Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy Review

The Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy Made a Bold First Impression

The Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy promises warmth and protection in emergency situations. Marketed by Adventure Medical Kits as an essential survival tool, the SOL Bivvy, especially in its XL size, aims to provide shelter for two people, reflecting 90% of body heat while remaining waterproof and windproof. It includes a rescue whistle and tinder cord, features designed to aid in signaling for help and starting a fire, respectively.

My search for a lightweight, reliable emergency shelter started after a near-miss during a solo backpacking trip. An unexpected cold snap forced me to huddle under a flimsy space blanket, shivering and regretting my lack of preparedness. I needed something more substantial, more reliable, and reusable, without adding significant weight to my pack.

Upon receiving the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy, I was immediately struck by its compact size and bright orange color. The material felt surprisingly durable for its weight, and the inclusion of a whistle and tinder cord was a thoughtful touch. It initially felt far superior to the space blanket I’d previously relied on.

Compared to similar products like the Snugpak Stratosphere Bivvi Bag or the Rab Survival Zone Bivi, the SOL Bivvy stood out primarily due to its affordability and the inclusion of emergency signaling tools. While the Snugpak offers a more robust, fully enclosed shelter, and the Rab features higher-end materials, the SOL Bivvy presented a compelling balance of features and price. I picked this due to my need to pack light, and the redundancy the whistle and cord added to my kit.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy seemed like a significant upgrade over my previous emergency shelter, and its lightweight design was a major selling point. I was excited to test its performance in real-world conditions, though I also harbored some skepticism about its ability to truly deliver on its claims of warmth and weather protection.

Real-World Testing: Putting Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy during a weekend backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains in early spring. The weather was unpredictable, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 30s. I was looking for a test of the capabilities in cold and wet conditions.

The first night, I decided to sleep in the bivvy to get a full experience. While it wasn’t raining, the air was damp and the ground was cold. Setting up the bivvy was simple – just unroll it and climb inside. The material trapped body heat effectively, though condensation did become an issue by morning.

The primary issue was breathability as I noticed moisture build-up inside. It wasn’t enough to soak me, but it was noticeable and a potential concern for longer-term use in wet conditions. There were no tears or signs of wear and tear from that first night.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, primarily during weekend hiking and camping trips, the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy continues to hold up reasonably well. I’ve used it as both an emergency shelter and as a sleeping bag liner to add warmth on colder nights. Its use as a supplement really shined.

There are no major signs of wear and tear, though the material is starting to show some minor creases and wrinkles. I did notice the seams could be more robust when inspecting the bivvy before first use. Cleaning is simple – just wipe it down with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry.

Compared to my previous experiences with similar emergency shelters, the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy offers a noticeable improvement in warmth and durability. It’s not as comfortable or weather-resistant as a dedicated bivy sack, but it’s significantly more effective than a basic space blanket. As a liner it is far superior.

Breaking Down the Features of Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy

Specifications

• Series: Bivvy. The name is descriptive of the product’s intent.
• Model: SOL (Survive Outdoors Longer). This suggests its purpose is extending survival time.
• Color: Orange. High visibility for signaling rescuers.
• Function: Warmth. Intended to retain body heat.
• Size: XL. Designed to accommodate two people.
• Proofs: Waterproof. To protect against rain and snow.
• Includes: Tinder Cord. Aids in fire starting.

These specifications are crucial for anyone seeking a reliable emergency shelter. The waterproof material and heat-reflective properties ensure protection from the elements and help prevent hypothermia. The orange color increases visibility, aiding in rescue efforts.

Performance & Functionality

The Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy performs adequately as an emergency shelter, providing a noticeable increase in warmth compared to being exposed to the elements. Its waterproof material effectively repels rain and snow, though breathability is a limitation. Functionality is solid and simple.

Its strength lies in its ease of use and compact size, making it easy to carry in a backpack or emergency kit. A weakness is the lack of breathability, which can lead to condensation build-up inside the bivvy. It meets expectations for a basic emergency shelter, but falls short of providing the comfort and weather protection of a more robust bivy sack.

Design & Ergonomics

The Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy features a simple, straightforward design focused on functionality. The bright orange color is highly visible, and the lightweight material makes it easy to pack and carry. Weight is key in an emergency kit.

The bivvy’s shape is essentially a large, rectangular bag, offering ample room for one person and enough space for two in a pinch. There is no built-in closure system, which can be a drawback in windy conditions, and the material is not particularly comfortable against the skin.

Durability & Maintenance

The Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy is made from a relatively durable polyethylene material. This should withstand normal use as an emergency shelter. However, it is not as rugged as heavier-duty bivy sacks made from materials like nylon or ripstop polyester.

With proper care, the SOL Bivvy should last for several years, though its lifespan will depend on the frequency and intensity of use. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and proper storage in a dry place. Store your gear properly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy comes with a rescue whistle attached to the stuff sack and a tinder cord integrated into the drawstring. These additions enhance its value as an emergency survival tool. These are thoughtful additions.

There are limited customization options available for the SOL Bivvy. It’s primarily designed as a standalone emergency shelter. However, it can be used in conjunction with other sleeping bags or blankets to increase warmth and comfort.

Pros and Cons of Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy

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Who Should Buy Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy?

The Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy is perfect for hikers, backpackers, campers, and anyone who spends time in the outdoors. It’s also ideal for survivalists and those preparing emergency kits for their homes or vehicles. Anyone needing a lightweight, portable shelter will benefit from it.

This product might not be suitable for those who require a more robust and comfortable shelter for extended outdoor adventures. If weather protection and breathability are paramount, investing in a higher-end bivy sack might be a better option. For extended use, look elsewhere.

A must-have accessory to pair with the SOL Bivvy is a lightweight sleeping pad to provide insulation from the ground. Also, consider bringing a small, absorbent towel to wipe away condensation.

Conclusion on Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy

The Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy offers a compelling combination of affordability, lightweight design, and essential features for emergency preparedness. While it has limitations in breathability and weather protection compared to more expensive options, it provides a significant improvement over basic space blankets. It is a reasonable solution for a specific application.

The price of $16.99 is justified given its functionality and the inclusion of a rescue whistle and tinder cord. For the price, the features make it a good deal.

I would personally recommend the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy as a valuable addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear. It’s a simple, reliable, and affordable way to enhance your safety and preparedness in the wilderness. Don’t leave home without it – add the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Bivvy to your pack today and be prepared for anything!

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