The REI Minimalist is a unique product, offering some really cool features without extra weight. Many consider bivy sacks as an alternative to a tent, and we enjoy some of the design differences that stood out in this model. While added zippers and stitching create bulk, it can still easily be crammed into a small included stuff sack and fit in even the smallest of overnight packs. While more serious weather might require a 4-season bivy, like our Editors' Choice winner the Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy, with a bit of care and an extra rain jacket across the mesh face net, it is possible to remain dry in a rainstorm in this model.
While we have reservations about the mesh-only face covering, the rest of this bivy works well to keep out the rain. However, stand alone without a rain jacket or tarp for precip protection, there is nothing standing in the way of getting rained on your head through the mesh only opening. One perk of this bivy, however, is that is has a rain gutter around the mesh face opening. This means that if you put a rain jacket over the mesh part, the gutter will deflect water that drains from your body towards your face.
Some of our testers did have issues with condensation in this sack, so we would recommend that it is extra important with this bag to make sure you are breathing through the mesh and not inside your bag as well as to use only the minimum insulation necessary to keep you warm. When we ensured these things, we did not have any major issues with condensation beyond the normal range for bivy sacks. There are three different zippers that allow for arm holes or to easily adjust the ventilation amounts in the middle of the night. We also like the gutter flaps covering the zippers as it can be difficult to make sure all three zippers are completely closed.
This bivy was the lightest reviewed, at 15 oz — even lighter than our bug net bivy! When you are considering bivies as an alternative to tents, weight is one of the most important variables for choosing a bivy sack. A sleeping system paired with this product can slide well under the '3 pound standard' used by ultralight backpackers and can perform well in a variety of conditions, whether in the mountains or desert. This is a high quality bivy at almost a third of the weight and cost of a lightweight tent, a solid value and well worth the investment.
We really liked the included stuff sack, which was more spherical and less cylindrical than the others, and we can easily find a spot in our overnight packs to cram it away. By eschewing tent poles and bulky fabric, the entire bivy is extremely small. Often bivies are used as emergency shelters in stakeout kits which are typically no larger than a school pack, and those looking to build a kit for unplanned nights out would do well to add this to their collection. If you simply have a need or preference to go as light and fast as possible, this model can easily reduce pack space needed to replace a tent with minimal shortcomings.
For those looking to get into a bivy sack with low financial commitment, this product is well worth the price and performs well in most climates without extra weight or bulk.
We gave the REI Minimalist the Best Buy award as it is a quality and versatile product that fills an average camper's needs at a bargain price of $99.50.
This is a versatile bivy that serves most needs at a low cost and high value. We like the comfort and lightweight materials, and recommend this bivy to any camper looking to drop some pack weight and experience the wilderness in a new way.
For ultimate comfort, pair this bivy with a high quality sleeping pad and a lightweight backpacking sleeping bag.
