MSR Alpine Bivi

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Lightweight and breathable Pertex Shield Air fabric provides fully waterproof protection. With a sculpted shape to cut material weight and a zipped entry with an external rain flap, The ultimate solution for fast and light alpinism.

Rab says:

When weight and space are at a premium, our Alpine Bivi enables you to sleep virtually anywhere. The air-permeable 15D Pertex Shield Air fabric is engineered with nanoscale fibres for radically reduced condensation and a drier, more comfortable night. The outer fabric has waterproof protection of 15,000mm HH, alongside air permeability of 0.8 CFM. The tent features a waterproof bathtub base with taped seams providing reliable protection against water ingress when compressed. It also features a wide zipped entry with storm flap which enables you to stay protected in all weathers. While the bag measures 230cm in length and 80cm at the shoulder, the sculpted cut reduces the all-in weight to just 440g. With carry-friendly packed dimensions of 25cm x 12cm, it’s the ideal way to stay fast, free and agile on multi-day alpine expeditions.

Our Verdict

Rab’s Alpine Bivi is a lightweight shelter that focuses on providing protection from the elements. With breathable Pertex Shield fabric across the top combined with a bathtub base and taped seams it does a great job of keeping out the typically wet weather experienced across the UK. The large opening makes access easy while the tapered cut of the bivi keeps the weight down.

The groundsheet is made from a tougher material than the shell and is ‘bathtub style’ to ensure good performance even in very wet conditions. Condensation is always an issue with bivi bags due to the nature of teh design but the Partex Shield Air material does a good job of minimising moisture build up. On drier nights you can keep the condensation down by leaving the hood open.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Air-permeable waterproof upper fabric for high levels of comfort
• Bathtub base with taped waterproof seams
• Sculpted shape to save weight
• Zipped main entry with external rain flap

Specifications

• Weight: 452g (excludes storage bag)
• Size: 230cm length x 80cm shoulder width
• Packed size: 25cm x 12cm

Material

• Main: Pertex Shield Air 15D polyamide 3L ripstop with PU membrane and polyamide backer/ 90gsm/ HH: 15,000mm/ MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24 hours/ DWR
• Lining: 40D ripstop nylon with PU coated back / 108gsm / HH: 10,000mm / DWR

Help & advice:

• About Rab
• What is PERTEX Shield Air?
• Hydrostatic Head
• Rab Sustainability and Responsibility