Thank you for such a lovely review. No faff and to the point. I wild and stealth camp about once a month and have been doing so for years. I have so many tents and various bivys, traps, hammocks, cooking stuff, gaters... the list goes on! And on again! I always return back to my now seven years old Dutch army bivy because it NEVER let's me down. Over the years I have modded it heavily for MY personal needs. Here are a few things I have done: A. When stealth camping you need to be able to get out and up in seconds. The side zip must NEVER snag. I removed my British Army Arctic sleeping bag zip and replaced the side zip of my Dutch army. I can be up in seconds. B. My poles actually never leave the Bivvy and in fact, on both sides I have extended them by 15cm. I just shove them into the ground. It's quicker and it gives me just that little more height inside. C. All my pegs are cut off and no longer than a cigarette package. They are permanently attached to the bivvy. D. I have a waterproof zip towards the footend of the bivvy to put my rucksack etc. E. I have a little light bulb attached to the ceiling of the Bivvy. Bloody nice compared to sleeping with a head torch all night. F. Hard to describe, but I have a small pole (about 25cm long) at the foot end. It is permanently attached and it takes 5 seconds to set it up and ensures that I have enough loft for my down quilt. G. Something more, but I forget what it is now...🤣🤣 As you say, it is a bit heavier, but compared to my more "high tech, weighs next to nothing" bivvys, it provides a surprising amount of warmth. I'll have my thermarest inside or outside, depending on the ground conditions. Again, thanks for a really good review. Chris

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

That's a lot of modding! I have kept mine pretty vanilla, but then most of the times I've used it I've been sorting out groups of cadets and so an extra few minutes is nothing after helping to put up a dozen or so bashas!

@paddor

28 күн бұрын

How do you get in and out of it when it’s raining?

@ChristoferB

27 күн бұрын

@@paddor It's a good question Paddor, and I am afraid I don't have a "silver bullet" answer, but here is how I deal with it: 1. On cheeky overnight local wild camps, I find that the best brand of tarps is called Met Office...🤣 But I do take longer bike packing trips... 2. My big agnes (or my Thermarest) matress goes into the bivvy before setting off. So does my down quilt (I don't get on with sleeping bags in case I need to get up fast). As a result, I can set up camp, literally under a minute. If it is raining I blow up the mattress while inside. 2b. If it is absolutely pissing it down while setting up, I push all my stuff down the foot end before getting in. Not perfect, but it works. 3. I always have a pee bottle. I have one with a bladder that folds up to a packet of Polos and it stays in a pocket in my bivvy. It takes a bit of practice to learn how to pee laying down. It goes against all instincts! 4. Because you are so nimble and versitile with this setup, if it is raining, you can pretty much always find a place under a tree. Do remember that when it is raini g, far less people are out and about to spot you. I hope my response helps. For me, my driving force is speed and simplicity. I can make AND brake camp within three minutes. We are all different.

Brilliant review, Thanks.

Good video mate. Just ordered a Rab Ridge raider looking forward to getting out in it.

A great detailed and helpful insight, thank you for sharing, the thought of just rolling out and standing up without tangling with tarp and cord , and able to hunker down on a windswept moor is appealing. Cheers. Harry

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was useful!

For star gazing on a clear night you cant have anything better.

That was very thorough - lots of good points there - thanks!

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

No problem, glad it was useful!

Really well put together information that mate, well done I enjoy it 👍. Thanks for sharing

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Neal.

Excellent, balanced review. Thank you 👍🏻

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Excellent summary mate. Good effort. I keep my 'hoopie' in the car, along with a foam pad and sleeping bag 'just in case'.

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

That is very prepared! I have only had to pull back to the car once and that was because there was a storm threatening to take the trees down. Car was rocked all night. Sounds daft but I love that kind of thing!

