Bibler Tripod Bivy

[goatboy]

So, I saw one of these bivies at a gear store over the weekend and it looked very cool -- but pricy at $300, I believe.

 

Does anyone have one of these who would be willing to comment on it? I am curious about the weight, functionality, and value for the $....

 

Thanks!

 

- GB

[fenderfour]

And a bit heavy for a bivy. I would recommend the Integral Designs Salathe or the OR advanced. The Bibler's don't give enough back for how much they weigh and cost.

[AlaskaNative]

I would look at the Integral Designs Unishelter, eVent version instead. It's a lot lighter, and more breathable, and is the only one with a vent that still works during heavy rain. It's also a lot longer (98" instead of 89").

The Bibler ToddTex tents/bivies come with or without FR treatment (Fire Retardant). The FR-treated versions are even heavier and less breathable than the non-treated versions, so it's a big step down from eVent fabric for weight and breathability.

 

 

Unishelter:

http://integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=776&CFID=8742553&CFTOKEN=98144808&mainproducttypeid=1

 

Tripod Bivy:

http://www.bdel.com/gear/tripod.php

http://www.bdel.com/gear/detail/tripod_detail.php

 

Hooped Bivy (the Big Wall is the same bivy with an added tie-off):

http://www.bdel.com/gear/hooped_bivy.php

http://www.bdel.com/gear/detail/hooped_bivy_detail.php

 

Other Bivies. I looked at most of these at Marmot and each one had issues I didn't like, but they may work for you. Be careful to check each bivy to ensure it will seal out heavy rains for many hours, and still allow some venting. The Unishelter has the best venting system because of the little stovepipe tunnel vent works even in heavy rain.

Also check to make sure it's easy to seal the bivy from the inside. One of them, (I think the Salathe but not sure right now) was almost impossible to seal from the inside because of a difficult-to-use velcro strip design.

 

Salathe:

http://integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=683&CFID=8742553&CFTOKEN=98144808&mainproducttypeid=1

 

South Col:

http://integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=693&CFID=8742553&CFTOKEN=98144808&mainproducttypeid=1

 

 

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Keep in mind that the Epic-fabric tents are in the same weight range as the Tripod Bivy, so may be worth a look, depending on how rugged a shelter you need.

The OneShot tent is the lightest, but for 1/4 lb more you get a 2-man tent that can take an optional vestibule.

 

OneShot:

http://www.bdel.com/gear/oneshot.php

http://www.bdel.com/gear/detail/oneshot_detail.php

 

HiLight:

http://www.bdel.com/gear/hilight.php

http://www.bdel.com/gear/detail/hilight_detail.php

 

Comments on waterproof-ness of the Epic tents:

http://alaskamountaineering.com/Product.cfm?id=487

http://alaskamountaineering.com/Product.cfm?id=486

->make sure you do a good job seam-sealing the Epic tents<-