>>148557I love bivy bags myself. I used several throughout the years, starting way back at a time when those were some niche product.
I now use a homemade one, main reason being it was much cheaper to sew it myself out of quality pieces of fabric, so that's a good option for you, if you have a sewing machine, or a good friend who knows how to use one. I even made it the right size for me, and added a mosquito net near the opening. Other than that, it's just a regular bivy bag.
It's the ideal replacement for a tent for me, I use it everywhere in all weathers and never had any problem. I only occasionally use a tarp for additional protection from wind and rain, but even then, I would be fine with just my bivy.
But then you have to know that I, like many others who use one, hardly ever get cold. I know plenty people who just can't use bivy bags because they end up freezing in the morning. To be sure, I had people use my own bivy bag, sleeping bag and pad: only the most enduring had a comfortable night.
So it's not for everyone, so it'd be a good thing if you can borrow one and try it before you get one and see if it's for you.
