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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Morning Star on February 28, 2012, 05:07:00 PM

Title: Bivy tents?
Post by: Morning Star on February 28, 2012, 05:07:00 PM
Looking for some recommendations for a 1 person bivy tent.  It'll will be used on a week long back country hunt in September.   I want to keep it under $150 so I know I'm limited in some respects.

I have been considering this one from Eureka.
Any thoughts on this particular one?

 http://store.eurekatent.com/spitfire-1-tent  

Any other recommendations?
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: awbowman on February 28, 2012, 05:14:00 PM
Sent you an e-mail.  I would try before you buy though.  Go to a well known backpacking store and see what there is to offer.  JMHO, but DO NOT SKIMP ON SHELTER!A lot can happen in a week.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: VTer on February 28, 2012, 05:39:00 PM
A few years back, I bought the Eureka Backcountry. It was a small 2 person tent. Not sure if they still offer it. they have a 1 man model as well. I think its nice to be able to have a liitle room for gear, but thats just me.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: awbowman on February 28, 2012, 05:46:00 PM
Good point VTer, some of the one man tents don't leave much for gear.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Tater on February 28, 2012, 06:25:00 PM
This is a picture of an older model of the same tent. This was taken last year on a 4 day Backpack Elk hunt.

  I have used the tent for approximately 10 years, I much prefer it with the sil-nylon tarp. About the only gear you can get in the tent are your boots.

  The tent plus tarp weigh right at 2 pounds, it's nice to have a little dry space outside the tent. i am not as limber as I used to be and getting dressed in the tent is a little tight.

  Good tent for the cost, I have ridden out some pretty rough thunder storms in the mountains in this little tent.

(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/Bowhuntater/912011BkPk005.jpg)
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Duckbutt on February 28, 2012, 07:45:00 PM
Appytrails is a neat option for your price preference
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: monterey on February 28, 2012, 08:17:00 PM
Tater,  I'm confused.  Is the tarp a specific item that is related to the tent?  An additional item that you have added to the camp?

I'm in the same dillema as the OP in that I'll be hitting it several times for 2 to 5 days at a time this fall and can't decide what to use.  I'm a big guy and have already concluded that a 2-man will be needed.  The tarp seems like a great addition if it's not too heavy.  Two pounds for both is exceptional!
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: coaster500 on February 28, 2012, 08:22:00 PM
This one is a Clark but Hennessy ihas one in your price range I think and there are others that cost less...

All ya need are trees...

 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/clark002.jpg)
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Tater on February 28, 2012, 08:25:00 PM
Mike,
  The tarp is a seperate item, I purchased later. It alone is approximately 6oz, if I remember correctly, and that is without guy lines or stakes.
  I think I got it from golite? not sure.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: randy grider on February 28, 2012, 08:27:00 PM
I have one, got it on sale, but allready had a high dollar Black Agnes, so i wound up not using it. I set up it, a coleman, and black agnes, in the backyard before my trip and decided to go with the black agnes. Comparing them side by side, it was a no brainer, but like I said, the eureka is adequate.  I would sell you mine shipped for $90 if you are intrested. No point in my having 3 tents for the same job.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Tater on February 28, 2012, 08:29:00 PM
Kip,
  I could sleep in one of those but the extra weight of the Chiorpractor (sp) I would have to pack along to straighten me out in the morning wouldn't be worth it.....  :laughing:
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: fisherick on February 28, 2012, 08:31:00 PM
I looked at that one and passed (too narrow)and bought a BA Fly Creek, set it up and sent it back, liked it but too short, and front entry. I then bought a Marmot EOS 1P tent, light 3#, side entry with large vestibule and fits my 6' 210# body without the bag touching the ends or sides.
Picked it up for $175 online.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: coaster500 on February 28, 2012, 08:33:00 PM
Pat I know what your saying that's why I got the bigest one clark makes (NX 250) and it actually lets me sleep on my side!!!

