You can skip to 5:30 for the beginning of the test or better is 6:27 for the beginning of the review.

@EconoChallenge

7 жыл бұрын

Very good point made here

@DanielSnedden

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for saving me some time.

@jonboal4365

5 жыл бұрын

Thx m8

@s.campbell6394

3 жыл бұрын

I just enjoy watching Jeeps videos, the bivvy bag review is secondary.

Every little helps, if you remember the limitations. Impermeable materials can stop rain and wind, but moisture from you will condense on the inside, which could soak your clothes and actually freeze under extreme conditions. Remember too that the wind-chill factor reduces the ambient temperature by many degrees, so a wind shield always helps too. One way to keep warmer is to put one emergency bivvi bag inside another, and fill the space between them with dry leaves or grass. In the forces we trained using large refuse bags, which were cheap and light, and could double up as dry-sacks for our kit.

I have an Escape Bivy and can vouch it is very breathable. I have used it as an outer bag for cold damp weather and as a bag liner during drier weather. It has performed well, for many backpacking outings, winter camping, and one canoe camping trip. I accidentally got the Emergency Bivy at first and was soaked pretty quickly. The Escape breathes amazingly well, in comparison. I only have one complaint and that is the size, as already mentioned. I am only 5'4" and find it claustrophobic as an over bag. I cannot imagine how larger folks cope. The zipper broke my last trip, so having nothing to lose, I sliced it open (except for a foot box area) so I can use it as a "top quilt" instead and have more room for my down bag. I have not tested that yet, so it will be interesting to see how that works out. I have heard there will be a larger one available and that will be great, especially if the adapted one I made fails.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

Louise Hiker I agree with you on the claustrophobic feeling in the Escape Bivvy. Interesting idea you have and I am also curious to hear how it works as a top quilt. It should still provide just as much heat reflection just not as much heat retention I am guessing.

I use it as a a liner inside a sleeping bag if it's going to be really cold. For that, it's great. Last time I had to use it I just threw a Grabber all weather blanket over the hammock so each side touched the ground. That stopped the convective breeze from going under the hammock and I was fine. Have never used an underquilt.

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

That is a really great tip. Thank you!

What a great weekend buddy! I'm really grateful to you for arranging this the trip! A real great memory was created. Thanks so much my friend. Great video! Be well Craig

On a side note, kind of you Jeep, to think I was still asleep when the sun came up. Not the case. Mazda kicks its guest out at 5:50am! Lol!!! Again a big thank you buddy, that was an awesome trip in a beautiful area! I'm glad we went and I'm looking forward to going back more prepared. Be well, and folks.... He doesn't really snore! :) C

I have a video where I modified my SOL Bivvy to allow room for folks that move around a lot in their sleep or for larger sized people. I like to use it like you did in conjunction with another bag to add reflection and wind protection. It really shines when it's used as part of an overall system. Thanks for sharing your test.

The SOL escape bivvies seem like they would work best in the classic "car stuck in a blizzard scenario" where you have your vehicle for shelter and use the bivy to sleep in at night. Especially if you paired the bivy with a blanket or lighter sleeping bag.

@narutobroken

4 ай бұрын

That’s what I use mine for.

For comparison sake: the Escape Bivy (used above) has a 31" width; the Escape Pro has a 31" width; the Escape Lite Bivy has a 32" width; the Escape Emergency Bivy has a 36" width but it is polyethene and not breathable; my new 2Go Systems Trifecta has a 35.4" width. All but the Emergency Bivy are aluminized Tyvek but the Trifecta can also be used as a tarp since it has a full-length zipper, is larger, and has 9 tie outs. For $5 more you can get a bigger bivy bag that has far more versatility but with a 7 oz. penalty. I made my decision after testing it - the Trifecta is in my EDC backpack.

The only gear worth having is personally tested gear. Well done Jeep! The SOL Bivvy looks like it would keep the dew off your sleeping bag as well. My doctor started me on 21 days of 100 mg of Doxycycline for Lyme's disease yesterday. As you know my health has been failing. The aches and pains which I thought was just back related might be due in part to Lyme's. The fever, chills, epic night sweats, and overall fatigue finally sent me to my doctor. Stay vigilant out there, this is crippling stuff! Nice to see you and Craig out on an adventure. Sincerely, Ossie

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

Ossie Weinert I am hoping you have finally discovered the cure and are not truly on the road to recovery!!!!

@ajtaylor560

9 жыл бұрын

Ossie Weinert Tick bite?

