The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a complete non-motorized path for hikers and mountain bikers, stretching 800 diverse miles across Arizona from Mexico to Utah. More information at aztrail.org.
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matthold at 2023-06-21 03:50:32+00:00 ID: jox4r6k
Thank you for share a post trip gear report. It is good to read about actual experience with the gear.
What didn’t you like about the bivy? I used a Katabatic bivy this spring, but plan to replace it with something lighter.
sbhikes (OP) at 2023-06-21 12:52:52+00:00 ID: joyelmr
The bivy was an Equinox spash bivy that I modified by adding mesh to the opening and also I cut part of the top off and added mesh along the top. The zippers (two of them) all opened from the outside so it was a little difficult. If I was inside and lying on my stomach up on my elbows, it's too small in there, my head pressed up against it. It's a little heavy compared to others you can get. I've ordered a Borah bivy so I'm hoping it will fit a little better. Otherwise I really liked camping out in it. It added a lot of warmth on some of those super cold desert nights.
matthold at 2023-06-21 13:40:11+00:00 ID: joykfie
Thank you for sharing your experience. Every bit of data helps in my search for the perfect bivy.
I also liked camping in a bivy on the AZT. In addition to warmth, I also liked that it kept my stuff contained in some dusty locations.
sbhikes (OP) at 2023-06-23 00:05:48+00:00 ID: jp5sth8
What kind of bivy did you have? I've ordered a Borah bug bivy. I liked having a lot of mesh on top so I can really see out.
matthold at 2023-06-23 03:03:52+00:00 ID: jp6eswt
I used the Katabatic Piñon Bivy. I like that the U-shaped zipper allows me sit up in place. I don't like the 7oz weight. Much of the weight comes from the long zipper.
I like the weight of the Borah cuben bivy, but the zipper position is not good for sitting up in place.
I think the solution is make something like a Borah bivy with a top entry zipper (running from head to mid-torso).
(I spend too much time thinking about the 2.5oz weight penalty for the Katabatic bivy).
sbhikes (OP) at 2023-06-23 03:48:24+00:00 ID: jp6jmus
Yeah, the bivy I have is 7oz and I ordered the cuben bivy so that I can have a lighter one that is (hopefully) better than this partially homemade one I have.
Short_Expression_538 at 2023-06-21 05:57:19+00:00 ID: joxgg6d
Brilliant! I never thought of using a foam headband/hat! My head gets so hot with a ball cap and I just can’t stand the floppy wide-brimmed hats. Thank you for sharing your detailed gear review.
sbhikes (OP) at 2023-06-21 12:53:22+00:00 ID: joyenqu
The best part of the hat is it holds the hood of my shirt on.