Great piece of kit. I did have to replace the side zipper though, on some makes it's bit flimsy. Easily done. I do use it with a tarp since I find that gives me the best combo: comfort where possible, and the ability to sleep anywhere if needs be. Plus you can put a lot of stuff in the bottom end. I generally just chuck my boots in there. The rest of my kit is in dry bags anyway, so no worries. 😀

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Great tip! I think people are getting caught up in the Fesca zip thing, a good seamstress can replace that pretty inexpensively I would have thought.

@jan62811

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors I did it myself, and I'm a crappy tailor.😁

@christopher9727

8 ай бұрын

Only Jesus Christ blood can cleanse us of are sins come to Jesus Christ today Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void. The Holy Spirit can lead you guide and confort you through it all Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

Double bivvy/poncho over bivvy trick can prevent the inside from getting wet, it takes a bit of gymnastics to get out of it under the poncho but works like a charm :)

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Not tried that, but not had a problem with condensation on mine. I do wash and retreat periodically though and I think that helps.

Great pointers - pros and cons. For my super minimum survival kit - the shelter kit I would bring when I don't plan to sleep out, only for an emergency, I use: An SOS breathable emergency bivi with a micro tarp. That way if it's not too windy, I can at least get a fire going and capture some heat inside the tarp. With the SOS bivi it has reflective foil, so with a fire, it will fend off hypothermia. And I bring some looped poles just in case it is far too windy for a fire, then I can just create a low profile cover over my bivi (over the loop). I can go off on a hike, knowing that if I do get into an emergency situation I have a shelter system, yet hardly notice it on a hike.

@christopher9727

8 ай бұрын

Only Jesus Christ blood can cleanse us of are sins come to Jesus Christ today Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void. The Holy Spirit can lead you guide and confort you through it all Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

Spot on ! My experience too!

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Good to hear!

Excellent review mate, I’ve had the DAHB for nearly a year ashamed to say I’ve not yet used it 😂😢 trip for next month on the cards

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

You will get out in it eventually, it rally is a good bit of kit in the right circumstances.

Great video 👍

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I am still getting to grips with all this talking to a camera and editing stuff, but feels like I'm slowing improving!

I’ll tell you one thing, it can set up anywhere THAT IS FLAT. I was just a few degrees off, and ended up squished into the toe of it. I’d highly recommend stuffing your pack, if not too big of course, into the foot of the bag, and this wouldn’t be a problem. I got mine for something like $70 Canadian a couple years ago and I do like it, but as you said, it’s a bit of a niche tool. Also I tend to get a bit claustrophobic sometimes, and having a sleeping bag zipped up, and this zipped over me, and another zip for the mosquito net….let’s just say if you have that issue, it may not suit you. Great piece of kit though. Definitely quality and hard wearing.

Nice overview, thanks for sharing. I managed to pick up an unissued FECSA made example a few years ago now and have really enjoyed using it. I find a mid-sized pack (i.e. Karrimor Sabre 45) fits in the head end very nicely and doubles up as a nice pillow. As has been said, a lot of the FECSA examples have poor quality zips, it's often the zip at the head end that fails and there's a theory that it's down to some folk pegging out the bivvies too taught and putting the zip under too much tension. I've avoided this issue by not pegging out the foot end of the bivvy, seems to work a treat. You make a fair comment about adding a tarp to the mix. Sometimes, for me, the Dutchy is a nice sanctuary and worth its weight in gold. I often carry a Helikon poncho and find this works well with the bivvy and at least has the added versatility. The British army bivvy has become my 'lightweight' option! 👍

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

I've been thinking about this and its a really good compromise, a full 3m x3m tarp is probably overkill, but something like a poncho, particularly if it replaces a waterproof jacket rather than supplements it adds a lot of versatility for very little to no weight penalty. I may have to think about that!

@soldier-Dave

2 ай бұрын

Barney, hi, do you ever get condensation in your fecsa bivi? Dave

@barneysbimbles

2 ай бұрын

@@soldier-Dave Hi Dave, no it breathes very well. But with that said, I rarely seal myself in fully, even in the worst weather 👍

@soldier-Dave

2 ай бұрын

@@barneysbimbles cheers bud!

