Slumberjack Summer Bivy

A decent, cheap, lightweight minimalist shelter. I've had mine for 6 years. Had it out in freezing rain (not on purpose), thunderstorm (again, not on purpose) and warm, buggy nights. It worked for me. Four points to make:

1- make sure the fly fully covers the body of the shelter. mine doesn't. probably because i bought it on clearance. (product defect). whatever the fly doesn't cover, will get wet.

2- don't buy one with the fiberglass poles, make sure they're metal or they will split at the most inopportune time. (like when your weather radio tells you thunderstorms will be arriving in two hours).

3- the fly doesn't pitch real taut. you may want to add some guy lines to the sides.

4- the bivy will fit you, your sleeping bag and pad or air mattress and not much more. you won't be able to fit your pack in as well. finally, don't buy one if you're claustrophobic. with the fly attached, this bivy shelter is about the size of a good sized coffin.

overall, a cheap, lightweight place to sleep that keeps you dry if pitched properly and packs down to the size of a family size loaf of bread. Slumberjack is great at product support. they sent me a free replacement pair of metal poles when the fiberglass ones gave up the ghost. cheers.

I enjoyed this product immensely for the first four uses--till the (both) poles snapped leaving me shelterless seven miles from the trailhead! I wrapped up in the fly and spent a buggy misty night. Through research I found out that Slumberjack had re-designed what were obviously defective poles and now had a new Easton aluminum pole set available..for $24 plus shipping! I won't throw good money after bad...

Excellent for summer insect protection with emergency protection from weather. Too small and cramped for extended use -- can't sit up inside. Good ventilation. Small footprint. For the packed size and weight, it's perfect for the summer solo backpacker.

I found this a great tent for bicycle touring. Dark colors and a low profile keep this tent out of sight. However the fiberglass poles are junk, replace with aluminum poles ASAP!