But just in case I got a mule for the Chiorpractor    :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Tutanka on February 28, 2012, 08:46:00 PM
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: caihlen on February 28, 2012, 09:19:00 PM
OR Alpine Bivy.  Light, bombproof, 60 mph snowstorm proof(ask me how I know) bugproof, and waterproof.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Beanbag on February 28, 2012, 09:46:00 PM
Might take a look at the Eureka Solitare. Our group have been using them for a few years now. Hard to beat for the money.Bought after market aluminum poles which really stiffen it up for those windy nights.The Canadian models come with the aluminum poles if you can find one. Might be a bit small if you are over 6' but well worth the look. Been in some pretty crappy weather with them.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: kpete on February 28, 2012, 09:55:00 PM
tater,
Don't dismiss the hammock. I have had a hip replaced and sleeping on the ground with even a thick pad is uncomfortable. I got a mosquito hammock that is in your price range and it is fantastic.  I sleep in comfort and no need for a bone-bender the next day. Tarp comes along with it.  It is really great.  The Clark hammocks are probably better.  
No need for level ground.  I bought a reflective windshield shade and cut it to fit the hammock. This has some padding but also reflects your heat back at you.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Hummer3T on February 28, 2012, 10:35:00 PM
not a bivy, but a small two man, nice to have the room and weighs 2.4 lbs. cost $125. very fast and easy to set up and has a good floor.

 (http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/Tloran/cabin/Progressioncabin_Page_41-1.jpg)

Check out MEC -mountain equipment coop they have some nice bivy's and smaller tents
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Shakes.602 on February 28, 2012, 10:40:00 PM
Nice Set-Up!  :saywhat:    :biglaugh:   Juuuust Joshin' Ya!!  :laughing:    :laughing:
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: fnshtr on February 28, 2012, 10:58:00 PM
I have an Eureka Solataire and am happy with it. Used it on a bivy diy elk hunt in Colorado in 2010 and it was perfect. The only problem would be lots of rain/bad weather. We had perfect weather that hunt. This year I plan to carry a tarp also and set up like the fellow above. Gives some extra dry room in bad weather.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Missouri Bowman on February 28, 2012, 11:16:00 PM
Try a Tarp Tent from Henry Shires. I have one of the older  2 person tents that weighs like 2 lbs. is a full tent about 18 - 20 inches long packed. Super light and easy to set up. The price is great too. Look at their web site. Tarp tent. Com
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Missouri Bowman on February 28, 2012, 11:20:00 PM
Forgot to tell you the best part! Made in the USA.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Steve Clandinin on February 28, 2012, 11:22:00 PM
I second the larger Appytrails,lots of room and I think weighs right around 21/2 #s.Room for you and your gear.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Todd Alexander on February 28, 2012, 11:50:00 PM
I have an ENO hammock system. I'll never sleep on the ground again if I can help it. They've got a great website  www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com (http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com)
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: calgarychef on February 29, 2012, 06:08:00 AM
I went to the ENO website, nice pictures but I couldn't find anything about weight or the specifics of the gear.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Morning Star on February 29, 2012, 10:15:00 AM
Thanks fellas, will be looking into these.  One thing I realized following this thread is that I want something a little bigger so I can get some of my gear in with me and sleep comfortably in the same.  I like the tarp idea for a dry area outside the tent also.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: olddogrib on February 29, 2012, 10:20:00 AM
I've got a Cabelas bivy tent that I'm completely satisfied with.  Having said that, I wouldn't spend a week in it for any amount of money!
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: longbowman on February 29, 2012, 10:24:00 AM
This is the one I use and love it!  2 1/2#, set out of the elements under the fly and when ready to sleep it zips tight and keeps out the bugs!  It's the Cabelas Bivuac tent.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p314/longbowman_bucket/s7_516916_999_01.jpg)
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Beanbag on February 29, 2012, 10:59:00 AM
One thing to keep in mind is the size of the foot print to keep the tent up. Last year in CO we were on a ridge at 12000 and did not have a lot of room to work with. My Tarp tent was a pain to set up. My son and brother got their solitares up in minutes. They were able to tuck in between the trees and rock s with little fuss. Needless to say I picked up one up when we got back. Just a thought
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Milk River Stickman on February 29, 2012, 01:52:00 PM
for about another $75 you could get a go-lite shangri-la 5 (teepee type shelter) used...yes it's a "5 man", but wait...by rule, it would really be a 2 to 3 man...floorless, which has it's benefits, a pile of room in side for everything in your hunt, sets up fast as heck, and is one sturdy shelter...I have used it on elk hunts, I'll try and find some pics...the best thing is that it weighs less than two pounds and packs down to zilch...I can stand up in the middle depending on how close I pitch it to the ground-I'm 5'9" 165...problem is that GoLite used to sell just the tent/fly, with a nest or tub seperate, but now they only sell the package...however, a GoLite Shangri-la 5 just sold on Flea bay last week for $227...I like it, and you can get a stove sleeve sewed in it and take along a pack stove...nice, warm, and dry if you end up needing it.... GoLite.com, but check out the rest of the internet for just a flysheet...they only come in green now, but I have a bamboo which is nice for light...my two bits
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: BobinTN on February 29, 2012, 02:52:00 PM
Appy Trails 5 man tent $120. Weighs 2 lbs.  It makes a great one man tent. Roomy and you can sit up or kneal in it.

