OR Bivvy usage report

[ScottyJ]

I first purchased an OR Bivvy about ten years ago for the Great divide and since then I've spent a lot of nights in it warm and dry when the weather outside was anything but.
It's always worked great and finally a couple months ago i started to notice the seam tape on the inside coming off a little.

I contacted OR to find out whether they had any special tips to patch it up and they got back to me immediately with a surprising offer. It was covered under their "infinite guarantee" and they have replaced it under warranty.

I just got the new one and it's built just as well but includes a couple sweet little modifications which make it even better than the original.

Those people at OR really do make great things and stand behind their stuff.

[evdog]

I've been really happy with my OR bivy.  I much prefer sleeping in it instead of a tent most of the time.  

I wasn't aware of the infinite warranty, so it is great to hear they will take care of an owner long term.

[caseygreene]

What models do you guys have?

[evdog]

I have the Alpine bivy http://www.outdoorresearch.com/ch_en/or-gear/bivy-sacks/alpine-bivy.html

The only two problems I've had is 1) it does get some condensation when its raining outside as I can't have the zip undone too far, and 2) the pole doesn't keep the material off my face that well.  But generally that's not a problem as I sleep with it wide open unless it is raining (which happens seldom in Socal.)  Its a fairly inexpensive shelter that works great and under 2 lbs.  I actually use it more for car camping than bikepacking since it is so quick and easy to roll up the whole deal (bivy/pad/sleeping bag) and throw in the back seat.  A bivy isn't that comfortable for waiting out long rains so I usually bring a 1-man tent for that.     

[ScottyJ]

MY original was called "Deluxe" but the current version closest to this is the "Alpine"

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/accessories/bivy-sacks.html

[ScottyJ]

@EVDOG

I also did get a bit of condensation when keeping the top as closed as possible either for rain or cold. But never enough that I thought it was much of an issue. I waited out some long nights of hard rain and sloppy snow over the years and it always kept me dry.

As far as the pole effectiveness: I have found that it's very important to use at least one stake at the head end to keep the pole upright, one or two at the foot end make it even better but aren't necessary.

[Mista Bone]

Having never heard of the item, I looked around, mostly on youtube and could see how that netting would drive me insane...

But a BIG zip tie (18-24" handcuff style) might be just enough to jam one end in the mesh end pocket, and then into the hoop.

I ended up with a pack of 500 over 20 years ago, haven't made a sizable dent in them either.

[wahday]

I had a similarly positive experience with my North Face sleeping bag some years ago. Zipper broke and I sent it in under their lifetime warranty. Not only did they fix the zipper, but after failing to adequately clean the down (the bag was already 20 years old at this point and quite soiled) they replaced ALL the down and returned it to me, only charging me for the failed cleaning fee - about $20. Now I have a brand new bag. Well, that was 10 years ago - but it is still in great shape!

I *almost* bought an older model used OR bivy recently but the weirdness of the netting and difficulty of keeping the storm flap part open (while closing the netting) turned me off. But it is a highly rated product. Sticking with my tarp for now since I do not have bugs to contend with here.

[ScottyJ]

I'll have to take some photos later but I am having difficulty understanding these claimed problems with the netting.
My old one definitely did not have any problem with this and the new one has a sweet little toggle to make it even easier.

Is there a movie or video which explains this ? can someobody please post the link?

[JRA]

Interesting that the links from evdog and ScottyJ both show the OR Alpine Bivy, but one link shows a price of $360 while the other is priced at $240???  
Same name, same model number...I don't get it.  Maybe one is an old archived link or something?

[ScottyJ]

@JRA,
EVDOG linked to the Swiss site, I linked to the US site.

[JRA]

ahhh, got it.  thanks