I use my Dutch bivy when stealth camping and the times hiking where I want to cover alot of miles quickly. When I do use it I tend to leave it setup with bag and mat inside roll it up and strap it.

@dogdadoutdoors

9 ай бұрын

Good idea, does a decent job of keeping your sleeping bag dry too I bet.

I stuff my empty Bergen at the foot end, bits I need go just above my head too. It's never let me down, rain or shine. Condensation first thing in the morning is a draw back, but normal for winter camping anyway. Using it with the British army modular sleep system means I go to sleep with a smile on my face. For what it is, I can't fault it. Although I wouldn't want to use it for longer than a few nights during winter, I'll use different gear in order to have a nice admin space for daytime. Dutch bivvi is good if you're on the move a lot imo. .

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

For the money its excellent on the move. I think I would still be tempted by an ultralight tent in many situations if budget were taken out of the equation, it rarely is though!

Good review. I think these bivvies are great for just curling up and telling the world to get stuffed... about how you feel on Day 3 of any exercise. For recreational camping use I'd stick with my Helsdon hammock or a tarp. You can always carry two tarps and use one as a bivy for the extra dryness, insulation and so on. We never had them in the Aussie Army in my day (70s & 80s) but i made a variant using the inflatable mattress holder, slit the compartments to form a waterproof bag and climbed in with a US poncho liner, Superlight and good down to 0C.Subbedandliked.

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Must admit, I do prefer sleeping in a hammock to on the ground these days, if we had Aussie spiders and snakes here I'd probably sleep in the dutch bivi zipped up all the way IN a hammock!

@fatmanfaffing4116

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors You know in ten years in the army and 35 since then camping I only have a couple of snake stories and one or two spider ones. Throw in a croc story or two and camping here is pretty tame... compared to that UK weather! Any truth to the rumour the Brit definition of 'wild camping' is anywhere more than 30 minutes tab from a pub?

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

@@fatmanfaffing4116 100% true. In England and Wales you are never further than 3 miles from a road, in the wildest part of Scotland you can't get further than 6 miles from a road. Even the most sparsely populated area in the UK has 26 people per square kilometre!

@christopher9727

8 ай бұрын

Only Jesus Christ blood can cleanse us of are sins come to Jesus Christ today Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void. The Holy Spirit can lead you guide and confort you through it all Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

Nice review I've been using the Dutch army hooped bivi on and off for around 10 years now, and probably had 50 or 60 nights out in it over that time. It is great for all the reasons you mention in this video but when I last used it on a 3 day trip cycling the King Alfreds way unfortunately it failed quite badly. Normally if wet weather is in the forecast I will combine it with a small tarp but on this occasion for convenience I omitted the tarp and had to rely on the bivi the keep my sleeping bag dry. Rain seemed to just seep through the material even in light but prolonged rain and my sleeping bag became very damp. I still like this bag but will no longer trust it on it's own in rainy, damp and cold conditions. Thanks Sandy

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Could it be condensation if it hasn't been washed in a while? I aways find my jackets start to lose breathability after a while so I wash iwith tech wash or liquid soap and reproof with the direct wash in and that seems to bring them back to life.

@ChristoferB

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors Yes, as you say, it sounds like, possibly combined with it needing a clean. If humidity, over a long period of time, starts reaching 90%, no breathable material in the world will work. It's simple physics. In such conditions, half way through the night, I myself lay a light tarp or emergency blanket on top of the Bivvy. It moves the condensation out of the Bivvy bag itself and it ends up inbetween the bivvy and the tarp/emergency blanket. The Bivvy itself gets we of course, but It keeps ME and my sleeping dry and that is all that matters at the end of the day! :-) I know what people will think, my god that will build even MORE condensation. Nope really, it just moves the condensation. Just whatever you do, don't place the tarp on in the evening, because after 8 hours you will be soaking. Also... don't go to sleep warm. Be slightly cool, instead add layers in the middle of the night. Chris

Great review 👍 very articulate 👌 I picked up a super grade bivi last year £150.00 They are worth it atb Taff 🤠👊

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Taff, beautiful part of the UK you have there!

