expedition bivy booty

Exped is a relatively new company, founded in the 80’s, the company initially started as an outdoor distributor. Over time, Exped created its own identity and form 1997 have created their own innovative products designed for travel and expeditions.

In 1997, the ‘Orion’ ridge tent, along with sleeping bags and storage bags set a benchmark for how the brand would develop. Now, Exped have a range of products that include Tents, Sleeping Bags, Mats, Backpacks, Packsacks, Hammocks, Ponchos and a range of Accessories.

On a personal note, Exped sleeping mats, storage bags and travel accessories have accompanied many a journey in countless worldwide locations for me.

In Nepal and more recently in Norway, I have used the Exped Down Sock and Exped Bivy Booty for fastpacking, multi-day adventures and countless work assignments.

DOWN SOCK

Warm feet are an essential for me, I suffer with cold toes and when a day on the trail comes to an end, a pair of dry socks and then down socks have become a constant when relaxing in a hut or tent. Compact and light, the Exped down socks are available in S, M or L and compress into a small size and of course, they are lightweight, (75g per sock in M) simple in design. They have an elasticated baffle/ heel cuff inside to ensure warmth is retained around the foot and to provide a comfortable fit. Made from five individual down filled pieces, warmth is retained in each section of the foot with cold spots reduced to a minimum. In particular, the toe area has a special area of down to ensure additional warmth in this sensitive area. At the top of the sock, there is an additional elastic baffle, visible with the Exped logo, this provides a seal and reduces heat escaping and cold entering.

Quite simply, these socks are a revelation for post-day recuperation after activity. They are a simple product that add an all-important additional layer of warmth for minimal weight and pack size. Using a Merino Wool sock inside is an essential extra to ensure warmth. Need more warmth? Also consider using a heat pad like those provided by Nevercold. They can also be used inside a sleeping bag for cold nights. Designed for internal use only, the use of a Bivy Booty (below) is required to increase the flexibility of the Down Sock.

Specs:

Fill :

Duck down RDS certified

Fillpower:

700+ cuin

Fill Weight:

2.8 oz

S – Shoe size DE/EU 37 – 39, USA 5 -7

M – Shoe size DE/EU 40 – 42, USA 7 – 9

L – Shoe size DE/EU 43 – 45, USA 10 – 11

BIVY BOOTY

Typically, when adventuring, fastpacking or out on any multi-day adventure, weight is a key concern and therefore the option to carry additional footwear is not an option. Therefore, a product like the Exped Bivy Booty manages to fill this great middle ground facilitating a lower pack size and lower weight. Weighing 128g for a M, the booty is at least 100% lighter than the lightest run shoe and considerably lighter than a walking boot. Designed to be used as a protective layer over any sock, the Bivy Booty excels over the Exped Down Sock.

It is a waterproof overshoe with a durable sole and TPU material that goes to mid-calf with two adjustable/ quick-release elastic cords. Designed to protect from snow, ice, rocks, twigs and any other sharp objects. The seams are factory taped and there is a three-layer shell of VentAir® combined with 15 D Ripstop Nylon to ensure foot protection and longevity of the product.

Overnight camp, Norway, February (iPhone photo)

In use, the Bivy Booty is the perfect product for camp life and the perfect lightweight accessory to facilitate moving around whilst relaxing after a day on the trail. Previously, I would use a down sock to keep my feet warm, only to find that I would then need to remove this sock and then use my day shoe to walk around outside the tent/ hut to facilitate any camp task. Now, I can keep my warm down socks on and use the Bivy Booty to move around.

Surprisingly comfortable, the two elastic cords, when pulled tight, really give a secure feel. The cords can be adjusted, even with gloves on. Of course, the Booty is not designed for any long walking, it’s a simple product to facilitate an easier camp/ hut life. They do this exceptionally well and on a recent camp trip in snow and ice with sub-zero temperatures, they were a life saver. The lower part of the Booty is designed to protect with a very strong reinforced area.

Insole is removable so you can upgrade if required.

Inside the Booty, there is a removable insole that is attached via Velcro. Top tip: You can replace the insulated rubber with a thicker product, say using an old sleeping mat. It’s a simple way to add more insulation between you and the ground, if required.

SPECS

15 D ripstop nylon, ventair, 10’000 mm water column, 40’000 MVTR

S – Shoe size DE/EU 37 – 39, USA 5 -7

M – Shoe size DE/EU 40 – 42, USA 7 – 9

L – Shoe size DE/EU 43 – 45, USA 10 – 11

XL – Shoe size DE/EU 46 – 47, USA 12 – 13

Exped website

This is not a paid review. Products were purchased to test.

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