I do find Bivvy camping is a bit claustrophobic. However I did use a DD Tarp last time in a pyramid configuration and then stuck my Dutch army hooped Bivvy inside. More sheltered and with a gap underneath the tarp there wasn't too much condensation. I think tent camping is more for me overall though. I like the protection of a tent and a decent ground sheet/room to move around. Plus Bivvy tents, especially the ex army ones, are quite heavy often. Great video. Loved the location. 👍⛺
Cheers dan. Yeah the verdict is still out on bivvy. I like the thought of trying a totally open one in the summer though. Maybe, we'll see. Cheers for watching 👍
It's shocking that some companies will make stuff up to push their products. Thank you, Michael, for an honest review. It's good to know. Well done on your first bivvy camp. All good experience.
Thanks Rachel. I'm going to do a side by side cold test against a thermarest with a digital Bluetooth thermometer between me and the mat and compare them. Will be interesting to see the results. And I'm not totally ruling out a bivvy. Maybe in the summer on a clear night when I don't need the tarp 😬👍
I think setups do just need to be specific to conditions and applications at the time. I tried a hooped bivi mid summer: boiling and claustrophobic. And the night I did it mosquitoes were hatching out the ground around me 🙄 I love a hammock all year but there’s a lot of bulk in bags and quilts at this time of year I’m not convinced on a fully enclosed single skin tent like lanshan for moist British winter conditions. But I want an affordable sub 2kg winter setup. I am going to try a DD Superlight tarp tent/plowpoint and basic Alpkit bivi bag setup myself at some point over the festive break. I had the tarp but got the bag on Black Friday. Less bulk and more discreet then a hammock setup in bare winter woodland. Inspired by all the EastAnglianBushcraft videos
Yeah the bivvy is certainly better for stealth and I'm not a fan of single skin tents. Saying that I love my Lanshan all year round but maybe not up a mountain. I'd like to try the BA bivvy in the summer with no tarp on a clear night but need to find somewhere high away from the mozzies.
What a stunning spot, absolutely magical, I bet it's even better in Spring! I always bivi camp when rain is forecast, i suffer with claustrophobia so to me there's nothing worse than being trapped in a tent as it lashes down outside, a bivi and tarp opens everything up even if I have to contend with slugs and the occasional curious dog walker. Great video, as always 👍
@@NoviceWildCamper I haven't braved a hooped bivi, I don't think i'd last 5 m minutes in one of those 🤣 I use a basic one and configure the tarp according to the wind
Definitely bot for everyone, though i love it. I use the terra nova jupiter, with wild sky gear reflective dyneema mat under my sleep mat and down sleeping bag. Never really had an issue with condensation. But definitely need a tarp also in the winter. I can set up in roughly same time it takes to set up my lanshan. Pack size is negligible, though it depends where im camping as to what set up i use. But to be fair, off the back of your vids, i have got into hammock camping, i have never been so warm in winter while using snugpak cocoon! Toasty!
I enjoy winter bivy camping in winter, no bugs and lots of stars is a big plus. Got to be able to breath out of the bivy somehowx so a non hooped probably works best during winter.
Yeah I kept the top completely open as I found it too claustrophobic. I think in winter a bigger tarp would help but I think I'll try a British army goretex bivvy with no tarp in the summer 👍
I’ve tried a bivvy and tarp but found I prefer my tent. It’s actually lighter to carry too. Great video, really enjoyed it - you have a new subscriber.👍 Also, on your ridge line issue, find a small stone, put it under the tarp and then tie a line around the tarp, holding the stone inside (like a little packet) and then use another prusik knot from that line to your ridge line.
Thanks Mark. Much appreciated. Yes I knew about that option with the stone but just didn't think about it till someone else said the same 🤣🤦♂️ and yes, I prefer tent. More stable, better protection and can be lighter 👍
Cheers Jim. Yeah I think I'll try it again in warmer months. The torch is awesome. Wuben are really snapping at O Lights heals. They're sending me 2 more out and I'm going to do a 4 torch comparison vid. One of them is insane 👍
Sorry if it's been said already, but you could have scrunched the edge of the tarp around a pebble / a 1p coin / acorn etc and used a prusik with a loop to hold the tarp tight to the ridge line.
