Ammo Can Man Woodland Camouflage Waterproof Bivy Cover

Gore Tex can be expensive and new, un-issued, military surplus Gore Tex is no exception, this is a good value.As was stated in an earlier review, this is designed to be used as part of a sleeping "system" with an inner bag (or bags for extreme cold) and other components. However it works quite well with a civilian sleep bag, being both waterproof and reasonably breathable (as with all Gore Tex, expect some moisture build up)This bivy also works very well on it's own as a warm weather sleeping bag/shelter. Although, adding some bug mesh to cover your face is helpful in dry weather when you wish to leave the top open. It is also large enough to place a sleeping pad inside, keeping the pad clean and dry.As with most military gear, the sturdy materials and construction should stand up to years of hard use, but using a ground cloth under it will extend it's service life if you don't mind the extra weight. As far as overall weight, I did not have a scale that could accurately weigh light items, but this bivy is definitely not "ultralight". It weights about as much as a one-man tent and is almost as bulky. It is certainly quite a bit heavier and bulkier than an ultra lightweight tarp shelter, but also much stronger.Care and cleaning instructions are printed on the inside. (the bivy can be machine washed and dried)

Shipping was fast and the product arrived in a vacuum sealed bag. No smell or signs of use or wear. This really is the perfect portable shelter. No tent poles to setup, and the bag fit easily into a medium sized compression sack. On a recent trip in Northern California, I spent 3 nights in this bivy. The first night consisting of some pretty wet weather. I stayed completely dry and the interior is surprisingly roomy (had a sleeping pad and 35 degree bag inside with plenty of room to spare). My backpacking buddy on the trip was a Marine with 3 tours under his belt and said these are identical to what they were issued (albiet these smelled much better and lacked any of the questionable stains).Pros:1.) Everything about the bag is high quality- from the fabric (GoreTex), to the snaps and zippers. This is one of those pieces of equipment you don't need to worry about.2.) Waterproof- even if you're not in rainy weather, morning condensation can be an unpleasant way to start your day. This bag kept everything inside it perfectly dry.3.) Plenty of room- I'm 6ft and 190lbs and was a bit worried I'd feel claustraphobic. Not the case. The bag is obviously meant to be part of a tiered sleeping system, that includes a few other bags, but even then, I'm guessing you'll have plenty of room inside. And with the bag on your face, it still managed to be breathable, yet it kept all the moisture and most of the condensation out.Cons:1.) Slightly heavier and larger than other bivy sacks out there. But you're getting a military issue piece of equipment, so the extra ounces seem worth it, considering the heavy duty build quality.This is definitely one of the better outdoor purchases I've made in quite a while. My guess is, you won't go back to sleeping in a tent anytime soon.

I am an experienced backpacker with several 100 mi plus trips under my belt and one of the biggest challenges is always shelter. I purchased this for a weeklong trip to the Grand Canyon back country and was extremely satisfied with the outcome, including a night in the rain. I now have at least 20 nights in the bag.Weight: While a little heavier than other bivys, the reliability of an Army Issue piece of equipment more than make up for the extra weight. All together I didn't really feel that it added a noticeable increase in weight.Packed Space: While lager than other bivys, this was still smaller than most compressible sleeping bags, and fit inside a med sized stuff sack from Walmart.Interior Space: While this will be more cramped than a tent, There was more than wide enough for my Klymit Static V sleeping pad inside the bivy. This was great as I did not have to worry about rolling off my pad in the middle of the night. I also had my 5 degree bag inside. It was long enough to fit my 6'1" body with room for a small camping pillow. There is no support for the cover so it will touch your face. Usually I can prop it up until I fall asleep, but all in all, its the same issue that you will have with any bivy. Regardless, the fabric was breathable and did not feel restricted in breathing, even when the product was touching my face.Waterproof: GoreTex is great, I got rain on one night and with the cover over my face, I was completely dry.Condensation: Temps on my trip dropped to below freezing and often that will create condensation. The GoreTex is very effective at allowing condensation out and with out loosing its waterproofing. It worked great.Temp: Expect that this will add about 5-10 degrees of temp to your sleeping kit. With freezing temps, I was comfortable with a 5 degree bag and the bivy. In the summer, I have notices that it can become uncomfortable if it is warm and the cover is closed, but usually I just skip the sleeping bag and sleep with just the bivy. Which has worked great.Durable: This has been up and down the Grand Canyon, In the mountains and several other locations. I am extremely pleased in how it has held up. Most sleep systems would be showing wear, but this still looks new (With the exception that its covered in trail dust.New: Exactly as described, this was new and in the original Army plastic packing with the comply label slapped on it. Very happy that it was new as described as it touches your face all night when the cover is closed.Overall: One of the best purchase I have made in a while for my outdoor adventures. It does weigh more but is worth the weight. In particular when you consider the overall cost.