SOL Escape Bivvy with Hood

The great outdoors is a wonderful place to explore, great for the body and mind but you should always be prepared to take on the elements with the right equipment. The SOL Escape Bivvy with Hood is designed as a lightweight emergency shelter that offers more than the typical foil blanket. It is aimed at hikers, runners, and anyone spending time outdoors who wants a reliable backup without adding much weight to their pack.

Unlike traditional emergency bivvies, this one uses a breathable fabric rather than a simple reflective sheet. It reflects 70% body heat to help keep you warm, while also allowing moisture to escape. This means less condensation building up inside, which can make a big difference if you are using it for longer than a quick stop, wet skin becomes cold skin.

The addition of a hood gives it a bit more coverage and helps retain warmth around the head and neck. It turns the bivvy into something closer to a basic sleep system rather than just a survival layer. The bright colour also adds visibility, which can be essential in an emergency, there is Orange and Red to choose from and a new XL version but that’s only available in Grey (not the most visible).

Weight is minimal at just 8.5oz and it folds down very small making it easy to pop in your bag without taking up too much room. You can just keep it in a bag without really noticing it is there until you need it.

Durability is better than you might expect for something this light. The proprietary Escape ThermaShell material, is a specialised spunbonded olefin fabric with a metalized coating. This is SOL’s most durable material and resistant to punctures and tears without loading your pack down with unnecessary weight. The material is tougher than standard emergency blankets and can handle repeated use if you look after it. It is not indestructible, but it feels more stonger than single use options.

It is worth remembering that this is not a full sleeping bag replacement. It is best suited as an emergency layer or a lightweight backup rather than a primary shelter in harsh conditions. The SOL Escape Bivvy with Hood offers a simple but effective balance of warmth, breathability, and packability, making it a sensible addition to any outdoor kit for protection in emergencies. RRP $86.49

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