SOL Escape Bivvy Mod

[brianb]

So, a lot of us are familiar with this guy:
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It's a great little bivvy sack that is super lightweight (8.5oz) and does a great job of retaining body heat. A lot of folks trying to save some weight use it instead of a sleeping bag, especially in the shoulder and summer seasons.
I've got one of these and have loved having it, but my biggest gripe with it is it's too narrow. I'm not a big guy either, 5'10/175lbs. Also since we're all hangers here, you can relate that the sleeping bag format isn't great for a hammock. A normal sleeping bag has a full length zipper, but this bivvy's zipper is only a couple of feet long.

Here's what I've done to make it more useful for what I need. I removed the zipper and split the seam 42" down from the draw cord. At the bottom of where I split the seam I sewed in a triangle of fabric to take any extra stress on that point.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1432769111.864985.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1432769130.612871.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1432769145.805644.jpg

It now has a traditional TQ format now and I'm betting I'll use it twice as much. I tend to use it when I try to go too light and underestimate the temp. Last time was in Linville Gorge, NC and it got down to the 40's and I was really setup for the 60's. It worked, like it always does but that night gave me the idea for this modification. For any who care, you can still use it as a traditional bivvy.
Good luck

[brianb]

Sorry folks, chose low quality on the photos. If anyone needs better quality just let me know.

[AceShooter]

Great idea! Been thinking of something similar, didn't think about the triangle piece.

[-c0de-]

When you run this setup, are you using any type of UQ?

[brokentree]

Doesn't this also retain a lot of moisture?

[brianb]

When you run this setup, are you using any type of UQ?

Yes. Last time I was only using a lightweight UQ made from 2.5 apex. Just wasn't warm enough for the night I was out. It's not my primary TQ, but I know some folks do use these as their primary. Especially some of those ultralite ground dwelling folk.

Doesn't this also retain a lot of moisture?

Nope, these breathe pretty well. Check out some of the reviews on them. If you used it as your primary TQ and you got warm, condensation might be a problem; but this altered format will make venting that much easier. Not recommending as your primary TQ, but you could.

[AceShooter]

Wonder if you could actually use these as your outer layer for either UQ or TQ? Or would you want it on the inside? Or possibly sew a few loops and small toggles and attach to TQ?