shelter from tree bark or debris. Today the Swag is still a very big part of camping in Australia. I have one, and use it when I travel home to visit my family every year. The drive home is a 3 day drive, so when night rolls in, a lot of animals are on the road, more than you would believe. So I pull over, roll out the swag, light a fire, camp the night, and pack up and head off in the morning. The cost of the swag has been repaid many many times over from what I would otherwise be paying in motel accommodation. And I am only sleeping out 2 nights, going home, they understand I will stink, and I can shower there :) This is a Australian style swag... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ei0r7MQVA14.html

@Arfshesaid457 6 лет назад

For me it has to be a tent. I like the privacy, the shelter and keeping bugs out.

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

It's all about having your own "Little House"...lol Hike On, Darwin

@philmcracken6590 6 лет назад

Riley Dumont nerd

@muphart 6 лет назад

For minimalist backpackers I think it's only natural to omit the oxford comma. The word "and" already exists to make that final separation so no need for the extra item.

@sosteve9113 6 лет назад

Kevin Hoover I think it is more a preference I do most tarp and my solo tent Working on a video about a half tent now

@sosteve9113 6 лет назад

I think it is more a preference I do most tarp and my solo tent Working on a video about a half tent now

@kevincorp1671 6 лет назад

I'm currently using an army bivy/ tarp. I also bring a light hammock for heavy rain so I can get off the ground if need be

@daleroller1208 6 лет назад

I had an Outdoor Research bivy years ago, then had a nice Mountain Hardware bivy that was burned up in a house fire last year. I now have a US Military goretex camo bivy that I carry in my car. Will use it this week to backpack around hot springs. I prefer a bivy because I don't want to bother breaking down and setting up a tent. I can set up a small tarp over the head part if i want more room during bad weather.

@billcamus8766 6 лет назад

Enjoyed the video... I'm a tarp & bivvy guy. I converted from being a tenting hiker, many years ago. My primary reason(s)... A tent requires a specific shape and square footage area to properly deploy. Not to mention placement. A tarp can be adapted to shelter you just about anywhere in any kind of condition. Placement is much easier, due to a tarp's versatility and adaptability. The bivy I carry is an OR Helium, which weighs in at about a pound. The tarp is DD 3m by 3m, that is a tad heavy, but tough as hell. I hike year round in some nasty conditions. I've ridden out a couple of gnarly winter storms in relative comfort. Practice and imagination are key when tarp camping.

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

Thanks Bill & Good Feedback! Hike On, Darwin

@teenoltae 6 лет назад

Everyone should spend atleast one night in a Bivvy with no extra shelter in the rain - I guarantee you'll want to hit the trail arround 4.30 am . .

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

lol.... Hike On, Darwin

@Dawn2DuskAdventuring 6 лет назад

T Noltae lol 14 years in the USMC I spent many a night in a bivy. But after that every else is just a luxury.

@stevejazzband 6 лет назад

T Noltae literally what happened to me last trip....

@johneric3886 5 лет назад

Your comment made me laugh.

@360flip19 5 лет назад

T Noltae I use a heavier bivy (Outdoor Research advanced bivy) and it is completely waterproof. I'veeen stuck in heavy North Western rain/snow and it was fine. It's also the only 4 season shelter I own. I understand that the main draw to using a bivy setup in the first place is the weight that can be saved, but I just love the flexibility of where I can set up camp. I do greatly prefer a tent if I'm at a crowded spot - just for a little privacy.

@edbooth9439 6 лет назад

Agree completely. Had an LNT trainer weekend in SNP past Thornton Gap on the Virginia AT and Blue Blazed into parts unknown. Graded on our impact each day when we broke camp. Some had hammocks, some bivy and the rest UL tents. My tyvek ground cover for my Copper Spur did not leave any more of a trace than the bivy if you only used one side door. The ticks, mosquitoes and midnight visitors made me real happy I had a tent. So really believe it is personal choice. (Our females were happy in their hammocks since we were completely dispersed at least 70 steps from each other and privacy was not an issue).

