Thank you so very much for this update. I was very curious how this would stand up in colder temps and over time. I only used mine as a test in my hammock a few times at probably 50 degrees F yet with a high wind (chill) and during the day for naps. And once at night when my sleeping bad just wasnt enough. I was impressed. But I thought i would trash it and tried to keep it for emergencies. We car camp allot so weight isn't an issue but we are really into prepping so I have carried this around probably for ten years, lol. Been watching allot of prep videos as everyone and their brother and now sister is making one with just ridiculous heavy bags, heavy stuff, like huge headlamps, big home style flashlights, big radios, batteries, omg, other tech just insane, gimmicky crap, big clunky water filters...nothing makes sense, and no shelter. A few emergy blankets at best and maybe a trash bag. Shelter is one of the most important things to me....along with water....and maybe some weight lifters protein powder to keep me going. And they pack like bandaids for medical SMH... 😅.
I used one of the OD green SOL bivvy sack this past weekend in Shenandoah NP and I honestly believe it kept me from hypothermia. I awoke at 0430 hours shivering under my wool blanket, woobie and military poncho. After adding the SOL bivvy to my sleep system I stayed very warm the remainder of the night. I ordered a second one from Amazon.
Hey, what was the temperature was when you woke up shivering? I am planning a 3-day trip in southern VA (Mt. Rogers/Grayson Highlands) for late Sept/early Oct I am anticipating night temps to be low 50s, maybe high 40s. I was planning on using this SOL Escape Pro with my Army woobie as a sleep system (over insulating foam pad), with all my clothes on. Do you think that will be warm enough? Thanks.
Just got one of these and I'm really impressed. Can't believe how compact it is. I'm lucky enough that I'm comfortable without the mod and can even fit a lightweight sleeping bag inside. Not fully field tested it as yet but from your video I look forward to having it for many years to come.
I agree. I have 2 and it works awesome but a little on the small side. Especially in the knees and shoulder areas. Toss a hot water bottle or 2 in there for a personal oven. Been using them as my only sleeping gear for 2 months every day. I have one inside the other and it's around zero right now. It's comfortable inside without hot water bottles.
I have the smaller version of the SOL Escape Bivy. The one without the zipper. I ripped out the seam until about 18 in. from the the bottom leaving the footbox in place. I use the modified version as a quilt. I am 6ft. 180 lbs and the modified "quilt" version is plenty big enough for me. I use it year around. Estimate it adds about 10 - 12 F degrees of warmth. In the winter I lay it over my down quilt. It weighs almost nothing and does not compress the down. Also, it helps move the condensation point outside of the down bag helping to keep it dryer in cold weather. I have used it for 2 years. The carrying bag has a small tear that I repaired with duct tape. The "quilt" is just as good as new. For the weight to warmth ratio, I have found nothing better.
This thing is awesome in australia works great as an UL sleep system, in the colder months chuck on a thermal top and im warm enough, im a teen so this thing is awesome for me i can put all my bikepacking bags inside to stop animals getting to my gear.
Great review! I've been looking around for something to use in a hammock other than a sleeping bag and this review answered a lot of the questions I had about this bivy that other videos never answered. Thanks for taking the time to do the review.
great review at a great time. took my system to the max couple weeks back and 10* colder this time. trying a smaller pack as well lol. This is gonna make my craziness work I think, thanks Drew
Yes please, XL in olive drab!! I have an old standard goretex bivi that I never really liked and a really roomy (and expensive) eVent bivi. The extra room makes all the difference, no more fitful nights where I am vaguely aware I am being constricted the whole time. The eVent bivi I have was designed for military to allow rifle and webbing to be stowed in there with you. For emergency use SOL should make it so it can fit 2 people in a pinch.
I appreciate the review I just picked one up from a pawnshop near me for like 20 bucks brand new, I’m hoping to go tested the next week or weekend after.
"...I sweat like a monster any time it's over, like, sixty-five degrees..." Thank you! I thought I was the only one! Everyone around here (I live just outside Buffalo, NY) talks about how they hate winter (I love it) and love summer, especially when it gets into the eighties. Not me. If it's over 70F, I'm a bear. It's very uncomfortable to be standing there with sweat running down your face while everyone around you is dry (LOL). Thanks so much for the updated review. I just watched your original review of this and now I'm off to check out the modifications. I've learned a lot from you - I'm so glad I subscribed. You'r videos are interesting, informative and fun. I appreciate that more than I can say. I've been camping/kayaking/hiking on my own for many years (I'm 51) because there's no one in my life who's into it like I am. Everything I've learned about it has come from either trial and error (lots of error) or from good people like you. I'm truly enjoying watching my way through all your vids. Many thanks - be blessed!
