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The Ridge Raider Bivi was one of our earliest pieces of kit we tested and reviewed for UOG. This was also our first venture into a hooped bivy bag having before very much adopted a very basic bivy tactic. We viewed the Ridge Raider to strike a mark between a tent and a bivy bag. The overall weight and pack size baffled us as to its use, but there was no denying it was simply a joy to use. Having recently received an update in design from Rab, we were very grateful to be reunited with once again with the Ridge Raider.

Built as an all-season shelter it was great that for this review we had the winter season in front of us, rather than previously using the Ridge Raider over the summer months. This would give us a chance to really see how this heavier weight bivy bag could perform in challenging conditions.

Rather than a complete overhaul of design, to the eye the newly updated 2021 version has that same distinct look as the previous, with the large square like pole system used at the entrance. At the rear there is now an included micro pole which lifts the fabric at the foot end. The large opening at the entrance again appears familiar, as is the mesh divider which will help on those warm summer nights in Scotland for improved breathability, and a view of your surroundings without bugs entering your sleeping area.

Internally the space is large for that of a bivy bag. Being on the shorter side we can fit our pack in the head area if needed although do prefer to sleep with just limited kit inside which gives lots of room, easily enough to read a book or plan the next day’s route on a map. With a total length of 240cm, shoulder width of 80cm, and a head height of 60cm this should accommodate most people, although getting in and out is still a process which requires some practice, in not dragging half your sleep system with you. The increased height at the foot end along with the guylines create tension throughout the length the fabric creating a ridge line. This certainly helps lessens the rustle of fabric in increasing wind speeds, whilst also mitigating pools of water collecting on the fabric after a spell of persistent rainfall.

So overall not many major changes appear to be evident, except for when looking into the use of fabrics. Pertex Shield Air 15D polyamide 3L replaces the entire main area, with a 40D ripstop nylon with PU coated back making up the deep bathtub floor. To the touch it’s still very much a high strength material, with no doubt that it can handle some tough conditions. This is a bivy which is built to last, with 9 stake points in total making for a shelter that can just about be placed anywhere and feel safe and secure. A HH of 15,000mm, in comparison, is around 5 times the rating of the bivy bag we used throughout the summer season and holds up excellently against heavy rainfall, snow, and wet/boggy ground.

Breathability was probably the best attribute of the eVent model of the Ridge Raider and although the Pertex Shield Air does a respectable job it didn’t appear to perform to quite the high standards of previous. It is hard to make a true judgement during the winter months, as a significant drop in temperature makes any waterproof fabric susceptible to condensation. What condensation there was, was mostly at the head end with our sleeping bag remaining relatively dry, making this an option for multiday use.

What the change in fabric certainly does make for though is a reduction in weight and pack size. Even with the inclusion of the micro pole there is a total saving in weight of around 100 grams, making this not only a sturdier shelter but also shedding 10% of weight from the previous model. For calmer nights in which you simply wish to go as light as possible you can ditch the pole to further save on grams. The Ridge Raider like any other bivy bag is a truly versatile shelter with no need to stake out if sleeping on a rocky ledge or tucked behind a large granite boulder in the Cairngorms. It can also make for a super quick shelter, with us known to keep sleeping bag and mat inside when packing away, attached to our bike or pack, making for a quick exit from camp, ready to air out when the weather improves.

Our Verdict
The Ridge Raider bivy from Rab was like meeting up with an old friend and a joy to use. Keeping much the same design as previously, with what can be regarded as a spacious shelter for its type. As an all-season option it certainly lends itself well to varying temperatures and tough conditions. The updated fabric from eVent to Pertex Shield Air makes for a saving in weight and pack size, and although may not appear as breathable as previously still does a very respectable job. We suppose there is still a question asked in that why would you choose a bivy bag with a similar pack size and weight to a single person tent, which includes space to cook meals and get dressed, etc? For us the Ridge Raider probably has more relevance today than it had previously and is most likely the reason Rab made only slight adjustments to their new model. The increase in popularity of bike packing, pack rafting, and minimalist adventures, make the Ridge Raider a near perfect fit for fast paced travel in which an easy to set up shelter where you can bed yourself down practically anywhere is desired.

Trek Scotland is a small family business based in the picturesque village of Tomintoul in the North East region of the Cairngorms National Park. They provide bespoke Mountain Guiding for Single Day Walks and Lightweight Multiday Trekking experiences, including wild camping, in the stunning Cairngorms wilderness and surrounding areas. Whether in the high mountains or lower valleys, their Multiday Treks are equipped with high quality, lightweight camping and trekking gear. They only work with small groups and, whatever your ability, pride themselves on designing your outdoor experience completely to your needs and with professional guidance and expertise. Adventure is waiting... Read more from Trek Scotland