Advanced Bivy Sack by Outdoor Research Review

The bivy, which goes for $320, is a single person tent made with pack space, headroom, and gnarly weather in mind. At 2 lbs 7 oz. (w/poles) and 4 x 15.5 inches, the Outdoor Research shelter packs down to about half the size of a yoga mat.

Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy Review

With hardly any room to breath, claustrophobia seems to be a big factor in selecting a small shelter, and for some, it’s a deal breaker. That is why this bag was built with a tent-like two-pole system. From the torso up to the head there’s a dome of comfortable space that makes the interior feel a whole lot bigger. There are also different configurations for the bivy sack based on incoming weather conditions (see below) with additional stake and guy line loop possibilities.

Advanced Bivy Sack Sleeping Pad

Designed to keep your pad in place and hold onto the sucker throughout the night, the adjustable Velcro sleeping pad straps are built into the bags footprint. Additionally, waking up to condensation and a wet down sleeping bag sucks. This Advance Bivy model is one of the few that have added a foot vent to increase airflow and prevent dewy mornings from ruining an otherwise dry day.

Bug Net

If you’ve ever been in an area with masses of horse flies, mosquitoes, ticks, black flies, or anything else that bites, there’s nothing like walking around with nowhere to hide. In South Dakota on 90-degree September night, I raced the buzz and bites of thousands of wings to set up and climb into the safety of the bomber bug net. Once inside embracing the humid misery, I concluded that the bug net addition was one of Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy’s greatest features.

Critiques

The two-pole system definitely has room for improvements. Figuring out the different storm configurations took some time. I was under the impression the bivy would naturally sit in the storm vent position, but I struggled every time to prop up the bag’s opening. Additionally, I had trouble keeping the poles from repeatedly popping out of their attachments, especially in the middle of the night. Imagine being caught high up on a snowy shelf or during the downpour of a spring rainstorm… this could be an incredibly frustrating problem.

Maybe I’m nitpicking, but when the Advanced Bivy first arrived, I assumed there were packing directions—you know, a few helpful tips to role it back up into the slender bag. Disappointedly, there wasn’t and I still haven’t figured out what’s the best way to fold and repack it. This is a bummer because parts of the bivy come in a distinct shape and end up contorted—compromising the shape of the dome—when they are folded incorrectly.

Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy: Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. Excellent Weather Protection: The Gore-Tex construction and adaptable configurations provide robust protection against various weather conditions, including heavy rain and wind. The bug net is a significant advantage in insect-prone areas.

2. Compact and Lightweight: Its small packed size and relatively low weight make it ideal for backpacking, bike touring, and other activities where space and weight are critical.

3. Durable and Warrantied: The bivy is built to withstand harsh conditions and is backed by a lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term use.

Cons:

1. Pole System Issues: The two-pole system, while offering more headroom than many bivys, can be fiddly to set up and prone to poles popping out of their attachments, posing a problem in challenging weather.

2. Packing Difficulty: The lack of clear packing instructions makes repacking the bivy difficult, potentially leading to damage or loss of the dome’s shape over time.

Overall Impression

I decided to go with the Advanced Bivy from Outdoor Research in Gore-Tex because I wanted a four-season solo shelter made for backpacking and mountaineering, but also with thru-hiking and bike touring capabilities. The small size, ruggedness backed by a warranty, and stellar features, all make this piece of gear a no-brainer for me when it comes down to what-do-I-pack time. Although a bit on the expensive side, the Outdoor Research Advanced Bivy Sack ($299) is one of those things worth spending on, and it’s backed by Outdoor Research’s lifetime warranty.

Related Sleeping Bags

1. VOITED Slumber Jack Sleeping Bag
2. Selk’Bag Sleeping Bag
3. UST Monarch Sleeping Bag