[Marooned]

1. Must be 4 season.
2. Must be able to fit in ALICE pack.
3. Must be able to accomodate my long legs (I'm 6'4").
4. MUST NOT BE TOO EXPENSIVE.

This is what I'm looking at right now:

Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy
MEC Hybrid Sleeping Bag -20C

Combined price of both is $371. This is roughly the price range I'm trying to stay within. I'm willing to go a little higher if the benefits are worth it, but not too much higher.

Let's hear your input!

 

[Guerrilla]

I have a sierra designs omega. 3-4 season convertable. Can be pitched with just the tent, just the fly, or both for 4 season protection. Pricey, but through REI, has a lifetime return policy, for rips, holes, etc. Very warm, very cozy, and big. I wish it had a bigger vestibule for cooking, but it works fine as is.

 

[Maurepas]

I've never been displeased with anything I purchased through MEC and I find their prices to be pretty reasonable. But they are in Canada, so the falling dollar against the looney may make then actually quite expensive now.
Whatever bag you get, make sure you get a liner to go with it. It will keep your bag much cleaner. Dirt and your body's oil will degrade your bag's performance and they are a real pain to clean. A good liner can be easily cleaned and adds a bit more insulation. And can be used alone in hot weather.

 

[Waffle]

Outdoor Research makes a bivy one level higher than the one you already selected. I don't know if it would go too far over what you would want to pay, but the Advanced Bivy compared to the Alpine Bivy is a little bit bigger and has a few more comfort features, such as a foot vent, sleeping pad straps, and the two pole design lets you configure the hood in more ways. The only reason I suggest going for the Advanced is because it seems like the reviews for the sleeping bag say that it is a big and bulky bag and in the addition of a sleeping pad and yourself in the bivy it will most likely get a little tight. A little more room might make a world of a difference. Also, the foot vent and the option to put the hood into a "storm" mode will allow you to ventialte the bivy a little bit more if you need to. I found a pretty good site that has more information from a user perspective on the Advanced Bivy ( http://www.kayakacademy.com/catalog/ORAdvBivy.html ). Hope this helps you in your searching. Have fun shopping.

 

[armyranger10a]

You would be better off with a tent, They fold up smaller to. Im no expert on tents but It would be better to have a shelter than a waterproof sleeping bag cover, You could put your geat inside of it and keep it dry.

 

[dak_jeremy]

snow shelters are cheap

 

[lojafan]

I'm also looking for a good tent. Would a U.S. Army issue dog tent be good?

 

[armyranger10a]

Could you show me the tent, depends what you are using it for and what the tents condtions are for. Used military gear is usually very good, It has to be tough and work because it could mean life and death for a soldier.

 

[lojafan]

I figure since the military uses them, they would be pretty good.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MGR812-1440-593.html

 

[Marooned]

I figure since the military uses them, they would be pretty good.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MGR812-1440-593.html

I used that exact tent in bootcamp. You need two people to carry everything. You could carry it all yourself, but to do that would mean sacrificing room for other essential gear.

 

[lojafan]

I'm thinking about getting 3 of them for a group of atleast 5. would this be sufficent for the carrying part?

 

[Marooned]

I'm thinking about getting 3 of them for a group of atleast 5. would this be sufficent for the carrying part?

I don't know anything about your gear. I don't know what kind of pack you're using, and I don't know what else you have stuffed in it.

They're selling them for only $20 at that link you posted. You could just buy one and check it out and see what you can do with it, and then decide if you want more or not.