Rothco G.I. Type Camouflage Bivouac Shelter

by Rothco

Product Features

• Designed for special operations
• Made of lightweight nylon
• No-see-um mesh screen
• Sets up quickly
• Size is 90'' L x 45'' W x 24'' H.

Product Description

Features Designed for special operations Made of lightweight nylon No-see-um mesh screen Sets up quickly Size is 90'' L x 45'' W x 24'' H

Product Details

• Item Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B001CW9IVW
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,868 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars You get what you pay for, September 29, 2007

By 

Zaphos (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Well a one man shelter is excellent for backpacking due to the lite weight. This one looked like it had a good design until I received it and set it up. The first thing I noticed was the floor is completely fabric with no reinforcing. A tarp is required under this tent or the floor will rip and fray immediately. Carrying a tarp kind of kills the weight advantage. As I set up the tent I heard a creaking sound. Well that was the sound of tent poles splitting! They eventually gave way completely and both broke in half. Looking at the poles, the poor quality is obvious. They look like they tried to make fiberglass poles without resin. Finally, the parts list includes a rain fly. Unfortunately there was no such item included. When I received this product, there were no reviews so I wanted to put this up and let people know to watch out.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars ripped up tarp, October 18, 2008

By 

Bartok Kinski "A casual stroll through the lu... (Prague) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rothco G.I. Type Camouflage Bivouac Shelter (Misc.)

I used the Camouflage Bivouac Shelter when I went hiking in the cold mountains of France. When it arrived I was disappointed, a cheap looking Shelter if there ever was one. I took it anyways, paying the price later when it rained heavily. All though I had a good sleeping bag, the Shelter tore instantly in cold wind, the stakes snapped and rips were everywhere. By day 5 it was just a ripped up tarp and I had to sleep in my good sleeping bag during the cold rain storm. Invest in a good three-season tent for $200 - $500.

3.0 out of 5 stars Packs small, performs small., June 24, 2011

By 

Paul C. Primrose (Lander, Wyoming) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rothco G.I. Type Camouflage Bivouac Shelter (Misc.)

I bought this for a bike tour that never materialized and instead took it into Wyoming's Wind River Mountains and on other small adventures. I generally agree with the other reviewers, especially in regards to the quality of construction and material.

Pros:

- Lightweight. At 3 pounds or so, it really does save weight. However, I'd readily trade another pound or two for higher quality (see below).

- Packs small. Saves room in your pack for booze and fishing gear.

- Relatively easy setup. Provided you're not a moron, you'll be able to set up sans directions and at night with a headlamp.

- Camo. You'll feel all paramilitary and stuff.

- Low profile. I have yet to see this perform in howling winds, but I'm guessing stong winds will pass over it to some degree.

Cons:

- Delicate. Don't camp in thistles, on rocks, or near a nail factory. Also do not let your cat near it.

- Cramped. I was interested in minimalist sleeping gear and almost went with a true bivvy sack. This sucker is only slightly more than a bivvy sack and pretty hard to enter / exit. It also leaves no room for gear or Fido unless Fido is a lapdog / wolf snack.

- The poles are flimsy. They make me nervous. I'm waiting for them to break.

The Lowdown:

Meh. If you really want something that's more than a bivvy sack and less than a car camping tent, consider the Texsport Saguaro, a remarkable bargain and far roomier than the Rothco GI shelter.