Couple of new reviews.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Yes, I've been rather slack/busy of late so I've just added a couple of new reviews to the Bear Bones blog ... I'm sure someone, somewhere will possibly find something of interest. It's all very positive too ... which is nice :D

http://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.co.uk/

[Ian]

Like the look of the bivvy bag. Have you got any more info on the momentum 50 fabric and/or comments on its feel/ breathability etc?

Only disadvantage I can see from observation only is that you can't pull the thing tight around your head to keep out wind/ rain. I appreciate its probably for use under a tarp, but there are occasions where I tend to pull the hood of my moonlight quite tight to fend off the elements. Any comments/experience on that, Stu?

I see they do a cuben version too at eye-wateringly low weight and high cost

Also, when you ordered a standard one, did you get changed for customs. I know it's usually a lottery, but interested nonetheless...

[gairym]

those are two mighty fine looking new products.

i've already got a Tiger and am looking for a new bivi-bag - perfect!

So.....Stuart, if you could only have ONE bivi-bag (does that idea frighten you???) would you get this one....?

if not what would you get for around the £50 mark?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Like the look of the bivvy bag. Have you got any more info on the momentum 50 fabric and/or comments on its feel/ breathability etc?

Couldn't find much info online about it. It does seem that in the US it's starting to become the ultralight breathable fabric of choice.

Only disadvantage I can see from observation only is that you can't pull the thing tight around your head to keep out wind/ rain. I appreciate its probably for use under a tarp, but there are occasions where I tend to pull the hood of my moonlight quite tight to fend off the elements. Any comments/experience on that, Stu?

Yes, always had it under a tarp. I've used it with a quilt mainly so no hood, I suspect that with a hooded sleeping bag you'd be fine. The netting does seem to block out a surprising amount of breeze. The head end is pretty roomy, so I've been sticking my clothes, etc in there with me ... I imagine that helps too. I suppose there's always the custom option, maybe extend the top faric around the back of the bag, just leaving the netting over your face?

Also, when you ordered a standard one, did you get changed for customs. I know it's usually a lottery, but interested nonetheless...

John at Borah seems very understanding

So.....Stuart, if you could only have ONE bivi-bag (does that idea frighten you???) would you get this one....?

I think it suits my requirements really well. I'm not a fan of sleeping without a tarp in the rain, so the fact you can't fully 'enclose' yourself isn't a problem. Given the weight, size (both packed and in use), cost and the fact it's midge proof, I reckon it's pretty hard to beat. Remember that you could order it in a lighter/cheaper/smaller guise depending on what you're after ... and yes that idea scares me

[gairym]

cool, looks like it might be perfect for me!

do you know what the differences (other than weight) are between the three standard bivi upper fabrics???

have emailed John and so we'll see what postage to France will be and then I think I'll be placing an order.

nice one Stuart - cheers.

[Bearbonesnorm]

do you know what the differences (other than weight) are between the three standard bivi upper fabrics???

Not really. M50 is 10d and M90 is 20d hence the weight difference. I was told that M50 has a better DWR treatment than M90 but is less breathable as a result ... this however, could be utter rubbish

[gairym]

here's what John replied:

The difference between the fabrics is that 1.1DWR and M90 are the most breathable. For humid/wet climates, they are the way to go to avoid condensation. M90 is much more durable than the 1.1DWR, so I usually recommend the M90 since its the best overall combination. M50 is the lightest and has the strongest DWR treatment, but lacks in breathability. Most of my customers in the Southwest here in the States, and in Australia, order the M50. So overall, I would think the M90 would work best for you in France. It is also cheaper then the M50.

right, gonna go place me an order.....

[Stevemorg]

the bivi bag and tarp look good - nice and light and not silly money either!

If the bivi will take a winter bag I think I'll order one - and even though I've just ordred a tent that tarp is very tempting at $50!

[Bearbonesnorm]

If the bivi will take a winter bag I think I'll order one

Just order yourself the long/wide version Steve and it'll take a thick air mat and the biggest of winter bags.