Terra Nova Bothy Bag - Emergency Storm Shelter

I bought this for solo ski tours and have found that it works very well for instant shelter from spindrift and windchill. Squishes down to the size of a plump grapefruit. When I need a break from the elements, I pull the Bothy Bag overhead, remove skis and cross the tails and sit on them securing the bothy seat, stamp down with boots to make foot holes in the snow, secure the other seat with the ski tips, and prop up the ceiling with both ski poles. Compared to a Bivy sack which requires horizontal orientation, the Bothy allows you to sit up, read, eat, change socks, tighten boots, fix gear and strip or add layers before pulling stakes and heading out again. Yes, it will steam up, but the lack of floor helps vent if its windy, and the instant warmth is worth a bit of moisture. Have not yet tested with two full grown adults (but my kids love it). Windows and red color help keep from getting blue about the weather! I now routinely carry the Bothy, whereas before, I rarely bothered with the Bivy sack.

It’s great for two small 8 year olds maybe but good luck trying to fit two adults. In addition, the “chimney” is sealed versus others that contain netting. I would not recommend!

Haven't had a chance to use this yet in the field, so this review is a first impression based on trying it out in the back yard. I bought this for use as an emergency shelter, so wasn't expecting much. However, it would have been easy to add a floor, even a flimsy one, to make this a complete shelter, that would have been nice. But again, I bought it for emergency use to carry in a kayak on longer trips and knew when I bought it that it didn't have a floor, figured it would just get sloppy wet anyway if I set it up having just scrambled out of the boat. So, realizing that this is based on first impressions I would say that the shelter is well built, seems sturdy enough to do the job and the windows are a plus. I would like to see it easier to secure an improvised pole or two and maybe a zip open vent. Seems like it will do the job as an emergency shelter, but wouldn't want to spend any significant time inside one. I wouldn't use it on day hikes, for that I'll stick with my space blanket and cord for emergency shelter, due to the weight. My backpacking tent isn't that much more before poles (this weighs just under 1lb, the tent around 2.5lb before poles), so if I was really worried about shelter on backpacking or dayhiking trips, that's what I would carry, but for the kayak this seems just right.

The thing is great but the windows are really a nuisance. They get crumpled so you can't really see from them. They are stiff so get in the way when you pack the thing. And when subjected to freezing temperatures the windows shatter leaving a hole and sharp shards of stiff plastic! Want to buy this product without windows!!!!

The packed size is almost identical and the 4 just has more room. Both are 5 star in terms of construction and usability. It is super easy to use, light weight, and waterproof, warm, everything in their description is spot on! I would definitely recommend for any hiking in areas where storms are frequent.

Daytime hiking in local hills & mountains to operate a portable ham radio station - a program called Summits on the Air (SOTA for short). Even on a good day, changeable weather can mean a cancellation or a couple miserable hours of radio operation at best, so a shelter can make all the difference. A small tent would be impractical for this purpose - just too heavy & bulky. In contrast, the Bothy Bag 2 is light, and smaller than a football once shoved back into its own air vent (which cleverly becomes a stuff sack). It can then be compressed even smaller to fit into the pack, or just tie it on the outside. I quickly learned that the Bothy Bag "two-man" description actually means two very close friends, but it's still good enough in an emergency. For the SOTA hiker, there is enough room for one man to sit inside (with legs either crossed or extended), set a pack upright at the other end, and still have enough space in-between to operate a small radio transceiver.

As a Master Maine Guide I want quick warming shelter for emergency situations such as hypothermia summer and all year, injuries, inclement weather, and a small package to carry. Great item for this. The ultralight is smaller but I couldn't justify the price difference for what I do.

I have one of these in yellow. Keep it for emergencies in my BOB - along with an easy to store ground cloth to protect my clothes. I have the smallest model - the "2" and it gets warm - even with the air exchanger freely opened. For the price, it is a handy protective device to have.

おかげさまで、ヤバい状況にハマってないんで、使ってないんですが…。すぐ、被れるんで、冬期の休憩時にも積極的に使いたいと購入。

Gekauft für eine Solo- Treckingtour im isländischen Hochland im Mai als kurzfristiger Schutz bei Passüberquerungen unter Tiefschneebedingungen, wo ein Zeltaufbau nicht oder nur schwierig möglich wäre. Der originale Packsack läßt sich mit einem Packgurt nochmals um die Hälfte im Volumen reduzieren. Bei größerem oder großem Gepäck, bietet diese Schutzhülle aber nur wirklich 1 Person bequem Platz. Trotzdem gehört ein Bothybag für mich zur Standartausrüstung bei jeder Alpin- oder Skandinavien Tour ( incl. der Scotish oder Welsh Mountains. Die UL Version ist schon recht teuer, daher wählte ich die etwas schwerere, aber deutlich günstigere Standartversion Würde ich wieder kaufen.

Haven't needed to use it yet but it arrived quickly and as described. Set it up a few times and it looks like it would function quite well in inclement weather.

Bought for emergency use on the fells but we haven't had an emergency yet, and hope not to. The item appears well made and designed, as you would expect from Terra Nova. It is a snug fit around two people. Not tried in bad weather, but am confident it would hold up.

Good materials and well made. At 6’2” 225lbs. sitting down my feet touch the other side and my head touches the top. It would be tight for two at my size. Too small for a big dog and small pack and me. Two smaller people would be ok. Roof height could be a little higher, and length a bit longer, but it’s ok. If you’re 6’6” forget it. Windows and vent are really nice, seams are not tapped. Stuff sack could be slightly smaller, but it’s probably better when it’s all wet. The pole pockets ok but kind of long. It’s definitely worth the money just kind of small for a big guy. A draw string at the bottom would be nice. The weight is acceptable too. It warms up quick. A good safety shelter, really nice to eat lunch in to stay out of the wind, drizzle, rain, or snow when your out doing your favourite outdoor activity. Made of polyester or nylon.