Hi just found your channel really enjoyed what I’ve seen pleas could you send a link for the 16mm lanshan pole as I can’t find one anywhere thanks I’m looking forward to going through all your content cheers
Thanks Anthony much appreciated. The guy that was making the poles on ebay has disappeared. There are other companies that make them now if you search or check on ali express as you often find them on there. Sorry I can't be of any more help 👍
You always have the best torches. Normally I put the mat inside the bivvy. When I say normally I mean once, and by once I mean 30 seconds because I punctured my SIM getting in it 🙃 hopefully this camp hasn't put you off bivvies the BA Gortex one is better anyway 😉. South Brent is very close to where I grew up in Buckfastleigh. Lots of places to camp there.
I tried my mat in both bivvies. Couldn't move once they were inside, way too tight. I might try it again in the summer with a BA gortex one and no tarp 👍
I also saw Lone Wolf 902's review on that gear doctors mat last year and bought one for over £100 only to find out it has zero insulation in it and I was freezing in -1°C
@@NoviceWildCamper I sent mine back straight away... I was well p*ssed off at Lone Wolf for that, I don't even think he tested it himself as you never saw it in any of his videos after his 'review'
So, regarding that whole insulation thing, ASTM is an international American set of "standards". Flash testing is a "method" used within a standard. Its specifically for calculating diffusivity or how heat propogates through a material. R values are more concerned with resistance of conduction through a mass. Choosing that method on a pad to calculate R is different to calculate R in a sleep bag. Idealy manufacturers should state R values according to a specific standard and its equivalent. A metric R value of 1 is equal to 5.7 US, so for any brand to just state an R value is not good enough so I am glad you queried that. When trying to asess sleep bags, reviewers will inadvertently give the wrong impression as to its capability and forget to mention what they were wearing, (not you) and outside/inside temperatures. Going to sleep in just thermal long johns will render a different opinion I am sure. ...Apologies to anyone I just managed to bore the arse of.
😂 cheers. Not bored. Totally agree. Clothing will make a real difference so what.i did was compare this mat to my.other mats with what I wear and it certainly wasn't as warm as my 2R value mat that is astm rated. They should introduce a global measuring scheme and all stick to it to save the hassle of working out what the real thermal values are. Makes sense to me buy doubt it will happen as nations can never agree on the same thing.
@@NoviceWildCamper Yes you did, another great video and very much gave me an understanding of your situation. R values are complicated but the formulas are the same, where it gets confused is it the total value which then can be stated as U value and then which method of measurement, Sleep bags are the worst I find to do what it states on the label.
Also when you mentioned making a tent from a tarp "why not just buy a tent " buy a good enough tarp and it will do it all so no need to also buy a tent haha. Don't get me wrong I like tents but where's the fun in that 😂 tarps cover it all 👍👌
Yeah what I meant was if you're gonna have a tarp and a bivvy inside that then weighs as much if not more than a tent then why not get a tent 🤷🏼♂️ I feel that a bivvy should be best used in summer with no tarp where you can enjoy the stars and feel that much closer to nature. I'll try it again in the summer but stick to my hammock and tent for winter 👍
I have had Alpkit Hunka for about 6 years or so its a great bit of kit so bought their Elan which is similar to the Snugpak Stratosphere but I can't get on with it, I just feel to claustrophobic in it. The Elan is a bit lower I think and as a big lad it's tricky to get comfortable in it. I'd much rather use my Hunka with a small DD Superlight tarp. I have been using the Snugpak Ionosphere which is a small bivvy type tent, in fact I was out in a 50 mph storm in Wales recently with it and its brilliant to be honest.
Yeah a friend of mine has the ionosphere that's why I got mixed up at the beginning. Too many spheres 🤣 I like the look of the hunka xl, I've also been lent a BA goretext bivvy and was gonna try that out in the summer without a tarp on a clear dry night. Reckon that would be awesome. 👍
@@NoviceWildCampermines a Hunks XL, I reckon I am a similar height and build to yourself and would recommend it. I've also used it to bolster a sleeping bag performance in a tent because they weigh next to nothing and pack up small in their own sack built into the foot box. I also have the larger DD Superlight which is an odd 3.0 X 2.9m but it's got 19 tie off points, weighs next to nothing and packs up small. I bike pack a bit so it's ideal where weight and space is a premium. Something I have from Snugpak that's rarely mentioned is their Antarctic Blanket which is meant to be used as part of a sleep system. It doesn't look much but its brilliant for keeping you warm, I use mine with a 3/4 close cell mat . Can't beat Snugpak for no nonsense value for money stuff, I am quite fond of their gear.
