SOL Escape Bivvy...use as a top quilt?

**The J Meister** · 05-27-2012, 16:27

I just saw an add for the Sol Escape Bivvy, which makes this product look like a beefed up emergency blanket in a sleeping bag style. Given that it's supposed to be breathable and weighs in at 8.8 ounces, I was wondering if it might make a good option for a top quilt. Clearly not a 4 season option, but maybe 3 season. Has anyone used the Sol Bivvy yet and could attest to it?

**brazenatl** · 05-29-2012, 09:11

I have one, and actually packed it on my last trip to try out, but I ended up trying out something else instead. It only has a 1/4 length zipper, so you are in the bag vs. unzipping to create a footbox style quilt.

**survive7713** · 06-04-2012, 20:52

Backpacker claims that a tester used the bag on the ground wearing base-layers and nothing else and slept fine down to 43 degrees.

**Tuck** · 06-04-2012, 21:34

How "beefy" is the bag? Is it something to use in a pinch or do you think it could be used on a regular bases?

**TheNumberSix** · 06-24-2012, 09:27

It feels and this is odd.. like fine corduroy Aluminized Tyvek. I have only been in it for 20 minutes whuilst sitting on the couch. It is a bit warm but I don't know if warm enough to replace a bag.

**zugcat** · 06-27-2012, 01:22

I had just bought a SOL Escape bivvy. I had been toying with the idea of using a SOL Emergency bivvy when I discovered the SOL Escape bivvy. My plan for the SOL Emergency was to use a tarp zipper and cut vent holes, then cover them with tyvek. But then I discovered the the SOL Escape bivvy. The escape is basically a Mylar waterproof bag. Where as the Escape is a tyvek material so it vents vapor. So I opted for the SOL Escape instead of the SOL Emergency.

After work today I took a 3 hour nap in it under a fan, The temperature was in the mid 60's. I was not cold. But, I was not overly warm either. It would make an O.K. mild weather bag. I have also tried the SOL Emergency bivvy before. I have to say the SOL Escape is not as warm. However, I don't have to think about cutting vent holes in it to deal with condensation either. The SOL Escape seemed to do a good job of letting moisture vent while trapping some heat and keeping out the breeze.

I have a very light 32*'ish bag that I plan to use the bivvy to supplement. I am a pretty warm sleeper so I can get by with less insulation than most. I think the SOL Escape is not a lot of wight for a little extra insulation. I'll let you know what I think about it after I get caught in a cold snap in the mountains. If you don't hear from me again... then I would say it didn't work.

**lori** · 06-27-2012, 09:11

There is a reason things like that are marketed as Emergency equipment. They are not intended to be comfortable. You're just supposed to survive. I wouldn't use either one unless my life depended on it. Better to be comfortable instead of sort-of-warm and wet, or less sort-of-warm, and wishing you had a top quilt as the temps hit 30F....

**zugcat** · 06-30-2012, 01:21

Just to be clear, SOL Emergency bivvy is different than the SOL Escape bivvy. The SOL Escape bivvy actual lets vapor escape the bivvy. So you don't wake up in a puddle. That said it is not that warm. It might keep you alive in cold rain conditions. Alive and comfortable are two very different things.

**Bosman** · 02-09-2013, 14:26

Guys im not seeing much info about how this bag performed. I will say conductive heat loss is going to come into play if your skin is against anything cold. Of course you want to use a pad, maybe just a reflectix pad inside it or something. That said i do wonder how it is in a hammock, however again there should be underquilt in play so that is les of an issue.

**steveflinn** · 02-10-2013, 04:45

Originally Posted by survive7713

Backpacker claims that a tester used the bag on the ground wearing base-layers and nothing else and slept fine down to 43 degrees.

I've done it down into the mid-40's on the ground over a plastic sheet and a Thermarest RidgeRest. Silkweight Capilene, wool watchcap and socks.

LOVE that thing.

Mine's worked for a total of like 20 nights, no sign of wear. Feels like Tyvek coated with the reflective stuff. Looking from inside out you can see through to a direct light source.

It was hard to use in the hammock - slides around like a bar of soap. But it worked for me a couple of nights (Yosemite in August I think)