Black Diamond
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:51 am
I just scored a black diamond Big Wall Bivy. They any good.
Should be pretty nice. It has a built in tie in point for sleeping mid way up a climb which you may not need (adding a little unnecessary weight).
If it packs small will be great for an emergency shelter. My brother has one that he always brings when we have backcountry skied or climbed in the winter just in case someone gets hurt. His is lighter since it doesn't have the tie in point or wire to hold the top up, so it is better for an emergency shelter, but he says he would probably get the one with the wire if he got another since it is more comfortable.
Also, if you get a silk sleeping bag liner between that and the bivy you can use a decent 3 season bag (15-20 degrees) inside a tent when it is much colder. It'll be heavier than a decent 4-season bag, but they are pricey and the weight isn't an issue if you have to bring the bivy anyway.