Vargo Storm Shelter 100 Bothy Bag (£25 370g)

Overview

A couple of years ago I came accross a selection of bothy bags in a large store in Keswick. I had never heard of them before but when I saw what they were I immediately saw how useful they could be.

The idea is very simple - take a large waterproof nylong bag, add a window, add a vent and voila! you now have a small shelter that can be used in harsh conditions when nothing else is avaiable. It will stop the wind and the rain and provide some comfort.

For an emergency situation a bothy bag will provide some shelter that would be sufficient to keep someone alive - provided that they had sufficient warm clothing.

Outdoor Testing

I have used this several times for convenience in the usual mountain weather that we can experience in the UK - strong winds and rain. Using it is straightforward; I pull it over my head, pull the drawcord tight at the base and sit down. I am then able to eat my lunch, drink coffee and rest all in comparative comfort.

The shelter is fully waterproof and so it can become a little steamy when in use. I have used it as a shelter for a sandwhich stop and I have also used it as an extra waterproof when I wanted a break from the rain in my face and wanted to eat lunch on the move.

It is not a luxurious experience but instead just a practical modest piece of kit that is invaluable.

Early Conclusions

In the colder months this is one of the pieces of kit that I will always take with me into the mountains - unless I am already planning for a night out and have another form of shelter.

I think some sort of bothy bag is a very useful kit for most winter walkers to carry with them for those times when you want shelter but cannot find it.