Do I Need A Bivvy Bag?

[cerbera147]

So I'm heading to the NI Survival School course next week. My plan is sleep under the stars but I don't have a bivvy bag 

My question is do I really need one? My sleeping bag is a 58 Pattern Army Sleeping Bag similiar to below

[Hunter]

The bottom these sleeping bags are waterproof and if you get the 58 pattern poncho to match you should'nt need any thing else, the poncho has 6 snap buttons on the inside front the same as on the front off the sleeping bag witch snap together to form a tarp if its set up rite its a really good system the army used it for years hope this was of sum use to you.

Hunter.

[RedLeader]

Probably depends on the weather. If it's going to be wet then a bivvy bag might be sensible. I have a DPM one that should fit if you need to borrow one.

[cerbera147]

The bottom these sleeping bags are waterproof and if you get the 58 pattern poncho to match you should'nt need any thing else, the poncho has 6 snap buttons on the inside front the same as on the front off the sleeping bag witch snap together to form a tarp if its set up rite its a really good system the army used it for years hope this was of sum use to you.

Hunter.

Thanks for the advice, I always wondered what the buttons were on the bottom. Sadly don't have the poncho 

Probably depends on the weather. If it's going to be wet then a bivvy bag might be sensible. I have a DPM one that should fit if you need to borrow one.

Thanks RL; Flipmeb has already offered me his. Really appreciate the offer though 

If the weather is the same as this weekend I should be ok but every little helps  As long as it's dry; I don't mind the cold as much as the wet. Wife still thinks I'm nuts 

[Hunter]

. Wife still thinks I'm nuts  they all do LOL
[/quote]

[ChuckMcB]

ditto. 

[specimanYak]

I've never bivvied before but like the idea of it, what should i be looking for in a bivvy bag? I've saw the large plastic survival bags, the army pull-string types and the ones that look like a small tent, with poles at either end. What would others recommend for a first timer.

[LandyLiam]

What would others recommend for a first timer.

dry weather 

[specimanYak]

dry weather 

Hahahaa, brilliant 

[dean1970]

may not rain, but you will be wet and cold in a bag like that.

at least a bivi

[twentyclicks]

I've never bivvied before but like the idea of it, what should i be looking for in a bivvy bag? I've saw the large plastic survival bags, the army pull-string types and the ones that look like a small tent, with poles at either end. What would others recommend for a first timer.

Survival bags are noisy and the worst for condensation.
The ones like a small tent... would be better to just have a small tent (at least you'd have more space for the extra weight)
Army pull-string types are good: cheap, tough, gore-tex, loads of space to wriggle around and even store gear. There are lighter ones in a similar style.

Read "The Book of the Bivvy" by Ron Turnbull - tips & tales to amuse and enlighten - we're all fans 

[specimanYak]

Many thanks for the advice twentyClicks, 'The Book of the Bivvy' looks like a worthwhile read.

[twentyclicks]

One man's procrastination is another man's gain 

[pablo]

if you havent got a lightweight tarp then id suggest a cheap one from b&q. light and versatile and with a bit of paracord can be fashioned into a decent shelter to keep the wind and rain out.

and anyway, shouldnt these guys be showing you how to make a shelter anyway???

[AdamMcC5]

if you havent got a lightweight tarp then id suggest a cheap one from b&q. light and versatile and with a bit of paracord can be fashioned into a decent shelter to keep the wind and rain out.

and anyway, shouldnt these guys be showing you how to make a shelter anyway???

what type do b&q do??