The first years of issue in the Dutch army they were made bij Carinthia....great stuff...just like the sleeping system....but after a couple of years the bought the clones from Fecsa....not the same quality ofcourse...I was lucky to issued the Carinthia types and slept as a infantryman a lot of nights in the rain ,snow our both...no problem..

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the heads-up. A few of the guys have posted about Fecsa now, I wasn't aware of that.

@je710817

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors your welcome 👊🏽...the Fecsa sleeping system are also good and warm...I use both...Carinthia and fecsa "Defence 4 and tropen....but the Carinthia Defence 4 is more water/moist repellent...and the Fecsa not.....I always use a goretex bivy all year around so no problem

briliant reveiw i think il invest in one thank you so much keep it up

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Hi Mick, Thanks. Seems like we both enjoy the same Hampshire countryside as I'm in the same county. Good luck with your channel too!

@hampshireoutdoorsandsurviv9340

Жыл бұрын

cheers mate im farnborough so maybe meet for a brew one afternoon my woods are close to aldershot

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

@@hampshireoutdoorsandsurviv9340 No way! Believe it or not I'm Farnborough too, Hawley woods is my local. Yeah, I'd be up for a brew!

@hampshireoutdoorsandsurviv9340

Жыл бұрын

im on the prospect estate hawley is on my door step iv got a small permission about 3 miles from hawley woods on the fleet side

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

@@hampshireoutdoorsandsurviv9340 I am up in the estate behind Co-Op. What a small world!

I find that my bergen fits nicely at the foot end of the bivi once most my gear is out of it, sleeping bag, mat, etc. Decent bit of kit. 🍺

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Maybe that was the issue, my bergan was never empty as I always had the group kit and spares for the cadets!

@residentoutdoors2303

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors also depends what size bag you have too i guess. I went for the large size.

Great video. One question - Could my sprocker fit in there with me do you think?

@dogdadoutdoors

2 ай бұрын

I'd argue no. They are about the same size as Bolt, technically you could probably get them in there with you down the foot or head end, but would they (or you) tolerate it, at the very best i would be an uncomfortable squeeze.

@saxoncrow2500

2 ай бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors many thanks. ATB, Saxon

I just bought one on the strength of this video. 😸

>commander got evacuated for hypothermia, and I fucked off back to my warm bag :) I don't know if this was intended as deadpan comedy, but fuck if that isn't the funniest thing I've heard all year Anyway, I picked one of these up today. I carry a German poncho, which is my solution to the having to carry a tarp issue. It doubles as my rainwear, and I have a cover for my rucksack to. Having the option to just hide in the thing without the extra faff keeps the system flexable for if I want a proper campsite. Or at least that's the theory...hoping it works in practice!

@dogdadoutdoors

4 ай бұрын

I purchased a Dutch Army Poncho for exactly the same reason a couple of months back, not slept in it as a shelter yet but it makes a pretty good alternative to a rain jacket. Yeah, Leon was in good hands, the staff at the med centre on camp know what they are doing and they could ferry him on to the local hospital if necessary. Nothing left to do but get my head down as we were running up tors the next morning!

Not sure you could get away with setting up your Phoxx2 on an Exercise though! lol...For many years I used a basha (initially a issue poncho) before getting a suitable tarp and a standard goretex bivvy bag...For the military, I think that's the perfect combo...in severe weather or in exposed conditions, hunker down in just the bivvy bag...in better /more suitable conditions set up the tarp with more living space....The one big downside of my bivvy bad is it lacks a midge net...if I were buying again, I would consider that absolutely essential as you say....Good well balance review though...

