Why am I selling my Outdoor Research Helium Bivvy?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2023
- It is time to say goodbye to my Outdoor Research Helium Bivvy, I thought I would love it...
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Buying a bivvy that's not waterproof is insane
Plenty of dry weather to use it in, or just take a lightweight tarp.
No such thing…
Congrats on 4k Kev, hugely deserved.
Thanks Duke! It's been just above and then below again all day! Been working hard all year to hit 4k and really chuffed to reach it.
Looking forward to your review
Thank you for your review. I only use OR Helium bivy as emergency shelter when I do day hikes in the mountains. If something goes wrong, it might save you in a difficult weather. In general, waterproof bivy or not is impractical without tarp. Can't get in or out without making your stuff all wet even in a smallest shower or just wet ground. Helium is really difficult to get into because of the small opening. Crawling backwards on my knees is the only way. I have 2 more bivis(waterproof floor, splash proof top with bug net and half body zip) which I use with flat tarps, poncho tarp and floorless shelters like my Black diamond Beta Light or Luxe Minipeak. It's lightweight setup very adaptable for difficult grounds. I only need to find space big enough for my body and floorless shelter or tarp can be pitched over anything.
Sounds very sensible, as an emergency shelter it would be very good, but I agree, a Bivy without a tarp isn't very practical in rain because of how hard it is to get in and out without getting everything wet.
Thanks Kev. I considered the Helium bivvy as it seemed to tick lots of boxes but I ultimately ended up making my own bivvy bag similar to the robens in this video (based off of the borah gear bivvy). I have found that if i stand my backpack up above my head in the top section of the bivvy bag I can give myself a bit of head room to stop the bug mesh draping - effectively acting as a hoop. Looks like it could also work with the roben bivvy so I recommend giving it a try👌
That's a great idea, keeps the backpack out of the elements and provides a bit of height. I'll definitely give it a try.
Ah, came here right after you initial product overview video. XD Theory vs. practice. :P
Yeah, it's a nice idea but definitely not something I'd want to use again!
thanks Kev I used a bivvy bag many times when I was younger but now I'm getting on a bit I take a tent, the extra weight is worth it, great stuff
Thanks Reece. I think my focus on the weight of my shelter is because I can then justify carrying more camera gear! I think the ultimate will be a really good and light trekking pole tent...
Really good review of the OR Helium bivy - thanks for sharing your experiences! It basically summarises why I opted for the more expensive OR Alpine Ascentshell bivy over it. So far, I've had 6 nights wild camping in it and I actually really love it. It has a couple of disadvantages... it's about 70g heavier and in a slightly less stealthy colour but has the following advantages:
- Hoop design is right at the end of the bivy and slightly higher up so the fabric is completely raised off your face (this was a huge worry for me as nothing frustrates me more). This also applies to the mesh inner... none of it goes near your face if you're on a 2 inch sleeping pad.
- Full length zip means it's very easy to get in and out of.
- The fabric is stunningly breathable. I've had the bivy zipped up with just a 2 inch opening (neatly tucked under a rain flap so nor rain comes in anyway) during prolonged rain all night and there's still only a very small and manageable amount of condensation. Most of the time when I've used it, I zip it most of the way up and there's absolutely zero condensation even on completely still nights. Having come from an Alpkit Elan which has basically zero breathability, this really was a bit of a revelation.
One other thing - I personally can't stand sleeping bags in bivies let alone a sleeping bag liner + sleeping bag + bivy. For me, a quilt is basically a must-have for bivy camping as I hate feeling tangled up inside something that's already quite claustrophobic. I'd really recommend a quilt over a sleeping bag for that reason.
Finally, agree regarding your point on pegging out points... I have a feeling they did this to build some slack into the structure so when you wriggle around, you're not suddenly going to rip a pegging point out as it will have a bit of 'give'. Still frustrating though, I agree.
That does sound a really good alternative, and it sounds as if it actually is breathable! I'll give the Robens a try and see how I get on with it and who knows, maybe I'll pick up your recommendation at some point!
I only use army bivi bags with a tarp if needed. The smallest thing I have is the Snugpak Ionosphere but having the Vango Nitro Lite 200 tunnel tent at 1.48kg there’s no need to go smaller.
Yeah, that's a decent weight for a tent.