I'm right there with you guys. I'll take the cold over the heat any day. You can always put more on but there's only so much you can take off. I absolutely prefer temps around 65 tops and lower. Much more comfortable. Nice review, well done.
Good review. Just bought the Blizzard Bag and am interested to see how it works out. As a large/tall hiker, the BB has plenty of room for me and is 12.5 oz once removed from the packaging.
I used one in conjunction with a Eastern Mountain Sports DownTek Mountain Light 0 degree bag back in Alaska at -30 F with just base layers on and I was toasty. Great piece of gear. I will need to try the mod so I fit in that a bit better my shoulders are always too tight against the sides.
I like your Pizza mod. I too am surprised how good it is for the weight/cost. I'm only 155/5'9, but I'm planning to do the mod to add an extra "ground sheet" to protect my inflatable pad, and provide some wiggle room. I plan to use a lightweight tarp as well as dew is a problem with Bivys in general.
"The Mora knife of sleeping bags" Lol Yeah I'd have to agree with you on that. I have the OD green version of this and love it. I would also like to see SOL make an XL version. I found that if I have a 20 degree quilt (Hammock Gear) in this it just doesn't work, as the small size compresses the loft of the bag. A 40 degree quilt works better. (For temps below freezing)I like your mod you did, very good idea. I'm thinking Tyvek might also be a good for increasing the room inside.
S.O.L. makes a lot of bright orange escape bivvy bags, and I've only found one that is in the green color. I like the green, but it only seems to come in one style option. I don't like the orange, and that is why I haven't purchased a new one... even though I would like to try some of the other styles that S.O.L. offers. I would like to get one that is OD green and zips further down than the green one that I have (like one that zips at least to the shin or knee, rather than stopping at my belly button). Also... the hood and face closure don't stay in place, so I wear a bug net to bed when I use it "cowboy" style. I like it other than those issues, and I've slept right on the ground with it.
It's popular in orange because it's really made to use in an emergency not as regular gear. The orange helps a search and rescue party/person to more easily find you.
My experience with the SOL Escape Bivy was not good. I spent two nights in this thing recently, it was cold but above freezing approx 45F I sweat like a stuck pig and wasn’t cold sleeping with just my clothes and the bivy. It was wet inside in the morning, to the point I had to hang it in the sun to dry out. Had the temps been colder, sweating like that I would have froze. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thx.
Bull I have carried one of these along with a wool blanket and poncho liner in my day pack while elk hunting for just in case slept in mine and it ripped apart
Thanks for your great review! I'm prepping for a thru hike of the AT with a hammock. Unfortunately, I'm in Florida which is making it really hard to prep for the cold weather. I was planning on using the escape bivy lite (I'm only 5'4") + a silk liner + a snugpack jungle blanket + a reflectix underquilt (homemade). I tend to sleep pretty warm and don't sweat very much. I was wondering if you think the extra layers can get this down to an occasional night in the teens. Also, do you know if the compression layers need to go on the inside of the bag? I was thinking of putting the silk liner on the inside of the bivy and the blanket on the outside, resting on top of me (I find the blanket is plenty large for me fold in half and still place on top of me). Anywhos, lots of questions, but thanks for the video! I would have thought 30's would be too optimistic for this bag even with warm base layers. Ideally I can bribe the local costco or something to let me try this out in one of their walk-in freezers.
Rachel Poulos I think with the blanket and liner, and your clothes, you could be ok...but no guarantees...everyone sleeps differently. You'll probably need a puffer jacket as well
Im looking into getting one of these to replace my old British Army bivy bag, so thanks for the info. One question though. What are the dimensions when unpacked? I have a injured shoulder and lost quite a bit of movement, so I find getting into bivy bags hard if they are a bit tight. How wide is the opening of the bag and how narrow does it get? Cheers!
if I were you, I would get the 2Go Systems Trifecta. it's quite a bit roomier, and the new one had waterproof zippers and tie outs to use as a shelter or blanket. The Trifecta is 36 or 37" wide. The SOL is probably 30"
It's now 2019 and just seeing this... but anyway, check out Titans line of e gear... they have sizes and even a camo color... I'd be interested in ur opinion on their bivvy bag or whatever kind of bag you choose.
Would this work as a sleeping bag for hammock camping? I wouldn't use it below 50°. I'm trying to find something that packs down smaller than a sleeping bag.
Great video. I 'm only 5'9" and 190 not round just stocky lol. do you think I'd need the mod??? I camp primarily in the everglades for the past 10yrs in a hammock and now the "Grand Trunk Skeeter Beater Pro". Looking for a lightweight sleeping setup have mainly just used a fleece liner as a main bag due to the fact it rarely dips below the 50's even in jan, feb. looking for some thing with less moisture absorbing qualities. As you may guess its always humid when I was new to it used a normal sleeping bag when I returned to my camp after a hunt i returned to a soaking 20lb puddle of a bag. Lol
+The Harris Family Team Harris You would be better off getting the 2 Go Systems Trifecta...its basically a bigger version of this. Same Materials, and more versatile.
great video!! Thanks for this, I may get it now because of it! haha fyi there is XL on their site. 84 by 60 inches! :) also may be a stupid question but if you had another thermal blanket that fit you etc etc would you be ever warmer if you used both at same time? is that recommended ever??
