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Outdoor Research's Alpine AscentShell Bivy uses a recognised highly breathable fabric that will keep condensation to a minimum and is particularly easy to get in and out of.
Outdoor Research says
Updating the cult-classic Alpine Bivy and leveraging the Helium AscentShell technology, this new bivy has a drastically improved breathability rating which leads to less condensation and a more comfortable sleep. The step-in opening compared to the clamshell opening allows you to step out of your boots and straight into the bivy easily without any shimmying. Ideal for alpine pursuits and extreme weather.
Our Verdict
Outdoor Research's Alpine AscentShell Bivy is a lightweight hooped bivy with a decent length zip and a mesh closure as well as the waterproof main 'door'. Hooped bivys don't weigh much more than standard bivys yet the hoop keeps the fabric off your face making them feel less constricting.
A key feature of any bivy is the fabric, they are all waterproof but how much they breathe is key to how much condensation you will get, ideally you don't want any but that isn't going to happen. Outdoor Research's AscentShell is a high performing fabric from this point of view and we think its as good as anything out there being used in bivys. It's also very lightweight so even though this bivy has a burly (comparatively speaking) 40D groundsheet it still comes out pretty light overall.
Most hooped bivys have the hoop about a quarter of the way down its length whereas the Alpine AscentShell bivy has it at one end, we think that this, combined with the long zip, makes it easier to get in and out of. There's a bit of space for gear inside the bivy but not much.
We'd have like four guying points, one in each corner, but there are only two, on opposite corners.
Overall a high performing bivy, we like it.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
Fabric Performance
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Ultralight
- Fully Seam-Taped
- Durable
- No-See-Um Mesh
Design Features
- Single-Pole System
- Two Stake Loops
- One Guy Line Loop
- High Volume Toe End
- Extra Head Room to Store Gear
- Large Side Opening
- Fly Fastener Exposes Mesh Screen
- Extra Large Mesh Screen for Star-gazing
Specifications
- Weight with pole: 555g (excludes bag)
- Weight without pole: 501g (excludes bag)
- Weight of pole: 54g
- Packed Dimensions: 32cm x 11cm
- Dimensions: 210cm x 71cm (at widest point)
Material & Construction
- bluesign® approved AscentShell™ x Pertex® Shield Air Diamond Fuse 3L 100% Nylon Upper. 100% Nylon 40D with TPU lamination Floor. bluesign® approved 100% Polyester Mesh
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