I received a brand new OR Aurora Bivy from Altitude-sports.com about two months ago. In June, I posted my first impressions after a single overnight trip with the bivy; however, I’ve since had time to use it more often and felt compelled to write a complete review.
OR Aurora Bivy Review
Size and Shape:
Size and Shape can really be measured in terms of sleeping size and pack size.
When the Aurora Bivy is in its stuff sack, it’s a very lightweight package. It saves at least 1 kg from even the most lightweight tents, plus it packs noticeably smaller, which is a major benefit when bikepacking with such limited luggage space.
In terms of sleeping size, in my original review, I mentioned that the only con was it’s sizing. I felt it was too short for my 6’3” frame. In retrospect, I’m not sure how I came to that conclusion after a single night out.
After prolonged use, I haven’t encountered that issue again. In fact, it seems to fit my usual sleep setup – a Big Agnes sleeping pad and sleeping bag – perfectly.
Verdict – It’s perfectly sized for tall campers and it packs small enough to suit lightweight setup.
Performance:
The biggest thing that drew me towards the Aurora Bivy was its material. Constructed of GORE-TEX Respiration Positive fabric, I trusted it would be both waterproof and breathable.
On day one of our Chilcotin bikepacking trip, I camped right on the beach at Lorna Lake. The conditions were perfect for condensation – it has been a hot day but, because of both the elevation and a completely cloudless sky, the temperature was set to drop. I was also camped on the edge of a lake, meaning there was plenty of humidity to wreak condensation havoc.
My prediction proved correct. Another member of our group chose to sleep out on the beach, too, and her sleeping bag looked as if it had gone for a swim. All the vegetation was dripping wet, too, as was the outside of my bivy sack.
On the inside, however, my sleeping bag was bone dry.
Verdict – it performs awesome.
Comfort:
This is the one area where the Aurora Bivy falls short. This isn’t a complaint against sleeping in a bivy, as it’s a camping style that does require a prolonged getting-used-to-it trial period; however, this is about ventilation.
The no-see-um mesh closure, which I’ve been able to use exclusively this summer simply out of good fortune with sunny weather, is still quite stuffy. It’s such a tight mesh, and it sits so close to my face, that I find slight condensation buildup on the mesh. It also traps plenty of heat inside, which is great in cold weather but rather unpleasant on warmer nights.
I’ve had to sleep with the closure zipped open just to prevent overheating. I cannot help but wonder if replacing the no-see-um mesh with mosquito netting might not increase ventilation.
Verdict – It’s so-so, except in high temperatures.
Final Verdict:
The OR Aurora Bivy was the only shelter I carried during my recent bikepacking trip to BC’s Chilcotin Mountains.
Essentially, I fell in love with the simplicity of bivy camping. It’s simple. I cannot imagine carrying a tent again if I am traveling alone.
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