I'm really interested in this sleep system but they are sold out at the moment. As you probably know V2 Trifecta is coming out. Just wondering if your thinking of reviewing that anytime soon? Just curious about what modifications were made. Thanks for the videos.
Great video! I bought mine because of you. Unfortunately I haven't used it yet due to my foot problems. Having met me do you think I should modify it? Also, I got it for a winter liner and warm season UL bag. Do you recommend it for a liner in winter? Lastly, you say it in your other video but make sure you get the $50 model that breathes. the $40 one doesn't. Love this video! Now that's a review. Hehe thanks!
+Sinfonian Barelytone I think it would be great to use as a liner. Perfect in fact. You might not need to modify it. I think you would be ok, but it would be personal preference. If it feels to tight, the mod is easy enough to do.
Looks good. I want to get one of those and see how it fits. me. I'm guessing it would work okay for my size but put your mod vid on Watch Later. Have a nice weekend.
How well does the reflective material hold up over time and with constant rubbing and folding/unfolding? The reason I ask is because I have the SOL emergency blanket and the reflective coating on that has already began to wear off after only 5 uses.
This is a different material and the reflective material holds on for a long time. I have put a lot of time in this thing (about 30 nights) and it's still good.
Very good video!!! Just wondering if you have a video on the modification you did? I'm very wide across the chest and can't zip my bag but only a few inches. Really love your videos and you've shown me you don't have to spend a fortune to go light. I've cut my weight by 15# in the last year down from 50#. Thanks Brother!!!
johnny lesley awesome! I do have a video on it, but a better option would be to check out the 2 Go Systems Trifecta. It's way roomier and has a waterproof zipper, and can be used as a shelter
love your chanel but need some advice. love the SOL bivy and will do the mod. I love hammocks but the cold air on my back kills me. are you doing anything special to beat this problem. love winter camping but had to go to the ground so my back doesn't knot up. Love to see what you think
+George Bortnick Sure. I went from the SOL to the 2 Go Systems Trifecta because its much larger and versatile. I Use a sleeping pad like you would on the ground and that stops all the wind. When its really cold I use a piece of reflectix and a self inflating therm a rest. My winter gear list lays it all out, and I show it in another video.
There is an xl 2 person on sol's website. Have you tried it. Is it the same as yours but 60" wide. Not sure if it is the same material. A review would be great on that one. Thanks for the great videos thus far.
Hey Sparks, just an FYI, the XL you're seeing on the website is not the same. It's an emergency bivvy but it's not breathable and you will get condensation.
what rateing of a down sleeping bag would you suggest to pair up with this bivy on a 20 degree night? granted I'll be wearing warm clothes in the bivy as well?
with clothes and the bivvy, I would be more than warm with a 45-50 deg bag, but having more then you need heat wise is always a good thing...so maybe a 35-40
I am thinking about buying this bivvy and a liner to go with it. Could this serve as a lightweight alternative to a sleeping bag? Also, can you recommend any liners around $30.
+Richard Johnson a bivvy is defined as a small shelter. It has a few meanings, but that is the most simple one. I use it as an ultralight sleeping bag because this one reflects your heat back to you. A bivvy can also be put over a sleeping bag to add water resistance or extra protection.
So it's adequate right on top of the hammock? That would be nice not to have to put a pad in the hammock to keep the back warm. I usually put a car sun visor down for that but it's very uncomfortable.
Do you think the hydroscopic sprays would waterproof this bivy? To those that are unfamiliar, hydroscopic sprays are the spray on water repellent that makes water bead up and roll off of just about abything, and never allows for soakage.
I'm thinking about picking one of these up for a backpacking trip this weekend. Supposed to be around 34 degrees for the low. Would this bivvy and a lightweight mummy bag be good enough for Hammock camping for one night?
I do and have a underquilt I made with a poncho liner. I'm just trying to avoid a heavy And bulky sleeping bag. Thanks for the help and I really enjoy your channel.
Strife Survival Sure but that with only the bivy but im gonna use it over my 35Fsleeping bag for extra warmth and thats why im asking if he Thinks i would be ok with the bivy over the sleeping bag in 20F.
I think at that point you're relying on your bag more so. So the temperature is less relevant to the bivy. The weather would be more so what you'd be concerned with since this bivy isn't full waterproof, you can get wet still. So consider the rain.
