It takes a little getting used to. We experienced high winds, very heavy rains, and a lightening storm that lasted half the night. In spring and autumn, there is too much condensation due to foggy and rainy weather, lack of breathability due to poor hood design. The OR Alpine is the only model tested that utilizes Gore-Tex waterproof material, an industry standard and trusted name in the world of waterproof/breathable fabrics. Moosejaw reserves the right to remove any user from the program and zero out their MJ$ balance if Moosejaw determines that the user is abusing the program by buying for resale, attempting to game the program or any other reason at Moosejaw's sole discretion. Enjoy special offers available only to our account holders. The pole also keeps the bug net taut and out of the face when the waterproof hood is peeled back, without any collapsing material annoying falling onto the user and keeping the late night mosquitos from biting. The Alpine also has a wire sewn in for structure which definitely gives a large weather protection advantage. Price Paid: $199. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. If you are car camping in multiple locations, and you have the space, you might even take this tent with your sleeping pad and sleeping bag inside for even easier setup. I was just in the Pacific Northwest! average rating This is the best piece of camping equipment I own. All seams are taped and five-stake loops, along with a single guy loop, aid in a comfortable pitch. So I wanted to expand my trips to include some winter camping in the Adirondacks. Protected against rain, condensation, sand and rodents. +36 I cannot stress the amount of rain and wind that evening. Price Paid: on sale from REI a few years ago. Probably 40 nights? For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon, Outdoor Research Women's Alpine Onset Hoody, Outdoor Research Women's Alpine Onset Bottoms, Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy Bag for Backpacking, Camping, and Mountaineering, Waterproof/Breathable Top Fabric, Regular, Outdoor Research Interstellar AscentShell Bivy Pole, Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent - Lightweight One Person Tent with Rainfly, 2lbs 9oz, Stakes, Poles and Guylines Included, Backpacking and Hiking Bivy Tent (Olive Green & Orange). The past version of the Outdoor Research Alpine was one of our favorite bivys ever, the new 2019 update is even better. But a tarp in winter? You'll feel a little weight from heavy snow, which may be a new experience while camping. Complete bikes will ship 4-6 Day for $4.95, loc_en_US, sid_10021600, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=FEATURED, direction=DESCENDING), SortEntry(order=SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)], Single, shock-corded overhead Delrin pole, loc_en_US, sid_10021600, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=NUM_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]. eval("shoppingListJSPDP.setCatEntryAttributes(catEntryAttributes);"); I've had this bivy tent for a few years. March 26, 2013. An optional foot flap opening might be good for Australian conditions to allow for better ventilation. A side entry would only allow more wet into the bag. }); Please share your experience. As for this bivy, it technically doesn't have a temperature rating - you will have to rely on your sleeping pad and sleeping bag to give you warmth. These are not tents, with vestibules and room to organize and ample headroom to sit up and change clothes. +26 Get FREE 4-6 Day Ground Shipping on all orders over $49.00. }); Purchase of the OR Alpine was to replace my 20-odd-year-old lightweight and tight Gore-tex bivy which welled up one stormy night! If you are a mountaineer, or maybe a canoe camper, this would be a 5-star piece of gear for you. I slept with the cover open and watched the stars through the bug screen. +59 To assist with entry and exit (and to prevent it from blowing away) I would suggest taking the time to stake it down. Find the best tent/shelter for your next outdoor adventure using our independent reviews and ratings. I agree with the previous review that this bivy has its faults: weight and price. Bivi?) Speak with one of our experts. However it looks like they did the Aurora and then simply added a pole. The pole is a luxury worth the 2-oz price as it makes spending any amount of time inside the shelter enjoyable. The pole is poorly exploited. It is considered a 4 season simply because it can withstand wind and is exceptionally waterproof. This is not good for backpacking!! Be the first to see the latest styles, events and