Congratulation on 4K Subs, nice video. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, and huge thanks for watching.
I went from OR alpine to a aquaquest hooped bivy. I like it so much I don’t even use my tent anymore
Sounds good, I'll have a look at that.
Love mine,I’ve got the alpine goretex version used in conjunction with rab tarp,good enough down to -15 totally bomb proof set up,recently used for 6 day tour in the Pyrenees,agree with the peg out points,totally brainless decision by OR considering the earlier version had them on each corner.
Nice. I'll be using my new Bivy with a tarp, possibly my Rab Silwing.
I can always sew a loop for you!!
It still wouldn't help me get in it.
Having a tarp over you is always much more comfortable whether the bivy is waterproof or not. Getting in and out is better and a lot drier. The plus side of a bivy with no pole that is waterproof comes through when you have to set up camp quickly especially above tree line. Would not want to set up poled bivy or a tarp for that matter under those conditions. If it is windy enough it may all blow down anyways or the rain will come in sideways and wet you. It will be a long night and it won't be fun but you will survive that ordeal in a waterproof "low profile" (poleless) bivy. Sometimes simple wins out.
@@TheToscanaMan yes, I'm still searching for my perfect Bivy. I think I've found it, but it's expensive...
@@TheWalkingKev thanks for responding. I have a RAB Assault bivy. No hoop and has mesh on end to keep bugs out. An Integral Designs simple bivy. A US Army sleep system bivy (solid but heavy) And a Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy. I am bivied out I guess. All have pros and cons but have served well. Good luck on your search.
@@TheToscanaMan I've been looking at the Sierra Designs one, what's your opinion on that one?
@@TheWalkingKev one of the lightest of the bunch. It's buggy where I live too so the mesh helps. Pretty large entry. I'm 5 foot 8 and 140 pounds which helps. No reason not to carry it on every backwoods day hike in case. Small and light.
@@TheToscanaMan I'll keep an eye out, see if I can find one in a sale.
I've only used my Helium bivvy three times, but I enjoyed all three of those occasions, and I'd say that's because it was absolutely the tool for the job on each of those trips. Those trips offered a variety of challenges including a need to be stealthy, exposure to wine and restricted space to pitch a shelter. I maintain that for the sake of another 500 grams or so (and not necessarily more money), a lightweight 1 man tent offers WAY more comfort and functionality than a bivvy bag. If there's space to pitch a small tent, and if I don't need to be stealthy or to be ultra lightweight, I'll just take a tent rather than using a bivvy bag that's big enough to be more convenient. Also, I used a sleeping bag liner on holiday once as a kid, and will never use one again. Way too much faff for one lifetime 😂 Fair observations in this vid. I think you've highlighted that bivvy bags are fairly inconvenient, but have their uses when the situation is right 👍 I hope the new bag does a better job for you. James.
Do you not find that the tieback things are useless and just seem like a really bad bit of design? I'm not sure who designed that part and thought, 'Yeah, that'll do, it doesn't really work, but hey ho, it's only a £200 Bivy!'
@@TheWalkingKev Yeah I think I've made a few comments about those in my videos too. As you saw, I implemented some plastic clothes pegs on my very first camp with this bivvy because the supplied system is almost a complete failure. The clothes pegs were neat and effective, but it would have been nice if the supplied product had been good out of the packet.
Good points. On the sleeping liner, I do own 2. On the very old one, I learned one thing, avoid being mummified! So ripped it down along the sewing to the knees area on first use. Far better and it still does vast majority of what was needed, keep sleeping bag cleaner and add a touch of warmth. The newer one, a 'posh' silk one, adds more r-value, but as its wider, and only used occasionally for the added R-value, not bothered to do my 'alteration'... or maybe its because it cost a pretty penny :D . ATB
I've bought one for my emergency supplies would u recommend it for that purpose? Or should I just get a tent.
Thanks for your review. I've got the Robens too, and really like it. I haven't found a consistent way of keeping the material off my face. Sometimes a walking pole helps lift it off the face using the cord , but not always. Any ideas? Tim
I've not used it yet. Most of the time I expect to use it with a tarp and a couple of trekking poles so I'll hang it from that.