It does not have a floor.  It has one pole or you can use a hiking stick/unstrung longbow or hand apex from above.

I bought mine last year and used it 8 days in Colorado.  I was very happy.

For price versus function, I don't think it can be beat.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Ranger44 on February 29, 2012, 03:30:00 PM
I have the Eureka spitfire 1 and used it in a CO wilderness area hunt a couple of years ago.  I'm 5'11" and was about 225 pounds at the time.  I had enough room for my daypack inside and my bow(wheelie type) and boots were in the vestibule which is quite small.  I spent three nights in it, moved locations and spent another three nights in it.  I was not too bad.

I was concerned with weight and price when I purchased it.  I'm still not sure if the extra weight of my two man Cabelas XPG is worth it for the extra room.  It's all trial and error.  I'll most likely add a tarp the next time I use it.

Not to criticize but I have no idea how Tater was at 2 pounds with both the tent and the tarp since the tent is over two pounds by itself.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Milk River Stickman on February 29, 2012, 03:39:00 PM
Here's my GoLite Shangri-La 5 on a MT elk hunt...

(http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/milkriverstickman/card10-3-11doublesmaybe016-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: texbow2 on February 29, 2012, 03:47:00 PM
If bad weather is a possibility, I would always choose a 2/3 man and try to save a few ounces somewhere else. It may be just me, but I would go bonkers in I had to lay in a one man all day during a storm
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Milk River Stickman on February 29, 2012, 03:56:00 PM
I agree with texbow2
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Milk River Stickman on February 29, 2012, 04:01:00 PM
Boy, for the money, I am going to have look hard again at the Appy Trails Mark V...good call Bob!  Hmmmm...I just got over the pack tent bug and was going on to other things...thanks a lot!
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Brock on February 29, 2012, 04:47:00 PM
I was in the same boat as you and opted with a Mountain Hardwear LightPath 3.  Though rated as three person it is really only big enough for two people to be comfortable but I use it for single hunting trips as it allows me to bring my gear inside the tent and only use the vestibule for my boots and muddy/dirty things.

Amazon has some good prices as do others online

  Mountain Hardwear Light Path 3 For Sale (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=mountain+hardwear+lightpath+3&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=3761381708259330143&sa=X&ei=BplOT4SbAqGM4gTK1_2MAw&ved=0CH8Q8wIwAA)  


it is a 3 season tent....it is very light...very easy to set up with external aluminum poles that use quick clips...no threading or snaking poles in middle of storm or in dark to set up.  You can also use it with JUST the rain fly and footprint as an extreme lightweight shelter.  it all folds up in sack about size of loaf of bread or smaller...and is the best all around tent I have used in 30 years.  I have had it in snow...torrential downpours and thunderstorms....and on beach at Carolina Beach with 35 mph winds gusting to over 50mph using sand stakes.  I highly recommend it as a best buy for the money and they have an exceptional warranty as well.

The Mountain Hardwear LightPath 3 is usually a $250 tent plus footprint but like I said can find it online cheaper many times.  The 2 person model would also be a very light and well built option.

