The Black Diamond Winter Bivy was designed both as a minimalist bivy sack and a winter sleeping bag cover. Great for keeping down sleeping bags dry in wet coastal climates. Extremely lightweight, this innovative bivy sack is made of a breathable silicone encapsulated polyester ripstop fabric. This fabric allows the Winter Bivy to pack down so small that it can be carried in the pocket of your jacket. Ideal for protection in all conditions, the Winter Bivy can also be carried as an emergency shelter for climbers, hikers, and bikers out on day trips. During the summer months, you can use the Winter Bivy as a lightweight alternative to a sleeping bag. Zippered entry across the shoulders is conveniently positioned for easy access and sitting up.
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Erik Beeler - Dec 6, 2004 10:45 am - Voted 4/5
Untitled ReviewA quick shower test showed the fabric to be nearly water proof right out of the packaging but if water is allowed to pool on the bivy it will soak through in time.
The Epic fabric generates a lot of static electric charge in dry environments so at night if you want a lightning show just keep moving around...
The Epic fabric has prooven to be one of the more breathable fabrics I have used. Usually I feel all clammy in a bivy but this fabric seems to let the moisture out better than most.
I would recommend seam sealing the bivy if you are going to try using it in wet conditions.
I bought the winter bivy for emergency use and for use in a tent as an extra layer over my down sleeping bag.
So far I like and dislike the bag opening. It is across the shoulders and does not open as large as other bags I have used. Stuffing my -25 degree bag in was a little harder than other side opening bivys but not all that hard. I found it harder to get into and out of but liked that I could leave it open and it ran across my forehead and left my face exposed.