@trailhiker6501 6 лет назад

DarwinI really enjoy you gear reviews and hiking tips. I recently picked up the EE Recon Bivy. I used it for the first time 3 days ago hiking the Three Ridges on the AT. I used a lightweight tarp with doors made for hammocks and a piece of tyvex for the floor. It worked absolutely perfect. One night I stayed in a shelter with several other hikers. I used the bivy in the shelter without the tarp. When the mice came out they couldn't get to me. I love this new piece of gear

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

NICE!... Yeah, I've really been digging mine! EE knocked it out of the Park with this one! Hike On, Darwin

@TheHavnmonkey 6 лет назад

Of course I grew up camping in a cheap 2 pole dome tent. As I got older the square foot print was a little too short for my 6ft height. Now I have two setups a Dream Hammock Darien with a Warbonnet Superfly tarp and a Tarptent Motrail. I love the hammock set up and think it is the more comfortable option for me, however it does take some more time to set up than a tent. The Tarptent is for when I'm with my GF. It's super quick to set up and fairly roomy for two. Only con is how slippery the floor is, even with silicone strips. Given a choice, I choose hammock!

@GreenJeepAdventures 5 лет назад

I combo a military bivy with a tarp. I sleep cold, and the bivy adds an extra layer to keep me warm.

@tommyclough9981 6 лет назад

Tent for sure. I live in Florida and the bugs can get crazy. Plus with the surprise rain storms, a tent works the best for me. Some of the guys I HIKE with though are tarp guys, but that's what they like. I also have the Zpacks duplex as well. Vestibule room and the option to open both sides make it ideal for keeping it somewhat cool. Best of all, pack explosion occurs when I am in my tent. Thanks for the video, as always!

@Lee-70ish 4 года назад

Had my Golite Hex 3 tipi for 8 years still love it. Ultra light uses a single pole or a walking pole with supplied 12inch alloy extension or a strong stick or outer branch hanging loop and some para cord. Can sleep 3 at a squeeze but acres of room for 1. Don't need an inner tent as condensation runs down to outer edge. No guy ropes just peg edges to the ground (I bought titanium one's to save weight) open door and erect pole . 5 minutes max set up.

@EDCAdventures1991 6 лет назад

I’ve had the OR Advanced for 3-4 years now. It’s never let me down and it’s good for 4 seasons. I take a grabber space blanket to use as a ground cloth, so if I really want more space I can set it up overhead if it’s going to rain. I like the Bivvy because it’s it requires virtually no setup unless I want to bring the 2 small poles to give myself some headspace. There’s also versatility to a Bivvy, I can set it up just about anywhere since it requires no trees and has a smaller footprint than most tents. Also for the materials it was a lot more cost effective for me. I got it for about $120 which is a bargain for a Gore-Tex shelter. There is a con to a Bivvy which is condensation. Gore Tex is breathable but only to a point but I’ve never ended up with puddles in the bathtub. At most, just able to feel it if I wipe the inside surface with my hand. Overall I’ve really enjoyed using it over the years.

@maximusmeridius1272 6 лет назад

I am a huge fan of both tents and bivy's. You've nailed the pro's and con's of both. I have been hunkered down in a bivy as a blizzard raged outside on a couple of occasions. A bivy adds about 15% more warmth to you in a sleeping bag, so they are very warm. But that being said, I'm like you Darwin, and I need my space. I love using a tent because it allows me to stretch out, hang and dry clothes, etc, a bivy really limits your activity inside.

@szymonolszewski9840 6 лет назад

I use surplus bivi + surplus tarp (which i often use as a raincoat and for maaaaany other things). For me it was cheaper and easier to carry. Worked well in summer and in winter time with no problems.

@stevemac1956 6 лет назад

Tent. BA Copper Spur UL1. Like you said, I too want to spread out and if needed have somewhere to wait out a storm. In my 2012 attempt of the PCT I used a BA Fly Creek UL2. Great tent but don’t need that much room hiking solo. Just received confirmation of my 2018 PCT Permit. Start date 3-19.... see you on the trail.

@2AFreeState 6 лет назад

Hammock for me currently. And if I can't find any trees, I have an 1/8 inch body length sleeping pad from Gossamer Gear that I can sleep on the ground with. Normally I use it as a folded up leg pad while in the hammock but I can dual purpose it if I have to.

@kenmarapese9085 6 лет назад

Big Agnes Fly Creek Ul1, I can move around in it and stow my gear if it rains. The additional weight over what you just showed is worth to me. As well, on shorter trips I take a Kelty Salida 2 person tent, I like the room.

