Lifesystems Venture Lite Bivi for Fast & Light Adventures

This is excellent for lightness of weight and compactness. We havent actually tried it outdoors as its way too cold at the moment but we have tried it indoors. We are trying the one without the hoop in as it looked lighter and easier to pack. You can get right down into it and there is a bit of space at foot or head end but not massively roomy. A 6 footer may find it a bit tight if they sleep stretched out. It will keep you dry but not warm in freezing weather so keep that in mind. The bottom is slightly thicker material than the top and all of it is nylon with some ployurethane coating. Inside is not metallised or anything. The seams are all taped. It has a vent at the top edge front edge so you dont get soaked by your own breath. The zip is good and sturdy with the two pulls so you arent struggling to find the pull in the dark. Its not light proof at all. This is probably best as an emergency shelter . You can only get one person in it . Because it is nylon like a raincoat and unsupported , It feels like putting a giant rain coat on as you have to sort of haul it on or climb in gradually rather than crawl or wriggle in. The stuffsack is as usual made for the very first packing from the manufacturer, once its out and been used , its not going back in with ease. Conclusion Decent quality and well made. Will be okay as an only shelter on warm summer nights. If its cold , blowing a gale or snowy, you are going to be cold unless you are dressed for it. Its not fire proof so you wont be cooking in it . If you wanted to have your loaded backpack in it and be able to lay and sleep, I think you will be constantly waking and rearranging things to not get stuck in one position all night.

Light weight and so easy to pop in the backpack. I’m so surprised at how easy this is to get out and put back no messing around or fighting to get it back compact. Really good quality has a zipper also Velcro. Surprisingly roomy inside too so didn’t feel claustrophobic at all. Perfect for hiking, having used outdoor yet but will update on our next adventure

This is a well made bivi for hikers, climbers or even bike packers. It comes packed nice and light in a toggled bag and is easy enough to open up and get settled in through one end. I’m 6ft 1 and can just fit in it ok though it would be tight if I wanted to include any extra gear too but a small pillow should be ok. Once in you can zip yourself up nicely and you are out of the elements though with little thermal protection it’s best to remain clothed depending on the conditions and ground surface. It is well made in nylon seamed fabric with a mesh to allow air in and out but not insects. Light does permeate through the dark material and if you’re claustrophobic you may want the hooped version to keep it away from your face. Quite expensive at around ninety pounds but it does feel well made. I suggest you do your research before buying as although bivi’s do have the advantage of allowing you to camp anywhere, there are different types and different materials that may be more suitable depending on your intended use or even ultra lightweight tents that may be more appropriate.

Tried and tested by my son on a coldish evening in the Brecon Beacons. He thought it was fine. Surprisingly spacious and the hopp was easy to set in place. For warmer outings and climbs the mosquito net will be useful to keep out hells bugs. The downsides. It could be a bit longer for larger men and some guide ropes would not gone amiss. Otherwise an excellent bivi which is really light, portable and easy to pack away.

This bivi is lightweight and very compact, which is essential for hiking. It provide a complete barrier to the outdoors: it's well constructed and designed, and is properly waterproof and breathable. I'm 5ft 9in and I fit in it fine - I think anyone up to about 6ft 2in would be OK with it.