Bivouac sack, bivy, bivvy, bivi bags and bloody bivvying

I can appreciate the ultra-small packable side, but I’d err on the side of caution. You can always make it smaller later, but sod trying to make it bigger again. Too many seams. Too much rip/leak risk.

I’d think that your packable size difference will be as minimal as the weight difference. If you’re counting grams over comfort can you look elsewhere?

I’m not sure you’re gonna save much all-in with that material and still be usable if you trim tight.

But it's more that I can make it to my spec and design. So I get what i want. Not really looking to be super minimal, just not heavy.

I'll do a few runs, to get it right. And likely make something out of cheap material to get a pattern I'm happy with.

I think @platypus suggested that up-thread when I ask about options. But it's 8 week lead time and forrun. I was hoping to find something similar local but ain't gonna happen. The Ion might be a cheap interim option for me.

Rab alpine.

Isn't that what you already have?

470g is quite a bit more than the FKT MLD Soul and it's £200+.

How small does it pack?

My current RAB Storm is:
Size: 2250mm x 700mm
Weight: 560g / 20oz

once again, the best bivvys for what you want are:

• Borah Gear Snowyside Event (handmade in US, currently out of stock, $155)
  
• MLD FKT Event Soul (handmade in US, in stock, $335)
  

Yes but you can buy it in the UK which is what you want.

I have the ascent.

I emailed about Snowyside 6 months ago and they're still no available so you can see why I can't be bothered with US makers. "in stock" for MLD is still 8 week + delivery time.

Email hi@astucas.com and explain what you want.
He makes good shit in the Pyrenees.

Cheers, I'll have a look.

Just did the dimensions on a bag.

I need 2050 x 750 mm length and diameter. So that's 3m^2. At 115g/m^2 that's 350g or 400g with zips etc.

The material is 28eur/m and I'd need 5m really. So 140euro.

Not cheap...

https://www.extremtextil.de/3-lagen-laminat-40den-nylon-taft-ultraleicht-115g-qm.html?number=71335.SW

Have you looked at the MSR range, they have a new offering this year from ultralight to full mountain models

Yeah not really what I'm after.

yep, companies get better rates on materials, as you are discovering!
contact as tucas like I mentioned to hippy, two bivvies instead of one makes it twice as likely

I asked someone else, so I'll see how that goes.

I do like making my own stuff, so it's a bit frustrating that I can't get material at a good price.

Buy 'bulk' and make me one too :D

It’s why for the time being I can only make with what comes through as recycled or remainder at a local scrap store, charity shop, or craft swap type arrangement. The local sewing shop wants £15 for cordura-esque material and they cannot even tell me what dernier or manufacturer it has come from. I suppose if I asked them about floral cotton they’d know more.

New tech materials are notoriously expensive, I believe part of the cost when you buy from some makers is actually their covering the bulk purchase. Say they get material at £7 instead of £15, you’re still paying them a premium of £20 or £30 to cover the extra costs involved in the bulk order, storage, and so on.

I'll double the dimensions for yours.

Yeah. I've asked someone to see what they can get.

That material about would be great, but just not very cost effective. It would allow me a design I want though.

Just around the groin.. :-*

Just went to the Extremtextil shop here in Berlin that opened recently. Among other things I asked about bivvy bags and laminates, and if it has to be 3 Layer. He said no.
Way I understand it the 3rd layer is so you don't need a lining to protect the membrane.
I am no materials expert, but in my understanding this material which is 65g for the base and this one which is 100g for the upper should work nicely.
And they're 4,90€ and 7,90€ respectively.

If there wasn't so much sewing to do already I would make one for myself, my army gore tex one weighs around a kilo.

Tarp and groundsheet combo is so much nicer and more versatile. Same weight roughly.
Bivvy only for the racers imo

Makes sense.
But German law only allows wild camping if you don't put up a structure. That's not necessarily a problem but could be.

I am also not very experienced in that whole stuff so something I just roll out and go has its appeal.
And a tarp won't involve sewing in a zip.

Need a cheap Bivvy/tent etc, just for a one nighter on a stag, not going to be used again tbh!

Thoughts?

Buy a Alpkit Hunka from eBay and sell it again when you are done with it.