cracked Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 So I bought a nice down bag this summer and a nice bivy sack this winter, and I've used the two together a few times and I've got some questions. I make sure not to breathe into the bivy so I don't soak the torso of my bag with condensed moisture. My clothes are not damp when I get into the bag. My bivy is three layer goretex. But my bag loses loft after one night; I'd be hesistant to take it out for two nights. And this is in good weather! Am I doing something wrong, or is this common? Any hardman tricks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPS Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 I have the same problem. Either go without the bivi bag, get a more breathable one, i.e. not Gore-Tex or use a synthetic bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattp Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 Careful there, DPS, you're putting yourself out on a limb there. Go without a bivvy bag? I have always maintained that bivvy bags were not needed most of the time - even in the dreaded frosty tent or damp snowcave or when using a tarp as shelter - and I actually deliberately bring my wet clothing into my sleeping bag in order to dry it out, but I catch nothing but flack for making such wild and irresponsible statements on this bulletin board. Keeping a down bag dry requires some attention, to be sure, but it can be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squid Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 A nice compromise if you're not willing to 'go commando' like Mattp is to pick up a non-goretex (goretex is a racket, a cultural myth waiting to be exploded) bivy sack like the BD Winter Bivy. These things breathe very well, yet do a great job shedding water. They're also much lighter than Goretex. Ever since I got mine about two years ago, my sad Goretex bivy has been collecting dust in the basement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromage Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 Here is my solution for keeping down bags dry: Eat lots of cheese and chocolate with dinner. With a calorie bomb meal in the tank your body will produce enough heat to dry your bag from the inside out. Obviously this approach only works if you have a high metabolism. Just because you bring the bivy sack doesn't mean you have to use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chucK Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 That dental floss made by Gore, "Glide", is most excellent though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erewhon Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 Bibler Winter Bivy (The only bibler product that does what it says it will!) Cheap, HIGHLY breathable, and weather resistant, and light light light! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catbirdseat Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 Yes, a more breathable and lighter bivy is the true answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Figger_Eight Posted April 7, 2004 Share Posted April 7, 2004 I'm with MattP on this one. You don't need a bivy unless it's raining. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenderfour Posted April 7, 2004 Share Posted April 7, 2004 Don't spill the pee bottle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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