I have a 1980s Survival Aids Gortex Bivvy Bag bought when I was in the British Army, With a Poncho/ Tarp Ive never had Condensation, I always made sure never to close the bivvy up for breething in, Looking at your setup your tarp is to small and too low, that why you had a lot of condensation, I wouldnt use a bivi on its own, You need overhead shelter for personal admin, Also if its raining you put up your tarp as fast as possilble once you have shelter you can set your camp up, Regarding a Sleep mat, Get one that has a R rating, But worth saying everyone has a difference tolerance to cold, When I was a young man in the Army the issue mat was fine, today the one I use is the Nemo Tensor insulated mat, just to add I also carry a cell foam mat as extra insulation and back up if the air mattress fails.
I have a thermarest x therm with 6.9r value as well but just wanted to test this one that was sent to me. Mainly to show people to be careful when looking at R value and making sure they get ASTM rated ones. In regard to the tarp, I couldn't really have it higher as it would give no overhead protection if it rained. Its too small to be honest but i may try a BA goretex bivvy that I've also got in warmer weather. 👍
Well done fellor. A tarp camp is not everybody's idea of a night out. Hope you opt for another go at it. ....tarping in the warmer months are a great way to get max enjoyment for the outdoors 😎👍
I've had at least 6 or 7 bivvy bags over the last 20 years of various types and the snugpak you're using as a standalone dive in and go to sleep shelter is pretty good, I've used it in foul weather in the Peak District and its totally waterproof, I even woke up pitched in standing water and it didn't leak, but as with all bivvies you risk getting wet getting in and out. If you go down the tarp and bivvy route you have a dry admin area to cook etc, you could get a British army surplus bivvy and basha shelter sheet for 70 quid and try it out, a silnylon tarp and the alpkit hunka would be lighter if that's a real issue but more pricey obviously, the army and the hunka bivvies both breathe reasonably well in my experience.
Cheers buddy. I also have a BA Goretex bag someone has lent me so I might tryit out in the summer on a clear dry night with no tarp. Be a mice experience I reckon. Cheers for the comment and notes 👍
@@NoviceWildCamper the army bivvy is a nice roomy bag, I used one in the north York moors for a 3 day trip and had moderate rain one night, had a slightly damp face due to the drawstring closure not being watertight but the inner bag stayed dry with no condensation issues.
@@NoviceWildCamper I'm 6'2 and about 18 stone so mat out otherwise there's no room for my sleeping bag to loft properly, I use a foam roll mat and a 120cm self inflating pad in summer and in the winter I use the therm-a-rest x therm, it's amazingly warm and comfortable and the only airbed I haven't managed to pop (yet)
I use a Thermarest mattress with an R rating of 6.9 which I love. I’m 6’6” and 118kg. The thermarest works great for me. I sometimes use a DD super light 2.9 x 3 tarp with a Tyvek ground sheet and a Tyvek bivi bag. As I hike with a dog I need to consider him as well. My weaknesses are cooking stoves and torches!
Yeah that's my thoughts. I've never tried a bivvy camp but people keep saying I need to. Not sure it's for me but I might try it again in the summer with a British army goretex open front bivvy with no tarp. We'll see.
Cut the mat open and shame them bet nothing in there at all ! Told ya bivvy was tight and works best if your mat is inside plus compression of the down renders it less effective Go DD plough point it and it’s a different game but never will be lighter than a tent Well done for giving it a go 👍👍
Cheers col. Yeah there was no way I could fit inside with a mat. Couldn't move when I tried it. I might do that with the mat but may try a freezing garden camp and measure the temp different between it and my new thermarest.