I also had this bivy. Sold it too. I’m glad I wasn’t the only person having this experience. Had the same issue with getting in…. my stuff was getting wet anyways living in the pacific north west (Vancouver), so I felt I needed to carry a tarp. Once I add the weight of a tarp, I figured I might as well just get a dyneema solo tent. I feel way more sheltered in the rain.
I agree that they needed a way to add tension to the bivy. I was super hot in bivy and had problems getting the fabric off my face properly. I also wish that they had more peg out points around the bivy as well because I kept shuffling the fabric while trying to get in my sleeping bag.
Glad I'm not alone as well! It's supposed to be a solution that doesn't need a tarp, and yet the peg out points and tensioning is so poor. Even to get the door out of the way is pretty much impossible without modification. For an expensive Bivy it just feels unfinished or purposely crippled by bad design.
- I've got a Dutch Army Bivvy... it's an acquired taste and requires additional planning and preparation.
I'm looking for bivis that have side entry. The clamshell just isn't any good really.
@@TheWalkingKev - the DAB is made of Goretex and has a full length side zip 😉
@@sebastianforbes1 is it heavy?
Have you tried the new OR alpine ascent shell? Huge improvement. I sold my helium also after a week long trek in Sierra Nevada Ca. The new one has great door but very tight through the middle.
No, I've got too much gear at the moment. I need to try the Robens Mountain Bivy first. I've now got a pretty light and compact tent as well, which lessons my need for this type of Bivy even more.
Just get a Carinthia Observer plus or XP Two Plus and you will be happy.
I'll check them out, thanks for the recommendations.
I don't use bivi bags anymore, I can't stand the claustrophobic confines of them. The last time I used one was on rimphishorn in the Swiss alps.
I can get on with the small size fine - my AliExpress combo I've used on a couple of camps has been great. It was just getting into the Helium and the terrible design around how you pin the outer door back that meant I'm saying goodbye to it.
I must say that that getting in and out without a zipper does take some adaptation. However, with practice, I never unzip the bags, three thick sometimes in winter. But oh to pee when raining... A flying a tarp is virtually essential. 5mil?
I think a tarp is very handy for this kind of bivvy, but then it feels like it defeats the purpose of the standalone bivvy. Oh well, it's gone now!
I have the normal helium bivy and I share the same experience.
I avoid breathing inside the bivy and that solves 95% of moisture issues.
The only way it can be used as a real bivy is to add tension to the top part of the fabric.
I tested by putting a small ball above the footbox and then attach a cord around from the outside, creating like a hook.
But the 2.5 layer fabric is just not breathable enough.
I possess a Microtent from Carinthia and its like day and night....
The Helium Bivy is a failure
I certainly think a lot of claims over 'breathable' materials are optimistic at best. It wouldn't be quite so tragic if the design allowed the door to be effectively held open so you had the mesh for airflow, but that part of the design is rubbish.
@@TheWalkingKev OR thought about air but not the flow. Its a big hermetic bag.
Once a breathable membrane is at work, moisture condensate on it and is "sucked" through.
In the helium bivy, the fabric touches the sleeping bag and the water transfers on the bag before the magic happens.
I tried diffrent setup, temp, soil humidity, mat in, mat out..same results.
So I went back to simple breathable military bivy without head room and I add a small tarp above instead.
When it gets to the point that you're using a non waterproof bivy with a tarp, I'd prefer to use a bug net tent like Alton Goods one. Waterproof tub floor and mesh "tent".
That looks really good, I'd not seen that one. That would provide a great 2-3 season shelter with a decent sized tarp.
@TheWalkingKev absolutely mate! Their kit is good quality too. Mountain Laurel Designs make a good one too.
@@bennyc409 I've seen the MLD, just don't fancy the import fees etc. I've never heard of Alton Goods, so no doubt I'll be on their website tonight having a good nose!
@@TheWalkingKev they're an Aussie company mate, so I'm not sure what their shipping would be like from here over to you guys, but they have some great gear. Enjoy your browsing!
@@bennyc409 thanks Benny, prices look good so maybe the import charges wouldn't be that bad...
definitely a long side zip is better . I never peg mine out because I turnover in sleep and it pulls the pegs out. I think a large size is good so you can use rucksac inside to keep the fabric off your face.
It's true that in heavy rain you need a tarp overhead, but then I ask myself is a bivvy bag needed at all? Just a tarp and sleep mat under it could be enough? insect net in hotter climates
If using bivvy bag plus tarp. then weight is no better than a light tent I guess?
