FYI for the taller crowd... I'm 6' 2" (180lbs) and actually fit quite nicely in this, even with the hood snugged up tight. The reason I fit is that I don't sleep standing up! GRIN. When I'm lying down with my legs straight out, the top layer still my nose. The bottom hood is generous and tightens up all the way over my face. All that being said, I also naturally curl up a bit when I sleep - slightly bent at the knees and waist. In that case you are going to definitely find plenty of room in this for taller folk.

It's coming. The thing is, I've done videos on damn near everything you need. So I either have to find new stuff or redo older videos, which I'm doing both.

I agree about the sizing of this Bivy Bag I'm 5' 9" 190lbs there is not enough room to comfortably sleep with my arms to the side. Instead I have to cross my arms to sleep comfortably with it zipped fully. If it were 2" longer and wider I believe there sales would triple because ultralighters all over the world be using these bivy's as primary sleeping bags and even build ultra modular system for cold weather camping. If you are smaller sized individual or a woman this a phenomenal piece of equipment!

Love your Vid's Chris. I will say that I have the Escape Bivy myself.....I'm 5'10 and 185lbs and it swallows me up. Not sure if these are all the same size or not but the one I purchased would probably work well for someone up to maybe 6'2 in height. Keep the Vid's coming boss, they've helped me make many purchases where I would have maybe gone a different direction and regretted it, really appreciate the effort and thoroughness.

Great video as usual. I have the escape bivy and I love it. The smaller bivies get you wet. It’s in my bag and it’s with me in the car or at home. I put a 2 person heat sheet in it and that combination along with the appropriate clothes could truly save your life.

You might appreciate this. I use the SOL Escape as a top quilt in my hammock by modifying it. The mod that makes it useful for me, is to make a single cut, on the top, down the center, to about 2.5 feet from the bottom. I add a piece of duct tape to stop the cut from tearing any further. This creates a foot box on the bottom. Then I turn the Sol Escape over and use it as a top quilt. This works great in my hammock, over my clothes with down jacket. Using it as a top quilt would work on the ground also with some type of ground insulation.

Like your honesty. These things can be life and death situation savers.

I Love the escape bivvy. Used it as my summer sleeping bag this year, I still used my thermal layers some days ( When it got down to about 50 at night), but it helped cut my weight a lot. I use it without the stuff sack and keep it it the hydration sleeve in my kelty or the CCW pocket in my Falcon 3

Fantastic little bivy. Have used it many times as part of a lightweight sleep system with a warmer weather bag inside it and it doubles the warmth.

@rukaks

7 жыл бұрын

Simon Vance thanks for that, very informative. Did you and your bag manage to stay dry? Others have concerns about condensation. Atb

They are good, I've used one camping over a couple years now on cold nights with a 45 degree bag inside it and the bivy adds significant warmth where if just in my sleeping bag I'd be freezing. Not totally waterproof, but as an emergency shelter or lightweight sleep system role these are great. Light enough to take it on day hikes and not notice it.

Hi, I think you did a good review, and I could recognize your comments with my own experinece. I have the same one, I`m 178cm and about 85 kilo, this fits me easy. But, with a lot of clothes(winter) its a bit tricky to get into. The zipper could have been a bit longer. and its not to wide. But I`ve tried it outside in subzero temps, and it did its job, a bit condens there was, but not bad. And it kept me warm enough to get some sleep. A good product, remember everyone, its an emergency piece of kit. Atb, Odd

I'm 6'7". Buying products that fit is always a problem and compromise. Thanks Chris!!

Got one this past weekend as a gift and cant wait to try it out when I head out to do a 3 day backcountry trip. And it really helps keep the weight down in my pack.

Hey man, thanks for standing up and zipping that bad boy up on your side. This showed that this SOL Bivy (that I've almost purchased three times in stores) is even more quality than I had expected! I'm 5'8'', so I'm good..

My testing the SOL Mylar bag out performed the bivy from 40 to 25 F. Imho the bivy is for 50 F and above. Wal mart sells Mylar tube tent for $9. Tie one end closed. The other end run paracord with a cord lock around the opening and fold edge over and tape the fold with clear packaging tape. It will accommodate larger guys and more layers of clothes.

I just did a class where we had a big guy 400# +/-. He wanted this type of thing and the local stores had nothing to fit him. I already had some SOL 2 person emergency blankets that were not claimed at check in. We used them to make him a bag. Over lap the edges, Gorilla black duct tape the seams on both sides and he had a bag. I really like the SOL line of gear. Their mother company Adventure Medical also has nice first aid kits that are well thought out. Good video, my friend!