Seems the bivvy bag, tarp and sleeping mat you used were not up the ask, Think you would enjoy it much better with more appropriate gear - see Wildbeare's channel, for example.
Well done popping your bivvy cherry 😁 I do love bivvying. . Get yourself a couple of tarp clips then you can add or remove or move your tie out points. A good reason you got wet out was that you were camping so close to the river, lots of moisture in the air. If you get hot in a bivvy you will sweat and then end up cold.
That's definitely a possibility. I do have some crocodile tarp clubs actually that i used to help with a flappy tent some time back but didn't think to bring them 👍
Them bivvi bags are great but I'm only 5.10" if the matt is too thick then that's going to cause you some problems I've had myself and my large dog in mine with it zip up bivvi bag camping is a great way to camp definitely try it again with a thinner mat you would probably be better off in a British Army bivvi they are massive you can fit yourself and ya kit in one be happy to loan you one to test out just pm me atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍
Cheers Jimmy but I've actually got one. I did poll on which one to take and the Snugpack one it. I tried the mat inside both and I couldn't move so defo couldn't have one inside but I might try the BA gortex one in the summer with no tarp. 👍
@@NoviceWildCamperdidn't see the poll bivvi bags can be a nightmare if the mat and sleeping bag is too big especially during winter months I normally hammock during winter if I haven't got a shelter to sleep in the dd supperlight tarp is a cracking bit of kit and pack's down small you said you might get one definitely recommend it by the way congratulations on ya subs 😎😎👍👍
@@NoviceWildCamper ye just seen a forecast possible snow coming for the north I'm out Sunday hammock camp and got two subscribers coming should be a good laugh have a good one 😎😎👍👍
Well i was gonna say ive got a good bin bag sorry i mean bivvy for sale at the mo but having watched to the end im sort of thinking you might not be interested. 😂😂😂
I do find Bivvy camping is a bit claustrophobic. However I did use a DD Tarp last time in a pyramid configuration and then stuck my Dutch army hooped Bivvy inside.
More sheltered and with a gap underneath the tarp there wasn't too much condensation.
I think tent camping is more for me overall though. I like the protection of a tent and a decent ground sheet/room to move around. Plus Bivvy tents, especially the ex army ones, are quite heavy often.
Great video. Loved the location. 👍⛺
Cheers dan. Yeah the verdict is still out on bivvy. I like the thought of trying a totally open one in the summer though. Maybe, we'll see. Cheers for watching 👍
Many thanks. That's half a dozen dubious entries I can happily strike off my to-do list. 👍👍👍
😂 glad I can be of assistance 👍
It's shocking that some companies will make stuff up to push their products. Thank you, Michael, for an honest review. It's good to know. Well done on your first bivvy camp. All good experience.
Thanks Rachel. I'm going to do a side by side cold test against a thermarest with a digital Bluetooth thermometer between me and the mat and compare them. Will be interesting to see the results. And I'm not totally ruling out a bivvy. Maybe in the summer on a clear night when I don't need the tarp 😬👍
Excellent review and great information. Some of the best reviews are the ones that find the truth in equipment. This is one of them.
Thanks buddy. Got to be truthful on these things. I'll be testing it out more though just to make sure the bivvy had no part in it not being warm 👍
I think setups do just need to be specific to conditions and applications at the time.
I tried a hooped bivi mid summer: boiling and claustrophobic. And the night I did it mosquitoes were hatching out the ground around me 🙄
I love a hammock all year but there’s a lot of bulk in bags and quilts at this time of year
I’m not convinced on a fully enclosed single skin tent like lanshan for moist British winter conditions. But I want an affordable sub 2kg winter setup.
I am going to try a DD Superlight tarp tent/plowpoint and basic Alpkit bivi bag setup myself at some point over the festive break. I had the tarp but got the bag on Black Friday.
Less bulk and more discreet then a hammock setup in bare winter woodland. Inspired by all the EastAnglianBushcraft videos
Yeah the bivvy is certainly better for stealth and I'm not a fan of single skin tents. Saying that I love my Lanshan all year round but maybe not up a mountain. I'd like to try the BA bivvy in the summer with no tarp on a clear night but need to find somewhere high away from the mozzies.
What a stunning spot, absolutely magical, I bet it's even better in Spring!