I think the weight of Bivy and tarp can be less than a light tent, certainly for a similar cost. Ultralight tents - sub 900 grams - can be very expensive whereas a sub 900 gram tarp and Bivy a lot less. This is presuming you use trekking poles or expect to camp somewhere with trees to set the tarp up.
I enjoy the open nature of using tarps but I like a big net to keep insects out.
@@TheWalkingKev yes, I'm looking into getting the Robens bivvy you mention. it does seem to tick most boxes. Look forward to your review of it :-)
@@timh847 hopefully I'll get out in it properly this year.
I'm interested to know if you considered the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy? It's a bit more expensive, but is in theory waterproof, and has a three quarter all around zip entry, with the option of using it unzipped yet still enclosed with a mesh layer.
I've looked at it and considered it, however I think, from memory, it was more expensive than the Robens Bivy. I paid just £68.99 including delivery for the Robens from and online retailer brand new, feels like a real bargain.
@TheWalkingKev yes, to be fair, the Sierra Designs is probably almost twice that. I do fancy the idea of a bivi, but if for any reason the weather forecasters (unusually) got it wrong, it's a long night in bag!
@@tim1289r yeah, a think a tarp and Bivy is the best choice for a bit more shelter, but a decent tent is more secure.
Yeah, it needs to be wider with taller head room. Very claustrophobic and confining not to mention can't breath lol I sold mine too
Yeah, I liked the idea of it, but in use it's just way too compromised.
@@TheWalkingKev I just bought the Paria, Breeze Mesh Tent. Along with a DD hammocks Superlight Tarp. I hope this does it for me.
You should check it out@@TheWalkingKev
@@robertw.7698 I've often thought about that Paria one. I've got a couple of different options I hope to try this year.
Me personally I definitely prefer using a tarp great video as all ways 👍👍👍💯
Thanks Andrew, yep, tarp all the way for me now!
@@TheWalkingKev iv stopped using tents since iv got my forclaz 900 tarp from decathlon great piece off kit you should consider getting one mate be great if you could do a review on them 👍💯
@@andrewgreen7996 I'll have a nose now...
@@andrewgreen7996 I assume it's the MT900 1.5 tarp? Looks good and looks good value as well. I'll see if they have any deals before Christmas...
@@TheWalkingKev it's a great piece of kit mate I think you'd be definitely impressed with a price the quality off it never let me down and in some crazy weather IE rain snow as long as you've got the right sleep system 👍💯
I prefer my RAB ridge raider, tons of space and waterproof 😁
How's it to get in and out of?
@@TheWalkingKev it was a little awkward at 1st but its easy to get used to :)
I am guessing the Robins even though not water proof, but is it water resistant? Will i be safe in simple raining situations, should i assume resistance means better breathable?
It's sold as being "highly water resistant" if I recall the words on their website correctly. From what I've read it's not got sealed seams, so this is one reason why it'd not be waterproof but that might enhance breathability. I've not used it yet so can't comment on rain performance but my plan is to use it with a tarp if rain was expected. I've got a very lightweight tarp so it's no problem carrying it just in case anyway.
@@TheWalkingKev I am guessing your channel has a review on this tarp?
@@Addarraj yes, but it is pricey, I got mine used for a good price, plenty of light tarps around, you can see this tarp here though, it has a tiny pack size: th-cam.com/video/FmsgkStSYro/w-d-xo.html
@TheWalkingKev
I will go with the Robens Bivy 230x90x60 + Zenbivy Light mattress (63 x 198 x 8cm ) complete bundle bed, still thinking to get a tarp or not, not much rain here. Would the mattress fit the bivy? Seems a little 3cm wider. I travel using a velomobile, so wieght and compactness is needed.
@@Addarraj I think the tarp dimensions show maximum width at head end and narrower foot end. Given the bivvy is very long the mat should fit fine as it won't need to into the narrower bottom section.
I watch a ?ot of vids about outdoors bushcraft etc. It bafflesme.why you guys u sist on buying overprices kit from manufa turers like fajalraven rabetcwhen armg surplus does thesame jib for a fraction of the price. Asha anddhtch hooped bivy would have served your needs easi!y
TBH I've not bought any army surplus kit for years. I'll have a nose next time I see a shop.