@richardjohnson4696 5 лет назад

My favorite set up.. A hammock. The real game changer for hammocks recently has been Hyke and Byke making their sleeping bags that go around the hammock. No need for a top quilt and bottom quilt. I bring a larger tarp that can do multiple duties. Nothing is more comfortable than relaxing in a hammock, whether you are sleeping, or not. Tents are nice if you have two, or more people. Bivy's are claustrophobic to me. I use the OR, it is bad when you use the hood, but I will use it if I am heading to an area, or altitude that trees aren't an option for a hammock. I brought a hammock to Europe/Alps for a month and a half. That was the best piece of equipment I had in my backpack. I poached good night sleeps between two trees all the time, above Zermatt, Courameyeur, Chamonix, etc etc. I'd head up away from town before sunset and be up just before sunrise. Epic views and having those areas completely to myself. I could set up over ground that a tent, or bivy wouldn't have been able to. Plus, during the day on a long hike, I could set it up and just relax taking in some of the most beautiful vistas.

@thomaszabel1521 6 лет назад

I'm a "tree dweller" since I'm getting older and I'm finding that sleeping on the ground keeps me restless at night. Love me a good hammock. As far as inclement weather, you can get a lightweight tarp that actually has doors. Once you set it up, you're basically hanging inside a big tent, so no claustrophobia. But I admit there are plenty of places that make hammocking more difficult. One interesting recent product is called the Tentsile. It's a UK company that makes basically a tent that suspends between 3 trees. You get the best of both worlds.

@blacksheep6821 6 лет назад

Still using a sleeping bag. I like to feel like i'm outdoors. I feel like i miss that in a tent or bivy. Great episode. Thank you.

@halfadane6466 5 лет назад

I personally use a tarp and ground sheet. Because I like have some room for my gear, it’s fairly light and there’s a ton of different configurations to my shelter.

@StregAnders 6 лет назад

I used the Carinthia Explorer 2 Plus (Now called XP two plus) for a few years when I was in the army. We all really liked it, because it gave you an enclosed space with a little bit of headroom, as opposed to the earlier model where you had no enclosed space at all (Hello mosquitoes!). We still had a tarp with us, as your backpack wouldn't fit inside the bivybag, and sometimes it would be needed for other army-stuff ;-). A bonus of this is that you could have a little more dry space for getting in to your clothes if time allowed. This is something I would always want; so my go-to today for hiking is a lightweight tent. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Good video, Darwin. I think you got around most of the pros and cons of bivybags and tarps vs tents pretty well.

@rbaleksandar 5 лет назад

Bivy is a necessity if you want to go full stealth mode. Yes, with a small one-person tent you can also hide pretty well (most of the time) but a bivy is even better. Not to mention that in many countries setting up a tent in the wild is illegal but a bivy can always be described as an emergency shelter even if you decide to stay at one place for more than one night. People (authorities) often associate tents with camping that is more than one night and this can lead to some hefty fines. Personally I haven't used a bivy but I'm really considering it for my next long distance bicycle trip. Right now I'm more than 4 months in across Europe with a one-person tent from Wechsel and it has worked really great so far. But if you have to go through dangerous regions I think that a more stealthier approach - using a bivy - is a more safe option.

@ReverendRusty 6 лет назад

I have done both tents (the Zpacks Duplex right now) and a hammock. With the right insulation underneath, the hammock was more comfortable, but I still go with a tent for the same reasons that you do. Love that home and the duplex gives a good space/wt ratio. Yeah, I'm claustrophobic too, so no bivvy.

@MrDanAng1 6 лет назад

Tent or bivy.. depends on the weather, how long I will be out, were I hike and several other factors. So, this video with pros and cons for both is really hitting the nail for me. 😀

@jpjpjp453 6 лет назад

One of the first things i thought in planning for the AT was a Bivy. Then i realized that with my various leg/knee problems i tend to sometimes move them around quite a bit to find the right sleep position. This would be virtually impossible in a bivy for the most part. So i went with a tent.