I always bivi camp when rain is forecast, i suffer with claustrophobia so to me there's nothing worse than being trapped in a tent as it lashes down outside, a bivi and tarp opens everything up even if I have to contend with slugs and the occasional curious dog walker.
Great video, as always 👍
Cheers Paul. Yeah it's a stunning spot, one of my faves. Oddly I found the bivvy more claustrophobic than my tents 🤣
@@NoviceWildCamper I haven't braved a hooped bivi, I don't think i'd last 5 m minutes in one of those 🤣 I use a basic one and configure the tarp according to the wind
Will give this a watch on my break later on mate look forward to it. Atb Wullie 🏴✊🏻🏴
Cheers Wullie 👍
Definitely bot for everyone, though i love it. I use the terra nova jupiter, with wild sky gear reflective dyneema mat under my sleep mat and down sleeping bag. Never really had an issue with condensation. But definitely need a tarp also in the winter. I can set up in roughly same time it takes to set up my lanshan. Pack size is negligible, though it depends where im camping as to what set up i use. But to be fair, off the back of your vids, i have got into hammock camping, i have never been so warm in winter while using snugpak cocoon! Toasty!
Cheers David. I'm out in the hammock tonight giving a proper test of the onewind down underquilt. Should get to minus 4 at least 👍
I enjoy winter bivy camping in winter, no bugs and lots of stars is a big plus. Got to be able to breath out of the bivy somehowx so a non hooped probably works best during winter.
Or just keep it open
Yeah I kept the top completely open as I found it too claustrophobic. I think in winter a bigger tarp would help but I think I'll try a British army goretex bivvy with no tarp in the summer 👍
I’ve tried a bivvy and tarp but found I prefer my tent. It’s actually lighter to carry too. Great video, really enjoyed it - you have a new subscriber.👍 Also, on your ridge line issue, find a small stone, put it under the tarp and then tie a line around the tarp, holding the stone inside (like a little packet) and then use another prusik knot from that line to your ridge line.
Thanks Mark. Much appreciated. Yes I knew about that option with the stone but just didn't think about it till someone else said the same 🤣🤦♂️ and yes, I prefer tent. More stable, better protection and can be lighter 👍
Bivvy mid summer is nice, in the winter not a chance. Like the look of that little torch, impressive output for its size. 👌👌
Cheers Jim. Yeah I think I'll try it again in warmer months. The torch is awesome. Wuben are really snapping at O Lights heals. They're sending me 2 more out and I'm going to do a 4 torch comparison vid. One of them is insane 👍
Love an honest review - R values can be so dodgy unless independently verified. Another quality post. Keep up the good work. Love that torch too!
Cheers Angus. Keep an eye out for the full torch comparison video. One of them is insane 👍
@@NoviceWildCamper it's good then that I've "Liked, Subscribed and clicked Notifications!" Keep it up big fella!
Cheers buddy 👍
Sorry if it's been said already, but you could have scrunched the edge of the tarp around a pebble / a 1p coin / acorn etc and used a prusik with a loop to hold the tarp tight to the ridge line.
No, no one has said that but yes I must admit I'd forgotten about that trick. Thanks for the reminder 👍
Hi just found your channel really enjoyed what I’ve seen pleas could you send a link for the 16mm lanshan pole as I can’t find one anywhere thanks I’m looking forward to going through all your content cheers
Thanks Anthony much appreciated. The guy that was making the poles on ebay has disappeared. There are other companies that make them now if you search or check on ali express as you often find them on there. Sorry I can't be of any more help 👍
Another entertaining video.. glad you enjoyed your bivvy camp and warm sleep mat 😂
Yeah was awesome. Doing it again tomorrow 😂
Nice one mate well done.
Keep thinking about a tarp but bought a oex Phoxx1 think that’s as small as I can cope with.
Atb Graham
😂 a DD 3x3 can make for a spacious set up but it begs the question why not just use a tent 🤷🏼♂️
@@NoviceWildCamper
Exactly mate 😄
You always have the best torches. Normally I put the mat inside the bivvy. When I say normally I mean once, and by once I mean 30 seconds because I punctured my SIM getting in it 🙃 hopefully this camp hasn't put you off bivvies the BA Gortex one is better anyway 😉. South Brent is very close to where I grew up in Buckfastleigh. Lots of places to camp there.
