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  1. #1
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    Military bivy as underquilt?

    I just bought a military camo gortex bivy off ebay for my son to use as a bag cover while winter hiking in the Adirondacks. I'm thinking of trying to adapt it to be used as an underquilt although it would be abit heavy (2lbs.) Maybe good for winter car camping with the hammock though.

    Does any one have any experience with one of these bivies?

  2. #2
    I thought it was about the most useful part of the system. Worked well in the rain and would suffice as a bag on its own if the weather was not too cold. If you are counting grams, than there are a lot of more modern alternatives in a bivy bag. I would leave it as is for ground use and go with something different for hammock use.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Jazilla's Avatar
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    Is it the camo print on top and tan on bottom?
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  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jazilla View Post
    Is it the camo print on top and tan on bottom?
    yes I believe so from the pics

  5. #5
    Senior Member Jazilla's Avatar
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    That thing is made of gortex if I remember correctly. Its kind of heavy, silnylon is a better alternative. The thing does work though.
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jazilla View Post
    That thing is made of gortex if I remember correctly. Its kind of heavy, silnylon is a better alternative. The thing does work though.
    Yes - it is 2 lbs.

  7. #7
    Senior Member Jazilla's Avatar
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    Wow, you can make one lighter than that
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  8. #8
    Senior Member Cannibal's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jazilla View Post
    Wow, you can make one lighter than that
    Yeah, but who cares when you're car camping?

  9. #9
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    USMC Bivy

    I have this Bivy and I love it. As far as using lighter ones, many are good too. It is my favorite solo item because it works so good. With this and a tarp/poncho I am comfortable in just about any weather. I don't even put up the tarp/poncho up unless I have had sketchy weather all day and will need to cook under it.

    It definately takes the place of a tent for car camping. Plus my total pack up time for all of my gear and back on the trail or in the car is less than 5 minutes.

    I really suprised the heck out of the parents (read this as moms and 3 other dads - for the most part - with little camping/hiking experience) at my son's 3 day field trip at the end of October.

    I also don't think, at least to start, that this extra pound is an issue. I had no condensation problems (a first for me camping near the seaside) with this bivy either. Probably the best bivy you can pick up for the money right now. I have sen them as low as $50-60 on e-bay.

    I got lucky and picked mine up with the two bags that were part of the complete system for $100 from a friend in brand new condition. The cost of this system according to about.com is about $400 complete. $200 for the bivy.

    I think your son will like this a lot. He can technically leave the tent at home.

    Thanks!!!
    Last edited by cuzzdaddy101; 12-11-2007 at 12:37.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Jazilla's Avatar
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    The bivy is a good bag but as an underquilt its weight to warmth ratio is not good. It would probably be good to around 60* but so would a poncho liner.

    I have used the 3 bag system down to well below freezing in Korea and it preforms great.
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