It’s always gratifying whenever we hear that an Adventure Medical Kits’ product has helped someone out of a major jam. Such was the case last April, when we received a call from Mike Mason, who informed us that, thanks in part to AMK’s Thermo-Lite 2 Bivvy , his son Scott was able to survive three chilly nights in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

The younger Mason had been solo hiking near Mount Clay when he hurt his ankle, tried to take a shortcut through a river pass and got lost. Rapidly melting snow had swollen the river, making it impossible to cross and Mason was subsequently forced to hunker down for the next three days, before being found by rescuers.

Here is a recent testimonial that we received from Travis Macy – a Professional Multisport Athlete, racing for Team Salomon/Crested Butte.

Let us know if you have a similar story to share!

“Two years ago, amidst a hailstorm in the middle of the night, I hunkered down and pulled out my space blanket, only to be showered with little metallic shardes that had once been part of the useless clear sheet I held in my hand. Needless to say, that was a miserable night!

Question:
I own two Thermo-Lite Bivvies. If I put one inside the other, what level of performance increase (if any) will I get? I’m thinking about freezing wet temperatures in the Cascade Mountains.

Thank you,
Dean
Answer:

Hi Dean-

This is a good question.  We have done tons of real world product testing with one Thermolite, but not with two, so my response is based more on my own understanding of the product rather than anything I’ve experienced in the field.  Because the Thermolite material reflects 80% of your body heat, adding a second one probably won’t drastically increase the reflectivity.  You’ll get a little boost, but it’s already so high that you’re unlikely to notice a huge difference.

Question: Do you think i could fit a sleeping bag inside your emergency bivy?

AMK Answer:

Ian,

Thanks for your question.

It depends on how big your bag is. Most bags will, however extra long or below zero bags might be a tight fit.

The Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy is non-breathable so if you put a sleeping bag inside of it you would create a bit of condensation and perhaps get the outside of the bag and insulation wet. It would get you out of the weather however, so a little condensation would be a small price to pay. If your bag has a water resistant outer shell this would help kepp your insulation from getting wet.

Sent to us 4/25/07 from Peter, NY

I wanted to advise you of a recent accident that I had while hiking in Northern New York State. I have attached a news article from the New York State Department of Conservation. The article does not specifically mention one of your products but I want to advise you that it helped save my life. I purchased the Thermo Lite Emergency Bivy Sack at Eastern Mountain Sports, and I stayed in this shelter during my long night out. Please read the article attached and be advised that I truly can say that I was glad that I had this with me. This item along with food and staying hydrated kept my body temperature at 97 degrees for almost 18 hours while I was stuck outside, in temperatures that dropped to -23.

Question:

I live in N.E. Ohio and every Oct. I check and update all of my kits (first aid, winter truck pack and home kit). I have been looking at your two bivvy sleeping blankets for my truck kit. Can you tell me which one works the best in very very cold weather?

Answer:

Cassie, They both work well. The main differences are that the Thermo-Lite bivvy will breathe better – meaning less moisture condensation inside – due to the foot vent opening and Velcro side closures. If you are inside your truck, out of the wind, this would be my choice. The Thermo-Lite bivvy is also made of a stronger material. On the other hand, I like the Heatsheets bivvy because of its weight, size and the waterproof taped seams. Either bivvy will help you spend the unexpected night out in your truck.

Sent to us 4/25/07 from Peter, NY

I wanted to advise you of a recent accident that I had while hiking in Northern New York State. I have attached a news article from the New York State Department of Conservation. The article does not specifically mention one of your products but I want to advise you that it helped save my life. I purchased the Thermo Lite Emergency Bivy Sack at Eastern Mountain Sports, and I stayed in this shelter during my long night out. Please read the article attached and be advised that I truly can say that I was glad that I had this with me. This item along with food and staying hydrated kept my body temperature at 97 degrees for almost 18 hours while I was stuck outside, in temperatures that dropped to -23.

Q:
Is it better to put the sleeping bag inside the bivvy, put the bivvy inside the sleeping bag, or ? Please let me know what you think.

A:
Robert, If you use it inside the sleeping bag – you will get clammy and experience the condensation next to your skin. You will also be quite warm. This option will keep your sleeping bag dry. If you use it on the outside it will act as a water and windproof barrier for your sleeping bag and will raise the bag temp. rating by about 15 degrees F. The outside of the bag will get moist, but you will sleep dry. If you are using a down bag with a non waterproof shell than the down could get wet from the condensation and reduce the thermal capacity of the bag. Frank