I tried my mat in both bivvies. Couldn't move once they were inside, way too tight. I might try it again in the summer with a BA gortex one and no tarp 👍
Not yours of course as I'll send that back soon 😂👍
I also saw Lone Wolf 902's review on that gear doctors mat last year and bought one for over £100 only to find out it has zero insulation in it and I was freezing in -1°C
Yeah I think its bull. Dont think I'll be ruining a camo by testing it out further. Maybe a garden test.
@@NoviceWildCamper I sent mine back straight away... I was well p*ssed off at Lone Wolf for that, I don't even think he tested it himself as you never saw it in any of his videos after his 'review'
Yeah wondering if he got paid to do it 🤷🏼♂️
@@NoviceWildCamper more than likely... I take his 'reviews' with a pinch of salt now
So, regarding that whole insulation thing, ASTM is an international American set of "standards". Flash testing is a "method" used within a standard. Its specifically for calculating diffusivity or how heat propogates through a material. R values are more concerned with resistance of conduction through a mass. Choosing that method on a pad to calculate R is different to calculate R in a sleep bag. Idealy manufacturers should state R values according to a specific standard and its equivalent. A metric R value of 1 is equal to 5.7 US, so for any brand to just state an R value is not good enough so I am glad you queried that.
When trying to asess sleep bags, reviewers will inadvertently give the wrong impression as to its capability and forget to mention what they were wearing, (not you) and outside/inside temperatures. Going to sleep in just thermal long johns will render a different opinion I am sure. ...Apologies to anyone I just managed to bore the arse of.
😂 cheers. Not bored. Totally agree. Clothing will make a real difference so what.i did was compare this mat to my.other mats with what I wear and it certainly wasn't as warm as my 2R value mat that is astm rated. They should introduce a global measuring scheme and all stick to it to save the hassle of working out what the real thermal values are. Makes sense to me buy doubt it will happen as nations can never agree on the same thing.
@@NoviceWildCamper Yes you did, another great video and very much gave me an understanding of your situation. R values are complicated but the formulas are the same, where it gets confused is it the total value which then can be stated as U value and then which method of measurement, Sleep bags are the worst I find to do what it states on the label.
Also when you mentioned making a tent from a tarp "why not just buy a tent " buy a good enough tarp and it will do it all so no need to also buy a tent haha. Don't get me wrong I like tents but where's the fun in that 😂 tarps cover it all 👍👌
Yeah what I meant was if you're gonna have a tarp and a bivvy inside that then weighs as much if not more than a tent then why not get a tent 🤷🏼♂️ I feel that a bivvy should be best used in summer with no tarp where you can enjoy the stars and feel that much closer to nature. I'll try it again in the summer but stick to my hammock and tent for winter 👍
I have had Alpkit Hunka for about 6 years or so its a great bit of kit so bought their Elan which is similar to the Snugpak Stratosphere but I can't get on with it, I just feel to claustrophobic in it. The Elan is a bit lower I think and as a big lad it's tricky to get comfortable in it. I'd much rather use my Hunka with a small DD Superlight tarp. I have been using the Snugpak Ionosphere which is a small bivvy type tent, in fact I was out in a 50 mph storm in Wales recently with it and its brilliant to be honest.
Yeah a friend of mine has the ionosphere that's why I got mixed up at the beginning. Too many spheres 🤣 I like the look of the hunka xl, I've also been lent a BA goretext bivvy and was gonna try that out in the summer without a tarp on a clear dry night. Reckon that would be awesome. 👍
@@NoviceWildCampermines a Hunks XL, I reckon I am a similar height and build to yourself and would recommend it. I've also used it to bolster a sleeping bag performance in a tent because they weigh next to nothing and pack up small in their own sack built into the foot box. I also have the larger DD Superlight which is an odd 3.0 X 2.9m but it's got 19 tie off points, weighs next to nothing and packs up small. I bike pack a bit so it's ideal where weight and space is a premium. Something I have from Snugpak that's rarely mentioned is their Antarctic Blanket which is meant to be used as part of a sleep system. It doesn't look much but its brilliant for keeping you warm, I use mine with a 3/4 close cell mat . Can't beat Snugpak for no nonsense value for money stuff, I am quite fond of their gear.
