Conquer your Overnight Adventures with the Rab Alpine Bivy Sack.
Rating: ★★★★
The Rab Alpine Bivy Sack is a lightweight and durable shelter designed for minimalist camping and emergency situations. Crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, this bivy sack offers protection from the elements while maintaining breathability and comfort. In this review, we’ll explore its features, performance, and various use cases.
Specifications:
- Weight: 440g / 15.4oz
- Product Code: MR-66
- Air-permeable waterproof upper fabric for high levels of comfort
- Bathtub base with taped waterproof seams
- Sculpted shape to save weight
- Zipped main entry with external rain flap
- 230cm length x 80cm shoulder width
- Packed size: 25cm x 12cm
- Main – Pertex Shield Air 15D polyamide 3L ripstop with PU membrane and polyamide backer/ 90gsm/ HH: 15,000mm/ MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24 hours/ DWR
- Lining – 40D ripstop nylon with PU coated back / 108gsm / HH: 10,000mm / DWR
Features:
Waterproof and Breathable Fabric:
- The Alpine Bivy Sack is constructed from waterproof and breathable eVent fabric. This material effectively repels rain and snow while allowing moisture vapor to escape, reducing condensation buildup inside the bivy.
Compact and Lightweight:
- Weighing just under a pound (approximately 450 grams) and packing down to a small size, the Alpine Bivy is perfect for backpackers and climbers looking to minimize weight and bulk in their gear.
Minimalist Design:
- With a simple and streamlined design, this bivy sack is easy to set up and provides essential protection without unnecessary frills. It features a single overhead hoop to keep the fabric off your face and mesh panels for ventilation.
Durable Construction:
- Despite its lightweight nature, the Alpine Bivy Sack is built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions. The robust fabric and reinforced seams ensure long-term durability, making it suitable for extended use in challenging environments.
Spacious Interior:
- Despite its compact size, the bivy sack offers ample space to accommodate a sleeping bag and pad comfortably. The interior features a wide opening for easy entry and exit, along with a mesh window for stargazing on clear nights.
Performance:
The Rab Alpine Bivy Sack excels in providing reliable shelter in various outdoor scenarios. Its waterproof fabric keeps you dry during unexpected rain showers or wet ground conditions, while the breathable construction minimizes condensation buildup inside the bivy. The minimalist design and lightweight construction make it ideal for solo backpacking trips, alpine ascents, or emergency situations where carrying a full tent is impractical.
The bivy sack’s compact size and easy setup make it a versatile option for adventurers seeking a hassle-free shelter solution. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day trek through remote wilderness or planning a fast-and-light summit push, the Alpine Bivy offers peace of mind knowing you have a reliable shelter in your pack.
Use Cases:
Backpacking:
- The Rab Alpine Bivy Sack is perfect for ultralight backpacking trips where reducing weight and bulk is essential. Its compact size allows it to fit easily into a backpack without taking up valuable space, while its durable construction provides reliable protection from the elements.
Alpine Climbing:
- When tackling alpine routes where weight and space are at a premium, the Alpine Bivy is an excellent choice for overnight stays at high altitude. Its minimalist design and waterproof fabric make it well-suited for bivouacs on exposed ledges or narrow ridge lines.
Emergency Shelter:
- Whether you’re a backcountry skier caught in a sudden storm or a hiker stranded overnight due to unforeseen circumstances, the Alpine Bivy Sack can serve as a crucial piece of emergency gear. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry in a daypack or emergency kit, providing essential protection when unexpected conditions arise.
Solo Adventures:
- For solo adventurers seeking solitude in the wilderness, the Alpine Bivy offers a cozy and secure shelter option. Its spacIous interior provides enough room to comfortably sleep through the night, while the mesh window allows for ventilation and stargazing.
Field Tested:
Field Review Coming Soon:
Overall Rating:
Comfort: ★★★★
Waterproofing/Breathability: ★★★★
Packed Size: ★★★★★
Wind Protection: ★★★★★
Durability: ★★★★
Weight: ★★★★
Price: ★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the Rab Alpine Bivy Sack is a top-notch shelter option for minimalist campers, alpine climbers, and anyone seeking lightweight and reliable protection from the elements. Its combination of waterproofness, breathability, durability, and compactness makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of outdoor pursuits and emergency situations.
RAB ALPINE BIVY
Where to Buy:
Our good friends over at Bushtukah have a massive collection and variety of Rab products and other bivy sacks. Shop locally at Bushtukah with their 3 locations or have it shipped globally!
