Here however is where it gets pretty tricky. I think the companies that do the water resistant style, do a very good job with it. There is not a lot to improve in terms of materials, weight or function without adding a lot to the cost, or weight. Speaking strictly from a gear stand point, this type has the broadest range of uses, but it also is possible it is the least needed. Dave C , an ambassador and tester, has been of the opinion sort of paraphrasing, that these exist only really to cover up a failure that could be done lighter elsewhere. I mostly agree, except for a few more special uses. For instance, if one is used to keep rain spatter away on a tarp, perhaps you just need a bigger tarp. If one is used to minimize the draft of a quilt, perhaps you need a larger quilt as the larger quilt is lighter on its own than the combination.
Personally, I have used all of the above types of bivy sacks at one time or another. If my focus is really on saving weight, I most often do not carry one, except in areas that I don't want any creepy crawly things (desert canyons) joining me or on trips that the potential for unplanned overnights is pretty real (hunting season) . In the desert, a bivy of one sort or another is often enough period, since there often is a lot of natural cover, and I also want to keep my gear a little cleaner as well
Anyway, keep discussing, as the more discussion, the better we can try to meet expectations and desires.
ThanksStatistics: Posted by kevin_t — Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:57 am
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