Cheers ill have a look at that 👍
I have a 1980s Survival Aids Gortex Bivvy Bag bought when I was in the British Army, With a Poncho/ Tarp Ive never had Condensation, I always made sure never to close the bivvy up for breething in, Looking at your setup your tarp is to small and too low, that why you had a lot of condensation,
I wouldnt use a bivi on its own, You need overhead shelter for personal admin, Also if its raining you put up your tarp as fast as possilble once you have shelter you can set your camp up, Regarding a Sleep mat, Get one that has a R rating, But worth saying everyone has a difference tolerance to cold, When I was a young man in the Army the issue mat was fine, today the one I use is the Nemo Tensor insulated mat, just to add I also carry a cell foam mat as extra insulation and back up if the air mattress fails.
I have a thermarest x therm with 6.9r value as well but just wanted to test this one that was sent to me. Mainly to show people to be careful when looking at R value and making sure they get ASTM rated ones. In regard to the tarp, I couldn't really have it higher as it would give no overhead protection if it rained. Its too small to be honest but i may try a BA goretex bivvy that I've also got in warmer weather. 👍
After watching this, I dont think the Bivvy is for me. I like the comfort of a tent too much . Fair play for doing it in this weather. 👏
I'm with you on that one 😂 I may try it again in the summer. Clear night with no tarp. Might be nice.
Well done fellor.
A tarp camp is not everybody's idea of a night out.
Hope you opt for another go at it.
....tarping in the warmer months are a great way to get max enjoyment for the outdoors 😎👍
Cheers Chris. I think I'd give it another bash in the summer maybe........ we'll see 👍
A DD Hammocks 3x3 tarp with a British Army bivvi bag is the best combo 💯%
Yeah looking at the dd one. I've got a British army bivvy but need to send it back to the guy I borrowed it from. Might buy one next year.
Although saying that, it would be heavier than my lanshan then 🤷🏼♂️😂
I've had at least 6 or 7 bivvy bags over the last 20 years of various types and the snugpak you're using as a standalone dive in and go to sleep shelter is pretty good, I've used it in foul weather in the Peak District and its totally waterproof, I even woke up pitched in standing water and it didn't leak, but as with all bivvies you risk getting wet getting in and out.
If you go down the tarp and bivvy route you have a dry admin area to cook etc, you could get a British army surplus bivvy and basha shelter sheet for 70 quid and try it out, a silnylon tarp and the alpkit hunka would be lighter if that's a real issue but more pricey obviously, the army and the hunka bivvies both breathe reasonably well in my experience.
Cheers buddy. I also have a BA Goretex bag someone has lent me so I might tryit out in the summer on a clear dry night with no tarp. Be a mice experience I reckon. Cheers for the comment and notes 👍
@@NoviceWildCamper the army bivvy is a nice roomy bag, I used one in the north York moors for a 3 day trip and had moderate rain one night, had a slightly damp face due to the drawstring closure not being watertight but the inner bag stayed dry with no condensation issues.
Yeah itbfelt roomy but not with my mat inside. What did you do? Mat inside or out?
@@NoviceWildCamper I'm 6'2 and about 18 stone so mat out otherwise there's no room for my sleeping bag to loft properly, I use a foam roll mat and a 120cm self inflating pad in summer and in the winter I use the therm-a-rest x therm, it's amazingly warm and comfortable and the only airbed I haven't managed to pop (yet)
I use a Thermarest mattress with an R rating of 6.9 which I love.
I’m 6’6” and 118kg. The thermarest works great for me. I sometimes use a DD super light 2.9 x 3 tarp with a Tyvek ground sheet and a Tyvek bivi bag. As I hike with a dog I need to consider him as well.
My weaknesses are cooking stoves and torches!
They are genetically modified mosquito for company only
😂 maybe
I find it easier to bring a light waight tent instead. Or, just camp under a leantu.