madness. It's weatherproof, no question about it, but its entrance that's one thing I disliked the most, is a bit tricky. When I'm out I bring my ultralight table and chair creature comforts to offset the inconvenience of storing my pack and conducting tent-like operations, outside. These items take a little longer to get to you because we have to order from the manufacturer first. Price Paid: $239, chris vern Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Cold weather condensation ruined it for me. With great headroom, an optional bug net, and an utterly waterproof system, at 20 ounces, we just can't ask for much more. Unfortunately, four fall trips in the Sierra Nevadas with frozen conditions and a little snow have all left we with a WET sleeping bag due to condensation (all down the sides, the foot, and around the head) despite leaving 1/3 of the entrance flap open. In warm and humid weather it's hard to keep the hood open and the net tight. The net is in great shape and this thing is water-tight. with extreme rain conditions and been dry all night for the latter. These features are crucial to providing space between the bivy fabric and you, which lets air flow around and condensation escape more easily. Free 2-Day Shipping On long trips, mildew and mold were not present despite intense moisture and humidity. After doing some online and in store research I settled on the OR Alpine Buvy. Deploying the Gore-Tex fabric over the face during a rainstorm is easy, even in the dark, thanks to reflective tape and a neon green ribbon running the length of the zippers. The only reason why I gave this bivy 3 stars is that I wanted to do long-distance ultralight backpacking. To receive our catalogs by mail, we will need a little more info, Privacy Policy / CA Consumer Privacy / Terms of Use, Visiting from another country? My sleeping bag had some light dampness from condensation near my feet but not enough to penetrate the sleeping bag or cause me to be chilled. Overall I think it was a great purchase and a welcome addition to my gear collection. A one page instruction sheet would really help. Important to consider if/why you'd want a bivy sack. It's comfortable and built to last. Further more if you sleep with light fabric over your mouth (like a bandana or something) not only do you keep your nose warm, but you cut out most if not all condensation. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Earn 10% back on every purchase & spend them on anything. The overlapped zipper opening allows you to breathe freely without letting weather in. A one pager explaining setup and giving tips would greatly help. Source: bought it new In stores, provide the email address attached to your account to learn your balance and apply to your purchase. Ease of Setup: questionable 3. I will try it in snow cave next season. This bivy wont leave my ruck. I've camped in the PNW with this Alpine bivy 3+ years and I love it. The high quality nylon fabric showed no sign of wear despite heavy use in rocky terrain. All trademarks property of their respective owners Deal cannot be applied to prior purchases or with other promotions. "langId": -1 enduro Get FREE 2-Day on orders over $49! +571 Sorry, this product is only available in select stores, Sorry, this product is not available for store pickup, Sorry, this product is not available for ship to store. I used this bivy for 3 seasons while working for the Forest Service. You may choose to leave the Moosejaw Rewards program at any time by logging in and clicking on the Opt out Rewards Program link within the My Account Summary page, Email, calling 877-MOOSEJAW (877-666-7352) or in-store with help from our employees. This bivy is made of a three-layer GORE-TEX fabric, which is EXTREMELY waterproof, windproof, and overall weatherproof. I would recommend taking the time to stake it down. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Durable, lots of head room, completely weatherproof. Bottom line: If you don't mind the hefty price, this bivy is a nice winter shelter when protection from the elements is premium. No sponsored content. I am sure it will keep me dry. How can we improve GearLab? So as far as you aware this is like new (minus the stuff sack. However, the Helium is quite effective and significantly lighter without this huge flap. While the price tag rivals that of a full-sized tent, the bivy can stow into a small stuff sack and is considerably lighter than the average backpacking tent. I am 6'5" tall and i fit. lets say comfortably. Summer Clearance is good only on in stock items. Shop the best bivy sacks, emergency bivy sacks and bug protection