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It has an open-face style with a snap opening and stiffened peak. This is in contrast to the zipped face designs commonly found on most bivvy bags and Rab champion it as being less constricting. An integrated rain gutter manages precipitation effectively.
Downsides are the same as for any bivvy of this kind. If it’s raining you can find yourself having to get into it when you otherwise wouldn’t with a small tent. Using a tarp can overcome that problem, and we would certainly recommend that if you think there will be trees to set it up. Alternatively bring along some poles for the tarp. What you really get with the Geertop is flexibility. It can be set up simply as a standalone netted structure to sit in if the midges are getting at you or the additional outer waterproof camo fly can be added to keep the rain off. We recently reviewed the OEX Bush Pro Bivvi and feel we have to include it in this roundup of the best bivvy bag choices. It represents fantastic value for money, and pushes the Highlander Hawk really close for the top spot if you’re looking to spend less. In our view, the hood system is slightly better in the Highlander Hawk, but with the OEX Bush Pro being substantially cheaper, it’s certainly a close run decision.Using a bivi bag can be a little like wearing a waterproof parka coat in the winter. The bivi wraps around your sleeping bag and includes a big hood which can completely cover encompass your head and face. The bivi bag is compatible with the OEX Expedition Tarp and the Bush Tarp Pro, allowing you to expand your shelter if needed. Next, consider the nature of your running excursion. For a long adventure (more than a few nights), the importance of comfort and plenty of rest can't be underestimated. This is where a slightly heavier set-up might be preferred (eg a one-man tent with some space inside and a comfy sleeping mat). Putting the bivy tent up for the first time took me about 10 minutes, but I think I could probably half that with a bit of practice. A short hoop is threaded through the foot region and a longer one up at the head end. The base structure is then pegged out with 6 pegs and the fly sheet added on top. This is then also pegged with a couple of guy ropes if it is windy.
When you’re ready to camp, the Ridge Raider is effortless to put up. Thread the 8mm pole through a duct in the head section of the bivi, a bit like putting up a dome tent. This then lifts the top of the bivi off your head meaning you can easily lie down and read a book, or even tend a stove located outside close by. Overnight testing showed no signs of the dreaded condensation, and I did get rained on heavily. I was impressed with the ability to keep dry inside the Ridge Raider and it is now definitely my choice of best bivvy bag if money is no object.layer Ripstop nylon upper / 10,000 mm hydrostatic head / 10,000/m2 breathability / width: Shoulders – 80 cm; Foot – 50 cm There are two options for sealing the bivvy: you can either zip up the mesh panel or you can pin the mesh panel up with a toggle and zip the whole thing closed. Unlike many other bivvy bags, it doesn’t taper at the foot end, so it’s good for those who don’t like the feeling of being in a mummy bag. It also has a reinforced brow, to help keep the bivvy off your face, which makes things so much more comfortable on a wet night. According to North Face, the DryWall single skin also ‘provides unparalled single-wall breathability’. At 420g, the Assault Bivy is not the lightest, and for some it might seem just too big. But, if you’re after a top quality, waterproof bivvy bag with extra space for your boots and bag, then look no further. If you are confident that the weather is going to be warm and dry then you don’t need one at all. I’mve slept like this on many, many nights.
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