joeschmoe

Clavote; I am a new member to this site (but have viewed it for a long time now) and there are lots of climbers on here who have climbed longer and higher than I ever will, so I would certainly listen to their recommendations over mine, ergo... I would stick with your tent. It sounds like you love it, and you should never give up what has worked for you, trust me. My first bivy experience in 1998 proved it. I borrowed a 'roomy' Bibler Tripod over my much loved 4 season mountaineering tent and I was caught in a sudden white out on Mt. Constance (in the Olympics) and had to spend 6 hours holed up in it. In this case, however, a tent wouldn't have been much use to me on the small spot I found myself trapped upon. I thought I would die without being able to move around. Bivys are great for summer, but not if inclement weather is threatening. As for the pad dilemma, it depends on the size/spec of the pad vs. specs of bivy, vs. girth of human. I can't use my pad in the REI minimalist bivy, but it fits well in the Bibler Tripod and the Black Diamond Lightsabre. Those two bivies have more foot room clearance for a pad. (Note, in cold weather, your bivy will have condensation). No matter what shelter I carry, I always have a small sil-tarp with me, so I put my pad on that when used under the bivy. If you aren't on a level spot you might slide off the pad if it isn't inside the bivy, though. But I toss and turn a lot, which makes it worse. Perhaps someone will let you borrow their gear to try it out before you buy. I say buy a bivy that you like, but only use it in good weather when the the biting mozzies are at a minimum. I hike/backpack/cycle tour a lot too, and I always have the lightweight bivy along...if not for me, for someone else I may find hurt or needy on the trail. Good luck... joeschmoe

Nothing beats a good lightweight/waterproof tent, but I tried out a friend's REI minimalist bivy this summer on Mt. Adams and I LOVED it! It has a bug screen and a unique zipper system that allows you to zip it all the way up and over your head, but still allows your arms to fit through unzipped holes in the sides...very handy when you want to be warm and bug free, but still use your arms/hands outside the bivy. Note, however, that this particular bivy has NO waterproof cover over the bug screen (I take a sil-nylon sheet to cover me in inclement weather, none of which I experienced on my outings with the bivy). Also, I make some of my own equipment and I recently bought some sil-nylon and Gortex and plan on making my own bivy for next year (a wider one, as I have wide shoulders). Someday when I develop the perfect bivy I will let you gear test it for me! Has anyone out there ever heard of the Wiggys bivy? My cousin in the Army (stationed in Afghanistan and heading to Iraq after the New Year) swears by it. His entire unit carries them. It is an insulated bivy that can be used without a sleeping bag in warmer weather. I found the link to their site and called customer service and they will custom build one for you to fit (length and width). It's expensive ($290) and weighs 2lbs (same as a good tent). If anyone out there has used one, please share some info. Thanks. Here's the Wiggys link: http://www.wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=52

No need for ropes on S. Sister. Some say they have used them on the N. face (in early summer) but I never have. You probably won't be alone on the mtn if you go solo. It is a popular mtn. for winter adventures. Just watch the weather and don't get caught up on the summit in an oncoming storm (know what I'm saying?)

An ice axe and crampons are a must and be prepared for a long slog in on snowshoes or skis from Dutchman's Flat parking area...last time I was in there in winter, I didn't summit because time ran out on me. Snow camping would make it much easier. If you telemark, it would be a much faster trip

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