I used the Assault Bivy sack on several winter nights varying in temperature from about 20 to -20 degrees fahrenheit. Paired with a sub-zero bag, a sleeping pad, and a bag liner, the bivy kept me warm and dry. The first night, I slept in the bivy without a tent or other shelter. On the colder nights I used the sack inside of a snow quince shelter (as depicted in photo). With every use, the bivy effectively shed snow and helped to trap more body heat than a sleeping bag alone. Some condensatio...n did develop on the inside of the sack from my breath (as is to be expected with a bivy); however, using the mesh opening eliminated this effect entirely. I had plenty of extra room at both the head and foot of the sack for extra gear.
Overall, I was very satisfied with this product. With some work, it does fit back into the small carry sack it comes in. The size and weight of the bivy make it easy to pack and carry and the warmth and water-shedding benefits of the product make it ideal to use in combination with a tent on colder nights or as a minimalist alternative to a tent.
If you need minimalist shelter for your expedition up the summit, take The North Face Assault Bivy with you. Featuring an ultra lightweight design for high altitude shelter, the Assault Bivy is engineered with an advanced DryWall single skin for the ultimate in single wall breathability. The head and footbox are both square cut for extra room to store your pack and your boots. A high tech debris reinforced brow keeps the bag off your face, and the Assault Bivy includes a mesh closure for dry weather conditions and a full waterproof closure for rainy conditions.
DIANA K
Yes. You can fully close it to keep water out so it would be ideal for wind as well.
Shopper
How tough is bottom, how protective for sleeping pad?
Scott B
The bottom is heavier nylon, waterproofed, like the floor of a tent. To protect my bag I always use my pad on the outside, unless I'm sleeping on the snow.
EDWARD V
I've used this in the rain on the Appalachian Trail. The bottom is durable, but the top is definitely NOT waterproof. I had moisture seeping in heavily. Should have setup a tarp above me the night before. Better suited for colder, alpine conditions with snow rather than rain. Good luck.
Mitch K
What size does it pack down to?
DIANA K
Stuffed Sack Size: 6" x 12" (15.2cm x 3.5 cm)