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Your right there, you lose a lot of that situational awareness in a tent. That's something I don't really like stealth camping as it feels a bit vulnerable, but a tent is definitely better with the dog(s) and I'm sure they would let me know if anybody is about!

@peterevans8194

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors Sadly, with the way the Police are, I believe that's a legitimate concern. With the rise of wild/stealth camping (ie with out permission or in a public space) I often wonder how a person would fare if caught carrying any knife in those circumstances? Would

One issue I had with this sort of bivy (admittedly I was using an inflatable pad on the inside but I'm a narrow guy) is that I'm a side sleeper and on my side my shoulder would press against the side of the bivy and compress the sleeping bag against it creating a cold spot on my shoulder. Easily fixed by sleeping on your back or perhaps having the pad on the outside. The dealbreaker for me is how difficult it is to get in and out in the rain. I just can't rely on it not to get wet on the inside if it's raining heavily. If the weather is predictable enough that I know for sure it's not going to rain then I'm bringing a much lighter bivy or no bivy at all.

@dogdadoutdoors

8 ай бұрын

That definitely is the compromise. Somebody suggested swopping out my rain jacket for a poncho which I can use as a small tarp over the top. That does seem like a good idea. I have the dutch Poncho now, but not used it as a tarp yet.

@npwn6569

3 ай бұрын

Keep the head end closed, but open the side zip and kind of slide out feet first. Interior stays dry that way

two and a half kilo's for a bombproof near zero condensation set up is good value if you asking me.. save weight somewhere else?. bivi and solid tarp, aqua quest defender tarp. you could camp out on ben nevis in a snowstorm with that set up. oh tents all suffer condensation, thats one of my bugbears with tents.

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

There is a time and a place for bomb proof, definitely. I guess my point is in many situations a tent is often more practical and lighter, but if you need a stand up to any wind kind of shelter its a good choice.

Great Review Sadly not all Dutch Army Hooped Bivi are Carinthia Some are a cheaper version made by Festucka or Festini they are known for zip failures. I had an XL version which was 2.8m long. So pack went down the bottom of Bivi I didn’t get on with it. Not enough breath ability when full zipped up.

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

A couple of guys have let me know about that, thanks for the heads-up!

FECSA zips broke the first time I used it... was a comfy nite in mad Cornish rain though. Thinking it might be worth getting them upgraded / repaired having watched this.... Had some prices from places that can repair Gore Tex items/re-seal the new zips etc, pricey prob still less than Carinthia's model for sure

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

I think a local seamstress can do it for you cheaply. I don't think the zip is a waterproof one, the protection comes from the storm flap.

@BalearicBeatnik

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors thanks mate that’s great, new sub to your channel, it’s proper good!

@damright

7 ай бұрын

replaced two of these zips now.. bit of work but well worth the trouble if you use it

@BalearicBeatnik

6 ай бұрын

@@damright thanks for the reply pal, may I ask what zips you used?

@damright

6 ай бұрын

Number five moulded tooth @@BalearicBeatnik

I have a similar 1 man tent - a Blackthorn? I sprayed it 3 times before using and seam sealed it to death. It comes in a dull mtp- excellent for a stealth. I use a tarp as well for a porch. Poles? I have a few sets to hand. The Dutch Bivvy isn't for me.

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

I have seen the blackthorn, like the shape and colour, but heard bad things about poles and build quality. I have a cheap oex phox 2 for a tent, no point getting an expensive one with the dogs. Nova my big'un decided to use the mosquito net as an exit 3rd time I used my family air beam tent!

