Bivying isn’t just for hardcore alpinists sleeping on a ledge on a gnarly alpine route, or for emergency situations such as when you’re benighted on the mountain. It’s also a great way of travelling light and getting closer to the outdoor environment you’re travelling in.
Not all bivy bags and hooped bivys are made the same though, and it’s a thin line between having a special, sleeping-under-the-stars experience and spending a miserable night wishing you’d brought your tent (or stayed at home!). The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy we have up for grabs in this issue’s competition aims to deliver you the former experience – read on to find out how!
THE PRIZE
The Helium Bivy was already an award-winning and best-selling design, thanks to its ultralight prowess – just 448g with pole, and 400g without – and now it’s been updated with a super-durable lightweight Helium fabric which uses Pertex Diamond Fuse technology. This clamshell opening bivy is ideal for fast and light backpacking and bikepacking trips. It acts as a great back-up should the bothy you planned to stay at ends up full. Pair it with a tarp and you have a great camping system for the spring/summer and beyond, offering you full protection from the weather but still allowing you to feel part of nature.
High-quality materials are used throughout the Helium Bivy, including bluesign-approved Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L 100% Nylon, 30-denier Ripstop Upper, a 100% Nylon, 40-denier with TPU lamination floor, and bluesign-approved 100% Polyester Mesh. The fabric is waterproof and breathable, so will keep you dry from the outside (rain) and inside (condensation), and the seams are fully taped. No-See-Um-Mesh allows you to watch the stars at night, even when there’s midgies around – particularly useful in the Highlands!
The Helium Bivy features a Single-Pole System which is super-quick to set up and break down, and gives you internal space so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep. Other features include reflective logo and trims, two stake loops, one guy line loop, a high-volume toe end and two internal fly fasteners. All in all, the Helium Bivy gives you everything you need to travel light yet sleep well, without sacrificing much in the way of comfort.
HOW TO ENTER
For a chance of winning this superb prize, just answer the following question:
Q: What fabric technology does the latest Helium Bivy use?
A: Diamond Fuse
B: Emerald Yarn
C. Amethyst Fibres
ENTER YOUR ANSWER HERE!
Entries must be received by 15th May, and the winner will be notified by 30th May.