Go Time Gear Life Bivy Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Go Time Gear
Go Time Gear Life Bivy
Best for: Emergency survival and cold weather protection.
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
Best for: Solo adventures, bikepacking, and ultralight thru-hiking.
Our Take
Both are bivy tents, so this is a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
The Go Time Gear Life Bivy is noticeably taller inside (3'0" peak height versus 1'8"), giving you more headroom to move around.
On scores, the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy edges ahead — 7.4 overall versus 7.0.
The biggest gap is space and comfort, where the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy holds a clear advantage.
The Go Time Gear Life Bivy also has a price edge — $202 less at $22 versus $225.
For most buyers, the Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is the stronger all-round pick — but check the full specs below before deciding.
🏆 Our pick: The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
Go Time Gear Life Bivy
- Reflects 90% body heat
- 120-decibel emergency whistle
- 550lb paracord drawstring
- Traps heavy condensation
- Fragile polyethylene material
Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
- Sub-one-pound ultralight build
- Integrated no-see-um mesh
- High-volume tapered footbox
- Heavy condensation issues
- Cramped interior space
Full Specs
| Spec | Go Time Gear Life Bivy | Outdoor Research Helium Bivy |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Bivy, Survival | Bivy, Backpacking |
| Capacity | 1 person | 1 person |
| Seasons | Survival | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $23 | $225 |
| Weight | 4.1 Oz | 15.8 Oz |
| Min Trail Weight | — | 14.5oz |
| Floor Area | — | 14.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | None | None |
| Peak Height | 36 | 20 |
| Doors | 1 | 1 |
| Floor Dimensions | — | 82 X 26 |
| Pole Material | None | Shockcorded Delrin® Pole |
| Floor Fabric | Puncture Resistant PET 26um Mylar | 100% Nylon 40D With TPU Lamination Floor |
| Rainfly Fabric | Puncture Resistant PET 26um Mylar | — |
| Packed Size | 4 X 3 Inches | 3.5 X 12.25 |
| Setup Time | 1 Min | 2 Mins |
| Warranty | Lifetime Limited | Infinite Guarantee (Limited Lifetime) |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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