@1o1s1s1i1e

9 жыл бұрын

A J Taylor Yup! No rash, but mighty sick!

@ajtaylor560

9 жыл бұрын

Ossie Weinert The reason I asked is I got a bad one last weekend and have a huge rash and itchy skin where it was attached, not the target style. It was a regular wood tick not a deer tick so don't know about Lyme's. Anyway that's my story, sorry to hear about your bite. A family acquaintance is completely crippled from on that was diagnosed wrong for 3 yrs. Dangerous insects. Get well.

@1o1s1s1i1e

9 жыл бұрын

A J Taylor I would keep a close eye on that bite, and to be on the safe side, see your doctor as soon as possible! Sincerely, Ossie

Good informative video! Unless the wool bivvy was about three inches thick there’s no way it would be warm enough, even if it was pure wool. Wool isn’t magic, it works like any other insulation, by trapping tiny pockets of air. Don’t forget, sheep generate a lot of heat from their digestion of grass; if they didn’t, they’d need much thicker wool to survive cold weather. We can do the same by eating fats and oils before we sleep, which then generate extra heat at night.

Now this is a real "review" , good job man ! I've used a similar bivvy sac + 10° rated sleeping bag here in Indonesia, it was raining outside, around 0° to -1° at night, got my tarp set up, no sleeping pad and the ground's pretty wet. Amazingly, it was a pretty good experience, although it starts to collect condensation in between the sleeping bag and the sac in the morning when it gets warmer.

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+Ordinary Man With Glasses This is great info. I find that the sac collects moisture in colder conditions. I used it again with a wool blanket in below freezing conditions and noticed lots of condensation on the inside of the bivvy sac.

@fadzerhamm.f5036

8 жыл бұрын

+EconoChallenge Yep, and the only way to dry it off effectively for me is by hanging it wide open so the wind can get rid of the moisture. Still this is a great item for a compact, light, and comfortable sleeping system. I used it as a standalone in warmer weather. Keep up the good work man, you got yourself another subscriber :)

Thank you for actually testing the gear you are reviewing. Very much appreciated. Well done!

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome.

A bivvy is not a replacement for sleeping. It is designed to be used as a water and wind resistant shell for your sleeping bag. That being said, I wish the SOL Escape Bivvy was a bit wider at the shoulder and feet. Great video gentleman.

@EconoChallenge

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. It is just a little tight.

Great review on the SOL Bivy. I love my SOL Breathable Bivy and like you use it over my sleeping bag. I live in Virginia and have camped in the mountains using this system, however, my bag is an inexpensive Farland (synthetic stuffing) rated at 35 degrees. So far there have been no issues being cold and even down into the high 20's. I've used the SOL just as a sleeping bag in my hammock using a Snugpak Underblanket and stayed quite warm. There were two occasions I had to place a Snugpak jungle blanket over me when the temp dropped into the low 30's. My sleep outfit is a synthetic pair of long johns, long sleeve shirt, beanie, a $1 pair of wool mittens from Dollar Tree and a fresh pair of wool Cabin Socks from Dick's. I pack a smaller SOL Bivy as well (in a first aid kit).

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

Did you find that moisture builds up in your sleeping bag on multi day trips?

Hay, Jeep & Craig; Good 2 know the limits of the gear we purchase & use. Thanks 4 the heads up on the over-nighter trip. Have a great weekend up yonder, Friends. Happy Trails From Down The Path A Piece ATB Terry God Bless

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

T.W. Milburn It was a fun night out for sure and we both learned a bunch. I am working on this combination to try and get my overall pack weight down. Every test hike a get a little closer to my goal. Thanks for dropping in for a visit.

I believe that is exactly what they are intended for; use in conjunction with a sleeping bag, or some additional liner. I haven't used the SOL Survival Blanket, yet (bought one for the glove box and one in the kit), and I didn't know about the bivy until I had purchased this pair. I'll be getting two of those next! It seems like in a survival situation, without a sleeping bag, you will survive miserably. With a sleeping bag you will survive comfortably. Fair assessment? Thanks for doing this honest review, and sharing it!!

I've often wondered about these SOL bags. Thanks for testing it out for us.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

illbilly The regular SOL Bivvy failed for Forestwalker111 because it ripped easily. The Escape version is more durable and is the one I would suggest you try.

@EricOther

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Good information. 

Good to know. Thank you for trying it out for all of us.

@EconoChallenge

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for dropping in for a visit.

Now that is testing put to the test...I appreciate that point on the SOL Bivvy...you can bet I will try to add that to my kit but not as a stand alone.

