Backpacking Discussions

What are bivvy sacks and should I get one? What types of sleeping bags should i get and what is a bivvy sack?! Sorry, I'm an amateur backpacker Thanks.

A bivy is like a "shell" that goes all the way around your sleeping bag. The bottom is usually made out of a waterproof material (not breathable), with the top being made out of a water-resistant material (somewhat breathable - depending on the fabric).

When to use a bivy:
- If you are sleeping under a tarp, or some other shelter (like a single wall tent) where there is a chance than rain or moisture will spray or drip onto your sleeping bag.
- If your are in a situation where the bugs are driving you crazy (some bivies zip all the way up with a netted window in front of the face).

When not to use a bivy:
- If you are in a regular double-walled tent (it has a rainfly that goes over the main body).

So would this be considered a sleeping bag or shelter? What is the price range of these? How would I start shopping for them?

There is some debate as whether a bivy should be considered part of a sleeping system or part of a shelter system. My feeling is that it is part of your shelter system. Why? If part of my shelter is a tarp, then I will most likely want a bivy as well. If my shelter is a tent, there is no need to bring a bivy. Also, a bivy removes the need for a ground cloth (just lay the bivy on the ground), and it provides a measure of wind and water resistance (other functions of a shelter).

REI makes a decent bivy (with a zippered bug window) for $89. Titanium Goat makes their "Basic Bivy" for around $60 I believe. Oware and Mountain Laurel Designs are other companies that make bivies.

Keep in mind, when going to some "cottage manufacturer" websites, you might think (due to the look of their websites) that they make low quality products, or products that don't perform as well as the big name companies. (Many major brand name companies make bivies). These small companies are making exceptional products (and that's an understatement). Would you rather have some sweat shop worker in Vietnam or Malaysia who has never been backpacking in her life make your gear? Or would you rather have an expert outdoorsman who has been making gear for many years, and who actually uses the gear he/she makes manufacture your product. To me the choice is clear.

Awesome! Thanks for the help jimmypack42!

Wow. I've always wondered that real purpose of a bivy. Thanks mucho jimmypack42! To bad I don't have extra money to throw around for new backpacking gear...