I got one at a Cabelas near me and used it along with a wool blanket on a mid October overnighter in a debris shelter.The two together didn't keep me warm,but then again it was partly my fault for sleeping on the cold hard ground,naturally my body loosing heat through conduction.Once I woke up and warmed myself by the fire,wearing my wool blanket I was fine.From now on I'll sleep only in my modular sleep system which hasn't failed me in cold weather yet.

@preparedmind101

7 жыл бұрын

+Russell Suender it's helped me more than once in the hammock when it gets colder than expected. Laying on the ground will get you every time....

Got it and have used it even in the Himalayan ranges, with my sleeping bag. Highly recommended.

ive had mine for a year now, Im 6' and i fit perfectly in mine

Do you know if they make this in a horizontal version?

Im 6ft 5 and it has worked fine for me and I have used it on many hikes, actually I don't use a sleeping bag anymore I use this Sol Bivvy along with Sea to Summit Extreme Liner that (-25 degrees) which drops the Sol from 50 degrees down to a 25 degree bag. This thing wont rip, wont tear unless you have sharp items in your clothes.

Thanks Chris! Great review buddy! Your reviews are awesome.

I just love Amazon. Amazon seems to be taken over ebay now too. Pretty much you can find most things not all though, cheaper then anywhere. They are also super great in refunds if the product gets lost in the mail or goes on sale within 7 days to credit you back money, damaged goods. I've had wrong product once, and instantly they said keep it and refund cash or order another. I've bought almost 100 products from them in 3 months. So I can truly say how good they are. Thanks for the review. I'm looking for spring, summer, fall bag.

You can use it more than once.

I have used this Escape, Breathable Bivy and also the Thermal Bivy. Be aware that this bivy is certainly breathable but it LEAKS, yes the fabric is water resistant but not proof. My down bag was wet with about 10 minutes of steady rain. This bivy should only be used as a "splash" bivy under a tarp, or, in a tent to extend your sleeping bag in a tent or tarp. I much prefer the Adventure Med Thermal Bivy; it is very warm, waterproof and condensation can be controlled with the foot vent and open side (secured with velcro).

@gregvance

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips, I have an Escape but the Adventure Med thermal bivy sounds pretty good, will look into it.

I bought one and was disappointed. I am 6'0" and 220 lbs. The very first time I attempted to get into the bag, the material gave way where it joined the base of the zipper. I could not believe it ripped that easily. It was like thick paper. Decidedly unimpressed. When I did finally get in the thing, I found that the width of the bag was very tight on my shoulders and restricted the movement of my arms. Not only did this make for an uncomfortable experience, but it occurs to me that of you are that tight in the bag, its thermal qualities will be greatly reduced. I'm not sure why SOL would make this so small. They certainly need to produce an upsized version for grown-ups!

Hey Chris, this is exactly the video that I needed to see. I was thinking about getting one, but after you tried it on, I know that I need something bigger since I'm 6"2 and 300lbs. Love the videos and keep up the great work!!

Good review, I wish I caught it before my purchase. You were right on the money! I'm 6'0 255 and it fit me like a straight jacket. Bummed. Great safety item for sure, so I ended up giving it to my girl friend for her B.O.B.

@NewfieOutdoorsman

8 жыл бұрын

+carbonfiberbutterfly well your comment along with this video just helped me out a great deal.I was looking to buy one of these,but as I'm 6'2 and 265,I guess I'm not going to have much luck with it either.

I really think a tent in sleeping bag is a must because of fire ants and mosquitos and many other critters.. If its cold the pests might not be so bad but you still need to be warm. Im Florida on the ground somethings gonna get you, so I think I prefer protection and can open the bag... but then there is still the condensation... maybe a pup tent with good small meshed screened closable windows? You need a 2 man tent for 1 person so you can keep your equipment in the tent I know, especially if its raining. If I had to sleep outdoors after a hurricane trying to find high groung in south FL is hard. And expect rain and floods. Maybe a hammock but there is the high winds and lightening lol. So gotta adapt and adjust and hope you grabbed the right equipment

Thanks, Chris--I'm nearly 7' tall. 300# & I thought it might be close to suitable, but as you've shown--no. I'll check out the 2-person bivy. Thanks for the vid & keep on truckin', man.

Finally, not a knife video. I was about to think you forgot about other preps.

So stoked i just watched this video. I was so close to buying 1. Im 6'3. Would have been rather annoyed. Thanks very much!

