SOL Emergency Bivvy Review: A Sleeping Bag for Your Glovebox
The Good
- Sealed edges create a warm micro-climate (unlike drafty blankets)
- Heatsheets material is stretchy and quiet (not crinkly foil)
- Bright orange color acts as a massive rescue signal
- Reusable (if you are patient with folding)
The Bad
- Condensation is guaranteed (you will wake up wet)
- Material is thin - sticks and rocks will puncture it
- Stuff sack is tiny; good luck getting it back in
The "Space Blanket" is the most common item in survival kits, and the most useless. In wind, a blanket blows away. It lets in drafts. It tears.
The SOL (Survive Outdoors Longer) Emergency Bivvy fixes the fundamental design flaw: It is a Bag, not a blanket.
Real World Scenario: The Winter Breakdown
Imagine your car slides into a ditch in a blizzard. The engine dies. It is 10°F (-12°C). You are wearing a suit, not a parka.
- With a Blanket: You wrap it around you. Your back freezes against the seat. You shiver.
- With the SOL Bivvy: You climb inside. You pull the drawstring. Your body heat warms the air trapped inside the bag. The silver lining reflects that heat back at you. You survive the night.
Condensation: The "Wet" Truth
This bag is waterproof. That keeps rain out, but keeps sweat in.
- The Science: You lose 1 liter of water per day through breath and skin. In this bag, that water has nowhere to go.
- The Result: You will wake up clammy or wet.
- The Decision: Being wet and warm (98°F) is infinitely better than being dry and dead (hypothermia). Just dry your clothes out the next morning.
Comparison: SOL Bivvy vs. Mylar Blanket
| Feature | Standard Mylar Blanket | SOL Emergency Bivvy | Winner | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Price | $1.00 | ~$18.00 | Mylar | | Warmth | Poor (Drafts) | Excellent (Sealed) | SOL | | Durability | Shreds instantly | Tear-resistant | SOL | | Noise | Loud Crinkle | Quiet | SOL | | Reuse | No (Disposable) | Yes (Technically) | SOL |
The Verdict: The $1 blankets are for handing out to victims at a marathon. The SOL Bivvy is for saving your own life.
Durability Note
While "tear resistant," this is not a proper sleeping bag shell. If you sleep on sharp rocks or sticks, it will puncture. Clear your sleeping area first!
Final Verdict
Is it comfortable? No. Is it spacious? No. Will it keep you alive when you didn't expect to sleep outside? Yes.
At 3.8oz (lighter than an iPhone), there is no excuse not to have one in your car, your daypack, and your hunting coat.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars Recommended for: Vehicle Kits, Day Hikers, EDC.