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A bivy is the most streamlined way to carry real shelter without the bulk of a tent. And after decades of building them, weโve learned what fast-moving, weight-conscious trips call for: proven weather defense, durability, and a packable, minimalist design built for real backcountry conditions.
Our bivy lineup covers the full range of fast-and-light objectives. The Alpine XT Bivy delivers waterproof, four-season protection for exposed terrain and unpredictable weather. The Helium UL Bivy offers ultralight, low-profile shelter that disappears in your pack until you need it. The brand-new Helium UL Vestibule integrates with the Helium UL Bivy to add real covered space at a fraction of the weight of a tent. And the Bug Bivy keeps airflow high and insects out on warm-weather trips when breathability matters most.
The instructions below will help you get things sorted on day one. We recommend setting up your gear in the comfort of your living room or front yard once to familiarize yourself with the process before setting it up in the wild.
Find a flat, even surface clear of sharp rocks or debris. Avoid setting up under dead tree limbs, in low areas that could collect water if it rains, or next to a stream.
Your Helium UL Bivy includes:
ยท One bivy
ยท One pole
ยท Four stakes
ยท One pole repair sleeve
*Set the repair sleeve asideโitโs only needed for fixing a damaged pole in the field.
Connect each pole section. The internal bungee cord will snap them into place automatically.
Unpack the bivy and locate the head and foot endsโthe pole supports the head.
Find the pole sleeve at the head of the bivy, marked with a black loop. Open the Velcro tab, slide the pole through the sleeve until it reaches the end, then close the Velcro tab.
Place your sleeping pad inside the bivy. This adds structure and stability.
At this point, your Helium UL Bivy is fully set up. For added support, insert the stakes through the stake loops at the head and foot of the bivy.
*Note: Four stakes are included, but there are six stake loopsโtwo at the head, two at the shoulder, and two at the foot. For best results, stake the head and foot of the bivy. Push each stake into the ground at a 45ยฐ angle toward the bivy. This provides the best hold in wind and soft soil. Additional stakes can be used for added support if needed.
While Using: The weatherproof flap can be unzipped and left open whether the mesh layer is open or closed, letting you manage bug protection independently from weather protection. When closed, the flap blocks weather and airflow. Use the loop and toggle to tie the flap back and keep it out of the way.
Take-Down Tip: When packing up, pushโdonโt pullโthe poles out of the sleeves from the opposite end of the opening. This helps prevent damage to the pole segments and sleeve fabric.
After Your Trip: Dry your bivy completely before storage. Storing a damp bivy can lead to mildew, odor, and damage to waterproof coatings. Air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Store loosely in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Waterproof Performance: Over time, waterproofness naturally degrades with use. To maintain performance, periodically clean your bivy with a specialized tent and gear cleaner (such as Nikwax SolarWash), then apply a tent and gear DWR treatment (such as Nikwax SolarProof) according to the manufacturerโs instructions.
Attention: The Helium UL Vestibule is compatible only with the Helium UL Bivy. A trekking pole is required for setup and is not included with the Helium UL Vestibule. Follow Steps 1โ5 of the Helium UL Bivy setup before beginning.
Your Helium UL Vestibule includes:
ยท One stake
*Trekking pole not included. Make sure you have a trekking pole available before continuing.
Unpack the vestibule and arrange it correctly:
ยท Orange cords mark the front (entrance).
ยท Black cords mark the back (the side that connects to the Helium UL Bivy).
ยท Ensure the vestibule fabric is spread flat before attaching.
Arrange the black cords of the vestibule next to the head of your Helium UL Bivy. The vestibule will attach at this end.
There are five total attachment points connecting the vestibule to the bivy.
1. Start with the center hook, attaching it to the top center loop near the head pole sleeve of the bivy.
2. Next, attach the two adjacent hooks (one on each side of the center) to the corresponding loops near the head pole sleeve.
3. Finally, attach the two lower hooks to the loops near the floor of the bivy near the head pole sleeve.
4. Check that all hooks are secured before continuing.
Stake down the foot end only at this stage. Do not stake the head of the bivy. Those stakes will be used to stake out the vestibule corner guy lines. Push each stake into the ground at a 45ยฐ angle toward the bivy. This provides the best hold in wind and soft soil.
Place your trekking pole upright in the center of the vestibule. The correct position is near the main entrance, aligned withโbut not directly againstโthe main orange guy line at the center of the opening. Adjust the pole height so the vestibule fabric is slightly tensioned when the pole is upright.
While holding the trekking pole upright, stake the main orange guy line approximately 1โ1.5 meters directly in front of the vestibule opening. Maintain light tension on the line as you secure it to keep the pole from tipping over. Push the stake into the ground at a 45ยฐ angle toward the bivy. This provides the best hold in wind and soft soil.
Tighten the guy line until the trekking pole stands securely without assistance. The vestibule fabric should be taut but not overstressed.
Locate the corner guy lines on either side of the vestibule entrance and stake them diagonally away from the main guy line. This creates a balanced, stable structure and improves tension across the vestibule. Push the stakes into the ground at a 45ยฐ angle toward the bivy. This provides the best hold in wind and soft soil.
*Note: Additional stakes may be used at the shoulder and head of the Helium UL Bivy for improved performance and stability.
Adjust the tension at both points where the vestibule connects to the bivy floor to ensure full coverage over the bivy head.
Take-Down Tip: If youโre camping multiple nights in a row, you do not need to detach the vestibule from the bivy each time you pack up. Keeping the two connected will save setup time and simplify your camp routine.
After Your Trip: Dry your vestibule completely before storage. Storing a damp vestibule can lead to mildew, odor, and damage to waterproof coatings. Air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Store loosely in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Waterproof Performance: Over time, waterproofness naturally degrades with use. To maintain performance, periodically clean your vestibule with a specialized tent and gear cleaner (such as Nikwax SolarWash), then apply a tent and gear DWR treatment (such as Nikwax SolarProof) according to the manufacturerโs instructions.
Your Alpine XT Bivy includes:
ยท Two stakes
Find the pole sleeve at the head of the bivy. Open the Velcro tab, slide the pole through the sleeve until it reaches the end, then close the Velcro tab.
At this point, your Alpine XT Bivy is fully set up. For added support, insert the stakes through the stake loops at the head and foot of the bivy.
*Note: Two stakes are included, but there are four stake loopsโtwo at the head and two at the foot. For best results, stake opposing corners (head left and foot right, or vice versa). Push each stake into the ground at a 45ยฐ angle toward the bivy. This provides the best hold in wind and soft soil. Additional stakes can be used for added support if needed.
Your Bug XT Bivy includes:
ยท Two poles (one long, one short)
Unpack the bivy and locate the head and foot ends.
ยท The long pole supports the head.
ยท The short pole supports the foot.
Find the orange-tabbed pole sleeve at the head of the bivy. Open the Velcro tab, slide the long pole through the sleeve until it reaches the end, then close the Velcro tab.
Repeat the process in Step 5 at the foot of the bivy using the short pole.
At this point, your Bug Bivy is fully set up. For added support, insert the stakes through the stake loops at the head and foot of the bivy. Push each stake into the ground at a 45ยฐ angle toward the bivy. This provides the best hold in wind and soft soil.
Have additional questions, comments, or potential warranty concerns?
