Snugpak Special Forces Bivvi Bag

Beware tall users! This is advertised as 220 cm in length (86.6"); however, this is laying flat (as pictured). In order for this to work as a true bivy you have to cinch down the cord that runs around the inside of the bivy's hood. This dramatically reduces the interior length, so much so that my long length mountain hardwear sleeping bag is longer than the bivy sack when the hood is cinched down. Therefore I am unable to use the bivy sack as it is intended with the cord cinched down around my head and sleeping bag hood (think how a mummy bag cinches around your face). Instead the entire top of my sleeping bag is left unprotected. This would be fine if I was using the bivy in a tent, but I purchased the bivy to allow me to sleep outdoors while providing at least moderate protection from moisture and rain. The restricted length makes this impractical. I also don't like how thin and fragile the material is. I understand that this is necessary to achieve the bivy's light weight, but a ground sheet will be required to prevent sharp rocks and sticks from cutting or rubbing through the thin bivy.Instead I find myself using my MSS woodland camo bivy (a full pound heavier) which I intended to replace with this lightweight alternative. The MSS bivy provides plenty of extra length so that I can fit excess gear or clothing that I want to keep dry down by my feet. In addition, the MSS bivy's gore tex fabric breathes better and is far more robust. I find there is less condensation in the MSS bivy after a night's sleep, even with the MSS fully closed and the snugpak wide open at the head. Finally, a brand new MSS bivy can be found for one third the price of this bivy. The one pound weight savings is outweighed in my mind by the benefits of the added length, durability, and comfort of my MSS bivy.Final Thoughts: This is great as a lightweight emergency cover for your sleeping bag (if you're 6'00" or under); however for regular use there are better options out there (check out the MSS bivy which can be purchased new for one third the price).

Good product. 99% waterproof. However, some rain leaks on your face. Easily fixed by laying something waterproof over that area.Significantly lighter than the standard issue bivvy sack, but no gortex. So, not as warm.Still firmly recommend. Also, no ACU pattern, which is always a plus.

Very small and tight for big people. Shabby construction. And if it’s breathable, I will eat my hat..

This thing compresses down to the size of a couple pairs of socks, keeps you warm, and it's 100% waterproof. It's still big enough to put a sleeping mat and blanket inside too.

I am 5' 10" 145 lbs. Too delicate for me. I was always afraid I was going to poke a hole in it. Maybe on a mylar tarp I would feel safer. And it really is a little too short. Maybe more appropriate for a girl.

I purchased this item for the field and it does not breath too well. If you have been in the military longer than 10 years...think old US Army Poncho liners, or old wet weather gear. More plasticky feel than Gortex and swampy. No idea of how durable it will be until a few more missions outside.

Great addition to my bug-out bag

Great product

This is a lightweight packable and excellent bivi bag. In winter my sleeping bag lives the SF Bivvi ready to go. It adds another level of waterproofing and warmth. In the summer I have even used it on its own to keep the wind and rain out. I have no real complaints although the hood might be slightly larger to allow me to stow all my kit inside. I am ex Army and this is really so much lighter and better than the standard Army issued bivvi. Love it and a lifesaver.

Done what I’ve asked it to do, Here and there I’ve had some issues with condensation but it’s a bivy and it’s part of the territory.Some may say the zip come back down too easy but it’s part of the design to be a quick release factor of it and can be used in part with the snugpak special forces sleeping bags. Worst I’ve had with me, the snugpak tactical 2 sleeping bag and pad fully inflated is it zip down 2-4 inches below my delt

Very lightweight and the zip has a tendency to open when you're inside it, but I spent a night in this alone and it performed surprisingly well.I expected condensation to be an issue - it's not been so far, but we shall see.

Unfortunately I was under my tarp and purposely I had my feet end out to try it out and the next morning , the moisture had come through!It wasn’t condensation from my breath because I sleep with my head out of the bag.I don’t know, maybe it was just a faulty one.Has anyone else had the same thing or is it just my bad luck ?

Does exactly as expected. Very good quality. Matches my snugpak sleeping bag nicely. Hope to get the snugpak self inflating mattress for Christmas.