USMC Coyote Brown Improved Bivy Cover

A crash course in etymology, brought to you by the USMC:

Coming from the German Swiss term Beiwacht (bei by, and wacht watch or patrol) the proper term for this item is is biv·ou·ac (/ˈbivo͞oˌak/) but most know it as the Bivy. When inclement weather catches you off guard, or your quick stay in the woods doesn't require a tent, the Bivy fills in the gap as a quick-to-deploy rudimentary shelter.

Just like the US Army's Modular Sleep System, the USMC's 3 season sleep system (3S) is a modular set of sleeping bags & a bivy cover, but these are not intended for extreme cold weather. 

Marines primarily pack their patrol bag and this, the Bivy cover. The whole 3S system is 10% lighter than the MSS, and the bivy itself is nearly 20% lighter than it's Army cousin. It completely encapsulates the user in severe weather conditions with a highly water repellant membrane, and It's a partial-side-zip and wire-suspended face net keeps it comfortable and easy to get in/get out.

Many users have noted the extended length of the bivy, and taller folks will find that it provides adequate room without needing to curl up your legs or get in an otherwise awkward position to sleep. 

Specs

• Made in the USA
• 100% Ripstop Nylon Shell, 100% Vapor permeable PTFE Gore Tex Membrane, 100% nylon backing
• Side-entry partial length zipper
• Wire suspends bug mesh above users head for more airflow
• Part of USMC 3 Season Sleep System
• Rated down to 20 degrees in conjunction with proper clothing

Condition Guide

Excellent: 

Bivy covers are in excellent condition, with minor to no stains or blems, and absolutely no tears, holes or rips. May exhibit writing.

Good: 

Bivy covers have minor to no stains or blems, and absolutely no damage to the body of the bivy or the GoreTex membrane. However, there may be some damage to the insect mesh of the bivy, which can be repaired with seam tape or a mesh patch. In other words, the bivy is 100% usable if you aren't utilizing the insect mesh, or are in an area where bugs aren't as much of an issue.

Use and Care Instructions

we found many of the tags to be hard to read, so for your convenience here are the official instructions for use and care of the bivy:

Environmental protection

• The bivy cover protects against rain, snow, dew, dust, wind, and bugs for outdoor use.
• maximum environmental protection is provided when the user is completely enclosed (oh really?)

How To Use

• Close the bivy - adjust the zipper with one zipper tab/slider located at the bottom of each side next to each hip. To close, grab one zipper slider in each hand and pull upward until they meet above your head.
• Open the bivy - hook your finger between where the zipper sliders meet or grab the bivy material right below the sliders and pull down to open.
• For best waterproofing, pull stiffener wires at each end to straightenand then press upward with your fist where the wires cross above your face to achieve a peak with maximum height. Be sure the ends of the wires are standing on the ground to hold the zipper off the ground.
• Ventilator -  unzip the flap that covers the screen window whenever possible. When the flap is fully open, roll the flap and place the loop over the toggle at the bottom of the screen.
• When practical, air dry thoroughly each day. At a minimum, shake off any water and brush off before stiffing the bivy in the compression stuff sack.

For Safe Use

• FLAMMABLE. NEVER SMOKE IN BAG. KEEP AWAY FROM FLAME.
• For EMERGENCY exit, grab material next to zipper sliders and pull down to open.
• Protect the bivy bottom from the ground with tarp and or sleeping pad.
• DO NOT drag the bivy on the ground or puncture it for maximum protection
• At home base, DO NOT leave this bivy in the compression stuff sack. Clean and dry the bivy and store it in the mesh storage bag provided.

Keeping The Bivy Clean

• Brush dirty and debris off yourself and clothing before entering the bivy.
• Remove grease and spots from the bivy by spot cleaning with damp cloth and soap, then rinse.
• Launder by machine washing and tumble drying on delicate cycles and low temperatures. Rinse thoroughly to maintain waterproofing.
• DO NOT Bleach, use fabric softener, Iron, or dry clean.