Lifesystems Heatshield Thermal Bivi Bag could absolutely make the difference between an uncomfortable night and a disaster, says Peter Macfarlane.
From my earliest days in the hills carrying a bag to climb into when everything went wrong in the hills was drilled into you. For decades I carried a simple oversized poly bag folded up and slipped down the back of my rucksack, something that would still work today. Materials technology has advanced greatly and we can now carry something sleeping bag sized that is lighter and smaller than my old poly bag but also warmer, as with the Lifesystems Heatshield Thermal Bivi Bag.
Peter Macfarlane recommends
On a long winter day being well rested, fed and warm can help you stay safe – this bag offers a step towards that- light
- simple
- effective
- could be longer
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £13.99 |
| Weight: 124g including stuffsack |
| Materials: metalized polyethylene |
| Features: taped seams, printed with useful emergency information, visible colour |
| Sizes: unisex |
| www.lifesystems.co.uk |
The fabric here is still polythene but on the Thermal Bivi it is light with a little stretch. The inner surface is metalized to reflect heat back and you can feel the warmth very quickly when you’re inside the bag. The bivi is roomy even when you are fully clothed which lets you move around inside but you can draw in the excess fabric easily to stop in flapping in the wind. The opening is plain edged and can be pulled in around your face or over your head, but I’d like just a little overall length to be able to pull the opening into a good cowl shape at my 1.82m height.
The Thermal Bivi could absolutely make the difference between an uncomfortable night and a disaster. It can keep you dry, warmer than you would be out in the open especially if you lie on your pack to keep your body clear off the ground. It can also keep you comfortable on any cold rest stop in the hills.
In winter I carry a mini plastic snow shovel and I’ll often dig or build a small shelter if there’s no decent cover for rest stops and slip into the Thermal Bivi for my lunch. The fabric is thin so a little care will help longevity.
Safety preparation can start long before a problem is visible, on a long winter day being well rested, fed and warm can make you better prepared for whatever comes later in the day and the Thermal Bivi can be a step towards that.
The bright orange outer is also printed with lots of useful safety advice.
Testing conditions
Peter carried and used items from the review on all of his hill trips throughout 2023 from one winter into the next. This ranged from Munro days to low level trails and he also used the gear multiple times on ranger duties in the Kilpatrick Hills. All weights are from the reviewer’s digital scales.
This comparative review was first published in the December 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors.