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

Good Choice! I wouldn't want a Bivy on the AT anyways.... Too Much Rain! Hike On, Darwin

@Lue_Jonin 6 лет назад

Good video Darwin. Reminded me of my years using a Swank 1 person tent...in the end ,after countless times of having to shelter up for 3 day periods due to inclement weather, I found out I just can't bring myself to crawl into that coffin enclosure again. I definitely was happy getting a larger sleeping structure like what you used on the AT. I'm willing to pack a bit more weight for the comfort.... Having that extra space is such a luxury comfort each night. Thanks again for your videos. ✌ 👣 👑 👑

@toocleanpappas5397 6 лет назад

I tried the Duplex, and had the same complaint as others with it, which was a lot of condensation. I ended up hiking the last half of the AT with a Gossamer Gear, The One. I didn't have any condensation issues. And I loved how light it was. One thing I would say about it is that I'm 5'10 and I would say that is about the tallest I would recommend using it. Even I at times had the back of the tent hitting my head. Oh and the Duplex definitely had more room, but The One is designed for one person. So can't really complain about that. I could still get my pack inside when I didn't want to leave it in the vestibule.

@swoo5117 6 лет назад

I'm a hammock shelter guy but looking into a light weight 1.5 or 2 person tent if trees aren't available. Great videos keep it up. Thanks

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

The Recon would be a Good Alternative to the Hammock. Similar Set-up, just on the Ground! Hike On, Darwin

@swoo5117 6 лет назад

Darwin onthetrail thanks ,I'll look into it hike on brother

@martialbushcraft 6 лет назад

me and a couple pals went up to a mountain lake in colorado a few weekends ago with intention to try some high altitude ice fishing. hiked up 4 miles to about 10500 with an auger and all. we got there and started shelter. we had no tents lol. just tarps and wool blankets. made a shelter in dug out snow with the tarps and such. made it about half way through the night till we got up to start fire again cuz couldnt sleep. oh yea it snowed an hour from when we arrived to the lake till we left the next morning. winds 10-15. and we didnt bring snow shoes... man it was fun. saw a fox about 15 yards away, some yotes circling us for awhile. and it was satisfying knowing we could and did indeed do it.. needless to say no fishing was conducted

@krisstaty4460 6 лет назад

hello darwin, thank you for your videos. I am starting to go camping by myself (I used to go with my parents when I was a teenager and they took care of everything, I am 31 now) so I am looking up for videos that talk about gears and how to use them, I have seen many of your videos, and I love them, thank you for explanations. I am not doing any hardcore camping, just the weekend kind. So I love how you compare and talk about different options, other youtubers seem to only be talking about hardcore kind of camping the kind you spend months on the trail. My favorite video of yours was how you packed your bag, using your old backpack and your new one. It never occur to me to separate the sticks from the tent, God I am just a fool. I was trying to put it all together inside the bag and it was impossible. Thank you.

@craigschuman5851 6 лет назад

Bivouac sack is derived from middle European military use in reference to additional patrols around encampments. These were small one or two man shelters that could be set up and knocked down quickly and were relatively mobile.

@joshfelts1349 6 лет назад

I sleep in a spaceship! AKA - the Six Moons Designs Deschutes tarp. I can just tarp it with a polycro groundsheet which weighs about 150z and with an inner bathtub with mesh sealed space more around 24oz. I like this style of the tarp as it seems to be built to withstand higher winds and bad weather.

@klaust3307 6 лет назад

My Goretex MSS surplus bivy sack remains my shelter of choice. I've never been one to mind the 'claustrophobic' enclosure, and have mastered the art of changing clothes inside it. My bag snaps inside so I just pull the whole enclosure out of my pack, throw it on the ground, and I'm good to go. Probably weighs more than it should but I like knowing it's pretty bombproof and unlikely to ever rip or tear. I do however also keep a light tarp for use with my poles to put over it in the rare instance I'm staying somewhere more than one night and want room to 'decompress'.

@gl3nn_nl337 6 лет назад

Bivy "tent" for me. The Defcon 5 Bivy is great. Not that lightweight but 100% waterproof and breathable. But there are also a lot more good bivy's on the market. No problem changing clothes inside. (But im not huge). Good privacy inside. No bugs. Backpack also fits inside at feet if its really rainy. Oh and it takes like 1 minute to set it up.

