For experienced mountaineers, hikers, and fishermen, bivvies and tent shelters are mandatory gears. Originally, the two were designed for safety reasons. Nowadays, they offer shelter in addition to some degree of outdoor comfort. Considering how low the outdoor temperatures can get, you may find it ideal to carry bivvies & shelters when going for an adventure. When you are well equipped, it becomes easy to relax and enjoy your outdoor exploration despite the unpredictable weather.
Bivvies and Tents against the Storm
When the winds are very strong, the humidity very high, and the temperatures extremely low, your body is challenged to keep you warm. Even when you are thickly dressed, some parts of your skin will be exposed while the covered parts will soak with water. The skin will try to compensate for the heat lost, but after a brief struggle, the organ will despair. A drop in the skin temperatures causes a drop in the body temperature, a condition referred to as hypothermia. This may lead to death.
Finding shelter in a bivvy or a tent not only keeps your clothes dry but provides your body maximum cover against the storm. Your skin is not forced to keep you warm since you don’t lose any heat to the environment. This means that the body’s thermoregulation process is normally carried out. In the end, you are able to rest comfortably and dry. Nonetheless, the secret to maximum dryness and comfort lies in your choice of bivvy material.
What about the Material?
The moment you decide to buy a bivvy or a tent, you’ll realize that they vary in prices. Their costs differ majorly because of the material. Cheaper bivvies and shelters are made of thin fabrics such as plastic, silicone-layered cloth, and polyurethane-coated layers. The fabrics are not long-lasting, and are mostly designed for emergencies. Hight quality bivvies & shelters, on the other hand, are made from thick breathable fabrics and thus costlier. The fabrics give you maximum coverage against the storm. They are ideal for fishermen and climbers.
Choosing Bivvies
Keep in mind the following factors when choosing bivvies and shelters:
1. Fabrics: Opt for sturdier, breathable, waterproof, and durable fabrics.
2. Structured versus non-structured: for extra wiggle room, go for structured bivvies while for extreme elevations, non-structured options are the best bet.
3. Openings: Go for models with openings if you are not comfortable with enclosed bivvies.
4. Size or weight: Go for ultra-light options.
Clearly, you require high-quality breathable bivvies and tents if you are a frequent adventurer. The fabrics will protect your body against the unforgiving storm thus keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable in the outdoors.