Summit Camp/Bivvi - Back by popular demand - 15/16 Jan 11

[RedLeader]

I'm a bivvyer at heart. I use a tent sometimes but I'm an all or nothing kinda guy either at home on the sofa infront of the TV or in a bivvy bag on a mountain I always take a tarp though.

Bivvy Pros
Excellent feeling of being outdoors and being able to watch the stars at night and wake up looking at the sunrise.
Less to pack up in the morning.
Once you climb into your solo tent you're isolated from the group. In a bivvy it's more communal.
Psycho killer always go for the ones in tents first.

Tent Pros
Can change clothes in a tent which is warmer and dryer.
A the wind over a bivvy draws a bit more heat away than a tent.
Plenty of room for your gear.
Comparable weight for one but lighter for 2.
Keeps bugs out.
Can be hard for some people to keep the rain out depending on how you like to lie and whether you shift around much in your sleep.

[andy1984]

Psycho killer always go for the ones in tents first.

That from experience? 


Thanks for the insight, it sounds like a night in the bivvy is not alot differnet than a tent heat wise, and i suppose its easier to find a place to set up!

[Dowser]

Psycho killer always go for the ones in tents first.

That from experience?  


Thanks for the insight, it sounds like a night in the bivvy is not alot differnet than a tent heat wise, and i suppose its easier to find a place to set up!

Yeap very good point we forgot to raise... You don't have to look for a pitch for your tent.  You can usually lie were you like when you bivvy.  2ft from the Hobo stove is my positioning of choice  

[LennyJ1]

I have had more than enough experience in both a bivi bag and a tent and I will vote for a tent every time.

I know that a tent will seperate you from the group which could be seen as a pro and con but if you want 100% protection from the elements then you have more chance with a tent than a tarp n Bivi.

There could be a hugh conversation/argument/disagreement on which is best but at the end of the day try both at least once.

[admin]

Hi all,

I see we have some new faces heading for Meelmore. As ever, I'm sure it will be a corker but could everyone review our disclaimer information at the link below.
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=278

Cheers all!

[darren]

well if i go for a bivvy which is easier to pack perhaps i can change in someone elses tent for a small fee.l
say a fiver.

looking forward to it.
perhaps a bivvy is better in the summer when the weather is less extreme.
each to there own.
they both have good and bad points.

[LandyLiam]

If you haven't bivvyed before i'd suggest a tent for this occassion, its not that far to the summit so an extra 2kg isn't going to be a big deal, however finding out that your not cut out for bivvying will be a big deal at 4am with freezing temps and a howling wind  

and just to quote from the disclaimer which is full of wise advice

Not getting involved in activities or using equipment that you are not properly experienced for

make sure your sleeping bag is up to the job as well, lowest temp i've camped in was 2deg (inside the tent) and i was freezing with 2 layers below and 3 layers up top (and they were decent layers) and a 3 season sleeping bag (i think the comfort rating was -2) also had a luxury airbed too, so i obviously don't cope well with the cold  

having said all that my son can go camping in a tesco £5 tent without even a sleeping bag or pillow and doesn't complain, although the drink helps  

outside chance i may be able to join you later on the summit, so do let me know if you change your mind and camp at the saddle again  

[darren]

ive no probs when it comes to sticking the cold.
look forward to actually meeting you THIS time lenny.

[666_pack]

darren,
I'll pack the extra bivvi so you can give it a blast anyway.

Right next most important point make sure there's PLENTY of booze

[RedLeader]

Don't see that being an issue 

darren,
I'll pack the extra bivvi so you can give it a blast anyway.

Right next most important point make sure there's PLENTY of booze

[LandyLiam]

Well someone did run out of coke at the Christmas camp 

[RedLeader]

It's a regular occurance. Absolutely necessary for the morning dry mouth before any sort of mountain attempt!

Well someone did run out of coke at the Christmas camp 

[darren]

darren,
I'll pack the extra bivvi so you can give it a blast anyway.

Right next most important point make sure there's PLENTY of booze

you could roll down the mountain if your too groggy mate.

oh thanks for that mate.
ill call you very soon.

[suspectmonkey]

My own personal opinion would be there's very little difference.  I suppose a tent does give you more of a feeling of protection and if the weather does turn nasty you can climb in, batten down the hatches and wait it out.

Have you ever actually slept in a tent Dowser?!  You're always lying out in the grass with your gear scattered around you any time I've been out

I will most likely be in a tent as I'm wanting to give one I bought last year its first outing and a proper airing on top of a mountain.  All in the name of gear testing you see   Besides, I like the raking I get for taking the luxury option!

[RedLeader]

Hope there's room in there for about 8 if it lashes

My own personal opinion would be there's very little difference.  I suppose a tent does give you more of a feeling of protection and if the weather does turn nasty you can climb in, batten down the hatches and wait it out.

Have you ever actually slept in a tent Dowser?!  You're always lying out in the grass with your gear scattered around you any time I've been out

I will most likely be in a tent as I'm wanting to give one I bought last year its first outing and a proper airing on top of a mountain.  All in the name of gear testing you see   Besides, I like the raking I get for taking the luxury option!