bivy sacks by Outdoor Research here. So if we are running a 50% back special offer, and you buy a regular-priced item for $100.00, you will receive MJ$10.00 in base points, and a bonus of MJ$40. OR certainly has done some good research with this bag and though the entry might require practice, it is certainly enough for its purpose. Copyright 2000-2022 Geartrade LLCAll Rights Reserved. On Moosejaw.com, just sign-in on any page to see your available balance. I slept great and had no condensation at all. Once opted-in to the program, MJ$ will earn and accrue for redemption as described below until the MJ$ expire or the user leaves the program. If you leave the rewards program, any unused MJ$ will be voided upon completion of your request. This is a true four season shelter and is best utilized in those situations. Earlier this fall I slept in the Alpine Bivy for two consecutive nights on the Atlantic Coast in Newfoundland. Pre-existing program members that fail to opt-in prior to June 28, 2020 will be removed from the program, and any unused MJ$ will be voided. This is always a great feature for those that toss and turn through the night. You earn MJ$10 for every $100 you spend on Moosejaw.com or at our shops (MJ$2.50 for discounted items). Plus, it adds 10+ degrees to your sleeping bag temperature rating, easy. No rips or mars in the fabric or zippers. I would recommend this bag. The weight is 32 ounces. GORE-TEX Respiration Positive 3L, 100% nylon, 30D ripstop upper / lower 100% nylon, 40D ripstop with TPU lamination floor, On this model, the lid doesn't stay open very well. Its lightweight and breathable and the frame is a nice touch for quick ins/out. +36 Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm PST, Every Outdoor Research product is covered by our Infinite Guarantee, Stay up to date with our latest deals and products, Thanks for signing up! We really, really don't want to that to happen, so please opt-in or we'll feel terrible. I'm hooked, I'm warm, and I'm set up and torn down enjoying my beverage long before my mates are done fumbling with their poles. The Alpine Bivy is adept at keeping you comfortable and dry in extreme weather situations. July 6, 2017. Easy to set up once you figure it out. All information collected and used to facilitate the Moosejaw Rewards program is directly related to the program's ability to provide value to the customer. wcTopic.subscribe("QuickInfo_attributesChanged", function(catEntryAttributes) { Award winners include the Helium Bivy Sack which is our lightest, best-selling and most awarded bivy sack of all time. wcTopic.subscribe("ShoppingListItem_Added", function() { eval("shoppingListJSPDP.deleteItemFromCart();"); A single pole can be used to create overhead space, or it can be left at the trailhead. Three-layer Gore-Tex body is used on top of the OR Alpine bivy with a burly 70D nylon floor coated in Hydroseal for added waterproofness when in the wettest of deluges. If you are really wanting to count your ounces I would go with a tarp. On the last day of camping at San Clemente Beach it began to pour. My bivy kept me completely dry. Took it out into the back-country last week and it met all my expectations. For the high cost, OR could have included a way to keep the hood open while using the bug net. It's expensive, but you can always find decent ones, just like mine, on ebay. We feel confident that this bivy will keep you dry and warm in the backcountry and enhance your overall experience. A few simple steps that improve the comfort of this bag (even without these, it is still an excellent bag): 1. At 4" x 15.5", the OR Alpine is larger than most packed models we examined. Source: bought it new The program is FREE to join and membership is ongoing until or unless the user requests to be removed or is removed due to abuse of the program. Men's Heavyweight Long Underwear - Bottoms, Men's Lightweight Long Underwear - Bottoms, Women's Heavyweight Long Underwear - Bottoms, Women's Heavyweight Long Underwear - Tops, Women's Lightweight Long Underwear - Bottoms, Women's Lightweight Long Underwear - Tops, Women's Midweight Long Underwear - Bottoms, Women's Performance Shirts - Short Sleeve, Telemark and Alpine Touring Skis - Women's, Carabiners, Quickdraws, and Belay Devices, Chalk Bags - Climbing Chalk - Climbing Tape. I will get that information added to the product page ASAP. During the summer and warmer months it works great. Editors' Choice, the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. However, our testers had no issues, and only the largest campers should notice and at the end of the day, a bivy is not meant to