Outdoor Research Alpine AscentShell Bivy

The Outdoor Research Alpine AscentShell Bivy is the luxurious version of OR and an upgrade of the well-known Helium bivy. The biggest difference with the Helium and also the most interesting feature to choose for this bivy bag is the spacious zipper that makes it very easy to get in and out of the bivy. The Alpine Acentshell is the successor to the old OR Stargazer, but has many upgrades compared to that model. The asymmetrically placed tent pole at the head end of the bivy bag ensures that your face does not touch the mesh. The long zipper opens a large part of the top of the bivy, so you can easily step into the bivy bag and then lie down in it. So you don’t have to slide into it like with most bivouac bags. You can choose to close the bivy with the large “no-see-um” mosquito net and enjoy beautiful starry nights well protected against bugs. If you expect wetter weather or a lot of wind, you can also close the bivy bag completely from the inside.

Despite all these features, the Outdoor Research Alpine AscentShell bivy still has a very low weight, only 528 grams (including pole) and a very compact pack size of only 30 x 9 cm. Perfect for us bikepackers who want to be able to get in and out of their bivy easily (and of course also very suitable for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts).

Wind and waterproof
The AscentShell bivy bag is made of lightweight wind and waterproof, but breathable Pertex® Shield Air Diamond Fuse 3L 30D top layer, the bottom is a bit thicker and sturdier and made of a Nylon 40D TPU laminated fabric. The seams of the bivy are all fully seam-sealed/taped to ensure extra waterproofness. Due to the use of Pertex, the breathability of the OR Stargazer successor is a lot better than its predecessor and competitors (condensation formation inside the bivy bag can unfortunately never be completely ruled out, but it is kept to a minimum).

Stargazing?
Going on an adventure with the Alpine AscentShell is a bit more comfortable and easier than with a “regular” bivy. Building on the reputation of the classic Alpine and Stargazer Bivy, this new version uses AscentShell™ x Pertex® technology for dramatically improved breathability that leads to less condensation and a more comfortable sleep. Thanks to the entry opening, you can step straight out of your shoes and into bed more easily, without having to squeeze yourself into the bivy bag. The extra large headroom offers space for your equipment, and the mosquito net gives you a wide and good view of the starry sky and protects you from insects. This bivy is ideal for quickly setting up camp during a bikepacking race, but also for alpine activities, extreme weather, or when you want to skip the weight and space of a tent.

The Outdoor Research bivy bag has an internal length of approximately 211 centimeters, is 71 centimeters wide at the shoulders and has a fairly spacious foot box (56 cm wide). This makes this Ascent shell more spacious than its little sister the OR Helium bivy The bivy bag can also be used with thicker sleeping mats such as the Thermarest XLite

We naturally supply the latest version of the Outdoor Research Bivy, which has only been optimized compared to its predecessors. So an ideal sleeping solution for weight minimalists, thru-hikers and bikepackers who want to trade their weight for speed, agility and performance.