129 days to Christmas · 5320 new picks today
GiftsFeed

Bug Bivy

  • Bug Bivy

The 3-second version

  • Nine-inch bathtub floor blocks ground water and wind-blown rain
  • Full no-see-um mesh top stops biting insects while maintaining airflow
  • Sets up in under a minute with simple corner staking
  • Requires separate tarp for rain protection
  • No headroom for sitting or organizing gear
  • Must be staked to function properly

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Waterproof floor meets full mesh in an ultralight bivy you set up in seconds

Most bivies make you choose: either a waterproof shell that traps condensation, or mesh that breathes but requires a separate rain cover. This one layers both, with the waterproof part stopping at the floor and sidewalls so the top stays open mesh. You get full insect protection with none of the clamminess that comes from sleeping inside a bag.

That matters when you're moving fast or traveling light. A full tent weighs more and takes longer to pitch. A tarp alone leaves you exposed to bugs. This splits the difference: throw it down for instant bug protection, then add a tarp overhead only if rain actually shows up. For someone covering miles in mosquito country, that flexibility is worth carrying.

Good gift when

  • Thru-hikers and fastpackers who count every ounce
  • Backpackers who sleep in bug-heavy areas during dry seasons
  • Minimalists who prefer tarp camping but need insect protection
  • Bikepackers needing fast setup and compact packed size

Skip it if Not suitable for sustained rain without an overhead tarp, and the low profile offers no interior space for sitting up or gear organization

Specs

Floor Material
Dyneema Composite Fabric 0.75
Top Material
No-See-Um Mesh
Floor Height
9 inches (bathtub style)
Sizes Available
Regular, Long

What's included

  • Bug Bivy shelter
  • Stake loops at corners

If you're giving it

  • You'll need their size

Size depends on the recipient's height and gear preferences; stakes not included.

The maker

Hyperlite Mountain Gear builds shelters for people who move fast and light on trails where every ounce matters. Their gear shows up on long-distance hiking routes and multi-day fastpacking trips where durability cannot be sacrificed for weight savings. The Bug Bivy reflects that philosophy: it strips a shelter down to only what you actually need when bugs are the main concern and weather is not, using advanced materials to keep the weight low without compromising the floor's ability to handle rough ground and wet conditions night after night.

The details

This bivy combines two layers doing two jobs: a tall waterproof bathtub floor keeps you dry from below, while a complete mesh top keeps insects out and air moving through. The floor rises nine inches up the sides, enough to block wind-driven rain and wet ground without adding bulk. The mesh runs edge to edge overhead, so you get full protection from biting insects without the stuffiness of a solid wall.

Setup takes under a minute. Stake the corners, and you're done. Use it alone on dry nights when bugs are active, or pair it with a flat tarp or pyramid shelter when weather threatens. The mesh is fine enough to stop no-see-ums, the kind of tiny biting insects that slip through standard mosquito netting.

The floor fabric is Dyneema composite, a laminate that resists abrasion and punctures better than coated nylon while weighing significantly less. It will not absorb water, so morning dew wipes off rather than soaking in. The bathtub construction means seams sit well above the ground, reducing the chance of leaks where you sleep.

Two sizes accommodate different heights and gear storage needs. Regular suits most people; Long adds length for taller sleepers or extra room for a pack inside. Both pack small enough to fit in the bottom of a backpack without dominating your load.

Sleep protected from ground moisture and insects without the weight of a full tent

$235at hyperlitemountaingear.com

Ships and sold by Hyperlite Mountain Gear. About this merchant

Questions

Can I use this in the rain without a tarp?
The bathtub floor will keep you dry from ground moisture and some wind-blown rain, but the mesh top offers no overhead rain protection. For sustained rain, pair it with a flat tarp or pyramid shelter pitched above.
How does no-see-um mesh differ from regular mosquito netting?
No-see-um mesh has finer holes than standard mosquito netting, small enough to block tiny biting midges and other insects that slip through coarser mesh. It still allows good airflow while providing complete insect protection.
What makes Dyneema composite fabric better for a bivy floor?
Dyneema composite fabric is lighter than coated nylon, does not absorb water, and resists punctures and abrasion better than traditional tent fabrics. It also dries instantly when wet and maintains strength without deteriorating from UV exposure as quickly as nylon.
How much lighter is this compared to a one-person tent?
A typical ultralight one-person tent weighs between two and three pounds. This bivy weighs significantly less because it eliminates poles, rain fly, and much of the fabric. Exact weight depends on the size you choose.
Which size should I choose?
Regular fits most people up to about six feet tall. Choose Long if you are taller than six feet or want extra room to store a backpack inside the shelter at your feet.

No reviews yet.

The first one comes from someone who bought it here.

Boost this pick

More like this