This year I was able to convince my mom to put togther the bivy bag that I had bought the materials for about two years ago. Originally I was going to do it myself but since my mother is always busy making quilts, knitting or some other related craft I figured it would be best to just let her have at it.For those of you who are not familiar with what a "bivy" bag is, it is a waterproof and breathable bag that you put your sleeping bag inside of. "Bivy" is short for "bivouac". There are a number of commercially available types at stores such as Mountain Equipment Co-Op or Wholesale Sports Outfitters, practically any store that caters to the outdoorsman.
I got the pattern for this particular one off of the Internet. It is made from two fabrics that I was able to get from Fabricland: a "Gore-Tex" - like upper and a tougher nylon material for the bottom. We included a hood that can be pulled over just in case of bad weather and cold conditions.
Bivy bags are useful for the backpacker because it protects the sleeping bag from the elements. Because of this it is possible to sleep on the ground without having to carry a tent. In inclimate conditions you can string up a tarp to keep the rain off you. Under ideal conditions you can simply roll it out and sleep on the ground under the stars. The sleeping bag is protected from dirt, light rain and dew. It also adds a layer of wind resistance ( by this I mean the outside wind, not the wind you may produce within your sleeping bag!) and another layer of warmth. The bag is lightweight as is the tarp so the reduction in weight is beneficial.
I am looking forward to trying this out!