Maybe with a tarp shelter? I'm not sure, I'm currently trying to figure out the same thing. I hear people say its too small and compresses your sleeping bag so it might not be the best option.
Travis sturzl I always sleep inside wooden windbreak's that the local county place at nice places here in Sweden so im always on dry ground and has protection from wind. Trying to figure out a good spring/summer/fall configuration :P
+RevHiker Funny, I was just pondering their company name the other day and thinking how it would make more sense to just be called "Survive Outdoors", because "Survive Outdoors Longer" kind of implies that you're still going to die out there, you just get to spend a bit of time wrapped up in some reflective plastic before the inevitable! It makes a lot more sense to me if it is an attempt at a positive play on an old well known pessimistic acronym.
i have the emergency bivy..im suprised this escape bivy lasted so many uses and still going.. ive never had to use my emergency bivy but i like that it small and can even fit in the seat compartment on my snowmachine. in my sidepocket of my day pack..useful to have in Alaska.. id try the escape for normal camping packing use but i got my eye on the Outdoor Research ultralight bivy for some time now.
Thanks for the "long term" review. Makes it much nicer when you have an idea how it's going to be after a year or two. Thanks!! Ax
Thank you so very much for this update.
I was very curious how this would stand up in colder temps and over time.
I only used mine as a test in my hammock a few times at probably 50 degrees F yet with a high wind (chill) and during the day for naps. And once at night when my sleeping bad just wasnt enough. I was impressed. But I thought i would trash it and tried to keep it for emergencies.
We car camp allot so weight isn't an issue but we are really into prepping so I have carried this around probably for ten years, lol.
Been watching allot of prep videos as everyone and their brother and now sister is making one with just ridiculous heavy bags, heavy stuff, like huge headlamps, big home style flashlights, big radios, batteries, omg, other tech just insane, gimmicky crap, big clunky water filters...nothing makes sense, and no shelter. A few emergy blankets at best and maybe a trash bag.
Shelter is one of the most important things to me....along with water....and maybe some weight lifters protein powder to keep me going.
And they pack like bandaids for medical SMH... 😅.
I used one of the OD green SOL bivvy sack this past weekend in Shenandoah NP and I honestly believe it kept me from hypothermia. I awoke at 0430 hours shivering under my wool blanket, woobie and military poncho. After adding the SOL bivvy to my sleep system I stayed very warm the remainder of the night. I ordered a second one from Amazon.
Hey, what was the temperature was when you woke up shivering? I am planning a 3-day trip in southern VA (Mt. Rogers/Grayson Highlands) for late Sept/early Oct I am anticipating night temps to be low 50s, maybe high 40s. I was planning on using this SOL Escape Pro with my Army woobie as a sleep system (over insulating foam pad), with all my clothes on. Do you think that will be warm enough? Thanks.
Thank you for the long term use review. Finally some real world review points. Appreciate you putting in the time.
thanks!
Just got one of these and I'm really impressed. Can't believe how compact it is. I'm lucky enough that I'm comfortable without the mod and can even fit a lightweight sleeping bag inside. Not fully field tested it as yet but from your video I look forward to having it for many years to come.
I agree.
I have 2 and it works awesome but a little on the small side.
Especially in the knees and shoulder areas.
Toss a hot water bottle or 2 in there for a personal oven.
Been using them as my only sleeping gear for 2 months every day.
I have one inside the other and it's around zero right now.
It's comfortable inside without hot water bottles.
Any pad underneath you at all?
I have the smaller version of the SOL Escape Bivy. The one without the zipper. I ripped out the seam until about 18 in. from the the bottom leaving the footbox in place. I use the modified version as a quilt. I am 6ft. 180 lbs and the modified "quilt" version is plenty big enough for me. I use it year around. Estimate it adds about 10 - 12 F degrees of warmth. In the winter I lay it over my down quilt. It weighs almost nothing and does not compress the down. Also, it helps move the condensation point outside of the down bag helping to keep it dryer in cold weather. I have used it for 2 years. The carrying bag has a small tear that I repaired with duct tape. The "quilt" is just as good as new. For the weight to warmth ratio, I have found nothing better.
it is great for putting over a regular bag like you're doing. Thanks for watching
I have one and agree it's a great piece of kit!! So much better than using a sweaty crunchy mylar liner. The Mora of sleeping bags!! Agree!!
This thing is awesome in australia works great as an UL sleep system, in the colder months chuck on a thermal top and im warm enough, im a teen so this thing is awesome for me i can put all my bikepacking bags inside to stop animals getting to my gear.
Love the update! It's actually held up really well. The Mora of sleeping bags, haha, that's so true. I gotta get one of these! Thanks!
+Armed Rogue haha thanks for watching!
Great review! I've been looking around for something to use in a hammock other than a sleeping bag and this review answered a lot of the questions I had about this bivy that other videos never answered. Thanks for taking the time to do the review.
