Hi, looking for advice. I'm looking to do some bivving this year. I don't want my lovely down bag to get wet so I'm looking at the Rab Storm or Alkit Hunka XL. I can source these at around the £50 mark. I'm open to other suggestions for bivi bags as well but I need it fairly roomy and obviously waterproof. I'm leaning towards the Rab one as it has a full zipped hood but any opinions are welcome. Thanks
I have the Rab Storm, and have also had a Rab Survival Zone. A friend of mine has the Hunka - but not the XL version. The Rab Storm is very light weight, very spacious, very thin and has a half zip. I have slept out a few times but only in the dry, and on a sleeping mat. Its not as robust as the survival zone, and i don't believe it is fully waterproof either. I'm not sure I'd rely in it in heavy rain, especially to protect a down bag. I used it on the summit of snowdon in october inside a tent during high winds and rain to protect my bag, but wouldn't have used it outside. The survival zone is a little heavier but also thicker, but doesnt have a zip.
I can't comment on the Hunka, but I wouldn't go for the Storm if you want something waterproof - I am prett sure it is only 1000mm head or similar, though that may be enough. i think it is more designed for alpine bivying as opposed to wet weather english stuff.
I did see that field and Trek have the discovery lite on sale at £80 which may be better, if it is in your price range?
I have the Hunka, not XL, and have no issues with it for the money - note, for the money. No frills, just a 'does what you need it to' bivi. So have a good look at it - it cant be completely closed in (although can nearly), is not gore tex, and has no zip. This doesnt matter to me, I think it cost me £30 and I love it. I've never been caught out in really bad weather in it, but its been used for nights propped up against dry stone walls down to nights providing an extra cover to my sleeping bag in a tent. Summary - suits me sir!
Jeremy and Ian, Thanks for the info. I've looked at the Terra Nova lite bag. Looks more like what I need although it is out of my price range. Think I'll go for the Hunka XL due mainly to the price. Cheers!