I think people still take this bivy for granted. The US Marine corps bivy is pretty bad and I’ve slept in the thing in so many places you learn to appreciate just being dry and the OR HELIUM does it perfect in only hiking gear.
But you'll get wet from condensation...
I looked at Bivys and tried a couple, but with tents being so light these days I ended up going back to a tent or a hammock and tarp, I could see a bivy and tarp together being useful but not found a bivy by itself I would want as my main shelter. I have seen Swag tents (from our Aussie friends ) that look very comfortable, I think they would be great car camping tents but they are far too heavy for backpacking.
Yes, I've seen some really quite heavy bivy bags and I wonder what the point is versus a light tent. I do think a tarp and Bivy can provide a pleasant camping experience, more open and more awareness of the world around you.
Where do you put your shoes . .
Rhetorical question
Indeed. You have to do a spider check in the morning before putting them on!
Any Joy of selling it yet mate, I'm interested
It's sold now. Got back what I paid for it... kind of, that popular selling site takes a lot in fees!
@@TheWalkingKev ok mate no problem,if you have any other bit of kit you want to sell let me know 👍
I'm with you on this - I don't mind sleeping in a bivy, but I really hate front entry bivies like this one. Major hassle.
I did a Bivy camp this week in the OEX Salamanda. Front entry again, but felt a lot more useable than the Helium. I'm going to use the Robens next hopefully.
Half arsed design. I wouldn't buy either, plastic coffins. I'll take an extra 500g to a kilo for comfort as good sleep allows better day to follow. Each to their own.
I think a trekking pole tent offers the perfect middle path.
My mate had one on our recent bike trip. I had a look at it and there are some pointless loops on it which I could see no logic for. It basically acted like a wind sock when he was in it. Rattling like an old flappy condom all night. Meanwhile I was in my one man Naturehike vik 1. Only fractionally heavier but much more sturdy and spacious. Would never use a bivi unless in an emergency situation. You are also utterly screwed if it rains.
@@TheWalkingKev
Alton walkabout swag .
IN A LEAGUE OF IT'S OWN.
wayyy better than the carinthia observer.
You pay for what you get .
Zero condensation.
Great video mate. Until you use something there is no way of knowing how good it is imo. Its interesting you say you use poles on a walk - I dont use them - but they ofcourse can be used to prop up a tarp/shelter in any place instead of relying on trees/walls for this. Good point about condensation `wet out` is a thing, whether you got wet through condensation or rain it doesnt matter your still wet, this is why the whole `breathable gore tex` is all a bit of a joke imo, because you will still somehow get wet on a rainy day walking 20+ miles with a bag. But humans are 60% water anyhow, so water is our friend not our enemy. I dont know why, but on rainy days I drink less water for some reason. I was kind of saved last year walking The Pennine Way solo, as for the last day from the first mountain refuge hut in The Cheviots to Kirk Yetholm (16 miles I think), I had 1L of water left, but only drank 0.5L thanks to a rainy day where I did the Cheviot Mountain extra bit as well.
Tarps all the way for me. If its good enough for the SAS, then its good enough for me !
This is what i use for bivvy search `British Army MTP Gore-Tex Bivvy Bag Sleeping Bag Cover Waterproof Camping`
Thanks, I'll have a look. I've got high hopes for the Robens Mountain Bivy and tarp combo, just need to find time to use it.
As someone who recently spent a lot of time in Central and South America during the rainy season, seriously goretex and ALL 'waterproof breathable' fabrics are a joke in any sort of warm weather. In hot weather they are excrutiating. In warm weather they are brutal. In temps around zero they become tolerable but still don't really work. Goretex literally only works when it is very cold outside...like -5 celcius or colder because they relative humidity differences become greater between inside and outside the goretex. In -10 celcius weather a gorete jacket is friggin awesome piece of hunting kit here in Canada.
Anywhere above zero celcius you are better off with a poncho seriously. In actual rain goretex friggin sucks. You get almost as wet from sweat.
Its almost hillarious goretex and similar fabrics are only good in the exact opposite conditions they are marketed for.
I agree that in most weathers a waterproof membrane gets you wet from moisture build up internally from getting too hot. I'm yet to find a jacket that really works in warmer weather.