+gothmog40 Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching
How do you like it in the hammock? I was thinking the same thing
great review at a great time. took my system to the max couple weeks back and 10* colder this time. trying a smaller pack as well lol. This is gonna make my craziness work I think, thanks Drew
Haha glad this was helpful
"The Mora of sleeping bags"
I like that. : )
I think it's a great product .
And winter is very close !
+PREPFORIT haha yep. This is a great piece of gear. Glad you enjoyed it.
Yes please, XL in olive drab!! I have an old standard goretex bivi that I never really liked and a really roomy (and expensive) eVent bivi. The extra room makes all the difference, no more fitful nights where I am vaguely aware I am being constricted the whole time. The eVent bivi I have was designed for military to allow rifle and webbing to be stowed in there with you. For emergency use SOL should make it so it can fit 2 people in a pinch.
+ce4130 That would be great! I think they could def make one that idbigger but still has an affordable price tag
I appreciate the review I just picked one up from a pawnshop near me for like 20 bucks brand new, I’m hoping to go tested the next week or weekend after.
Morakniv of sleeping bags = great analogy!
Great review! You touched on all critical points and love love the fact that you did a long term review
thanks!
Excellent review. Many thanks. I was impressed to see that this will hold up for more than a couple of nights. You may have 'converted' me.
Biscuits9mm thanks!
Use Tyvek for the mod, it breathes better.
Super helpful video! Thanks friend.
"...I sweat like a monster any time it's over, like, sixty-five degrees..." Thank you! I thought I was the only one! Everyone around here (I live just outside Buffalo, NY) talks about how they hate winter (I love it) and love summer, especially when it gets into the eighties. Not me. If it's over 70F, I'm a bear. It's very uncomfortable to be standing there with sweat running down your face while everyone around you is dry (LOL).
Thanks so much for the updated review. I just watched your original review of this and now I'm off to check out the modifications. I've learned a lot from you - I'm so glad I subscribed. You'r videos are interesting, informative and fun. I appreciate that more than I can say. I've been camping/kayaking/hiking on my own for many years (I'm 51) because there's no one in my life who's into it like I am. Everything I've learned about it has come from either trial and error (lots of error) or from good people like you. I'm truly enjoying watching my way through all your vids. Many thanks - be blessed!
thanks...good to hear from another sweater lol! Gad the channel has helped! Keep hiking!
I'm right there with you guys. I'll take the cold over the heat any day. You can always put more on but there's only so much you can take off. I absolutely prefer temps around 65 tops and lower. Much more comfortable. Nice review, well done.
Thanks this really helped me decide on a purchase
Great video! Clear and straight to the point.
Good review. Just bought the Blizzard Bag and am interested to see how it works out. As a large/tall hiker, the BB has plenty of room for me and is 12.5 oz once removed from the packaging.
Nice. ..I haven't seen those before. I'm interested to know how you like it
I want to know when this thing finally breaks please do an update when it does
Thanks for this vulnerable review !
I second the XL size. Really appreciate a long term review.
diycentral if you're looking for an XL, check out the 2 Go Systems Trifecta
I was just about to order the Escape but I will check that out first since I like space to move. Thanks!
RevHike
Your videos make me want to get into ul keep it up man love your show
I used one in conjunction with a Eastern Mountain Sports DownTek Mountain Light 0 degree bag back in Alaska at -30 F with just base layers on and I was toasty. Great piece of gear. I will need to try the mod so I fit in that a bit better my shoulders are always too tight against the sides.
+Jared Skitt Wow! Thats pretty cool. It really is perfect as another layer for super cold temps. Thanks for watching
Good video, thanks for sharing the information with us.
How much noise does it make? Like when you’re sleeping, does it wake you up?
If you use it as a sleeping bag cover in a tent or tarp shelter it's great.
Fantastic real world review. Thanks a lot!
Thanks!
Great video! Looking at this for bikepacking!
I like your Pizza mod. I too am surprised how good it is for the weight/cost. I'm only 155/5'9, but I'm planning to do the mod to add an extra "ground sheet" to protect my inflatable pad, and provide some wiggle room. I plan to use a lightweight tarp as well as dew is a problem with Bivys in general.
Great review! Been trying to decide on which one to go with. Side note- Your hair and beard are on point as well! 😂 take care!
Lol thanks!
Great information! Thank you!
He has the Fox logo, the Honda Wing and an epic beard all within 4 inches of each other---"Critical Meltdown Possible"!
+Eurotrash4367 haha
thanks for great information and honesty too !! blessings!!