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+Man Land (Midnight121) Glad to help my friend.

Good thing you had a back-up plan or you could have been SOL.

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

That made me laugh. Thank you I needed that.

Thank you for taking your time, effort, & equipment to do this test. It's answered my #1 question. I've wondered if I can put the bivy around the outside of my air mattress & my sleeping bag. I'm 5'3" & it looks like I'm now going to pull the buy trigger. I've wanted a backup plan in case my tent gets blown down by ferocisouly strong gusty winds. I do believe the bivy with MEeee, my Sleeping Bag, & air mattress inside would be able to get through the night if my tent failed to provide shelter during a strong wind storm. Yes, I KNOW about layering clothing to maintain core body temperature & the need to #1 keep the head/brain @98.6º with insulated head/neck/face gear. Keep your brain @ its core temperature & your body will continue to circulated 98.6º blood to extremities.

@EconoChallenge

3 жыл бұрын

It might be a bit tight if you try to put your sleeping pad inside the bivvy. But your idea would certainly work if you slept inside the bivvy on top of your sleeping pad.

@azclaimjumper

3 жыл бұрын

@@EconoChallenge Thank you, I've been thinking that is the most likely route for MEeee; Sleeping bag with MEeee in it, inside the Escape Bivy & all on top of my air mattress. I definitely don't want the Bivy compressing the Down of my sleeping bag.

I am so glad I found you again! last time I saw one of your Videos was the 'Amazing Wilderness Camp / Hammock Chair ' You are my greatest inspiration - very informative & never a dull moment, thank you (from the UK)

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

Dr_ nincompoop Well well. Welcome back. You have some catching up to do my friend. LOL Thank you for your kind words.

Thaaaanks!

Though I am not going to out trekking around in those conditions it's great to see you guys out in the real world testing out the gear.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

Tango Joe It is the only way to test your gear. The backyard just does not give you the feedback you need to fix / improve / adjust or replace. Before anyone goes on the 10 day Econo Challenge they have to take all their gear out for at least a weekend test hike in similar conditions and terrain as the area we are going to explore. Time and time again it has proven the best way to figure out what you are forgetting and what needs to be fixed or adjusted before the big hike.

Sleeping in a nylon shell jacket will promote moisture. Sleeping on a cot will lose heat underneath you. Having the right rated sleeping bag and a proper mat is all you need.

good review. From my personal experience I slept in my bag with the bivvy over top as well. However in the morning my sleeping bag was a bit damp because of condensation. I was very warm overnight but if I had to stay another night it would of been in a damp sleeping bag...

@carlbernsen1290

5 жыл бұрын

That’s a good point. The body gives off water vapour all night, which condenses in the outer part of the bag where it meets a cold layer, even in a breathable bivvy. Next night, if it’s not dried properly, which is difficult in cold, damp weather, the insulation is reduced by the trapped moisture and gets worse and worse each night. One way round that is to use a waterproof ‘fuzzy’ liner which traps the moisture without feeling wet itself, and dries out quickly.

some people have told me it works fine around the 35 degree mark but I have to agree I froze during a backpacking hike out on the CDT in 2014 late April and needed an additional liner to help out and it was colllllllld

I always use it as a bivvy bag, which means a bag you put on you sleeping bag to get warmer and more protected from rain and wind.

@EconoChallenge

Жыл бұрын

Did you notice any moisture buildup in your sleeping bag when you did that?

@alfonsocalventeiglesias1398

Жыл бұрын

@@EconoChallenge no, never!

Very interesting results. I've used my SOL Escape Bivvy as a sleeping bag alternative in east Texas turning the fall, winter and spring .... since it rarely freezes where I live. During the summer it is usually too hot to sleep in anything but unaware on top of a sleeping pad ....

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

KennethKramm Give me the cold for sleeping. When it gets that hot I can hardly handle being in a tent let alone in a sleeping bag or even a bag liner!

@RDPproject

9 жыл бұрын

EconoChallenge Same...I really dont like being out camping during summer at all.

@83JustSomeGuy

6 жыл бұрын

Camping in the summer in Texas is the absolute worst. Even in a hammock with potential breeze going underneath it is still brutal. Eighty degrees at night is blah.

i camped out for the month of january here in tennessee and it got down to around 7 degrees and there was 1 foot of snow on the ground i had bought a 0 degree mummy and i had to go get another one and put one down inside the other in order to stay warm it was magical i was warm and toasty all night

Excellent test and review. On the strength of this I've subscribed to your channel *and* added the SOL Escape Bivvy to my "To Buy" list to add to my day pack. Great to know it'll increase the effectiveness of my sleeping bag on really cold nights. Your mate at the end of the video looked like he'd just come back from beating Robin Hood in a quarterstaff fight and dumping him in the river.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

Wolf NZ Outdoors LOL you made my day with this comment. Thank you for my smile.

