Ortovox Bivy Ultralight Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Ortovox
Ortovox Bivy Ultralight
Best for: Emergency use in unforeseen mountain weather.
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.
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 Ortovox Bivy Ultralight also has a price edge — $190 less at $34 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
Ortovox Bivy Ultralight
- Ultralight 150 gram weight
- Heat-reflecting silver inner coating
- Tiny 5x5x9cm pack size
- No head hood
- Traps heavy condensation
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 | Ortovox Bivy Ultralight | Outdoor Research Helium Bivy |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Bivy, Survival, Backpacking | Bivy, Backpacking |
| Capacity | 1 person | 1 person |
| Seasons | Survival | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $35 | $225 |
| Weight | 7 Oz | 15.8 Oz |
| Min Trail Weight | — | 14.5oz |
| Floor Area | — | 14.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | None | None |
| Peak Height | — | 20 |
| Doors | 1 | 1 |
| Floor Dimensions | — | 82 X 26 |
| Pole Material | None | Shockcorded Delrin® Pole |
| Floor Fabric | — | 100% Nylon 40D With TPU Lamination Floor |
| Packed Size | 5 X 5 X 9 Cm | 3.5 X 12.25 |
| Setup Time | 1 Min | 2 Mins |
| Warranty | 2 Years | Infinite Guarantee (Limited Lifetime) |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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