A Splashing Good Test of a Bivvy Bag Poncho

Review by Fung

Hey there, fellow water enthusiasts! My friend Poon and I are total fans of swimming around in clothes during rainy days.

So when we found ourselves in the steamy, tropical rainforests of Thailand during the rainy season, we knew it was the perfect time to try out my bivvy bag poncho. Sunny mornings were followed by massive downpours in the afternoons, the ideal poncho weather.

Design: The Bivvy Bag Poncho

This bad boy is designed like a large, long poncho that can shelter two people either sitting or laying down. It's made of soft, breathable nylon that feels heavenly on your skin. For walking around, it reaches below my knees, perfect coverage for wading in shallow water. The wide shape lets my move my arms freely inside or keep them outside through the side openings.

The Wet and Wild Adventure Begins

As I arrived at the lake, the rain started to fall from big dark clouds. I quickly pulled the bivvy poncho over my head, with the hood up, keeping my hands inside the poncho at first. Swinging my arms back and forth provided good ventilation. I couldn't help but laugh as my poncho billowed around me like I'm a superheroe in a wet and wild adventure!

As the rain got heavier, I noticed condensation building up inside my bivvy poncho. The high humidity didn't allow for enough evaporation. This is called a "wet out" and happens in most rain clothes. Your clothes get wet from the inside.

The Hood Dilemma

When I put the hood down, rainwater came in around the collar and ran down the front and back of my shirt and into my windpants. It didn't take long for my clothes to get a bit moist. I couldn't help but giggle as my clothes clung to me like a second skin. This was expected as all rainwear does that when you put the hood down. Get used to it!

Meeting Poon

Around the corner, I met up with my friend Poon, who was coming out of the lake dressed in his usual swimwear, jeans and a thin anorak. He works at a beach restaurant by the lake and goes for a quick swim whenever he can. The wet clothes help him stay cool during his outdoor work while serving guests.

The Wet and Wild Bivvy Bag Experience

I waded into the water towards him, about knee-deep, with the poncho reaching the water and floating around. This slowed me down a bit but was still easy to walk.

Poon looked with interest at my bivvy poncho and asked what can be done with it. I showed him various features and that it can be turned into a shelter for two. He was keen to try this.

Cozy and Warm Inside the Bivvy Bag

As we sat down by the lake to set up the bivvy bag, I noticed how his wet clothes stuck to him like static cling. He seemed to like that.

While sitting, my bivvy poncho reached to the ground and could be spread out sideways. I pulled the hood close to keep the rain out and transformed the poncho into a small bivvy tent.

Poon joined me inside, and his wet clothes soaked mine even more as he sat close next to me. But I didn't mind, it felt cozy and warm inside with the heavy rain hitting the outside. We couldn't help but smile as our bodies radiated heat while the rain poured down on our makeshift shelter. When the rain stopped for a short while, I got out to take some photos while Poon stayed inside the bivvy bag.

Swim Test

Poon asked if it is possible to swim in this poncho. There maybe situations when hiking in wetlands where you have to go through water or go for a swim, so we decided to check it out.

He moved into shallow water to play around and was fascinated by the bivvy bag's ability to keep him sheltered despite being soaked from head to toe! We walked deeper into the lake to compare the look and feel of the bivvy poncho and my normal clothes.. The air billowed the bivvy bag, but quickly flowed out from the face opening.

Both ponchos floated around a bit, but once Poon started swimming it hugged his body and was fairly easy to swim in, even with clothes underneath. Since we didn't leave anthing on the beach, we swam along the lake shore, laughing and splashing in the water as we explored nature together.

My Turn to Swim in the Bivvy Poncho

Poon came out of the water, looking great. He took the bivvy poncho off and helped me put it over my head, pulling it down into place. I pushed my hands out through the side openings so I could swim safely.

Poon couldn't help laughing while he watched me wading into chest deep water, trying to control the billowing poncho as it floated around me. I soon got the hang of it and started swimming forward. This was surprisingly easy as the poncho closely hugged my body. It's not for swimming fast but for keeping warm on swim treks and as a portable shelter from sun, wind and rain.

Wildlife Watch

We swam along the lake shore. As we reached a wooded area we met another hiker, named Toey, hidden among the bushes. He sat in shallow water, covered in a green poncho, watching the local wildlife. We almost stumbled over him, so well hidden was he. Being submerged up to his chest, his poncho obscured his shape, so the animals didn't notice him.

Toey found our roomy bivvy bag interesting, but recommened we should get a green or black one which would blend in better with the woodland and be less visible to other hikers. He told us that many animals can't see colour, so red won't matter to them.

Then he suggested we should join him in the lake and watch the animals, instead of standing around and frighten them.

I sat down in the water, still wearing the bivvy bag. Poon joined me inside and we watched the wildlife swim by, sitting up to our necks in the warm water, looking out through the arm holes on either side.

Summary

Among different soft shell systems, the bivvy bag poncho can prove to be a perfect companion for outdoor adventures. While it is usually worn by only one person, two can sit inside during a meal break or a shower.

We decided to get green and camo bivvy bags for sitting in the lake to watch the wildlife. Worn in the water over light clothing this is the best way to enjoy nature in the wetlands. With such a versatile piece of equipment, you never have to worry about wind and weather anymore. Bring on the rain!

In conclusion, our wet poncho adventure with the bivvy bag poncho was a blast! It turned out to be an excellent choice for shelter during heavy rainfall while still allowing us to enjoy the great outdoors. And let's not forget the added fun of swimming in it and feeling like water-loving superheroes.