Yeah that's my thoughts. I've never tried a bivvy camp but people keep saying I need to. Not sure it's for me but I might try it again in the summer with a British army goretex open front bivvy with no tarp. We'll see.
Hello, when will you shoot our knife video🙂
Hi. I have a long list of videos and products to review. I will get to it.
@@NoviceWildCamper Okay, thank you, looking forward to your video, we are working together on September 1
Was that torch bit shot on your phone of GoPro?
Phone. Gopro doesn't pick up the light so well.
@@NoviceWildCamper good to know. I want a torch that will pick up on the GoPro as GoPro's are crap in the dark 🤣
Wait for my upcoming torch video. It will blow your mind 😂 just waiting for them to turn up.
@@NoviceWildCamper 👍
Cut the mat open and shame them bet nothing in there at all ! Told ya bivvy was tight and works best if your mat is inside plus compression of the down renders it less effective
Go DD plough point it and it’s a different game but never will be lighter than a tent
Well done for giving it a go 👍👍
Cheers col. Yeah there was no way I could fit inside with a mat. Couldn't move when I tried it. I might do that with the mat but may try a freezing garden camp and measure the temp different between it and my new thermarest.
@@NoviceWildCamper that will be interesting, never think a mat works well underneath a bivvy as the sides are exposed to the cold air 🤷♂️
Seems the bivvy bag, tarp and sleeping mat you used were not up the ask, Think you would enjoy it much better with more appropriate gear - see Wildbeare's channel, for example.
But the snugpack has to be one of the most popular one out there 🤷🏼♂️
Well done popping your bivvy cherry 😁 I do love bivvying. . Get yourself a couple of tarp clips then you can add or remove or move your tie out points.
A good reason you got wet out was that you were camping so close to the river, lots of moisture in the air. If you get hot in a bivvy you will sweat and then end up cold.
That's definitely a possibility. I do have some crocodile tarp clubs actually that i used to help with a flappy tent some time back but didn't think to bring them 👍
Them bivvi bags are great but I'm only 5.10" if the matt is too thick then that's going to cause you some problems I've had myself and my large dog in mine with it zip up bivvi bag camping is a great way to camp definitely try it again with a thinner mat you would probably be better off in a British Army bivvi they are massive you can fit yourself and ya kit in one be happy to loan you one to test out just pm me atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍
Cheers Jimmy but I've actually got one. I did poll on which one to take and the Snugpack one it. I tried the mat inside both and I couldn't move so defo couldn't have one inside but I might try the BA gortex one in the summer with no tarp. 👍
@@NoviceWildCamperdidn't see the poll bivvi bags can be a nightmare if the mat and sleeping bag is too big especially during winter months I normally hammock during winter if I haven't got a shelter to sleep in the dd supperlight tarp is a cracking bit of kit and pack's down small you said you might get one definitely recommend it by the way congratulations on ya subs 😎😎👍👍
Cheers buddy. Im hammocking tomorrow night, supposed to get down to minus 4, looking forward to it. 👍
@@NoviceWildCamper ye just seen a forecast possible snow coming for the north I'm out Sunday hammock camp and got two subscribers coming should be a good laugh have a good one 😎😎👍👍
Nice. Never get snow down here 🙄 well, not proper snow anyway. Have fun 👍
Next to that water not ideal for condensation.
Yeah bit inside the bivvy though. Shouldn't really affect it there. Who knows.
Feels too exposed to me. Like a body bag. Tent for me every time. Nice job though - great video.
Cheers buddy. Not sure it's for me either but I may try it again in the summer without a tarp if its a clear dry night. 👍
Stick to tents 👍
Or hammock 😂👍😂
Nice sit up for a so called amateur....🌲
Cheers Steven. I'd set the bivvy up at home hence knowing the pad wouldn't fit inside but hadn't even opened the tarp 👍
Well i was gonna say ive got a good bin bag sorry i mean bivvy for sale at the mo but having watched to the end im sort of thinking you might not be interested. 😂😂😂
😂 I'm not ruling it out totally. What one you got? Not that double hoop one is it?
@@NoviceWildCamper heck i dont remember what it is. Ill have to look lol its decades ago and bought when they first became a thing. 😂
😂👍
Highlander forces.
Kestrel or hawk?