Spring in Ontario Field Tests...

B

brians

Joined
Apr 22, 2006
Messages
1,375
Hi there,

Thought I'd share some thoughts on the Cabelas Hunters Bivy and Wiggys Superlight bag I tested for the last few nights in rural Ontario:

Bivy - easy setup in dark and held a little snow and a lot of wind without collapsing. Kept the awning open, which limits the view, but it is a nice compromise between open sky camping and tenting. Room for oversized me, but tight with the little gear I had.

Wiggys - nice and warm (temp around 15F) , but could use draft collar and better cinch mechanism (might have to improvise - suggestions?).

Brian

DSC03866.jpg
 
I have been looking at that bivy myself. Any other thoughts on how it performed? Pluses or negatives?
 
TKnife - Slept very well - although some mean coyotes and a ruffed grouse tried their best to keep me from snoring :)

Trout - I was pleasantly surprised by it's performance. I think you would have to close the door if raining significantly, but a little dusting of snow on the nose was no problem. Didn't have any condensation problems, but that's understandable given the open door and weather conditions. I would recommend, given the reasonable price. Not sure about longer term durability yet. I'll post if it let's me down too soon.

Might have to swap out the Big Agnes airpad for an Exped for colder climes.

B
 
Hey Brians..

Nice little set up...

How much was that Bivy ??

BTW,,where are you in Ont ??

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Hi Normark,

The bivy set me back $89 usd. If youget 50 yards from the pitch site, it is difficult to see the seclusion-covered bivy - nice security and hunting feature.

By the way, although the Outcast is slung on the max Vulture, there is a nice piece of Kydex protecting a certain Crewman inside the pack, thanks to a certain craftsman here on the site...:thumbup:

I'm near Ottawa

B
 
Nice Setup, How secure is it with the flap down, What i mean is would it be good in buggy conditions, it looks like a nice Bivy for Backpacking or SAR,

The camouflage looks cool, I always find its easier to make a tent visible if you want to than to hide a High visibiltiy one if you dont want to be seen.

Do those Max Packs have Any kind of support frame, I cant find any refernce to it on their web site?
 
EMSRG,

It certainly is small for packing (i.e. small loaf of bread). The door/awning zippers to the body for bad weather, but I left it open. It will also just fold over the back of the tent for closer campfire viewing/warmth. Interior room is limited when closed, but it is a one-man rig. The seclusion camo is quite remarkable when viewed (or attempting to view) from a distance. Low profile and blends right in. I've read it doesn't breathe well in warm weather - gonna find out.

The Vulture has a padded back for a frame only, but is very comfortable and can hold a lot of gear. Also my first experience with Molle attachments - very practical and I'm using them more and more. I have a Molle Eberlstock shotgun scabbard on the way. Should be good for hike-in flyfishing this spring and hunting this fall.

Cheers.
 
brians said:
TKnife - Slept very well - although some mean coyotes and a ruffed grouse tried their best to keep me from snoring :)

Trout - I was pleasantly surprised by it's performance. I think you would have to close the door if raining significantly, but a little dusting of snow on the nose was no problem. Didn't have any condensation problems, but that's understandable given the open door and weather conditions. I would recommend, given the reasonable price. Not sure about longer term durability yet. I'll post if it let's me down too soon.

Might have to swap out the Big Agnes airpad for an Exped for colder climes.

B
Click to expand...

Thanks, definitely keep posting your reviews of this product, I am really interested.
 
I love those wiggy bags have several of them and have been using them since I was stationed in the far north. That was 15 years ago or so and until I find a better bag I will stay with the wiggy. That is a nice set up Brian.
Take care,
Bryan
 
S02,

I left the complimentary pillow inside the bag hood. I've tried since without and it cinches much better - should be much less drafty - my goof.

B
 
Trout - no problem. I'm heading out to some private land to hunt and will post some pics and further reviews over the next few weeks. Also grabbed that Exped downmat 9 deluxe sleeping pad I was referring to earlier. 26 inches wide and good to -30. Should be interesting to see the difference in warmth between it and the Big Agnes air core pad.

By the way, Trout, I was thinking of hitting a northern NY trout stream for some late season brown or brookie fly fun. I think parts of the Ausable and Salmon rivers are open all year - any thoughts.

Love your area of the continent - gonna get some camping and fishing in there soon.

B
 
Wabajack,

That's one of those little folding hunter stools from Crappy Tire. Cost like 15 bucks. Folds up small and easily straps to the outside of a pack for use at the ground blind or the campsite.
 
brians said:
Trout - no problem. I'm heading out to some private land to hunt and will post some pics and further reviews over the next few weeks. Also grabbed that Exped downmat 9 deluxe sleeping pad I was referring to earlier. 26 inches wide and good to -30. Should be interesting to see the difference in warmth between it and the Big Agnes air core pad.

By the way, Trout, I was thinking of hitting a northern NY trout stream for some late season brown or brookie fly fun. I think parts of the Ausable and Salmon rivers are open all year - any thoughts.

Love your area of the continent - gonna get some camping and fishing in there soon.

B
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response Brian.

The trout fishing can be tough as the water temps cool down. You pretty much have to hit them in the mouth with a fly or your bait in order to get them to bite.

I love NY myself. Not a big fan of our state government, but some of our land is beautiful! Especially the Adirondacks!!!
 
I have been eyeing this tent ever since it came out. Friday a new Cabela's opened close by and I finally bought one. I haven't had the chance to set it up yet.

Brians, have you used yours any more yet?

-- FLIX
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top