You're welcome! God bless
"The Mora knife of sleeping bags" Lol Yeah I'd have to agree with you on that. I have the OD green version of this and love it. I would also like to see SOL make an XL version. I found that if I have a 20 degree quilt (Hammock Gear) in this it just doesn't work, as the small size compresses the loft of the bag. A 40 degree quilt works better. (For temps below freezing)I like your mod you did, very good idea. I'm thinking Tyvek might also be a good for increasing the room inside.
S.O.L. makes a lot of bright orange escape bivvy bags, and I've only found one that is in the green color. I like the green, but it only seems to come in one style option. I don't like the orange, and that is why I haven't purchased a new one... even though I would like to try some of the other styles that S.O.L. offers. I would like to get one that is OD green and zips further down than the green one that I have (like one that zips at least to the shin or knee, rather than stopping at my belly button). Also... the hood and face closure don't stay in place, so I wear a bug net to bed when I use it "cowboy" style. I like it other than those issues, and I've slept right on the ground with it.
It's popular in orange because it's really made to use in an emergency not as regular gear. The orange helps a search and rescue party/person to more easily find you.
I agree this bag works great but I'm a thick guy n it's tight on me. An extra wide or extra large size would be much appreciated.
My experience with the SOL Escape Bivy was not good. I spent two nights in this thing recently, it was cold but above freezing approx 45F I sweat like a stuck pig and wasn’t cold sleeping with just my clothes and the bivy. It was wet inside in the morning, to the point I had to hang it in the sun to dry out. Had the temps been colder, sweating like that I would have froze. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thx.
Bull I have carried one of these along with a wool blanket and poncho liner in my day pack while elk hunting for just in case slept in mine and it ripped apart
The Titanic sank on it's maiden voyage. Nothing is invincible.
Great videos. Have you tried the newer SOL Escape Pro Bivvy?
Does this have a footbox to prevent the end of the Bivy from compressing the Down at the foot of my sleeping bag?
Thanks for your great review! I'm prepping for a thru hike of the AT with a hammock. Unfortunately, I'm in Florida which is making it really hard to prep for the cold weather. I was planning on using the escape bivy lite (I'm only 5'4") + a silk liner + a snugpack jungle blanket + a reflectix underquilt (homemade). I tend to sleep pretty warm and don't sweat very much.
I was wondering if you think the extra layers can get this down to an occasional night in the teens. Also, do you know if the compression layers need to go on the inside of the bag? I was thinking of putting the silk liner on the inside of the bivy and the blanket on the outside, resting on top of me (I find the blanket is plenty large for me fold in half and still place on top of me).
Anywhos, lots of questions, but thanks for the video! I would have thought 30's would be too optimistic for this bag even with warm base layers. Ideally I can bribe the local costco or something to let me try this out in one of their walk-in freezers.
Rachel Poulos I think with the blanket and liner, and your clothes, you could be ok...but no guarantees...everyone sleeps differently. You'll probably need a puffer jacket as well
Rachel Poulos
How did this set up work for you on the AT?
I’m am contemplating something similar for the AT this summer/ fall.
Thank you very much
You apparently have the breathable Sol bivy ... Not the smaller one that's made out of regular mylar which is condensation City
Did you sleep in the bag with any other layer inside? What kind of layer?
Im looking into getting one of these to replace my old British Army bivy bag, so thanks for the info. One question though. What are the dimensions when unpacked? I have a injured shoulder and lost quite a bit of movement, so I find getting into bivy bags hard if they are a bit tight. How wide is the opening of the bag and how narrow does it get?
Cheers!
if I were you, I would get the 2Go Systems Trifecta. it's quite a bit roomier, and the new one had waterproof zippers and tie outs to use as a shelter or blanket. The Trifecta is 36 or 37" wide. The SOL is probably 30"
Can you tell me a little about your sleep system? Ground tarp? Pad? Above 35degrees NO sleeping bag or quilt??? Just some sleeping clothes? Thanks!!!
nice keep them coming
+van hill Thanks!
Watched a few reviews on this bag but your 30 night test sold it for me. As an emergency compact bag it seems to tick all the boxes!
+Bushcraft1974 Its a great bag. It has def. withstood the test of time. Thanks for watching!
It's now 2019 and just seeing this... but anyway, check out Titans line of e gear... they have sizes and even a camo color... I'd be interested in ur opinion on their bivvy bag or whatever kind of bag you choose.
great video, thanks!
+SmokeDiver9311 Thanks for watching!
It would be nice to know what type of insulation clothing you have to wear to use it in cold conditions. P200, P300 jacket and pants? Something else?
I have done the mod and it is much better. I will start testing in the 20 degree area and could I get away without using a pad?
Does Sol have a bivvy with bug screen? For tarp camping.
Would this work as a sleeping bag for hammock camping? I wouldn't use it below 50°. I'm trying to find something that packs down smaller than a sleeping bag.
