Military Surplus Bivi Bags

Anyone got / used one? Its gore tex so don’t really see where it could go wrong other than fit but if a burly buff soldier boy can fit it one, so can I.

Or… other Bivi recommendations? Alpkit all sold out just now 🙁

The bags you speak of can be quite heavy…I think my tent weighs about the same as one! I would’ve recommended the Alpkit ones too, some of the other options are quite a bit dearer.

I’ve got one, on the pus side I’ve woken up dry depite the outside world tuning into a puddle. On the downside they’re not the most compact, I’ve got a tarp which takes up less space.

I have one too, used to be great, leaks like sieve now though, as others have said don’t exactly pack small.

got an old sniper bag, it’s ace can fit loads of gear above your head so all you kit disappears into a cammo tube. Heavier than a ultralight pertex bivi bag, but much better in crap weather. They are also very good for a cheeky Bivi as with a bit of location selection yo disappear from view within a few meters.

You are welcome to have my completely unused Alpkit one in green, as long as you buy me a new one as soon as they arrive from Alpkit.
It’s the normal size (not XL).

Every time I go, I’ve been hammocking instead. But I’d like the option in the future.

Otherwise, those Rab Storms get recommended a bit on here for about £50ish (never used or seen one in the flesh though)

Issue 1. Used may have pin holes that may leak. They can be sealed though. Stuff like Alpkit are some time more like a thin waterproof sleeping bag. Your head is exposed. These are fine for dossing in caves etc but are not nice in rain or snow. Not all do that. The full Goretex ones have a whopping great zip and plenty of room to get a sack in behind your head. You can zip yourself in for the night with these and stoves have been lit as well! Don’t get a half goretx, you can get the real thing as cheap. Yes the Gortex ones are a bit bulkier but mine packs to the size of a proper pint pot.

I have one, they are as dry as you like, but as others have said are a drop too heavy for backpacking / bothy trips

As an alternative go for an Alpkit one

The Rab ones are well considered among climbers/walkers. The equiv to the Alpkit is called Rab Survival Zone I think. Cheap bivis usually only have a simple draw cord closure like a sleeping bag, so if you have the option, get a larger size so you can disappear inside the bag and/or stash kit with you.

BTW, I have an ex military goretex one (drawcord closure) and it’s very good, but as above fairly heavy @ 875gms with stuff sack, heavier than my sleeping bag. I’ve had a few claustrophobic panic attacks when caught up inside, fiddling with the draw cord.

Anyone got a link for the big zipped ones?

Used one many times, downside is the drawstring isn’t the best closure method when it’s hoofing it down!!

Or for keeping midges out

I have one. yes its a bit hefty, but it’s no heavier than my lightweight tent and it has no poles. (my Den2 is 1Kg IIRC)

Super dry, but most important at 6’4″ I have bags of room.

Would have got a hunka but alpkit had a long spell of being out of stock and I couldnt wait. Not disappointed though.

Thanks folks.