 I am looking for a hooped bivi bag but, apart from the Terra Nova Jupiter which is extensively reviewed here on OM and has a good website, I can find few details about any others. Anyone out there with experience of the Black Diamond / Bibler Bipod bivy? The Outdoor Designs Nilak? Or any others? I am 6'3" tall and from the OM review think the Jupiter might be too short for me
My old horizontal zip goretext bivi bag has given up the ghost after 10+ years of use and I do want a bivi bag and not a lightweight tent to replace it thank you.
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Thank you - an inflatable bivi bag - whatever next. I shall have a look at that and add details to my list.
Ben
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i have got the tn saturn-100mm longer than the jupiter--i fit in fine but i am only 5feet 7inches tall-- if i was 6ft 3in i would definitely try out in shop before i bought---the saturn has a triangle in rear covered with midge netting---you can leave a top portion of the front entrance unzipped even in bad conditions as it is protected by the overhang pulled out by the guylines---between the two there is reasonable ventilation
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 What about the Vaude Bivi at 220 cms long?
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 Have you considered a non-hooped bivi with a micro-tarp to protect your top end?
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Yes Zubald- many days of bivvying trying out tarps, ponchos and all sorts. In high mountain areas don't find them that effective hence why, now I am replacing an old 'conventional' bivy bag, I am going to try something that gives me a bit more flexibility for living in when the weather is bad.
Thanks for the hint about the Saturn Lentenrose - I did not realise it was longer than the Jupiet.
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 The best hooped bivi bag ever made (imo) is the Mountain Range Goretex twin hooped bivi. Unfortunately, MR are now history. :(((
So, if and when I'm looking to buy another hooped bivibag, it would probably be the Saturn.
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 I have an old North Face Soloist bivi (pretty sure you can't get them anymore) but it's very similar in design to the Force Ten Solo. Also seems a good length at 228cm, with extra room above your head for bits and bobs.
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 If price is part of your selection process, this looks like a good deal on the Nilak and Jupiter John
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| Edited: 23/07/07 13:48 |
John
Thanks. I have emailed them to find out a bit more info about the Nilak - no idea on sizes or weight there it seems
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 Lightweight tents such as the TN Competition are just as light as hooped bivi's... i just dont get it.
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Keith
Having used lightweight tents and bivi bags the lack of any significant weight difference is largely attributable to the materials - tent materials can be really fine and light. So why bivvy? Now there is a question with few good answers, but those who do, love it and probably can't explain it adequately.
Thanks for all the info guys. TheOutdoorshop have now got back to me with more info about their kit so I should come to a sensible decision soon - probably!
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One point is simple -
there is something comforting knowing that if the hoop breaks in a hooped-bivvy... it's still a bivvy.
If the pole breaks on a lightweight tent... it's a groundsheet!
Personally, I have never wanted a hooped bivvy, making do with my MoD drawstring model. If the weather looks foul, I rig a small tarp over my head or retreat to a B&B!
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have a look at outdoor designs solo raider, free standing when you are in it
nilak was a big bivi, sized for high mountain, bigger sleeping bag, tie in point for serious use etc
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I myself are currently looking for a copy of The Book of the Bivi by Ronald Turnball. Im trying to understand! and hope to purchase and try bivying. When the sun comes to town that is.
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 The book is for sale as a buy now price on ebay, item no. 250089819750. I've just purchased the other copy which was on there.
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Just to close this down I have plumped for .... none of the above. My attention was drawn to the Integral Designs Unishelter in Event and being a lanky bloke the sizing and weight looked good, and it was sufficiently different to the others to give it a go. I will write it up after a few trips and am looking forward to see how Event compares to Goretex as a bivi bag material. Ben
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 What I would like in a Hooped Bivy Bag is an intergrated ground sheet that is a self inflatting matress such as what Thermarest make. This would stop the problem of the sleeping mat moving from underneath during the night and leaving oneself lying on cold ground. There would also be a small wieght advantage as you would not be carrying carrying two groundsheets.
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