Excellent review Chris, I've had mine for over two years now and use itboth in or out my sleeping bag I also sleep in it inside my MSS and fore go any extra warm clothing polypros or BDUs, choosing to sleeping only in my shorts down to minus 10 Celsius so far, TOASTY....

I know they fill a small niche, but I like this idea for an emergency shelter. While they would be most useful as a sleeping bag liner, I wonder if it would work in an emergency to use a blanket inside it. A very small, packable one like the microfiber emergency blanket form Aquamira might be a good addition to this. Also, hopefully if you're using it in an emergency, you'll be able to throw a little something down for insulation from the ground like boughs and/or straw/grass. Maybe you could test it with a foam pad on the ground and a very light microfiber or fleece blanket and see how much that helps.

Econo Challenge tried out the cheaper one in freezing conditions overnight. He found he was getting cold after 45 minutes. Jumping into a stretchable zero degree rated sleeping bag and then being encased in the SOL Emergency Bivy he was fine for the night. Something to consider, use the SOL but not alone.

Question: Why not just use a non-coated woven nylon bivy bag - lets the moisture escape from the bag and condense on the outside of the bivy. ? Sounds like a DIY project Actually, a single layer thin fleece blanket thrown over your sleeping bag would probably work well; add an additional layer of warmth and keep the moisture from freezing to the outside of your sleeping bag.

I rock the SOL 2 Person Survival Blanket. Takes up less space in my pack than the bivvy does, and you can roll yourself up in it like a burrito for a more custom fit. Simple solution to those of us that are 6' + and broad in the shoulders. They were only a few bucks each on Amazon..

Same goes for the Bivvy but what I do know is that I really need a good nights rest and an inflatable sleeping pad is a must for me because a poor nights rest means a ruined day the next day.

Thanks Chris,I own Military sleep system 4 piece,the sol will go in my Green Bag when needed...

Thanks for the heads up-Chris 6'2'' Here this looks good but the product ought to be sized..

I've been using it for 2 years. it's much more durable than it looks. It keeps humidity out and really is breathable. It's very wide, so even a sleeping mat fits inside (if it's not too wide). it packs so small I often just roll it up with my sleeping bag inside. I would recommend it to anyone going out into the wild, up to 6 foot tall. just wish the green version of it was easier to find. don't like the bright orange too much.

@smithsgullybaby

9 жыл бұрын

Hi! Just about to buy one for an upcoming race... I was planning on using it with a thick sleeping bag liner... It's def NOT gonna get clammy inside then?? PROMISE?? :)

@woodmonkey8673

9 жыл бұрын

Haha well I never hady any problem with condensation inside it or anything. I use it with my sleeping bag even when it's dry outside, just for a bit of extra heat. so I really think it'll be fine. keep in mind it's water resistant but won't replace a tent in heavy rain though :) Good luck on your race!

@smithsgullybaby

9 жыл бұрын

Many thanks! It's in Queensland Australia and its dry as at the mo :)

Thanks as someone 6'2" 270 I was concerned that it would be too small.

@151bradhatt

4 жыл бұрын

I'm about the same size. Did you buy one of these or another size? I know they make an XL and the 2 person one he mentioned. I'm looking to get something but I'm not sure I'll fit

Can you get your hands on the Blizzard Blanket bag and do a review on that?

The bivy is good, but only down to 10°C (50F) or 5°C at best. It might keep you alive below that, but you will be cold for sure. Good thing to have for the size, would be of help.

Great info! I'm 5'10 and this may have saved me from a tight bag! I wish I had checked out the Jungle SnugPak before buying it. Tight tight tight across the body and shoulders.

6'2" here. I hope they make a longer one.

Thanks Chris for the review.

I wonder if the persparation could actually freeze and coat you in ice... I do have an emergency :blanket" in my survival stuff, and my sleeping bag is so bulky. I guess it depends on a planned camping trip or grabbibg survival stuff. I think I am going to make my smaller backpack a bug out bag with smaller things and multi purpose stuff, and the larger one a survival / camping / hiking bag with a duty belt and suspender system with a take apartable fishing eod and reel / fly reel ..and the heavier stuff. Always a multitool, but with one a shrade F1 and the other a mora all around. I have a mini hatchet / multitool / hammer and an X7. I think I would grab the shrade F1 though for batoning and as a hatchet anyway, I keep my fire starter and pocket sharpener in the sheathe. A little fire starter things like cotton dipped in vasoline in pieces or plastic strawwith the ends folded and melted shut and steel wool.. For fishing, I want a few flies and some nylon line in a cigar tube or crazy glue tube then find a stick and worms. Some bandaids and antibiotic jell. Def need sewing needles and thread. Buf out needs at least 1 or 2 mini flashlights. I got a little radio that cranks or uses solar or batteries. Still wondering about this sleeping bag, 2 man pup tent and colapsable fishig rod on the bigger back pack. I am trying to keep the weight down but its the bulkiness. I am hopeing the duty belt and suspender system will help with things I want on my looped and duty belt. I am hooking the duty belt to my looped pant belt. I have too much survival stuff. It is addicting.

