Back to the full Top 10
#3 on this list
Superlight Bivy
Mountain Laurel Designs
Cottage-built in Virginia, custom fabrics, and the best condensation numbers we have measured.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#4 on this list
Spotlight Bivy
Black Diamond
Single-wall and free-standing, so it works on a ledge where staking is impossible.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Superlight Bivy | Spotlight Bivy |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Mountain Laurel Designs | Black Diamond |
| Weight | Varies by material; ~5-8 oz | 1 lb 7 oz (650g) |
| Fabric | Proprietary Silnylon/Pertex | — |
| Entry | Side Zipper | — |
| Origin | Virginia, USA | — |
| Season Rating | 3-Season | — |
| Model | — | Spotlight Bivy |
| Packed Size | — | 5 x 10 inches |
| Freestanding | — | Yes |
| Material | — | NanoShield single-wall fabric |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Superlight Bivy
- Unmatched condensation management for a bivy
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- High-quality, durable ultralight fabrics
- Handmade craftsmanship and attention to detail
- Excellent warmth boost and bug protection
- Very minimalist, limited interior space
- Not a standalone shelter for heavy rain
- Long lead times due to custom production
- Premium price point
Spotlight Bivy
- Freestanding design allows pitching anywhere, no stakes needed
- Surprisingly spacious internal volume for a bivy sack
- Quick and easy setup, ideal for minimalist trips
- Good balance of weather protection and breathability
- Relatively light for a freestanding shelter
- Condensation can still be an issue in certain conditions
- Expensive for a single-person, minimalist shelter
- Not suitable for extended periods of bad weather
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.