store gear. Condensation was not an issue for me, once I started staking it and using a guy line to keep it up off of me. Was the perfect addition to my winter camping kit, light weight, durable and has allowed me to significantly lower my pack size. This thing is bomb proof. My wife let me build a gear room; I must have lost it in the organization process. wcTopic.subscribe("DefiningAttributes_Resolved", function(catEntryId, productId) { It can be pricey, but it is a great piece of gear to add to your collection, Source: bought it new Just a head's up! No ads. If OR engineers had spend more time designing, testing, re-desigining, testing they could have done a jewel. if(typeof(shoppingListJSPDP) == "undefined" || shoppingListJSPDP == null || !shoppingListJSPDP) { Moosejaw Rewards This Bivy is a tad on the antisocial side for me, but it will serve the purpose for a true ultralight 4 season backcountry purist more than I. Someone suggested a clothespin and I agree that would have been a great fix. eval("shoppingListJSPDP.updateShoppingListAndAddItem(serviceResponse);"); Opens in a new window. April 14, 2010. This product scored high in each metric and, most importantly, remained waterproof and breathable through each test. Sleeps: 1 Not room for gear (that should be expected for a bivy sac, but come prepared). I wanted to try one for its compact size and as a backcountry shelter. If you want rugged, solid performance in a bivy, this one is awesome. On a stargazing and meteor shower watching trip to the Angeles National Forest Iregret taking a different tentbecausethis bivy would have allowed me to stay warm in my sleeping bag in my tent while watching the stars by pulling the top back. You probably would've looked amazing with it too. You're welcome gift receivers. Though it doesn't need it, I made an actual footprint for it using Tyvek. I've made one change to the bag and that was to install a small clip from a bra strap to the loophole designed for the rope attachment and this keeps the storm flap from falling on my face. I was also attacked by a bear while sleeping in it and it still doesn't have a single tear. June 30, 2011. If you return an item, we deduct the MJ$ earned on that item from your balance. So sorry, but only 4 items are allowed for comparison, so we're comparing the first 4. Your session is about to timeout due to inactivity. Weight: 2 pounds Also, during cold and damp weather, condensation builds up greatly. "storeId": 10208, wcTopic.subscribe("ShoppingList_Changed", function(serviceResponse) { Such is bivy life! Looks like not all the items in your cart are at this location. One of the biggest differences in weather resistance between the Helium (left) and Alpine (right) is the size of the protective flap over the zipper. Browse Outdoor Research's top-rated tents and shelters and more. Bring a clothespin for the stargazing to keep the open cover in place. +24 Price Paid: $112, Ben W Overall, we felt the large packaged size wasn't ideal, but that the versatility and complete protection that the OR Alpine provides makes it worth it. I have not gotten anymore condensation than I would have reasonably expected in a tent. I truly wanted to love this bivy, but mine has made its last trip with me. It was rugged, dependable, and cozy. "catalogId": "10000001", Set-up is a breeze and takes no time at all, allowing you to enjoy your surroundings more quickly. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. Design: single pole bivy I've checked out as a Guest on Moosejaw.com. The small footprint and heavy-duty weatherproof-ness are exactly what I was looking for. It's heaver then a lot of bivies, and it's pretty much the same as all bivies in three-season use. Check out our assortment here. When using the bug net with top open, the cover tends to fall closed over the net. https://www.instructables.com/OR-Alpine-Bivy-Sack-Mod-to-Keep-the-Lid-Open/. You do not earn MJ$ for shipping or tax charges, only from the item value. This is my first bivy sac. While some of our reviewers felt that the weight and features were overkill for average backpacking, many people may appreciate the complete, four-season weather protection of this sack. Looking for bug protection in your next bivy? I lived in my bivy for an entire month, most of November, while rafting the Colorado through Grand Canyon. If you want ultralight minimalism, at the expense of strength, quality, and features, grab a plastic garbage sack and hit the trail. The Alpine is at home in any environment. If USPS can deliver it to Malaysia, then I can certainly ship it. A feature unique to the Alpine is that the floor