Looks a very handy item to keep in the car or day sack Chris.

The newer model called "SOL Escape Bivy Tactical" is 2" longer, 1" narrower, and drab olive green in outer color for those who want to be stealthy rather than easily found.

Great was.looking at it now will save for it...38 here!! Canada

There are two versions, the normal size 36x84 and a light size 32x82.

Thanks for the review! Very informative. I have the low end model in my bug out bag and haven't opened it, I may be in for a surprise.

digging the jacket!

Thanks for posting! Very informative!

awesome video!! really helped me with deciding what to get

I am glad to have learned that this will not fit me. Well, not glad really, rather disappointed even, as I had planned to add this to my kit. But I am a big guy, so... Anyway, thank you very much for the review, you saved me some money and some worse disappointment.

Good job, appreciate your videos.

When I hike now or backpack everything is ultra light weight, I dont even have cooking items anymore which saves masses of weight. I figure that if I am out for a few days or a week without cooking food I know that after the adventure I have access to an abundance of cooking food stuff at a restaurant or at home.

@epurvee

9 жыл бұрын

+Yeti Hairyman Masses of weight? What the heck cooking gear were you using? My stove, fuel, cup and spoon come until 4 oz. combined.

Greetings from Utah. Helpful video! Thank you.

I'm 6'1" 280 and I fit fine in this bivy.

I would love to see if the bigger 2 person would work. I am 6 5, 345. I will see if they are out yet. Thanks for the review!

This Bivvy is only a Size: 84" x 31" or 7' x 2 and a half feet. Making it ill suited for people with larger framed bodies. Meaning if you wear a size 40+ waist it will most likely not fit you.

Great video man. Thank you for making this.

That looks a quality bit of equipment.

Thanks for review.

I just have to ask this. Why doesn't anybody carry a hot water bottle or 2? That gear is a furnace with 2 hot water bottles in it. Especially if you protect the bottles from cooling down with warm clothing for them. I got 7 hours comfort from my hot water bottles last night by keeping them cozy inside this bivvy. . The bottles can take whatever crap water you give them. Your not drinking it. . 10 minutes water almost but not boiling per bag can give you hours of furnace in that bag. . Help your bivvy and yourself at the same time. Give it a try. . I put one bottle under my feet. Heat rises and that includes your body. . If I have space for a second one I out it under my thighs or mid-body. . They don't weigh so much empty for what they deliver to your comfort. Just find some water somewhere.

Good video and looks perfect for me, but works out at over $60 on Amazon over here in the UK :(

Another review showed that it breathed well but didn't prove so well with waterproofing. After 45 minutes of constant test 'rain' it leaked and also, the zip wasn't taped so vulnerable to water access when wet. Maybe you could do a test not just assume it's will be fine in real cold and particular wet conditions? Nice review.

@preparedmind101

10 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a ridiculous test. Why would the reviewer assume that it would perform like an MMSS bag?? It has one purpose: Reflect body heat and breathe. Not be a bombproof shelter option. Its like when people break knives beating the hell out them instead of cutting and complaining that they broke. Design and intended purpose matters. I would consider this an extension of my clothing, not an extention of my tarp.

@celticwitan

8 жыл бұрын

Yup, take care of your stuff. If you break your knife or something you are sol..

This was great I really needed to know about this.

Thanks for a true demo. I am a big boy and I might get it to my waist.

One can make a better and MUCH more confortable emergency shelter using a large plastic tarp and a foldable foam pad (or other type of insulation)

I wish people would do a little research on what radiant heat means. Manufacturers are conning you! Radiant heat is waves of energy, like the heat off a candle flame. But the heat from your body warms the air in your clothes and then everywhere you touch the bag heat is conducted out through the bag fabric, reflective or not. Only a very small percentage of your heat will bounce back. When you sleep your metabolism slows and you cool down. I've slept out in this type of bag in mild weather, on a camping mat. It's truly horrible. There's no way I would rely on one of these reflective bags to save me from hypothermia.