@wolf1066

9 жыл бұрын

EconoChallenge You're most welcome. It was, seriously, a damned fine test and review and it answered my default question when looking at *any* product: "yeah, but is it any good?" ATB, Wolf.

I have that in my bug out bag and it's now nice to know that additional prep is needed if it's to be used effectively!

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

Ah that makes me feel great. Thank you so much for sharing.

red glow..... evil chuckle..... priceless

I have an SOL BIVVY. GREAT INFO. Thank you both!!!

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+Bruce Forster Glad you liked it and you are welcome.

I have plans to order in the 2 person SOL Bivy for use as part of my snow bank vehicle kit. I carry extra warm clothing in the vehicle in case I have to over night in side my vehicle during a snow storm. I include a large candle in the kit to make light and heat that I can hold inside of the Bivy for entertainment light and heat purposes. the 2 person sized bivy will let you wear all of your bulky clothing inside without stress testing a seam.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

Randy J All I have to add is make sure it is the breathable version. Otherwise it is a great idea.

Well this was interesting, epic fail of the wool blanket and hammock which was to be expected and epic fail of the SOL Bivy on it's own!! Good lessons learned for all of us. Hammocks are cold even in warmer weather they seem to be chilly to the back so I was expecting that to be cold. Did you have any condensation issues with the Bivy. I hate it when my bag gets damp because of lack of breathability. Really good stuff in this video.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

A J Taylor The SOL Escape Bivvy advertises that it is breathable! I was not hot enough to perspire but I did not notice any dampness in the morning. Great question ... Thank you my friend.

Ha! I waited for your video to come out after Craig's and then I missed it. Loved the video! That is how you test gear! Can't say it enough: Great video!

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

SpartanJohns I sent you a video link in a private message. Have you seen it yet?

@SpartanJohns

9 жыл бұрын

EconoChallenge I have not received any private messages from you. I even checked just now. Nothing. Could you send it again? I will let you know as soon as I receive it.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

SpartanJohns I just sent another private message to your channel with the link. Let me know if you get it.

YeeGadz !!!!! I have been struggling with the problem of staying warm when staying overnight and yet staying mobile to travel as swiftly as possible in order to get home when my transportation is limited to foot power. At my age (74) I NEED comfortable warm sleep in addition to adequate caloric intake, water, a pair of trekking poles and quickly erected shelter. I see no alternative to a sleeping bag and an over sized bivy in my kit and some hand and body warmers. As much as I would like to keep my GHBag to under 10 lbs. and small in size, I see the necessity of including a sleeping bag or wool blanket as well as an over sized bivy. Add a mylar tube tent and one should be able to stay warm and get a comfortable sleep.

@EconoChallenge

5 жыл бұрын

I am still stuck on the part where the bag is under 10 lbs. That is a dream for me. I was happy when I managed to gut under 40 lbs not 10. Amazing.

@benworkman177

5 жыл бұрын

@@EconoChallenge 10 lbs may nudge close to 20 lbs if I incorporate a sleeping bag which I think I must do to keep from freezing my petunias off. Note: I do not include any cooking gear as my rations are simply life boat rations for 3 days and the fold-able stove and fire tabs are for keeping warm not cooking.

Excellent real life test!

@EconoChallenge

7 жыл бұрын

That is the only way to do a review. These unboxing videos I watch don't really give me much more than what I can read for myself. You have to take it out and use it more than a few times before you will be able to give anyone really good information.

Thanks for the video, I'm looking into getting one to add to my 30deg bag just in case and I really appreciate your efforts for the sake of Science.

Nice comparision. Testing out gear is not only great for making a video but further refining your own kit. Heading out in the Ontario Wilderness this weekend. Should have similar temps to this video. Testing out a new insulation for the hammock.

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+LiveWild I have learned a lot from the discipline of testing gear before i need to rely on it. Perhaps the channel has me do it more often but i think it is an excellent habit for keeping yourself safe in the wild. Enjoy your weekend out. I am heading to the big city ... basically the complete opposite of what you are doing.

