By: randosteve|Posted on: December 18, 2008|Posted in: Broken Link to Photo/Video, Gear, Gear Reviews | 6 comments
I don’t know about you, but I’m the worst when it comes to carrying extra stuff, like first-aid and gear repair kits, in my ski pack. However, I don’t completely roll the dice and there are one or two items (besides a shovel and probe) that I do carry to stack the odds in my favor in the event of an emergency. (This Galena Summit avalanche victim was glad he did.) One being fire-starter, the other being a bivy sack…and I find the Ortovox Gemini Bivy sacks have some handy features, are made out durable fabric and are at a good price-point to help you feel more confident at surviving an unplanned night out.
The Gemini Bivy comes in two models, single (245g) and double (440g), and range in price from $60-$90. These are not your everyday disposable bivys mind you, they are made from ripstop fabric with a Thermolight and silver PU coating. They are waterproof and very durable, and I think you could even use one to make a stretcher between two skis if you had to. Re-usable to say the least.
Both the single and double model have similar features, like one large opening at one end, and a smaller one at the other. You can orient your head either way, and when you poke your head out the small end, it can be worn like a ponch or allow for easy access to move around and/or go to the bathroom. Both models have a large “HELP” printed on one side against a bold red background. I wish it was reflective though.
Though the double version is almost twice the weight of the single, it isn’t that much bigger…size-wise, and since it allows for much more room when oriented as a tent, it is the model that will live in my pack most of this winter. It fits nicely in the empty behind my shovel…right next next to my carbon probe (gasp!) and it will probably fit in your pack too. (Click here to check out the manual.)
Hey Steve. Great post on these bivys. Here in Montana most of our BC skiing is accessed by sled…for better or worse. I stash one of these on my sled in case of an unplanned night out. A nice piece of insureance…
On a side note, I have a question. I just converted to a Dynafit rig and ordered my bindings (TLT Vertical ST) w/o brakes. I want this setup to be a light as possible as it will fill the “long tours” spot in my quiver. I really don’t think I will roll with leashes either. Do you typically have brakes? Leashes? Coming from someone with brakes on every set of Diamirs, leashes in avi terrain seems sketch.
Not to be some extreme ego douch bag, but I rarely fall in the BC much less lose a ski. Any thought?
Keep up the stoke on the website…
Cheers,
Jeff
Thanks Jeff.
Ditto on all accounts. I don’t have any brakes on any of my Dynafit setups…and most people I know don’t either. Mainly for weight and convenience.
Looks good sighn me up!Female included in the larger size!
Steve,
Interesting post. Have you ever check out Andy Kirkpatrick’s blog? He talks about bivy bags here: http://psychovertical.com/?bivibags
The “Blizzard Bag” sounds interesting. http://www.blizzardsurvival.com/product.php/100/blizzard_survival_bag
They have a two-person model as well. It looks like glorified mylar, but they claim it’s reusable…
Thanks Colin.
The elastic in the Blizzard looks nice, but I wonder how the elastic holds up in the cold. Reusable? Yeah…if it doesn’t rip I guess.
Yeah Steve. My concerns are the same as yours. Interesting, but probably not going to spend my money there anytime son.