In my opinion a bivvy bag needs to perform certain tasks and possess certain attributes. If it can do everything asked, it then becomes the difference between a great night and a slightly less, possibly cold, wet and bitten night. It’s a simple task to find a bivvy bag that’s waterproof. It’s not very difficult to find one that’s not only waterproof but breathable too. How about waterproof, breathable and midge proof? They are available but tend to be heavy, bulky and expensive … but not all of them!
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| Not much comes close weight wise! |
This bivvy bag is made by Borah Gear in the US. It manages to combine all of the above in a package that weighs 179g and costs around $90 … other options are available. This particular version has a Silnylon base, a Momentum 50 upper, midge net ‘hood’ and a 24″ long side zip. It’s also ‘oversize’ to allow for a winter mat and sleeping bag to fit inside.
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| Silnylon base, M50 top and midge-proof netting. |
The bag has 4 pegging points (an option) and a tie on the netting hood, so you can hold it off your face. In use the Sil’ base is pretty slippery so the peg points are a worthwhile investment. Unlike many ultralight bivvy bags the Borah isn’t restrictive at all. Getting in and out of the thing is easy, the zipper is in the ideal place to make access easy once you’re tucked up inside … there’s no drawcord hood to mess about with either.
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| Yes, it looks like a rather large bin bag from here! |
The Momentum fabric used for the top is rather special. It’s quite surprising how something so thin and light can be waterproof, windproof and tough … it’s also a very shiny, almost sexy black ;o). I’ve spent a few nights in the bag and so far it’s proving to be exactly what I’d hoped it’d be.
The quality of construction is superb and choice of materials and design make it ideal for most UK conditions. I’ll report back with a more in depth review once we’ve become better acquainted … something I’m looking forward to.
Seems almost better than the MLD bag!!!
I've never tried an MLD bag so couldn't say but I imagine there wouldn't be much to split them.