Mylar type blankets or bags meant as a temporary measure. In freezing temperatures the Mylar type stuff will make you sweat and then freeze you. If you hold it close to your skin you will feel heat but when you touch it you feel cool. Difference in reflecting heat and conducting heat. Also it is best with polyester clothing and not thick layers. Inside or outside of a sleeping bag is good for a day or two of winter. For extended cold weather the Mylar would be good inside a sleeping bag as a vapor barrier so your sleeping bag does not accumulate moisture and stay wet and lose its insulating properties.

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

Man, your timing on this comment is golden. I just got back from an overnight in minus 6-celsius conditions with this bivvy over a light down sleeping bag that I used in the same way you might use a top quilt. I was very warm. In the morning I found the outside of the sleeping bag was frozen to the inside of the bivvy bag. Now this version in breathable and is supposed to manage moisture better than the cheaper version. But it would not be good for more than one night out in the cold.

@lakrabid

6 жыл бұрын

I like good timing:) I have also been reading about open cell foam clothing. A guy named Perry Peacock from WildernessInnovations made foam clothing for himself and has been able to sleep outside with no protection straight on the snow in up to -40 degrees. No reason why I am looking at winter camping stuff now. I live in dried up fire ridden Southern California... I see all these bushcraft channels and people lighting fires, making super shelters etc. and I just kinda wanna cry inside lol. Just a tiny bit of jealousy.

Excellent test and information! I have one of these in my pack and have used it over my -18c down winter bag at -20c and it worked great. I would only use it as a bag alone in summer, then I think it would be sufficient. I do think though that in the winter it may make the difference in actual survival if lost in the woods, you wouldn't be warm but would probably live through the night especially if the conditions weren't great for a fire.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

Jacqueline Schwartz That is my impression so far as well. Still I would like to try it out this winter and see what it can do.

Typical mistake, the Sleeping bag rating is based on dry stale air (zero wind, no dew) and not wearing clothing. If your wearing clothing, especial anything that was worn that day and not 100% dry will make you freeze. Anyone who jumps in a sleeping bag with clothes on is going to have a cold sleep period. (experience from camping in the rockies at -20c, and along the west coast)

@Thalanox

5 жыл бұрын

I never knew how they rated temperatures for sleeping bags. Thanks for the info.

@shmodzilla

5 жыл бұрын

I actually just scrolled through all these videos to see if anyone else actually knew this about NOT wearing your clothes into the bag. I have found though in diffiicult conditions, if your coat is basically dry like nornal to use it bunched up on me at the mouth of my sleeping bag. That creats warmth of course but a large breathable area for moisture to get out.

@shmodzilla

5 жыл бұрын

Bill Randall i do the same thing with my camping hammock. There are pouches under it and putting all my loose clothes in iy makes a huge difference because the air flow. It probably makes the difference i can use it another 30 to 40 degrees lower comfortably.

@rchristie5401

5 жыл бұрын

I live above 56th parallel and always carry a pair of dry wool socks, long johns and a light sweater. Along with a 1 man Pup tent to keep the dew and the rain off. a -15deg Jones bag. A small hot water bottle, a ground mat. no matter where i pack into. you are correct about how to sleep in a Bag in good weather and dryness is paramount. Nothing can rattle people more than to go to sleep in 60 deg weather at 10 at night and to be awoken at 3AM in the middle of a Spring snow storm.

@shmodzilla

5 жыл бұрын

@Bill Randall I do it all the fuckin time.

Great review and test! Thanks a lot! Cheers, Marc

@titaniumquarrion9838

6 жыл бұрын

The test was actually completely pointless....

they say you can go without a thermal bag if it's around 50F, i have done 40 and was still fine. I would say the bivvy would be okay for a ohh crap moment in conjunction with some fire. Compared to the survival blanket from SOL the heat reflection is lower. I would rather haul two survival blankets and some string then have the as an emergency shelter, nevr tested it with another sleeping bag though.

Enjoyed this entire presentation... Looks like you fellas had a great trip! Cheers... ~D.S.

@EconoChallenge

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I know it's an older review but it's popular so I'd like to comment. This test totally misses the point of a "survival bivy." It's actually, somewhat irresponsible. The real question is not about relative comfort ("am I cold?") but: Would you have SURVIVED the night or DIED of hypothermia? Another good question: Would you have gotten frostbite in this thing? Bottom line . . . before you go on any operation, you have to check weather and terrain. If you're in a place and time of year where the temperature drops very low at night, you absolutely MUST take enough "warm gear" to survive an emergency overnighter. That means thick woolen blankets or even better, a sleeping bag. Do not rely on an "escape bivy" alone unless temperatures are in the range it can handle comfortably.