My experience tells me that breathable materials regulate bodyheat, it doesn't keep you warm. Non breatheables do, but there is a condensation buildup. Can't have your cake and eat it, right. This bivvy is more like a emergency bivvy than a everyday use one.. Thanx for the size test, i'm to big i think.. ;))

6 years later and I still dont see a breathable version for guys like me - 6ft and an athletic 225lb - did I miss it, is there another brand I should look at?

Why buy a pricey -20 sleeping bag if you can climb in this thing and your 50 degree rated cheapo bag? Is there a durability problem going with the bivvy-cheapo bag? Is it uncomfortable? Thanks for the review, Mind.

im sold.. I just ordered one..

In those super toasty warm conditions inside the bivy, which outdoor temperatures do you estimate will best suit a comfortable, non-damp sleeping environment in the bivy sacks that you review?

@preparedmind101

10 жыл бұрын

monj33 The Escape Bivvy doesn't get damp because it breathes. The others will.

@hubertholness3969

8 жыл бұрын

Ff

What length does it say it is? I thought it said it was long enough for me I almost bought it too, glad I watched.

How do you fold it up my friend has one and can't fit it back in

Buy 2 and have a seamstress use the 2nd one as extra material and make it bigger and longer.

Thank you for the height warning. It would have really sucked to buy this and then discover it too late.

you should update the review. The cost seems to have jumped to $60 and there is no basic explanation. At $60 for a bigger guy this would be a great purchase. but not for what you reviewed.

I have noticed at my local outdoor store that they have the sol escape bivy and also a sol escape bivy lite, the lite version is cheaper, by about $12 but they seem to be the same just the one is lighter, have you had experience with the lighter one?

ive heard people say that you can throw this into your sleeping bag and make a summer/fall bag into a winter bag. Can anyone speak to how well this works?

Hey Chris, great video. Let me ask ya, do you need a sleeping bag with this or can you use it solo as a bag/shelter? Thanks

Tyvek, seam tape, needle and thread, and a fleece blanket. Dyi...

Really glad I watched this! I'm 6' 260 and had this thing in my amazon cart... haha

@noahcorpus7577

10 жыл бұрын

Here, here, I'm 6'4 330lbs, this wouldn't cover my sternum, thanks for modeling.

@amongstedibles5159

10 жыл бұрын

Dido, 6' 245lbs Thanx PPM101

@greghicks83

10 жыл бұрын

Yeah me too. Saved me like $40. Glad I watched this.

82inches is 7ft, so y'all could prob fit with a squeeze. Retains 70% of body heat… I'm getting one for my go bag!

Thanks bud

Nice review. How much does this weigh all packed into it's stuff sack?

What is the contact information for the person you mentioned about selling MMSS sleeping bag system?

Is it easy to fold it and pack it in its stuff sack?

thank you, you helped me

What does “run’n out of time” have to do with anything?

So for bigger guys SOL BIVVY means Shit Outta Luck BIVVY

@zackweaver1341

7 жыл бұрын

LOL. Caught that. It's gotta be pronounced 'Sole', or 'soul', meaning 'the sun', as in 'SOLar'. Which is the opposite of Shit Outta Luck in this case! Or the makers have a really amazing sense of humor.

@BanZandar

7 жыл бұрын

S.O.L. Is the name of the company in abbreviation. It stands for Survive Outdoors longer. But it has been stated on many youtube pages, it can stand for many other things. In this case it stands for shit outta luck. I have friends of many sizes and shapes and it doesn't fit everyone. The packaging should state, 1 size fits most. I have End Stage Renal Failure and have been trying to build and emergency kit for myself incase something should happen. Because of my condition I can get cold faster then most. As much as I would like to have a bivvy like this in my kit, it would be too small for me being that I do have a gut all be it not the size of a tank. I'm a 52 inch waist. this bivvy should have been built with the idea of someone being at least 45 inch waist. This Bivvy is only made for a 32 inch waist making it undersized for most people, especially if you have a jacket and boots with you. And yes they did make a point that they do have a sense of humor at SOL.

tried this...not good....sweated and got completely wet...not strong...the bottom fell apart....took it a long way, but finally threw it out...

Have you had any experience with the tact bivvy? Thanks for the info on this one, BTW.

However tall you are you want your bivy to be atleast a foot taller, this lets you wrap arround the top of your head and still stretch your legs... Honestly they should make all of them 4 feet wide and 8 feet long

Hey Chris new prepper here, do you have vid on best radio or comm ideas in zombie apocalypse situ? Great vids man.