Bivvy Sack Blues -- The Case of the Condensation

[KathyW]

I have an Integral Designs Unishelter Exp in the Event fabric. Sometimes there's a little condensation, but it's not a big issue because the bivy has a wire hoop over the head area and my sleeping bags have water resistant covers. I do wonder if condensation would be a bigger issue if the bivy didn't have the hoop over the head area and the tunnel vent. I love those tunnel vents - I have an Integral Designs mountaineering tent with two tunnel vents.

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=776&CFID=2253389&CFTOKEN=97148252

My first bivy was an Integral Designs Salathe Bivy and I don't recall condensation being a problem with that bag at all - it is made of their TegralTex fabric, which is similar to the fabric used on Bibler Tents (not the lightweight Black Diamond ones).

[Hikin_Jim]

E-man and Kathy,

Thanks for the ideas and input. A lot to think about -- there are so many options. I'm really tempted by tarp tents since I've heard so many good things about them. Shame though to have spent the money on a GoreTex bivvy and then find out it's not very breathable, to the point where condensation really wets my bag.

HJ

[Ulysses]

I'm in the same boat as you Jim. Trying to lighten my pack and I need a new tent. I have an 8x10 silnylon tarp which weighs 1 Lb.. Works great in rain. Not so great in wind (too noisy), or mosquitos. My research keeps bringing me back to Shires TarpTents. Seems to be the shelter of choice for PCT thru-hikers. Would like to get some first hand feedback on the Contrail vs. Rainbow. Rainbow is larger and freestanding (with hiking poles). Contrail is tempting because it doesn't require a pole and weighs less, but I'm concerned about how it will perform in serious weather.

[Hikin_Jim]

I hear nothing but good about the Shires tarp tents. And boy is it ever nice to have a mosquito free haven. Sounds like a nice compromise between a tent and a tarp.

Probably a good place to get some serious feed back would be the gear forum at backpackinglight.com. I'm interested in getting a tarp tent, but haven't committed to spending the money just yet, particularly since my job's stability is seriously in question. I've got so much freaking gear already.

HJ

[sparky]

I have a tarptent squall 2 model, and I love it. I have used it extensively over the last 3 years or so. It has been through an epic wind/sleet storm, and held up fine. Was up on san jacinto a couple months ago and i stayed dry during a 6 hour downpour. I use it as a solo shelter, and has plenty of room, and weighs in at 40 oz if I remember right. In fact the tent has plenty of room for 2 .

My next tent will be another tarptent. I like the moment, and the rainbow

[Hikin_Jim]

Good to know; thanks for the post.

HJ

[asabat]

Yes Henry's tents are nice. Also check out Ron's Lunar Solo and Lunar Duo tents.

Sorry, Henry = Tarptent, Ron = www.sixmoondesigns.com