Great video. I 'm only 5'9" and 190 not round just stocky lol. do you think I'd need the mod??? I camp primarily in the everglades for the past 10yrs in a hammock and now the "Grand Trunk Skeeter Beater Pro". Looking for a lightweight sleeping setup have mainly just used a fleece liner as a main bag due to the fact it rarely dips below the 50's even in jan, feb. looking for some thing with less moisture absorbing qualities. As you may guess its always humid when I was new to it used a normal sleeping bag when I returned to my camp after a hunt i returned to a soaking 20lb puddle of a bag. Lol
+The Harris Family Team Harris You would be better off getting the 2 Go Systems Trifecta...its basically a bigger version of this. Same Materials, and more versatile.
great video!! Thanks for this, I may get it now because of it! haha fyi there is XL on their site. 84 by 60 inches! :)
also may be a stupid question but if you had another thermal blanket that fit you etc etc would you be ever warmer if you used both at same time? is that recommended ever??
+Marc Julien yes, 2 is warmer than 1. I now use the 2 go systems trifecta in a double configuration for winter and its great
I'm really interested in this sleep system but they are sold out at the moment. As you probably know V2 Trifecta is coming out. Just wondering if your thinking of reviewing that anytime soon?
Just curious about what modifications were made.
Thanks for the videos.
+Wyatt Powell I am hoping to get one of the next generation trifectas to try out...I will certainly review it if I get one!
Great video! I bought mine because of you. Unfortunately I haven't used it yet due to my foot problems. Having met me do you think I should modify it? Also, I got it for a winter liner and warm season UL bag. Do you recommend it for a liner in winter? Lastly, you say it in your other video but make sure you get the $50 model that breathes. the $40 one doesn't. Love this video! Now that's a review. Hehe thanks!
+Sinfonian Barelytone I think it would be great to use as a liner. Perfect in fact. You might not need to modify it. I think you would be ok, but it would be personal preference. If it feels to tight, the mod is easy enough to do.
Looks good. I want to get one of those and see how it fits. me. I'm guessing it would work okay for my size but put your mod vid on Watch Later. Have a nice weekend.
thanks! have fun, it's def worth the money
Is this a good option to sleep without a tent? just out in the open.
Is your bag the breathable material?
So this thing is worth a 40* bag by itself? Sounds worth every penny.
Your standard use was with or without a sleeping bag?
without
How well does the reflective material hold up over time and with constant rubbing and folding/unfolding? The reason I ask is because I have the SOL emergency blanket and the reflective coating on that has already began to wear off after only 5 uses.
This is a different material and the reflective material holds on for a long time. I have put a lot of time in this thing (about 30 nights) and it's still good.
sig415 My bivy (floor side) is 10- 15% gone
Very good video!!! Just wondering if you have a video on the modification you did? I'm very wide across the chest and can't zip my bag but only a few inches. Really love your videos and you've shown me you don't have to spend a fortune to go light. I've cut my weight by 15# in the last year down from 50#. Thanks Brother!!!
johnny lesley awesome! I do have a video on it, but a better option would be to check out the 2 Go Systems Trifecta. It's way roomier and has a waterproof zipper, and can be used as a shelter
Thanks ! Will do.
love your chanel but need some advice. love the SOL bivy and will do the mod. I love hammocks but the cold air on my back kills me. are you doing anything special to beat this problem. love winter camping but had to go to the ground so my back doesn't knot up. Love to see what you think
+George Bortnick Sure. I went from the SOL to the 2 Go Systems Trifecta because its much larger and versatile. I Use a sleeping pad like you would on the ground and that stops all the wind. When its really cold I use a piece of reflectix and a self inflating therm a rest. My winter gear list lays it all out, and I show it in another video.
There is an xl 2 person on sol's website. Have you tried it. Is it the same as yours but 60" wide. Not sure if it is the same material. A review would be great on that one. Thanks for the great videos thus far.
Hey Sparks, just an FYI, the XL you're seeing on the website is not the same. It's an emergency bivvy but it's not breathable and you will get condensation.
what rateing of a down sleeping bag would you suggest to pair up with this bivy on a 20 degree night? granted I'll be wearing warm clothes in the bivy as well?
with clothes and the bivvy, I would be more than warm with a 45-50 deg bag, but having more then you need heat wise is always a good thing...so maybe a 35-40
RevHiker sounds great, thank you!!
You have any problems with the reflective costing on the inside of the bivy?
Luke Metallic nope. I have been surprised at how well it has held up actually. Pretty tough stuff
You mean bivy only no sleeping bag of liner?
I am thinking about buying this bivvy and a liner to go with it. Could this serve as a lightweight alternative to a sleeping bag? Also, can you recommend any liners around $30.
+Matt Sprinkle I use it as a sleeping bag. I dont use a liner though...I just wear my clothes
+RevHiker Ok, thank you
Forgive my ignorance, but is a bivvy like an ultra-light alternative to a sleeping bag or in addition to a sleeping bag?
