Thermo-lite Bivy Sack

W

wade

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Sep 22, 2005
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493
I broke down and bought one. $25 just seemed too expesive for a emergency space blanket, but I thought about it and I have had to buy probably ten of the cheap ones over the years because they are only a one use thing and tend to fall apart in ther plastic wrap, especially if they get wet. So I got one of the Thermo-lites, and Im impressed so far. I was hoping that you would be able to un-velcrow it and have a tarp but it isnt built like that. Its a sleeping bag that velcrows together. Seems to be fairly tough, it wont rip like those cheap mylar bags. Anyhow, Im thinking of doing an over nighter with it this weekend, and then let you all know what I think. I was just wondering if anyone has one and thinks that I should also bring a sleeping bag. I know its not a sleeping bag, and I dont expect it to preform like one. I am just currious to see how well it would work if it were all I had. I know, Im young and dumb, but we all are at some point.
 
Wade, trying is the only way you'll know. Yes, take a regular bag too. And of course a shelter. If you are cold at 11:00, you can still climb in the regular bag and not loose sleep. Young and dumb has nothing to do with it. Inexperienced with it does. Let us know what you think of it.

Codger
 
Wade,
the bivy is rated to 50 F. If you wear more clothing it can go much lower.
Some testers have gone below freezing with a wool hat, fleece top / bottom / gloves and wool socks and were able to "sleep".
 
Well, where I will be I dont think I can have a camp fire. so it will be just the bag.
 
I have one in my kit, although I haven't slept in it yet. I would think a thin layer of closed cell foam between you and the ground would help you retain your body heat.
 
I'm very interested in your review - sleeping bags are impractical to carry during a dayhike so I've been interested in a solution for carry something a bit more substantial than a mylar e-blanket.

Get a local weather report and let us know what the low temp for the area was for the night you do testing. And fill us in all the details like whether you had a pad to insulate yourself from the ground, what kind of terrain you were sleeping on, windy, humidity, etc.

You probably should bring a regular sleeping bag.

Thanks in advance for doing the testing! :thumbup:
 
It is a lot bulkier than mylar Space blankets. That is a real bonus for the Space Blanket - it is sure to be with you when you need it, and can fit in a pocket. The Thermo-lite is tougher you say, and I am curious if it is warmer as well. Must be, it is much thicker. Can you explain how the velcro works? It doesn't unvelcro into a rectange to use as a tarp so I assume the velco goes part way down one side like the zipper on a mummy sleeping bag?

Will
 
Wearing outdoor clothing in a sleeping bag can be counter-productive. Cotton especially tends to absorb moisture from your body and when damp, quickly loses its insulating properties. That might be OK in moderate (above freezing) conditions but can be deadly in subzero conditions. A good sleeping bag rated for the lowest temperatures you expect to encounter (or below), polyester or silk long johns (if you intend to wear clothing at all in the bag) and long-sleeved top and a toque, an insulating pad such as foam or a Thermarest type (foam and air, self-inflating) are good ideas. A sleeping bag sheet will add a few more degrees of comfort and also help to keep the bag clean. A shelter of some sort, whether tarp or tent, is also important if the weather gets nasty. Getting a good rest every night can help ensure a happy hiking trip.
 
SkunkWerX said:
I was just looking at these in the past few evenings.
Trying to find the link to the one i had my eye one.

here are some of the links i am running across as i search:
http://www.gearzone.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=106-11401-1&click=5096


OH, here is the compact one I was eyeballing, it looks like a decent site for other gear also:
http://www.basegear.com/amk-heat-sheet-emergency-bivvy.html
This on fits in very small space.
Click to expand...


I've seen the first sold, but it is a little to heavy and bulky for a PSK. The second one looks interesting though... Still not as small or light a space blanket mind you.

Looks like the Heatsheet stuff used in teh second is a newer improved alternative to mylar. AMK have, or are coming out with a "space blanket" made out of the new stuff.
 
Will, the difference is the bivvies are sacks, the space blankets are basically a sheet of mylar. Seems that a sack would go a lot farther to keeping out wind, and keeping in heat.
There is going to be a size/weight trade off for the extra protection.
 
SkunkWerX said:
Will, the difference is the bivvies are sacks, the space blankets are basically a sheet of mylar. Seems that a sack would go a lot farther to keeping out wind, and keeping in heat.
There is going to be a size/weight trade off for the extra protection.
Click to expand...

True about that, but I like that the blanket can be rigged into a tarp, or worn as a poncho. A bit of duck tape and safety pins could turn it into a half ass bivvy bag. It would be really clammy though, but better clammy and alive than dead.

I have used my space blanket on top of a sleeping bag with good results when the sleeping bag wasn't warm enough. This weekend I am going to camp out with just the space blanket and see how it goes. I might be intersted in upgrading it to the new one made out of the new material, I just hope I can fit it in my current kit.

Will
 
:thumbup: Why not one of each? :thumbup:
Sleep in the bivy, use the space blanket over your head?
 
This topic caught my eye. I have the Thermo-Lite double bivy. I bought it to keep in a car kit when we travel long distances. I haven't quite had the opportunity to use it, but it seems to be a well-built product. I see that AMK will be upgrading all the ThermoLite products at the end of this year or early next year to ThermoLite 2 - a similar, but improved material. Woohoo!

As for the mylar 'space' blankets, I have used those to add warmth to a sleeping bag by placing it over the bag. I did this in several winter camping situations when the temps dropped below where they were supposed to be. It worked well. However, the space blankets are pretty flimsy, and are easily trashed after a few uses. I'd hate to rely on one for more than a couple nights. Nonetheless, i do have a few stowed in small kits here and there.

I have one of these in the back pocket of my PFD: http://www.hartwellmedical.com/. It is much tougher than a space blanket, as it is several layers of material. I installed grommets to lend versatility to the piece. The Hartwell Medical blanket costs about as much as 4 space blankets. It doesn't pack as small as a space blanket, but is much tougher, for sure. I recommend trying this one.

I've recently become acquainted with Blizzard Survival Bags: http://www.blizzardprotectionsystems.com/acatalog/index.html#prod_bag. This bag is vacuum packed, and is a little bigger than a VHS tape. These bags are a little pricey, which makes me not in a huge hurry to try one out. From what I've read, the Blizzard bag is popular as an ultralight shelter for big mountain climbers.

If you're looking for ultralight disposable warm-weather camping gear, check this out: http://www.store.grahammedical.com/...ode=GMC&Product_Code=53581&Category_Code=SPBK. A reusable disposable sleeping bag with a pillow. This item can be purchased individually from some vendors, and I think it runs between $15-$20.

Pleasant dreams!
 
SkunkWerX said:
:thumbup: Why not one of each? :thumbup:
Sleep in the bivy, use the space blanket over your head?
Click to expand...

Only room for 1 in my pocket kit. As for extra gear in a pack, that is another story... For variety and versitility I might opt for a lightweight poncho or tarp and bivvy bag

Travelling in pairs, if you each have the same kit, you have 2 blankets to work with, one tarp to share, one blanket to share.
 
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