Am in the process of moving across to tarp and bivy combo from a laser 2010 (2 door model). I'm pretty certain that the MLD Trailstar will be the tarp-shelter as I really like the look of the amount of space it offers.
I've purchased a Ti Goat bivy from here and am now looking for a second bivy bag so that both my wife and I can tarp trip and am trying to decide between the Katabatic Bristlecone or slightly more expensive MLD Superlight.
Has anyone experience with either of these bags and, if so, care to comment on relative strengths and weaknesses? Also, although I imagine I'll be carrying the tarp on all trips, there may be times when I consider using just the bivy sack - how weather resistant are these bags for open-air use?
Before I opened your post I was going to suggest Ti-goat bivvy, but you've got that. I don't know the Katabatic, but I'm biased towards the MLD Superlight - only because I've been impressed with all the gear I've had from MLD.
Cheers for the steers folks - there doesn't appear to be much to choose between either the MLD Superlight or the Katabatic, though I would pay slightly less postage getting all items from Ron at MLD....
What are folks' thoughts on whether to go for a full mesh hood or half-moon mesh window in the event I choose the MLD? The Katabatic Bristlecone appears to have a larger mesh window than the MLD - would that be more comfortable or is the MLD better for times when the bivy may be used minus tarp covering?
Tarps and bivvies are new to me so apologies if these seem like dumb questions!
Yep - they are certainly not waterproof but can cope with very light wind-driven rain coming in from under a tarp.
The Katabatic has a big mesh panel which you can keep off your face via a loop to your tarp or a pole (if cowboy camping). I don't like the fabric on my face so would go for an option that can get around that.
I have both, and the Bristlecone has more room than the TiGoat bivvy. I couldn't fit a full length Downmat 7 in the TiGoat bivvy due to the taper at the footbox.
I think I'll be giving the TiGoat to my wife as she is only about 5'4" so should have plenty room - still torn between the MLD Superlight and the Bristlecone for myself though....
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