Thank you both very much for a very informative video!

Great video Bro and great Info on the bivy, was wondering how they would work now I know....Thanks for sharing

Young Gandalf at the end!

You actually stay warmer in sleeping bags by minimizing the amount of clothing you have on. It allows your body heat to move around he bag and reflected back to your body. Survival 101.

@forgenorth1444

7 жыл бұрын

I keep seeing people say that but it seems to defy logic, and in my experience doesn't seem to work. Have you noticed that it's true for you?

Great test! Interesting product! Cheers! Pat

I was eyeing that up at MEC yesterday. Decided against it, but good to know it works decently.

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+The Last Grownup in the Woods You will see it in action again very soon. I was out in freezing conditions again and it saved me from retreating to the truck. LOL

You gotta find what works for you. I gave up on wool years back. Never kept we warm.

I have to keep my opinions on wool to myself. altho i freeze in the summer with out a fire with a wool blanket. I have not tried the bivy. thanks for the test man.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

Kullcraven Bushcraft If you can get some insulation between the reflective layer and your body these survival blankets really add a lot of cold protection for their size.

@forgenorth1444

7 жыл бұрын

I think a lot of people are under the impression that you can take a single wool layer and be warm at sub freezing temperatures, but that's obviously not true. Historically they were always layered in bedrolls for when it's actually cold. In the summer they work pretty good on their own.

yea but probably any item that keeps the wind from blowing thru your sleeping bag would help keep you just as warm.

Have you tried Blizzard survival products? They are quilted mylar blankets or sleep tube or bivy. They also do jackets and light blankets.

@EconoChallenge

7 жыл бұрын

Blizzard is a new name for me. I will look them up.

I used mine last weekend for the first time in -20c. This bivvy does not breath very well in those temperatures. My sleeping bag was very wet on the surface in the morning, not a good thing when you are using an expensive down bag. I used it last fall around the same temp, +3c and it was fine.

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

Good to know. So when you drop below freezing it must have more of a challenge "breathing". I have since discovered a similar problem when trying to use it in below freezing conditions.

Yea wool blankets are not all they are cracked up to be. Lots of misconceptions abounding concerning them but some bushcraft stick the the script and will not bash them. I think that bivvy is best kept for the car and not very cold temperatures as you will be frozen in condensation before long. Limited but still useful. Mylar blankets are overrated as much as wool blankets. I am glad you kept it honest because bad advice could lead to someone freezing to death.

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

I think it has something to do with laying out cash and then not wanting to admit the purchase was a mistake. Since you spent the money you want it to live up to the hype. I have taken more than a little criticism for giving my honest opinion good and bad about products others have raved about. The ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent Appliance is a fantastic example.

@lakrabid

6 жыл бұрын

Keep doing what you are doing. I appreciate the honesty. Tell the complainers to... Well you know what to tell them lmao

I'm wondering is the clod air flowing underneath you might have partially contributed to your chill, and if maybe pushing leaves up along the sides might have helped...

@SimbaOS

7 жыл бұрын

You're definitely right. Filling the gap underneath the improvised bed would have prevent a heat convection.

Great test. Thank you for sharing it with us.

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for dropping in for a visit.

Excellant video ,,I learned my lesson too..same way u did..doubling up was the trick.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

polishpicl Ya it worked out really well. I am glad you shared. Thanks man!!

a couple of those chemical hand warmers would be a good addition if it got any colder,

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

neil castell A few years back one of the guys tried the heat n click heating pads to try and warm up the sleeping bag before he used it. Turns out it was hot enough to melt a few of the attachment points inside his sleeping pad. When he tried to lie down the attachment points popped causing a hug balloon to form where the heating pad was sitting. It ruined the Thermarest pad.

@neilcastell6951

9 жыл бұрын

the ones i have dont get that hot, but its a good point to be aware of.

@forgenorth1444

7 жыл бұрын

+neil castell also those consume oxygen, don't use them in an enclosed space if you're going to be in it.

The therma rest....the Cdn military use thr same thing

nice video guys, just bought 2 bivvy . have not tested it as yet

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+Big City Ready 2017 Thank you for your kind words. I think you will be impressed with how they work if combined with some other system like a blanket or sleeping bag. On there own they will not keep you warm in freezing conditions.