@ric84 5 лет назад

I spent last night in the defcon 5 and while it's great you definitely need a tarp over your head in bad weather. I wanted to try out what it's limits are and simply set it up on a tiny raise in the land and hope for the best. The zipper is surprisingly water resistant and i had no water come in trough it but after a couple of hours the fabric itself got soaked and i spent the night in a damp mess. It's still a great bivvy especially since it's not a million dollars like comparable bivvys just don't be an idiot like me and intentionally set it up in an all night rainstorm.

@anonymousbosch9265 5 лет назад

I’ve used a bivy for the last 10 years and it started because I don’t like sharing a tent but now I find it simple and fast and I usually hang a tarp to make a pavilion where I spend my time in inclement weather and simply sleep in my bivy

@cripledpotato 5 лет назад

I’m quite partial to the burrito wrap method. You lay out a tarp on the ground lay down on it and roll. Keeps you nice and toasty and, as long as the tarp is long enough, completely dry.

@predfan3261 6 лет назад

With my back, i go the hammock. I have an ul option at 3lbs for hammock, tarp, and sleeping pod. And the comfort model at 6lbs for larger hammock with bugnet/winter cover, larger tarp, tq, and uq. I carry a tyvek bathtub for going to ground emergency. And i mean emergency.

@drewwatts2803 6 лет назад

Im a homemade A frame tarp kind of guy. I find making my own gear saves me a ton of cash and allows me to mod to my preferences. But thats when Im going ultralight and solo

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

NICE! DIY Gear Rules! Hike On, Darwin

@KuntryRD 6 лет назад

I have used a tarp for a long time; and made the transition to a hammock + tarp in 2011. I often use the SMD Lunar Solo tent if I really need to use a tent. That said, I rarely make a trip that I don't use my hammock. I make most of my own gear, so I can customize to fit me, as I am vertically challenged. Making my own stuff also allows me to go pretty light, even with a hammock set up. I rarely carry more than 12 pounds base weight and often carry less than 9 pounds base weight. Being short has a few advantages :)

@okie__moto7474 5 лет назад

I love the Bivy! Fast in, fast out, boom back on the trail!

@gboltonatrail1099 6 лет назад

Would love to see a follow up video showing how you set up the Tarp and bivy with your trekking poles. Always looking to perfect my methods of going to the Ground as a hammocker.

@kellieparker7040 6 лет назад

Alpine 2 person Tent, a little heavy, but I like the room it provides, so I think the weight is worth it.

@willek1335 4 года назад

A bivy trick I use: If I know my sleeping system isn't up to the task, I usually grab 2 garbage bags and some duck tape. It packs down super small, is disposable, and you can turn it into an emergency bivy. That thing adds a few degrees. I used a 14 Celsius degree bag in 0 Celsius degree weather and slept comfortably. This is very handy if you'll be spending one night on a mountain, while most of your trip in warmer country.

@midwestoutdoors3286 6 лет назад

I have traditionally been a tent camper. I’m currently using the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 but I have been debating on giving hammock camping a try.

@Pac_437 6 лет назад

I run hiking trails in the alps with a 30L UD fastpack and there I use a bivy, sometimes I miss the comfort of a tent but the when weight and size really effects you, nothing beats a bivy. I use Black Diomond Spotlight Bivy

@garyashby8894 3 года назад

I've been using a bivy exclusively for over 20 years. My logic is if it's good enough for Everest, it's good for the hikes i do. Walking is what i do the most of when i hike, not camping. I love the ease of setting one up, i never use stakes nor guidelines. The foot print is small so finding a campsite is easy. I've even slept with it under bushes. I use the bivy as a dry sack and store my quilt and clothes in. When i finally stop for the night, usually an hour before dusk, i just rollout my bivy and climb in. Rain is not an issues. I used my bivy while living on the Olympic Peninsula where i frequently hiked days on end in the Olympics and Cascades in the rain. I used my bivy exclusively on the PCT. It is great on clear nights to leave open and enjoy the night sky. I tried a tent bivy, which was better regarding condensation, but the hassle of setting it up and the added weight was not worth it. I do not cook nor carry a stove so i do not need a vestibule either. Lighter weight, fast setup and tear down: a bivy fits my style of hiking.