@marksadventures3889

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors I'm 5'7" and fat, but for 62 I'm doing okay. It's true the Blackthorn has issues, but it's what I could afford at the time and for it's faults it's fine, I swapped out the poles for thicker more sturdy enough poles. As I said weatherproofed it. Living in the North West rain and snow will be a factor even in June. The sewing isn't great but it works. I would always put a folded tarp under any tent. So no difference there. It was price and height issues with others at the time I got it. I have a few tents, cheap tents, but I have a rule I won't spend over £60 for camping gear on principle. However I just blew that with the purchase of a tent stove for £109 from Ali Express. I have a few ideas for it's use. New job and better wages afford better gear. But I'm not going crazy. I shall attempt to keep my budget the same. For 20 something years my kit was based on basic issue I'd used for 5 years. I don't care if the packs a little heavy it'll burn off some calories and inches. I like a little comfort these though so a good inflatable mattress is very important. I like your channel, good quality videos.

I love mine

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

It is a fantastic bit of kit.

I'm having Art attack flashbacks with your voice marra sorry :-D Good review 🤘

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

LOL! He was from Aintree, about 10 miles from where I grew up in Skelmersdale. I can't win, I have lived down south now for over 30 years, they all think I'm a scouser, when I go back to see my parents they all think I sound posh!

get up against a wall and drape a tarp off the top of the wall and peg it out 6-8 feet from the wall, me and the Mrs did that a few times, one night in torrential rain and were both dry in the morning, the tarp was a big one 20 X 15, any smaller and they are not much use, IMO,

@dogdadoutdoors

9 ай бұрын

A tarp is another good method.

I bought an XL Dutch Hooped Bivi The fesca bags suffer from zip failure. Being an xl bag I could get my full 35litre canvas framed rucksack in the bottom. I found with my 46” chest it was too stuffy (no air) I could not use it open. Had to bail, luckily I was testing out at home in the garden. I managed to sell it via eBay and got my money back. Good Review. Carinthia Dutch Hooped Bivi the best. Avoid fesca

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

I guess it comes down to tolerances, I have a 46-48" chest and I find it roomy! One option on the Fesca variant is to get the zip changed by a local seamstress shouldn't cost more than £10-£20 and definitely cheaper than buying a corinthia branded bag!

Thanks for an excellent review pointing to all relevant parameters. My personal compromise is as follows: Carinthia Combat Bivy 680g + my rain poncho (220x143) 388g gives me flexibility to cook in rainy weather from my bivy. Designating to functions to the poncho reduces weight even more.

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

I like the idea of a poncho. Have been thinking about picking one up.

@davestuddert4392

Жыл бұрын

100% mate. Poncho doubles as a rain garment & an admin area that stops water from entering the bivvy every time you enter & exit.

Most of the Dutch bivy that are available these days are not made by Carinthia and you will pay a serious premium for one that is. A few years ago I found the Belgian version (in the unique Belgian camo) that is Carinthia made and it is a neat bit of kit!

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the heads up, a few have have let me know about the change of manufacturer, but the its brand new info you can get a Belgian version. I have never even heard of that one!

@turtlewolfpack6061

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors I hadn't heard of the Belgian one either until I saw them and then it was a must have item!

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

@@turtlewolfpack6061 Just had a look, that camouflage patter is erm....interesting!

@turtlewolfpack6061

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors it really is but oddly effective in some areas.

I hate to admit - but that "Gas Permeable" Gore Tex really makes a diffrence ! - I have a Polish Observer (Carinthia Copy ) with standard Gore Tex and a BelgianHooped bivvy Original Carinthia with that "Gas Permeable" Gore Tex - so i know the diffrerence and i can breathe and sleep in that gas permeable thing much better!

@rustythecat2163

5 ай бұрын

Excellent review! Well done. Thank you.

Cost wise, it’s real interesting. My Outdoor Research Alpine Ascent Bivy has the same hoop and side zip with separate mesh design. I’ve not had condensation with it when it wasn’t raining. It’s withstood light rain without my quilt getting slightly more than a little damp. It completely blocks wind. Best part is it’s just 1 pound or 454 grams. I do take a small 9x7 dcf tarp for emergencies. It weighs 6 ounces at most, but usually it’s not needed. My empty pack and pack items can be stored in the bivy with me and an inflatable pad, but I’m only 5’5”. I’d say it’s best for quick, low profile, small footprint uses and to stargaze. A tarp and really light bivy (borah bivy) are even lighter coming in under 10 ounces (283 grams) but that’s not stealthy or low profile, simply lightweight. I love the warmth and stargazing aspects of my OR Ascent bivy. It’s cost was similar to a quality 1P tent.

