I just received mine today and it is even nicer than the one in this video which is from several years ago......mine came standard with tie out loops at each corner and the quality of workmanship and materials is perfect......very impressed !!!
Great review! I'm glad you got into it and showed us how it looked fully packed! It looked surprisingly comfortable once you got in it! Keep reviewing your cool toys and I'll keep on watching! - Christine
All-in-all, I am happy with the combination that I have here. As I mentioned in the video, the only thing that I wish I would have done initially was to add 2 loops at the foot end, however, I have since returned it to John and he has added the loops for me. So, I am gravy with it now! Concerning materials, it is my understanding that the current M50 is less breathable than the current M90. However, I wanted M50 mainly for lighter weight, but also for water resistance.
I ordered a side zip M50/sil bivy just a few days ago, right after I made a comment asking about yours. Can't wait to get it. I hope he gets a lot more orders because of this. I like the 5x9 tarp I got from him quite a bit.
I actually think that this bivy and the Hexamid tarp would be a great pair, as long as you don't mind the confinement of a bivy. However, I will admit, I still have a good deal to learn about using bivies myself in the field...
Interesting option, good weight. I can see how nice the side zip is, can't imagine using it with just the top zip. Bivy, small tarp and pad or even an air mattress might make a pretty nice package.
Thx for the info....was thinking bivy for quick set up and small amount of space need ur cowboy camping...also weight savings but now doesn't look so appealing. I've never used a flat tarp and don't want to spend tons $$$ on a small one person shaped tarp as usually need lil more space for dog/son....why I like my solong 6
I work in the surgery dept at the hospital in my home town. And I take call every other week...so I spend at least half a year within 30 minutes (or less) from the hospital...
Thanks for the review. Maybe you can do another video with the tarp too. Getting into a bivy without a tarp us much easier. I would think. And side entrances may actually be more difficult in this regard. Also have you experience with this bivy in a thru hike? How does it stand up to constant use? Is it comfortable ? How does handle in bad weather? What about condensation?? Thanks again!
I'm gonna use a borah gear bivy on an AT thru starting in March. I have a few tarps. Probably start with a Bear Paw 9x9. I have a pretty large Warbonnet tarp, a few cat cut tarps, and an MLD Trailstar. Might buy a Twinn Tarp later.
Great video - very informative especially with you putting the expel and sleeping bag in and then getting in yourself. I was wondering if you ever used this in a shelter on the AT, or if you think that would be a good idea? I am going to be hiking in the Smokies this fall and thought something like this would be nice to keep the critters off me. I really enjoy your videos and thanks for any thoughts.
Oh yeah, and just so ya know...each time I have watched your recent Easy Alcohol Stove video the ads that pop up in the video are for me to click to buy some Esbit... so I don't see how that is related to the music. But this is what I meant by the ads already being there... Although, I will admit, I don't see the ads at the beginning on your videos...
This video has been up for ages, but hopefully you're still checking comments. My question is this: How has this thing held up to use? I'm looking for my first bivy (other than my MLD bug bivy, which is really more like a small net tent), and I'm split between this one and the Katabatic Bristlecone. The Katabatic is more expensive and heavier, but it looks like a much sturdier build. My concern with the Borah is that it looks much flimsier by comparison, especially the way it has the tie-out for the netting right on the netting itself with, as far as I can tell, very little reinforcement. It looks like it'll rip the first time you accidentally hit it too hard, even with shock cord. The price and the weight of the Borah are both great, but does it last?
I honestly only used this a few times... by no fault of the ivy itself, the material I chose (M50) was a horrible choice... it did not breathe at all, so I always woke up with varying amounts of condensation inside the bivy... I actually ended up cutting a large rectangle out of the top and sewing in a mesh window... this helped immensely, however, I did still get a little condensation around the edges where it was still all material. I ended up selling the ivy about a year back though... to be honest, bivies just aren't my thing! Too tight for my preferences... It has been a while since I have even been to the Borah site, but if I remember correctly, he may have done some custom work... if you wanted to move a toe out point or what not he may do that for you... I honestly can't say at this point though. Never hurts too ask though! I will also mention the Enlightened Equipment bivy... I got one of these as a preproduction model. It is a little roomier than the Borah bivy I had, and it built on the concept that I converted the Borah bivy into, which was basically a large mesh top with solid (but more breathable) sides. I will admit, I liked it better than the Borah bivy, but as I said, bivies are a bit too confining for me so I am not a huge fan of them in general... Hope this helps some, and good luck!
I had a question about the bottom 1.1. I have a hexamid tarp and have been thinking of simply going with this bivy for underneath for buggy times and for rain spray. Would the tarp and the bivy suffice you think as a good combo? Trying not to be redundant with a ground sheet ya know.
Hey Chad, I'm going to purchase one of these Bivys during the 25% off sale coming up. Would you recommend getting the bivy make with a higher bath tub floor? I'm just worried about water flowing around me. It'll be my first time using a tarp so I want to make sure I stay dry. Planning to use the m90 material on top.
Chad Poindexter I currently only use a 20in wide pad in temps below 55f. I use an Inertia X-Frame in the summer and Xtherm any other time. I do plan to have John add some tie outs to lift the bivy up in the center and foot. Would those tie outs pull it up around me to give a solid bathtub floor?
Chad I'm thinking about trying a bivy for my sept jmt thru. I'm trying to lighten my pack as only have 14 days to complete. I mainly hike the southern AT with my son and dog. I use a lhg solong6...which I like but it's 2lbs. Is this bivy dry enough without a tarp? I've never tarped and plan to mostly cowboy camp...thoughts? I plan to use my marmot helium bag inside it.
Id rather lather myself in honey and be eaten alive by insects then spent 10 seconds in that thing. Can you imagine being trapped in that stinky tomb during a 2 day storm While your on your Vacation time away from work....LOL
Man...love ur vids and all the info, but why the ads at the start? Same goes for all the rest who have done it! Just thought u would give an honest answer!
How much do u make? The ads on mine are because i use music. Just want to know if i'm missing out or if others are sell outs! I got into this because it was fun and i could share ideas! It just seems that alot of folks are making a big deal of it. Not to mention it is annoying to wait and then click off of an ad just to watch a video! Not saying you are a bad guy, just trying to figure it out and know you are an honest YTuber!
in that heat just sleep in a thermarest liner. I use the extreem. and throw a Costco down throw over me for just a touch if warmth. use the sleeping bag as a pillow and if it gets cold throw it over. that's what I do
Its good...keeps things clean and the air fresh. Makes you appreciate the sunshine quite a bit. Oh wait...IN the rain? You need a tarp...this is not a waterproof bivy from the 90's...its better.
