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Y-zip Entry
Get in from the front or either side, making it easy to adapt to different tarp pitches. -
No-See-Um Mesh
Lightweight no-see-um mesh keeps insects out while maintaining visibility and airflow. -
Floating Tub
The tub's top corners clip to your tarp, keeping it taut and functional. -
DCF Floor
0.67 oz DCF (CT1E.08/K.18) with taped seams. This variant uses a thicker film on the outer face, where most abrasion occurs. Lighter than Silpoly. -
Tarp Compatible
Works with most A-frame setups.
Yama Mountain Gear · Bivies & Bug Nets
DCF Bug Bivy
Weight from
5.1 oz
Price from
$225
Options
1
Specs
| Packed size | 9" x 6" x 2" |
|---|
Description
Quick specs:
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Bivy weight:
145g | 5.1 oz -
Packaged weight:
172g | 6.1 oz
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Head width:
86cm | 34" -
Foot width:
66cm | 26" -
Length:
218cm | 86"
Combine with the 1P Cirriform tarp for a fully integrated, double-wall shelter, the 1P Cirriform DW.
Looking for a lower-cost option? See the Y-zip Bug Bivy with a 20D Silpoly floor.
Description
The DCF Bug Bivy weighs 5.1 oz. That's 31% lighter than the Y-zip Bug Bivy, with the same Y-zip entry, dimensions, and tarp compatibility. The difference is the floor: 0.67 oz DCF instead of Silpoly.
The Y-zip - get in from either side
The y-shaped zipper runs along the ridge before splitting down toward each front corner, giving you entry from the front or either side. This makes it easy to adapt to different tarp configurations. To switch which side opens, just move the apex cord to the other side of the zipper - more detail in the Set-up & Use tab.
Pair it with a tarp
The DCF Bug Bivy pairs with our 1P and 2P Cirriform, Tapered, and Flat Tarps, and works with most A-frame tarps.
If you want more elbow room, the 1P Bug Shelter crosses further into tent territory - it pitches taller with more space to settle in. The Bug Bivy is the more minimalist option.
Notes/FAQ:
- Do I need a groundsheet? A groundsheet is not required, but we recommend one. 0.67 DCF holds up better than it might seem at first glance, but floor wear is inevitable, and it isn't covered under warranty. A polycro groundsheet is a natural pairing: light, packable, and cheap to replace when it wears out.
- Do I need to seal the seams? No, the seams at the corners of the tub are taped.
- Will this work with a mid-style tarp? Some hikers pitch the bivy under pyramid-style tarps, though results may vary depending on the setup and how taut you like your pitch. Expect sag in the canopy in most cases, and possible interference at the head and foot ends due to the sloping walls of the mid.
Made in Vietnam and field-tested in Montana
Specifications
Ultralight Materials
The 0.67 oz DCF (CT1E.08/K.18) floor is lighter than Silpoly. Taped seams mean no seam sealing is needed.
No-See-Um mesh provides visibility and airflow while keeping insects out.
Canopy
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Ultralight, no-see-um mesh
- Weight:~17 gsm | ~0.5 oz/yd2
- Material: Nylon
- PFAS Free: Yes
Floor
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0.67 oz DCF (CT1E.08/K.18)
- Weight:~19 gsm | ~0.67 oz/yd2
- PFAS Free: Yes
- Taped Seams: Yes
Components
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Zipper
- YKK; Size 3
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Webbing
- Nylon
Weight
Bivy: 145g | 5.1 oz
- Stuff sack: 6g | 0.21 oz
- Rigging: 21g | 0.8 oz
- Total Packaged Weight: 172g | 6.1 oz
Rigging Breakdown
- 15' of 1/16" shockcord: 11g | 0.38 oz
- 4 Tensionlocks: 4.5g | 0.16 oz
- 6 Clips: 5.8g | 0.21 oz
- 2 Barrel cordlocks: 1.2g | 0.04 oz
Dimensions
- Width at head:* 34/36" | 86.4/91.4 cm
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Width at foot:* 26/28" | 66.0/71.1 cm
*First number taken at ground level. Second measurement taken at top of tub. - Length: 86" | 218.5 cm
- Height at head: 23" | 58.4 cm
- Height at foot: 16" | 40.6 cm
- Tub height: 5" | 12.7 cm
- Packed size: 9" x 6" x 2" | 23cm x 15cm x 5cm
Click to enlarge
Required items (not included):
The items needed to pitch your Bug Bivy will vary depending on your approach. See the Set up & Use tab for more info.