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thats definitely a different animal to the dutch army Bivi, the latter is heavier, but its built for robustness. I do like the idea of using a smaller tarp though, that seems like a sensible compromise.

My biyi ist from fecsa , and He do His Job...

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

That's good to hear, whoever makes it, its still military kit and that stuff is generally pretty good, if a little heavier/bulkier than the civilian versions.

Finally using metric

The Observer version (two hoops) is much better.

Lot of squaddies use these, me included due to the quick bug out ability not all of these are made by corinthia, some are made by a spanish company with a s...tty low quality zip made of choclate.....

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Cheer for that, is there a way of telling them apart? I Don't think I have seen a label with the usual NSN etc.

@mgtowsoldier8673

Жыл бұрын

@@dogdadoutdoors Labelled as FESCA , zips are not YKK tabbed....the bivvy hoop zip tends to go on em first😁

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

@@mgtowsoldier8673 Cheers, I will roll mine out when I get a chance and take a look!

A few points. This particular version is NOT made by Carinthia as you state, it's made by Fesca who are a Spanish company. There's also a rarer XL version which gives more than enough space for boots and a larger rucksack. I have one and I'm 6ft 2" and can easily fit my boots and 60Ltr bag in with me. You mention using an inflatable mattress inside making it too tight, again I have to disagree. Okay, maybe my XL version is a little higher then the standard but I don't think it is. I use a fairly thick inflatable matt and place inside, I'm also a side sleeper and 18 stone yet I've still got room. You mention the OEX bivvy, that's not waterproof so needs a tarp in rain, it also suffers badly with condensation whereas the Dutch hooped bivvy will keep you dry without a tarp over the top and is much more breathable.

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to write. My original source was that they were made by Carinthia, I've since learn't they have also been made by Fesca and possibly others under contract by the dutch military and there are versions knocking about from both Carinthia and Fesca. The existence of the XL version I only learnt from feedback, so yes, it sounds like an XL version does give you some additional storage room, the standard on which this review is based definitely has limited room inside. I guess that version is heavier too, can you confirm? Oon the OEX Bush Pro Bivi, the manufacturer claims it is fully waterproof with taped seams. Do you mean because it isn't fully enclosed like the Dutch Bivi rather than the material isn't inherently waterproof? Yes, I agree with you that the OEX Bush Pro Bivi is best used with a tarp. The Dutch Bivi can be used without one quite easily, but you pay a premium in weight for that benefit. If you are going to use a tarp anyway, my point is you can save yourself some weight and cash and use a lighter Bivi like the OEX Bush Pro instead. Best wishes

Problem with hooped bivvies for me is there is not enough room if you are a side sleeper. I occasionally use a British Army bivvy, upside down so the head end is like a tent opening.

@dogdadoutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Not had a problem with that, although I must say I keep my sleeping pad on the outside, inside it would be too tight for me. The upside down trick is a favourite for many I think.

@jan62811

Жыл бұрын

I'm a side sleeper as well, never had that problem with this bivvie. This one is roomy.

@Chris66able

Жыл бұрын

@@jan62811 I had it with the Elan. Sleeping on my side means my shoulder pushes up against the upper material which in turn closes the vent opening.The vent at the back of the end is inadequate ,I had to add a vent at the foot end and I'm looking to add 2 side vents at the head end.

@jan62811

Жыл бұрын

@@Chris66able Shouldn't be a problem with this one, only vents at the hoop' if you keep the side closed. And, unless you're a lot bigger than me, there is no way you can close that completely.

@Chris66able

Жыл бұрын

@@jan62811 I'm 6ft 1" , 15 st. 22" across the shoulders..thats 55cm..

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