SOL Escape Bivvy experiment

[Segraves]

When I read about the new SOL Escape Bivvy, I wondered whether it might work in moderate temperatures as both bag and shelter (paired with microtarp to cover head). Gave it a first trial last weekend in the yard on a night with just the right temperatures.

Sleeping inside a mesh tent, and wearing socks, light sweatpants, a shirt, a light (8 oz) fleece and a hat, I was comfortable while the temps were in the mid-high 40s. As the temps fell to the low 40s and then toward freezing, it wasn't enough, and I spent the rest of the night still in the Escape, but under a regular sleeping bag.

Breathability was good. As long as I wasn't breathing into it, there was no condensation.

I'll be interested to hear what happens if/when others try this. Before I'd rely on it for a real wilderness trip, I'd need to do a lot more testing, but it appears likely that this could work for me as both bag and shelter for night-time temps down to ~ 50.

Best,

Bill

[Jim Marco]

Hi Bill,
Yeah, bivy's are always problematical.
Bug bivies are generally too close. I got bit on the couple occasions I tried it. My arm had enough bites to get a bit swollen.
Water-proof bivies don't ventilate well. Even in dry and cool conditions, I got my bag quite damp, inside. Even though I was careful to stay fairly cool, it ended up making me feel quite clammy...cool yet damp. (SOL emergency bivy for example.)
Water proof/breathable might be a bunch better. But I would question the need. My bag is Pertex outside, so, now treated with Revivex(down-proof, too,) it's already a pretty good WP/B barrier. The SOL bivy would probably add about 5-10 degrees of warmth, though. But, I think an equivalent weight of down fill would add a heck of a lot more.
Anyway, I would be interested in hearing more on your experiences in any rain with it. I can see where a smaller tarp and bivy might save a bit of weight over my regular tarp. Even if it weighs the same it would be warmer at night letting me save about 3 or 4 ounces in long johns (about the difference between medium and light, or, light and ultra light.)
Thanks!
jdm
James D. Marco
302 Mary Lane
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-9132 (land), 607-220-9969(cell)

From: BackpackingLight-***@public.gmane.org [mailto:***@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Segraves
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 7:35 AM
To: backpackinglight-***@public.gmane.org
Subject: [BackpackingLight] SOL Escape Bivvy experiment




When I read about the new SOL Escape Bivvy, I wondered whether it might work in moderate temperatures as both bag and shelter (paired with microtarp to cover head). Gave it a first trial last weekend in the yard on a night with just the right temperatures.

Sleeping inside a mesh tent, and wearing socks, light sweatpants, a shirt, a light (8 oz) fleece and a hat, I was comfortable while the temps were in the mid-high 40s. As the temps fell to the low 40s and then toward freezing, it wasn't enough, and I spent the rest of the night still in the Escape, but under a regular sleeping bag.

Breathability was good. As long as I wasn't breathing into it, there was no condensation.

I'll be interested to hear what happens if/when others try this. Before I'd rely on it for a real wilderness trip, I'd need to do a lot more testing, but it appears likely that this could work for me as both bag and shelter for night-time temps down to ~ 50.

Best,

Bill