- A tarp: For rain protection
- Front Pole: At least ~39" (~99cm) (a taller pole is ok but you'll want to keep it under ~45" (114cm) if using it with a 1P Cirriform)
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Rear Pole: At least ~26" (~66cm)
(taller pole is ok) - Rigging: If you plan to pitch your Bug Bivy on its own (not under a tarp) you will need additional guyline or our Stand-alone rigging kit. If using tent poles or trekking poles without baskets, you may also need two of our guyline grommets (not needed with stand-alone kit). See the Set up & Use tab for more information.
Set-up & use
Download our PDF pitching guide here.
The tub-floor is intended to be suspended from its top corners by clipping them out to your tarp's corners using the included rigging. Suspend the upper off your face and feet by clipping it to points above.
You may wish to seam seal the corners of the tub-floor. While it shouldn't be necessary for most situations, it may be helpful should you find water pooling on the ground around you.
We recommend using a ground sheet with the DCF floor. DCF is lighter than Silpoly but benefits more from a groundsheet on abrasive surfaces. Clear your site of sharp debris before setting up.
To get started
Included: Rigging (shock cord, tensionlocks, mitten hooks, and cord locks) is included with the bivy. See the Specs for exactly what the bivy comes with.
You'll want to attach rigging to the: top corners of the tub (4), apexes (2).
To determine the length of the cords: Lay the bivy under your pitched tarp. Then, measure the distance from the bivy's corner to the tarp's associated corner. Cut the shock cord to that length (the two front lengths should be equal, as should the two lengths at the foot).
Installing the rigging at the Apexes
Shock cord is used to suspend your bivy from your tarp's apexes or ridgeline. Using 20" (51cm) at the head end and 24" (61cm) at the foot is a good starting point for use with the 1P Cirriform.
- Note: You will do the following twice; once for each end of the net-tent.
- At one end of the shock cord, tie on a mitten hook. We suggest a clinch knot.
- Thread the cord through the webbing loop at the net-tent's apexes (front to back at the head end, and back to front at the foot end).
- Pass the cord through a cord lock.
- Tie a loop on the loose end of the cord. We suggest a simple overhand loop knot.
- Note: The images below show the 1P Bug Shelter, but the process is the same.
Installing rigging at the corners
Shock cord is used to connect the top corners of the tub to your tarp's corners. We recommend installing tensionlocks (10mm size) at the floor's corners for easy adjustment. For use with the 1P Cirriform, start with lengths of 36" (91cm) at the front corners and 30" (76cm) at the rear corners.
- Using a girth hitch, install a tensionlock on the upper tie-out loop at each of the tub's corners.
- Tie a mitten hook to the end of each cord. We like to use a clinch knot.
- Thread the untied end of the shockcord through the tensioner as shown (first through the middle opening from bottom to top, then through the remaining hole from top to bottom).
- Tie a loop in the untied end of the cord. We like to use an overhand loop knot.
- Repeat at each corner
- Note: The images below show the 1P Bug Shelter, but the process is the same.
If you want to pitch the Bug Bivy by itself (without a tarp), there are two approaches:
- With additional guyline: You'll need six stakes, your poles and additional guyline for the apexes. See guyline options here.
- Stand alone rigging kit: With our stand alone rigging kit, the Bivy pitches with four stakes and your poles.
The pitching guide linked at the top of the page provides instruction on each method.