@gregwebster8784 6 лет назад

I use a gortex coffin styled bivy with my bag and mat as a standard. That way if it's pouring when I make camp, then I can jump in my bag and sleep until the weather lets up. Like you said, if there's going to be weather, then I bring a tent also.

@glennbur 6 лет назад

I live in wet, buggy North Carolina so it's a tent for me. I use a Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout one person tent. There's room for all of my gear inside.

@realfournier8315 6 лет назад

I have a small emergency bivy in my Personal Survival Kit and never used it. I used to go with a tent. Too heavy. I have been using a hammock under a tarp and enjoy the freedom and at night, being able to quickly identify strange noises and respond to them.

@lgodwin63 6 лет назад

My go-to is a Big Agnus Copper Spur UL1 tent...less than 3 lbs. I think of it as a jumbo-sized bivy. I’m short enough to be able to bring my backpack inside. But I like your bivy/tarp combo. Most people I meet on the AT down here in GA talk about the latest Darwin video. Hike on, brother.

@wewewewewewe363 6 лет назад

I feel like this is great to throw in your pack along with your hammock just in case you want a change on extended trips

@tomhopper1906 6 лет назад

I take both. I have the zpacks triplex tent which only weights 27 ozs. And I take the EE recon bivy at 7 ozs. for the nights when it’s too hot to be in a tent, the skies are clear and you can watch the stars, and there is no rain or dew expected. The bivy is also good for use in a shelter to keep bugs off you. The tent is for wet or cooler nights when you want that extra protection.

@professorsogol5824 6 лет назад

It depends on the terrain. I have a tent, a bivy sack and a fly sheet. Since it never rains at night in the Sierra in the summer time (and the mosquitos go to bed at sundown too), I usual carried just a ground sheet to keep my sleeping bag out of the dirt. In the winter in the Himalaya, I carry a tent. In the summer, on multiday climbs in Chamonix (the Haute Route or the Brenva Spur on Mt Blanc), I carried a bivysac

@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32 6 лет назад

Besides being more cramped while sleeping, I use a 3x3 tarp, bug net and Stratosphere bivvy. Half the weight of my 1 man tent, which is basically a more roomy version of a bivvy anyway I found this is my best solution in Australia, it allows me to open up to the elements in hot nights, and zip up and rug up during the cold or thunder storms where a tarp may be pulled out of the ground or wind pushed rain being thrown under.

@rickcollison7343 6 лет назад

Like you said, depends on where you are hiking and the conditions. Hammock is preferred, but carry the Recon Bivy if I have to go to the ground and use the same tarp for my hammock setup. If I know there will be few trees and harsher conditions, I grab the Duplex. So what I take depends.

@darkally1235 6 лет назад

Hi Darwin, my 2 cents on hammocks: I invested in a Hennessy Expedition Classic A-sym & Hex Fly for a summer Scout camp week. While I can survive sleeping on the ground for a weekend, a week would be too much. From that perspective, the hammock was a success - I slept reasonably well and I only had to endure sore shoulders from the daily canoe commutes to the activities. However, it wasn't so comfortable that I would instantly fall asleep or want to replace my bed at home with a hammock. To a certain extent, an enclosed hammock like the one I used is similar to a bivy - you're just suspended over the ground rather than on it. This does cause one of the downsides of hammocks - cold butt syndrome, as convection cools the underside of the hammock. There are various solutions (e.g. underquilts), but these obviously mean more stuff to carry. (There are folks who use hammocks in sub freezing conditions.) Hammocks also have similar downsides to bivys, i.e. no place to stash your gear (I had to chase off a few raccoons from investigating my pack which was sitting under my hammock), and no room to change in. To hang the hammock you obviously require a couple of trees the "right" distance apart. However, you don't need flat rock-free ground. Depending upon where you are hiking this can be a a big problem or a real advantage. I look forward to your experience and observations.

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

I just picked up a Hammock System from Outdoor Vitals & I'm super Jacked to start playing with it. I really dig the Hennessy Systems as well. If the OV Set-up perks my interest for the long run, The Hennessy is my next stop! Hike On, Darwin

@darkally1235 6 лет назад

Hi Darwin, if you've already gotten a hammock I recommend you practice setting it up and using it before hitting the trail. I'd also recommend checking out theultimatehang.com - there's a lot of good info.