   (http://www.backcountryedge.com/images/PRODUCT/large/mountain_hardwear-lightpath-3-2011.jpg)


Here is pic of model I own...the blue and white one..older version of same model.
You can see the deep vestibule for gear...
  (http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2401/2474750360_20f56ce03f_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Karl Kortemeier on February 29, 2012, 05:28:00 PM
Check out Kifaru or SeekOutside shelters.  They both have small bivy style tarps that are bomb proof. Their stuff is expensive, but it will last a very long time, and it is made in the USA. I have a 6 man seekoutside tipi and thier breakaway tarp for solo stuff.  I have Kifaru's parastove that fits inside the breakaway tarp.  It is a bit more weight (I cook on it so no stove), but there is nothing like having a hard day hunting then starting up the stove and basking in heat in your t shirt while your wet clothes dry out.  I don't think I can ever go back to a standard tent after a small heated bivy shelter.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: greenbear on February 29, 2012, 05:42:00 PM
I too would agree with a "backpacker" two person tent.  There is a little more room inside for your gear that you want to have at hand, and the weight would probably only top off around three pounds or so.  The two major types to look into would be the two poles at either end of the shelter (like the 'hardwear shown above, or the classic Sierra Designs "Clip Flashlight).  The downside to these is they need to be staked and guylined out.  This can be troublesome depending on the type of terra firma under foot.  The other would be with two poles that cross each other- these tend to be a bit heavier, but are free standing, and typically offer more interior space- much more beneficial in the even of inclement weather.

A true bivy will be just enough to cover your sleeping bag with a hoop around your head to keep the bugs and rain at bay.  If that is what you truly want, there a few for the price much better than "Outdoor Research".

I too would echo the notion to crawl inside of a few before you decide.  If you can stay in a lean-to/three wall, a bivy may actually work best.  If you are in the open/ under the sky- go with a light-weight two man.  Carrying the extra weight will be very worth it.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Tater on February 29, 2012, 05:52:00 PM
Ranger 44,
    I have had that tent for about 10 years it has aluminum poles and I believe the information when I bought the tent says 1 pound 8 ounces, I replaced the original stakes with some titanium ones.
 I could be mistaken but I am pretty sure that is correct?
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: BowsnLabs on February 29, 2012, 06:10:00 PM
I have an Integral Designs Salathe bivy.  I've spent 3 weeks (three trips) in CO in this above 10K ft in early September and I can highly recommend it.  I would recommend a tarp if the weather is forecast to be wet but generally that time of year you don't have to worry too much about rain (or snow)...if you're lucky.  

As others have said, if you don't mind carrying lightweight 2-person that is nice too, but it is also nice to be able to lay your bivy out under the stars and fall asleep.  I almost never zip it all the way closed if the weather is dry.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: finkm1 on February 29, 2012, 07:51:00 PM
Just got a sale flyer from Cabelas. They have a Trekker bivy tent in the bargain cave for $29.99.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Knotter on February 29, 2012, 09:28:00 PM
I have the integral designs microbivy + a tarp if it gets real nasty.  My whole sleep setup comes in at just over 4 lbs  and cost $450 cdn.   Would you consider a bivy sack?

THe microbivy in pretty simple bivy sack.  No extras - just a big e-vent chocolate bar wrapper with a draw cord.

for what its worth you only carry the tent when you go in and out of the spot so it might be worth it to have the comfort of a tent.  Depends on the type of hunt you plan to do.  If you can place the tent centrally in the hunting area as such that you can get back to camp every night the tent would work.  If you're roaming long distances and you want to go light - the bivy sack is the way to go. -my preference is to roam.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Kevin Hansen on February 29, 2012, 09:57:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Karl Kortemeier:
Check out Kifaru or SeekOutside shelters.  They both have small bivy style tarps that are bomb proof. Their stuff is expensive, but it will last a very long time, and it is made in the USA. I have a 6 man seekoutside tipi and thier breakaway tarp for solo stuff.  I have Kifaru's parastove that fits inside the breakaway tarp.  It is a bit more weight (I cook on it so no stove), but there is nothing like having a hard day hunting then starting up the stove and basking in heat in your t shirt while your wet clothes dry out.  I don't think I can ever go back to a standard tent after a small heated bivy shelter.
Agree X10! I know the price tag of most of the Kifaru gear is more than your stated range, but the Kifaru gear is well worth it. Initially I wasn't sold on a floorless shelter...until I tried one. Now I would never go back to a shelter with a floor. Also, as Karl stated, having the warmth of a stove at the start and end of each day is a HUGE plus. I don't think you would ever regret going the Kifaru route...bomb proof, USA made, continual product R&D, great customer service. They have lots of different shelter options.Check them out at:  www.kifaru.net (http://www.kifaru.net)
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: gvdocholiday on March 01, 2012, 08:56:00 AM
This is the setup I plan on getting.  I like how the inner next segment makes a square inside the tarp.  

