USGI Gore-Tex Bivy Sack as a Sock

[seadad9903]

If it is the bivy from the 3 layer system, I dont think it would be big enough both in width and length. I used a "long" sized one for years and generally only had room for my boots and uniform at the bottom.

As for somewhere to find them for a decent price, www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com (sells military surplus to public) has them for $35-ish. They also have the full system for under $150, which is nearly half price.

[SnrMoment]

Got mine off fleabay for about $40 delivered. Could not tell it from new.
+1 on the sleeping bag atop a pad in the bivy.

[goobie]

Thanks guys! Been thinkin about doing this until I started paying attention to dimensions. Think I'll stick to putting it IN not on the hammock.

[Dux]

Lemme see if I got this right.

Pros: cheap, waterproof, very durable, roomy inside the hammock.

Cons: on the heavy side, tight if used outside the 'mock.

Miss anything?

Thanks guys I'm at the decision point right now. Leanin towards the bivy before n after this thread. Tryin to look before I leap so appreciate y'all's input.

[ernesthemmingway]

Lemme see if I got this right.

Pros: cheap, waterproof, very durable, roomy inside the hammock.

Cons: on the heavy side, tight if used outside the 'mock.

Miss anything?

Thanks guys I'm at the decision point right now. Leanin towards the bivy before n after this thread. Tryin to look before I leap so appreciate y'all's input.

yeah id say thats pretty accurrate. They are excellent at keeping you dry. I have slept in one, on the ground, and stayed dry through heavy rain. I wouldnt suggest using it as a hammock sock though, it just wouldnt be big enough to go around the hammock. I would suggest sleeping in it, inside the hammock. The hammock might get wet but you wont.

[Dux]

Thanks, water/windproof in the mock is what I was thinkin too.

Maybe too much residual ground dweller in my thinkin but I figure an UQ is good only in the deep cold. Can layer with the bivy for any weather. Like fleece bag n bivy in warmish on up to my warmest mummy in cold. Maybe bivy, ThermaRest pad, casualty blanket, mummy AND fleece bag plus thermal longjohns in the very cold.

Been to the mid 20sF using two 30F synth bags one inside the other in the mock. No tarp, low wind. Wearin sweats n a tshirt. Frost on everything, I was comfy.

[ernesthemmingway]

Thanks, water/windproof in the mock is what I was thinkin too.

Maybe too much residual ground dweller in my thinkin but I figure an UQ is good only in the deep cold. Can layer with the bivy for any weather. Like fleece bag n bivy in warmish on up to my warmest mummy in cold. Maybe bivy, ThermaRest pad, casualty blanket, mummy AND fleece bag plus thermal longjohns in the very cold.

Been to the mid 20sF using two 30F synth bags one inside the other in the mock. No tarp, low wind. Wearin sweats n a tshirt. Frost on everything, I was comfy.

I think one of the big draws for underquilts is the comfort they provide, in addition to the fact that they will insulate better because they dont become compressed under your body weight. So, I think alot of people prefer UQs in all temperature ranges where one is needed because you can be more comfortable and warmer than trying to use multiple bags. I live in Florida, and rarely need anything at all, but when it does get cold I've found that my poncho liner is much more comfortable and warm underneath my hammock than it is underneath me. At the end of the day though, its all about personal preference, whatever works right for you.

[Hangandy]

I have two of the things and you can't find cheaper Gore-Tex anywhere. In my early days I brought mine inside my Hennessey and it worked okay but I had no other insulation and so still got cold. I still don't like the weight penalty, but when I think about it, it would be a good alternative when the trees aren't there under your tarp with your quilts inside.

Makes me think I don't have to choose between the two (Bivy v. Hammock) but maybe I could embrace both. The Bivy would also serve as a good storage locker for gear when it rains. Not completely water proof, but dang close. In fact, brainwave, maybe I could swap my Bivy for my OR drybag, giving me dual purpose and function.

I'll let you know how it works. If I survive. I think the IMPs (MREs) are taking over my gray matter.

[Dux]

So maybe I'm better off with an old sleeping bag turned into an UQ n one inside as usual sleep bag. Or do y'all sleep in the mock without a bag when using an UQ? That doesn't sound as warm by half.

Is there a need to rig a small tarp around the UQ? Have a tarp overhead in real cold, wind or precipitation. Thinkin the closer the windbreak, the more effective.

Not a gram weenie but the years n lbs are creepin up on me.

[HURTHEART]

I bought my 4 layer system for $16.00 at Goodwill. I washed it carefully dried it and hung it outside in hot weather. I looked new when I found it, however, anything that comes into my house that is not new gets a bath.
It is just so heavy, I feel like I need a hoist to get it into my hammock.
I was looking for a cheap Bivvy, I found the whole system for less than I had planned on spending on a bivvy. I am just going to keep the bivvy in the VW bus, just incase we get stuck someplace, and I need to wrap up.