is coated with an anti-fungal treatment. While more pleasant than a sarcophagus, few campers look forward to a night tucked away in eight square feet of nylon. Existing program members prior to that date must still formally opt-in and accept the terms and conditions to continue to retain, earn and redeem MJ$. }); Some ultra-lightweight tents or shelters are close in size or weight but are usually not stand-alone or four-season shelters. I switched to this bivy from an MSR tent to save weight. https://www.moosejaw.com/product/outdoor-research-alpine-bivy_10021600. Hey there! We will also send you a monthly email that details your balance and other account activity. Due to the bathtub design and zipper placement, this technique works even if pitched in a puddle! This bivy is one of the higher cost options of our test group, at a retail price of $250. With my raincoat covering my pack and boots I crawled into the bivy and zipped up tight for the evening (completely sealed and no ventilation). Get Up to 40% Off Summer Styles from Top Outdoor Brands. Stability: Definitely. The 2019 revamp of the OR Alpine Bivy has even shed a few hundred grams! Add your own review I switched to USPS only, so the price calculator is up to date. If you used the MJ$ and your balance is less than deduction, then your refund is reduced by the difference. This item has been successfully added to your list. I am very impressed with the durability of the bivy and its waterproof design. While the 2019 version of the OR Alpine saw some significant weight loss, it is still one of the larger bivys we tested when packed. Price Paid: $230, Trev On my most recent night out during some wet (ish) snow I was warm as the temperature dipped to the low 20's. 14 hours of soaking later and the GoreTex waterproofing continued to breathe and keep our testers dry. +49 The amazing features and properties of this bag justify the slightly larger package. The next day I was surrounded by water but was dry and warm in the bivy sac. I used it recently for a two-night outing and so far Im very pleased. These special offers may have a cap on how many bonus MJ$ you earn during the promotion, but you will always earn the base Reward Dollars. However, if any considerable time is expected to be spent pent up inside the sack, we recommend taking it with and dealing with a little bit of extra weight. By clearing a few rocks and using an insulated coat as a pillow, even a bivy sack can give a good night's sleep. Got feedback? All items we sell are eligible with the exception of gift cards or other items specifically noted. Let us know! So the bivy is good for winter use but in winter a bivy is not really needed. I can guarantee that. Need a replacement Bivy Pole? A good bivy should be a comfortable home in a storm for an extended period, and that's exactly what this bivy is. In more recent rain conditions I have decided to start using a SilTarp to keep my boots and pack dry and this has significantly aided my body not getting as wet as I enter and exit the bag. A customer opting-in to the Moosejaw Rewards program is a separate action from establishing a user profile as a result of making a purchase. We have you covered there as well, in the Bug Bivy Sack. Bob Takemura I recommend this to any climbers and mountaineers. Price Paid: $218 CDN, Milloggie During extended stays, our testers found proper ventilation by simply cracking the stiff zipper flaps a few inches near the head. Setup: Quick and easy. The Gore Tex breaths great and offered no condensation. This is even worse in rainy weather. After much research I settled on the OR Alpine Bivy. in other products and your order ships FREE! I have an Alpine Bivy shelter for sale in incredibly excellent condition. Unfortunately, im not sure where I placed the stuff sack. This model performed very well in the ventilation category. Do you want to update the other items to delivery? I did not relish the thought of purchasing a four season tent as I was looking to be a bit frugal with my pack weight and my wallet. Dont get one if you are taller than me. If one wants to erect it, using pegs, the string which needs to pass through the sixth anchoring point in the middle of the pole groove is getting on your way while entering the bivy. A positive aspect of the space inside is the vertical clearance, plus the ability to toss and turn without disrupting the stiff nylon shell fabric is a bonus. (As seen from inside the bivy). That being said, if you are facing inclement weather and want the most protection possible from a bivy, the Outdoor Research Alpine is a strong choice. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, This bivy sets the bar for the rest of the field by providing nearly perfect comfort, warmth, and weather protection. The OR Alpine used to be a heavy model. I decided to give a bivy a whirl. With the lid open, no problem, and I've not had any problem with condensation throughout my bag. This is waterproof everywhere, so there's no fly. If you are camping in a place where wind can be an issue, please be sure that you secure your bivy so it doesn't blow away. The lid closed does, of course, lead to condensation but not really more than I'd experienced in a tent. Two complaints. I kept the zipper near my head cracked about four inches and there was zero condensation inside the bivy in the morning. This bivy can be staked out when ground and space conditions allow, and it also has a pole at the head to give space. In cold weather, the mosquito net is on the bivy floor and end up tearing it ( it takes a while but it does happen when used regularly ). eval("shoppingListJSPDP.setCatEntryQuantity(catEntryQuantityObject);"); Im sure with enough vigilance and a close eye, you may even find one for 175 or less. The 26" width at the shoulder is enough for even a large sleeping pad, but little extra room is available to store gear that must be kept dry. There is one catch- I misplaced the original stuff sack, but any small stuff sack will fit this tiny bad boy. in January 31, 2021. eval("shoppingListJSPDP.setItemId(catEntryId, productId);"); Weather Resistance: Given the materials and build quality, this is nicely bombproof. Full-priced items earn 10% back while discounted items earn 2.5%. Be ready for your next backpacking, thru hike or camping trip with the confidence that your bivy sack will provide the shelter to protect you from all that nature might throw your way. I have put a hose at high power right against the fabric, and it has never bled threw. The OR Alpine Bivy does a fantastic job of keeping the weather out without sacrificing usability and comfort. November 14, 2009. If you are heading out on a long term alpine expedition that requires a bivy, the price tag of the Outdoor Research Alpine is more than worth it. While it has been edged out by the OR Helium in a few other categories, the Alpine will always be our go to if massive storms or snow caves are in our near future. With this small profile, big winds are no big deal (and I've been out in very big winds with this). Ideally, run a guy line, using the loop sewn on the bag in addition to the stakes for added loft to avoid condensation. For me it's a bomb proof water tight accessory. In foggy weather, there is a lot of condensation inside. The Conservation Alliance. Shop award winning bivy sacks, emergency, and bug protection bivys. One pole and five stakes. it did take a few tries to find a way to fold the cover to prevent it from falling closed, but I figured it out. Bear in mind, in not so cold temperatures, these waterproof bivies (bivvies? Amazon often sells $180 new so would you take $120 plus shipping. The gore tex does the job but a better hood would allow more mist to get out. }, {id: '', name: '', image: '', type: '', components: {}, skus: []}, [], "shoppingListJSPDP", "0", "0"); While it is made of a completely waterproof fabric that is not known to breathe very well, it has several features that allow for added ventilation, making it easy to keep condensation down. I've set it up and broke it down at least 200 times. When traveling through foul weather of any type, the (now discontinued) OR Alpine was our first choice every time. You don't get earn MJ$ when you buy a gift card, but you do get MJ$ when you spend a gift card. The Alpine Bivy has everything necessary for long nights above tree line. A truly waterproof design. Ona beautiful but windynight at Lone Rock in Utah with sheets of "heat lightening" hitting the ground,I wriggled my way intothe entry for the eveningand woke upsand in surprising places. aoaltunel "al" Well done Outdoor Research (insert hand clap emoji). Living in Australia we normally have "warm" nights from 5'C through to 10'C in winter. Last but not least, OR sells outside the US, but when there is a issue it's impossible to reach the local customer service, meaning that the infinite warranty is actually only for US customers unlike other American brands which are more serious. Throughout the past few years How to choose the best bivy sack? If you're going to be traveling primarily through warmer climates and encountering only occasional weather, the Outdoor Research Helium is a better option as it protects against the weather but is more breathable and lightweight.