Say Hello To The Bivanorak...

It's either a massively versatile work of genius or just totally absurd. Right now we're not quite sure which verdict gets the nod, but Hilleberg's Bivanorak is like nothing else we've seen.

So what is it? Like the name suggests, it's a piece of kit that works both as a bivvy bag/sleeping bag cover and as a protective rainproof garment that's also voluminous enough to protect a small pack. It's also a useful survival aid when things go pear shaped.

It's made out of lightweight, breathable, seam-taped, rip-stop Nylon with sleeves and a big hood. To wear it as garment, you simply hitch up your skirts and tighten the bottom drawcord around your waist.

To use as a bivvy bag, you leave it at full length and tighten the cord at the bottom. As a bonus you can still use the sleeves enabling you to cook, eat, play table tennis etc. while still swathed in protective Nylon.

Hilleberg say that it works well in combination with a lightweight tarp and apparently its versatility impressed the US Navy Seals so much that they've bought a load of them - but we didn't tell you that right...

Weight is 500 grammes and the really good news is that we now have one on test, along with a Nallo GT, so if you see one of these on the hills give us a wave and try not to laugh...