Thread: bivi verses fly verses tent after light weight but compact

Fly can defiantly be used in driving rain! Depends on how you pitch it. Have used mine in the alps in driving rain/snow. The only reahson I'd choose a tent was if bugs were likely. Hate them or if two people and weight becomes less crucial. Wife also likes tents more I think. Tents warmer in winter too.

If its in the bush, just get a lightweight bivy and a siltarp/cuben tarp if you have the cheese. Should be able to get a decent size siltarp and bivvy for around 600-700 gram total weight. Pretty flexable setup also.

I have a 2 man tent, big sil tarp, and small sil tarp, lightweight bivy and a bug bivy all of which were picked up on the cheap. I just take whichever one suits the forcast best.

I used to run a hooped bivy but they are only bugger all lighter than a tent and way less roomy, and you still need a tarp to cook under/hangout ect if it rains

Originally Posted by Nick-D

I used to run a hooped bivy but they are only bugger all lighter than a tent and way less roomy, and you still need a tarp to cook under/hangout ect if it rains

My hooped bivy (OR Helium) weighs 510g, I think its 450g without the hoop pole. Thats a heap lighter than a tent!

Agreed that you'd want a tarp as well if hanging out in the rain, I haven't had the bivy long and only used it for a couple of lightweight overnight trips so far. If I'm planning a multi-day trip and expecting to spend time hanging around camp in bad weather I take a tent for the extra comfort.

People planning to use ultralight tents on the tops should also be aware that some of them won't stand up to strong wind very well.