+Richard Johnson a bivvy is defined as a small shelter. It has a few meanings, but that is the most simple one. I use it as an ultralight sleeping bag because this one reflects your heat back to you. A bivvy can also be put over a sleeping bag to add water resistance or extra protection.
Where is your link to the add-on material with which you did your bag mod?
+Jim Piper www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=sol+utility+blanket&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=92989835920&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17470661713797129833&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_9nbiymv8ag_e
+RevHiker Thanks!
7 years on, any new observations?
Do you find it necessary to use an under quilt or pad with this when hammock camping in mid 30 temps?
camman1925 I assume extra clothes with cold temps. I don't own an underquilt
So it's adequate right on top of the hammock? That would be nice not to have to put a pad in the hammock to keep the back warm. I usually put a car sun visor down for that but it's very uncomfortable.
I use a pad as well. I use reflectix or I use a therm-a-rest
Do you think the hydroscopic sprays would waterproof this bivy? To those that are unfamiliar, hydroscopic sprays are the spray on water repellent that makes water bead up and roll off of just about abything, and never allows for soakage.
+Kainius The Great absolutely. They would work very well on this.
+Kainius The Great I believe you mean "hydrophobic".
LOL! I absolutely meant hydrophobic...hydroscopic...why did I type that?
But wouldn't a hydrophobic spray cancel out the breathability of this product?
No, DWR retreatment should not affect the breathability,@@CampingwithBarb
I'm thinking about picking one of these up for a backpacking trip this weekend. Supposed to be around 34 degrees for the low. Would this bivvy and a lightweight mummy bag be good enough for Hammock camping for one night?
as long as you also have a sleeping pad
I do and have a underquilt I made with a poncho liner. I'm just trying to avoid a heavy And bulky sleeping bag. Thanks for the help and I really enjoy your channel.
+Tyler Scoggins cool! thanks for watching!
Or should I wait and order a 2 go system trifecta?
+Tyler Scoggins IMO, the trifecta is better for me. it's bigger, and more versitile
Would I be ok with this bivy over my 35f Western Mountaineering down bag in 20f outside temperatur in a windbreak?
Strife Survival Sure but that with only the bivy but im gonna use it over my 35Fsleeping bag for extra warmth and thats why im asking if he Thinks i would be ok with the bivy over the sleeping bag in 20F.
I think at that point you're relying on your bag more so. So the temperature is less relevant to the bivy. The weather would be more so what you'd be concerned with since this bivy isn't full waterproof, you can get wet still. So consider the rain.
Travis sturzl Im not gonna sleep in wet areas but im thinking if I could use the bivy by its own in summer and the bivy + bag in spring and fall?
Maybe with a tarp shelter? I'm not sure, I'm currently trying to figure out the same thing. I hear people say its too small and compresses your sleeping bag so it might not be the best option.
Travis sturzl I always sleep inside wooden windbreak's that the local county place at nice places here in Sweden so im always on dry ground and has protection from wind. Trying to figure out a good spring/summer/fall configuration :P
Where's the link to the mod to the bag?
+Lazy Man Prepper th-cam.com/video/aPDOejSnjw4/w-d-xo.html
sol survive outdoors longer..but where i come from SOL means shit outta luck...lol I wonder if they have made that connection yet
I'm guessing it was intentional
+RevHiker Funny, I was just pondering their company name the other day and thinking how it would make more sense to just be called "Survive Outdoors", because "Survive Outdoors Longer" kind of implies that you're still going to die out there, you just get to spend a bit of time wrapped up in some reflective plastic before the inevitable! It makes a lot more sense to me if it is an attempt at a positive play on an old well known pessimistic acronym.
lol ^ i never thought of that either..longer..as in not forever..just longer..
i have the emergency bivy..im suprised this escape bivy lasted so many uses and still going.. ive never had to use my emergency bivy but i like that it small and can even fit in the seat compartment on my snowmachine. in my sidepocket of my day pack..useful to have in Alaska.. id try the escape for normal camping packing use but i got my eye on the Outdoor Research ultralight bivy for some time now.
I didn't think the 2 go trifexis was breathable .
+George Bortnick yep. Its made from the same material as the SOL
8 years later and they still haven't come out with a larger version. What a fail.
ltcomment
mid 30s , lower needs thermal liner
wear and tear
how do you handle your wife when she nags at your gears? :D
my wife is pretty awesome about it actually. She let's me get what I need, I let her get what she wants, all within reason.
ahhaha both give and take, i'm happy for you! :)
Why 5 plus minutes of blathering. ..just say what it will do ..all this yapping didn't do me any good...
Dudeareno Rodent and yet you watched it, and spent the time to comment 🤔🤔