Gear

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=134

Tempting. I've been looking for a light breathable bivy and was planning to take a look at the Integral Designs eVent overbag when I'm next in Canada (very soon   ) but this caught my eye. Any knowledge out there?

John

Ed,

as I usually bivy with a closed cell mat outside the bag, I can't really see how vapour could pass through the fabric beneath me anyway. There's quite a weight saving between the MLD alpine and the all eVent bivvy going on spec. Prices seem similar.

+1 on the ID all eVent bivvy.

I haven't used a MLD bivvy, but would expect it to be of the same high standard as other MLD gear i have. You would need to seal the seams on it though.

Is it a 'standalone' bivvy you are looking for John, or one to use under shelter?

Mike,

I don't think I'll be buying more than one bivvy any time soon so it has to be OK for both. I really like the Ti Goat Ptarmigan on spec (you have one ?) but if sharing a solo tarp 'sideways' to cover two heads I suspect I could get wet legs...?

I like my TiGoat bivvy, but it is only water-resistant. You would get wet if your legs were sticking out the tarp. I use my ID bivvy for that kind of use.

I would speak to Ron at MLD before buying a bivvy to discuss the use you intend for it. He makes different sizes to suit thicker winter sleeping bags and mats, etc. The ID bag is heavier, but it is a lot bigger, and you can store gear inside it. I believe the MLD bivvys are closer fitting.

My amply large MoD bivvy still has some life left in it and I rarely consider bivvying in winter (call me a wuss if you chose). So a bivvy to house my Minim 300 for three season use is what I'm thinking of. A friend of mine wants to try bivvying for the first time so I was planning to lend him my MoD bivvy (as he's tall) and get another as an upgrade for me to use.

I've also been looking at the Black Diamond Twilight... but don't know how waterproof it really is...

That new fabric from BD looks interesting. A few folk on BPL have bought tents made from it. I'm waiting for feedback before i would consider it.

Unless you intend backpacking for a week or so, then saving a few grams wouldn't be top of my list. I use heavier gear on overnighters/weekends, and save my UL gear for longer treks where every gram counts.

I don't own much - if anything - considered UL, Mike. I have been gradually replacing my classic sturdy kit with light/midweight kit that is similarly sturdy (but much lighter) and leave the UL stuff to folk who merit (or wish to spend money on..) that sort of thing. For a start I'm probably 10 % heavier than I could be if I had more resistance to food... so it makes no sense for me to struggle over the last couple of kilos... diminishing returns and all that.

The MLD bivvy interests me because it's a simple design with eVent upper and, I would hope, should last me a long time. The ID one has been on the top of my list for ages but I never managed to get to see one up close. Do you have any other suggestions of simple robust light weight (but not necessarily UL) options?

I think eVent is the best waterproof/breathable fabric i have used in a bivvy, so i would look for that. Some form of midgie protection will be needed if you intend to use it in their feeding grounds!
I also agree with ed about non-breathable floors being a source of condensation, but it isn't so much of a factor if the top fabric is only water-resistant.

I went for the heavier ID one as i don't intend to backpack with it, and the extra weight is negligible on an overnighter. It was the lightest all eVent bivvy i could find when i was searching. I think you should get the MLD one and sell it to me for a fiver if you don't like it!

I tell you what, Mike,

I'll give you that fiver to borrow your ID & ptarmigan for a weekend of testing...

...if you want it shiny I'll even do it in mint coins if you like...

I'll lend you my ID but if you break it you own it...

It is fluoro orange though

ed h wrote (see)

I'll lend you my ID but if you break it you own it...

It is fluoro orange though

ed h wrote (see)

being deliberately obtuse will get you nowhere