Monday 1 April 2013

Bugsy MYOG


I always carry some kind of bug protection on 3 season hikes, a head net and bivy are the norm. The head net comes on at breaks and can also be worn when hiking if the buggers are particularly bad. A bivy offers overnight bug and additional weather protection. Problem with the head net is that while it does provide good bug protection when hiking, it isn't ideal for breaks. Even basic chores, like eating, are hard. You are also still vulnerable to being bitten elsewhere with the minimal protection offered. A bivy can offer good protection once zipped up in camp, but you have to choose between the maximum ventilation of a full net bivy, or the weather protection of an enclosed bivy. Few offer both features, and if they do then they are heavy. Mesh head areas can help you ventilate in an enclosed bivy, but you will still overheat on a hot night. With the PCT coming up, with it's wide range of conditions, I thought that there had to be a better way.

Bugsy setup for maximum ventilation