Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is one of the best and most affordable bivy bags for bikepackers on the market today.
A nice low weight of only ~450 grams (including pole) and a small pack size of only 30 x 9 cm, making this an ideal bivy bag for bikepackers (and of course other outdoor enthusiasts). The nice thing about the OR Helium Bivy is the addition of a tent pole that creates a hoop at the head end. This way you have a less claustrophobic feeling in your bivy bag and less problems with condensation.

Waterproof
The bivy bag is made of feather-light waterproof and breathable Pertex® Shield+ material (30D with a Nylon 40D TPU laminated bottom). The seams of the bivy are all fully seam taped to ensure extra waterproofness. Because Pertex is used as a material, the breathability of the Helium is a lot better than its competitors (condensation formation inside the bivy bag can unfortunately never be completely ruled out, but it is kept to a minimum). In addition, an important function of a bivy bag is to block the wind. Especially if you have to deal with strong winds high in the mountains where it is often colder, a bivy bag will keep you a lot warmer than a sleeping bag alone can do.

Stargazing?
The front of the bivy has a “clamshell” opening (zipper that opens at the front). By adding a small tent stake, a hoop is formed that keeps your head free from the canvas. And because the cloth can be completely unzipped here at the headboard, the Helium breathes much better. This way you can enjoy a real night under the stars from your bivouac bag. A “no-see-um” mesh ensures that mosquitoes and other vermin do not disturb your night’s sleep and stay outside. If the weather gets worse, the bivy can be zipped completely closed.

The Helium bivy bag has an internal length of approximately 208 centimeters, is 66 centimeters wide at the shoulders and has a fairly spacious foot box (48 cm wide). We think the OR is suitable for people with a maximum height of 1.92 cm (tried and tested). Space gets tight up there. The bivy bag is also perfect to use with thicker mats such as the Thermarest XLite NXT

We supply the latest version of the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy and it has only become better than its predecessor, no less than 14% lighter than the previous version and better finished. That’s why this bivy bag is an ideal sleeping solution for minimalists, thru-hikers and bikepackers who want to trade their weight for speed, agility and performance. The refined footprint and lower weight rely on the feather-light waterproof and breathable Pertex® Shield+ material that makes no concessions to durability. A no-nonsense clamshell opening is sure to withstand all seasons and every adventure that comes.