Having used just a simple reflective blanket, with a cheap sleeping bag, before on a really cold and rainy May 2-4 weekend, I would have been 100% confident that that bivy plus sleeping bag would be comfy. Only questions I would have are, did it make noise as you moved around, and did it cause much condensation

Good video. I have a SOL bag and have thought of the combination too but have never actually done it. Guess I'll keep it and try a paring with it and my sleeping bag(s) later this year. So far I've only used a liner with my sleeping bags which does help but I don't think my liner (silk) would work as well as the SOL paring.

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

***** I have silk bag liner for summer and a fleece liner for the fall. When it comes to increasing the warmth of the bag the bivvy did a much better job.

Excellent real world testing. Thanks.

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+TheGoatMumbler Testing yourself is the only way you figure out what you don`t know.

Hey its little john!

@EconoChallenge

4 жыл бұрын

He also has a light and jolly personality to go with the look. Lol

Very good. Thank you very much

@EconoChallenge

5 жыл бұрын

You are welcome.

try with a down bag you will love it

@EconoChallenge

7 жыл бұрын

I would love a down bag.

Great review, thank you!

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and leaving us a comment.

It's fairly green for negative temperatures... birds chirping...

@EconoChallenge

4 жыл бұрын

Looks can be deceiving. That's why something like this could be very handy for your pack. The weather can surprise.

@cwoods1132

4 жыл бұрын

Celsius, maybe.

@EconoChallenge

4 жыл бұрын

Yes the temperatures mentioned are in Celsius.

I thought bivy bags were supposed to be an outside "tent" layer. Something to put your sleeping bag inside of instead of a tent. Not just something to slide yourself into with your hiking clothes.

@EconoChallenge

5 жыл бұрын

You are correct. That is exactly how "real" bivy bags work. However, this is being marketed as a lightweight emergency bivvy bag. Something to through in your backpack to have handy if you ever get stuck out in the wild on an overnight unexpectedly.

Good one! I like your sleeping arrangement pal :D

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

BushmanofYukon Sometime is feels good to be able to do that without waking up to one big bug bite welt.

@BushmanofYukon

9 жыл бұрын

EconoChallenge Or a chunk missing from Mr. Grizz ;o)

Minus 1......yes , it must be great ....Even the trees stay warm look how green ?

In a situation where it is cold weather. To get the full effect of warmth, is to strip down naked. As being in your clothes, it traps the heat which cannot distribute the heat as well as your clothes being off. Just a suggestion.

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+Keith Lapere When I got into the cot at first I just had the bivvy. There was no way I could have stripped off clothing at that point. The heat was being reflected back but I was still loosing heat from conduction. This bivvy sac is cold to the touch. It really needed an insulating layer to trap warmed air around my body. When I got up and added the sleeping bag that is when this system really performed. I had to strip down to my base layer to keep from perspiring at these temps.

@keithlapere7650

8 жыл бұрын

gotcha!

great review and test just subbed thanks for the video

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+Amra Survival Awesome

Has anyone considered the very simple idea of using more than one bivy against the cold? Isn't that what you do when one blanket is not enough? Add another one?

@EconoChallenge

5 жыл бұрын

Hmmm. I know this never crossed my mind ... until you mentioned it. It just so happens that my wife purchased one so now we can attempt this idea.

Works much better with thermal pad under you. Ground and air will suck the heat out of you

@EconoChallenge

2 жыл бұрын

So so true.

Great informative video, forestwalker111 probably could have used a bit more insulation under his hammock, I have used a Mylar backed foam sleep mat in mine, with the old Czech sleep system but not tried it at -3!

@Forestwalker111

8 жыл бұрын

No probably about it brother Alex! Definitely!!! lol An underquilt or a good R value pad was called for. I had hoped to get along with the wool bivvy bag, which I hold would have worked had mine been real wool. I was duped into buying a small bolt of synthetic and got burned, er...frozen, as a result. Lol I am looking at a sleep pad for the next time up there! Lol Cheers brother and Be well Craig

@alexarcano

8 жыл бұрын

+Forestwalker111 yup, heard good things about the Italian army officers blanket, but I don't know from personal experience. If you are mostly clothed the Czech bedroll/sleep system is good to maybe +2C if a mat of some sort underneath is used, but the damn thing weighs about 8lb on its own and really needs another liner of some sort. Btw I believe the phrase you were looking for is 'split from stem to stern.' 😉 though I don't know where the saying comes from. Sounds nautical. Probably. Maybe. Heck, it's just a guess. Good luck on your next one, coming to you from sunny Scotland, where it reached the heady heights of 4C here last night, and 13C during the day!