@cgriggsiv 6 лет назад

As you are correct I have several ways to keep myself dry in the storms and what trail I decide to go on I have a hammock that can be turned into a bivy with my tarp shelter of course I also have a polis tent or a trekking pole tent technically speaking I also have two other tents only one I will use on the trail oh those times and that's my osprey so it really is up to the person and the trail that that person is going to be going on again thank you for your insights of your trails and what to expect between the pros and cons of each keep hiking

@madhiker4667 6 лет назад

Usually use a tent, but have been very curious about a bivy. Thanks for the info.

@DarwinOnthetrail 6 лет назад

No Prob! Check them out! They are not too shabby... Hike On, Darwin

@birdbrainZ 6 лет назад

I'm using a Alpkit Hunka XL bivvi over my sleeping bag. I like the small volume them pack down to and naturally they weigh quite a bit lesser than a standard tent setup.

@mezio1 4 года назад

I still love my Big Agnes Scout Plus tent. Weighs 1# and offers loads of room while hiking the Superior trail way up north in Minnesota. We get a lot of heavy rain storms and has yet to fail me after three years. Hike-on!

@Cherijo78 6 лет назад

Tents for me. I am particularly fond of my Marmot Limelight 3 here in the Pacific Northwest Cascades and Olympic range. It has its issues including being super bulky, but it is the most waterproof tent I have ever used and I will take that over getting soaking wet any day. This particular 10 even allows me to set up just the footprint and the Fly first while it's pouring rain so I can put my tent up inside of that set up keeping things as dry as possible.

@katerinapetraskova8368 Год назад

In my country, bivy camping is actually the only possible (legal) option. You can sleep in a bivy wherever you want. In a tent you can only sleep at camps, but not those camps you see in America. Here, the only camps that exist are those with cars, families that stay there all the summer, parties all night, and paying a lot bunch for all of that. So bivy is the only (legal) backpacking option here.

@ishbelcoulter8681 Год назад

where is that? in europe somewhere?

@starlightfrontier2218 4 года назад

I've got an MSR Elixr 2p, which is a little on the heavy side, but that thing is so water proof. I've had that thing sitting in inches of standing and running water and never gotten wet inside except from the usual condensation

@morganpwcs523 6 лет назад

Deffo tent. Feel more comfort in a tent and a good nights sleep is paramount.. plus added shelter when weather is bad.

@jeremyleclair3617 4 года назад

I have been using a MSR Elixer 2. I like that little bit of extra space.

@WyeExplorer 6 лет назад

I'm using a tent Darwin - the six moons and I love it. I Like the z packs and have thought of shipping it in - I will do one day. I like the ease of set up with these types of shelters and as you say the retreat and space. Never gone for a bivvy and never will. I just know that. Why? it was designed for some other use as you rightly mention. Great video. Take care out there. Mark

@axlent123 6 лет назад

Love the minimal size.. I camped once under the boughs of a tree in a tiny pup tent, having only about 28” of clearance below the boughs. Kinda stealthy. I imagine a bivy doing the same.

@chuckdaniel817 5 лет назад

When hiking, a goretex bivy is the way to go. On the last trip, the rest of the cohort had tents and they leaked. My bivy had pools of water on top of it. Shook that off and was comfy and dry all night. And setup and tear down were each about 10 seconds.

@dnaylor2484 5 лет назад

this is in Australia.. in my youth i used a bivi during non winter walks with a poncho/tarp as a roof over the opening end and a bivi bag as a cover during snow cave camping on ski tours but now a days its a reasonably light weight 3 season 2 person tent (i always think of a 2 person tent as 1 person +gear) been caught in weekend long rain too many times to not have a tent.. :)

@ScoutManSteve 5 лет назад

I'm currently a fully fledged hammock camper, but pretty much like having multiple options for different scenarios. It all depends on what sort of camp/hike you're doing. For instance a place in England called Dartmoor, you would probably be hard pushed to find a place for a hammock, but there is lots of areas for bivy or tent.

@tomhealy2405 6 лет назад

Great job Darwin. I love my Hyperlite Echo 2 shelter. It's light, can just use the tarp and not the insert. But agree with you not needed on the lower portion of the CDT where we mainly just cowboy camped. I like a tent especially in buggy or wet times.