I plan to get a stove hole insert from TiGoat and install it in the Vestibule area.  Will be a great shelter when during the buggy months with the inner wedge nest and a great shelter during the non buggy months with the use of the stove.  Plus it's size to weight ratio is excellent.

  Nemo Pentalite 4 (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=1&cts=1330609978200&ved=0CDcQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DexZ1y3xx5Ss&ctbm=vid&ei=Mn9PT-iKH83lggeQ343xDQ&usg=AFQjCNG7WyQx1xtHVtYStPT-w-wYJW7fZg&sig2=_Z52JIf2FWRAb8H71BS4Gw)
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Glunt on March 01, 2012, 09:21:00 AM
That 1 man in the Cabelas flyer is basically disposable.  A buddy used one on a high country muley hunt a couple years ago and it was done after 3 days.

If a guy was only going once, the price is right, but be prepared for a couple 2:00AM repair sessions in the wind and rain.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: monterey on March 01, 2012, 10:21:00 AM
Kinda of to the side of the original thread, but if you do decide to use a tarp of any kind, this is a great reference on the various configurations possible.   http://www.equipped.org/tarp-shelters.pdf
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: wvtradbow on March 01, 2012, 12:17:00 PM
Here's another good guy to deal with,I had him modify a GoLite 5,great products at a good price..  http://www.bearpawwd.com/index.html
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Ranger44 on March 01, 2012, 12:58:00 PM
Ranger 44,
I have had that tent for about 10 years it has aluminum poles and I believe the information when I bought the tent says 1 pound 8 ounces, I replaced the original stakes with some titanium ones.
I could be mistaken but I am pretty sure that is correct?

Tater, I wish I had read your specs first before reading mine and I would feel a lot better.  :)   Mine says 2 pounds 12 oz.  LOL  Now I am going to have to go weigh it.  The titanium stakes would cut some weight.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Shane C on March 01, 2012, 07:01:00 PM
I have the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1. Weighs in at 2.3oz online. Will have to check actual weight when I get home plus footprint. After research between a bivy and and an actual tent I went with a tent. Too claustraphobic in a bivy. At least for me.
I got it as a gift for Christmas so I haven't actually used it yet but all the reviews I've seen for it are great. Definitely looking forward to giving it a try. Don't buy one full price because I know you can find a sale at REI or somewhere between now and this fall.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Tim in Wa. on March 01, 2012, 07:04:00 PM
Kifaru Para Tarp would be within you're budget and at 11 oz. its hard to beat,even better would be a Super Tarp little more $ but later when you have more $ you can ad an annex and stove.Once you have a heated shelter there is no going back
Tim
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: anw0625 on March 01, 2012, 10:02:00 PM
What "gvdocholiday" said the nemo tents are top notch!  The only big difference with them than BA is a little more head room.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: Glunt on March 02, 2012, 12:58:00 AM
I like alot of the stuff at that Bearpaw link.  Turns out they are 10 miles from me.
Title: Re: Bivy tents?
Post by: fnshtr on March 11, 2012, 03:30:00 PM
I had commented earlier about the Eureka Solataire bivy... a good, inexpensive choice for one person. I also mentioned taking a tarp along for a little room for inclement weather.

After reading this thread, I started looking around and found a Mountain Hardwear tent like one poster suggested. I found one called the Drifter 3 (3 person tent) and bought it.

I really like the "pitch light option"... that is; using only the footprint and the fly for a light two man set up. My son and I will be using it come September (elk). Used in the pitch light mode it only weighs 3 lb. 13 oz. with enough room for our bows/quiver/arrows/boots/packs... and enough room to sit up in and cook if necessary. For less than $200 we are set.

Isn't this a great place for info.???????

Thanks for all the comments.