Good test!...thank you

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for dropping in for a visit.

fun to see, cool test :)

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

hobbexp Thanks for dropping in for a visit my friend. Good to see you.

I'm closer in size to Craig (ForestWalker) and getting a sleeping bag and myself into the SOL bivy sack is impossible for me. I would definitely bust the seams. The bivy sack INSIDE my bag to be used as a liner might work but probably snug tight as well.

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

I have seen someone add a strip of tyvek to make this bivvy bigger in a video on KZread. Would that help?

@Roarmeister2

6 жыл бұрын

I think I saw the same video. SOL should simply make the bivy bag bigger in the first place.

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

Agreed. It is even a little tight for my liking.

@Roarmeister2

6 жыл бұрын

I tried the same test a few weeks ago but with just a 2Go Systems Trifecta bivy which is much bigger and I put on a wool anorak at 2:30am. No long undies. It got down to 4°C. I got chilled enough to have to urinate 2x but I made it through the night and slept well. Next step will be to use it at 0° or lower with my 0° down bag inside. I'm still waiting for that weather. :)

if you are ever caught in conditions...Bigger fire....and add leaves into that Bivvy! (worse gets to worse...cuddle up!) :)

@EconoChallenge

7 жыл бұрын

Excellent suggestion

Just as layering is the way to stay warm when donning your clothes for cold temperatures, it also is the way to go with sleeping bags. Rather than one cold weather bag, you should double up two bags rated for warmer temperatures: A larger traditional rectangular bag, and a mummy bag inside that one. I've added the SOL Escape Bivi rather than a second mummy bag. The SOL is so light and small compared to the mummy bag, it is a good alternative. I also use an inner liner bag with my sleeping bag, made of satin. However, if you're facing colder temps you can and should go for a fleece inner bag. I'm told Silk is very warm too, so you might want to try silk before you get the more bulky fleece bag.

@EconoChallenge

6 жыл бұрын

I now have a bag liner to go with this system. If I am using the bivvy bag on it's own I appreciate something to help manage the moisture that will build up inside the bivvy. Even this breathable version gets some moisture buildup on the inside the the bag. You are right about layering! Especially when dealing with the transitional weather of spring and fall. Essential.

So FYI that Bivvy has a target temperature range of 60 and above so it would fail below that

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+Yeti Hairyman Ya. I would agree that seems about right.

I slept with a liner and the bivvy and it left me cold. I started sweating due to lack of breathability (My head was out). I used the Tac Bivvy brand though.

Have the, frog, version escape bivvy, and like you on the real cold nights, you need a sleeping bag. Does that mean it's a bust; not by a long shot. Just like you can do a lot with a nail, it works best with a hammer.

@EconoChallenge

7 жыл бұрын

Exactly. Great point!

Good stuff, just catching up on older uploads

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+Jim Cyr Good to see you in the comments my friend. Thanks.

Awww man, I thought it was some type of survival burger, nice video :(

Nice !!

I'm not going to lie, I was a bit concerned for your safety. Thanks for sharing.

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+Mark Riley I have learned you can't freeze to death in your sleep. You will wake up at least once as you start to cool so you can do something about it. As long as you don't override your bodies natural survival mechanisms with drugs or alcohol you will wake up at least once and shiver. Then it is time to take action.

@hikenadventure

8 жыл бұрын

Good to know, thank you.

@titaniumquarrion9838

6 жыл бұрын

Why would you be when they clearly got back safely to post up this pointless video? Melodramatic much?

check out the 2 go gear trifecta, its bigger and better than the sol escape bivy.

love your vids keep it up. peace

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+-Kris- Thank you.

If the bivey does not pass moister then it must get trapped in the bag. May not be a good option for longer trips I'm guessing. Down bags might be a further risk of condensation as well.....what do you think Jeep?

@EconoChallenge

9 жыл бұрын

TomsBackwoods The SOL Emergency Bivvy is definitely guilty of moisture build up and it happens fast. The SOL Escape Bivvy is advertised to be breathable. In theory some moisture can escape. I did not find that my sleeping bag was any more damp than any other time I have slept in it in these temperatures. It certainly performed better than the Emergency Bivvy. If it was much warmer and I was perspiring more I would not need the extra protection of the Escape Bivvy. The sleeping bag I was using in this video is stuffed with synthetic fibres.

good video, ty for sharing

your Canadian cool subbed!!!

@EconoChallenge

8 жыл бұрын

+vanisloo Awesome. Thank you!