NOTE: YAMA LABS PROJECT

This item is a YAMA Labs project and is not a stock product. That means that the product is in the development or testing stage. For more information, please see the main YAMA Labs page and the information below.

Description

The Bivy

This is a trial run of the Y-zip Bug Bivy made with a 0.67 oz DCF floor (CT1E.08/K.18).

The 0.67 oz variant is similar to the 0.5 oz variant commonly used for tarps, but it has a thicker film on the outer surface to provide better abrasion and puncture resistance.

I've used 1 oz DCF (CT2K.18) floors for many years with good results, and have also experimented with 0.7 oz DCF (CT1K.18). The 0.67 oz route has always been intriguing for the weight savings and packability. Unfortunately, I can confidently say that that the 0.67 oz variant will not hold up as well as the 1 oz variant based on past side by side field testing of 0.7 oz to 1oz. What I'm trying to learn with this project is how significant this difference is, and how well the 0.67 holds up when using a groundsheet compared to not using a groundsheet.

I also intend to also look into the feasibility of offering user-installable replacement panels to revitalize high-wear areas of the floor. For example, we can expect certain areas of the floor located under your pressure points to wear out more quickly than others. Perhaps I can offer rectangles of DCF with tape around the perimeter; you tape that panel over the worn area and then cut out the old material. If this shows promise, it may be made available to testers for a nominal fee to cover costs.

You may ask, "but wait, aren't you phasing out your use of DCF?"
Why, yes, I am. However, I may decide to purchase the material by the roll from distributors rather than larger quanities directly from the manufacturer. This will increase costs compared to direct sourcing, but the cost premium per shelter is more manageable compared to tarps due to lower yardage requirement of a floor compared to a tarp. This approach is less feasible for tarps both due to the higher cost and other needs that the distributors aren't able to meet.

Specs

Weight (without rigging): 143.9g | 5.08 oz
Packaged Weight (with included rigging & sack): 170.8g | 6.02 oz
Dimensional specs are the same as the Y-zip Bug Bivy
Netting: 0.5 oz/yd2

Feedback

I'm gathering user feedback and more data about how the material holds up under a variety of conditions. The primary concerns are:

General wear and tear
Puncture performance
Shrinkage

As you use the bivy, I appreciate your periodic feedback about how the floor is holding up and behaving. Use this form to submit your experience.

Failure to provide constructive feedback within a reasonable time (roughly a season of use) may exclude you from future Labs opportunities.

Ordering

This is a limited release available to domestic customers only. The initial run will be open to pre-ordering while subsequent batches will likely be offered as they are available. I have one roll of fabric for this testing purpose, and after this fabric is used up and feedback is received, I'll decide whether or not to offer it as a stock product. The price is 5% off the expected retail price. An additional $10 coupon will be issued to those providing constructive feedback within four months (low effort feedback excluded).