The Fortress is the roomiest sack we tested, having ample room for water bottles, cameras, and boots. Like most sacks, it has a Gore-Tex upper and a coated nylon floor. Similar to the Bibler and Integral Designs sacks, this bivy has a zipper that spans the chest from shoulder to shoulder. The zipper, as Ron discovered, funnels water straight into the sack. The mosquito netting is attached on one side of the opening and can be zipped closed or rolled up and out of the way.

All the testers agreed that the Fortress is a good bivy sack for snowy winter trips, but it isn't suitable for rainy conditions. All were in agreement that $225 is a steep tariff for this sack.

Weight: 1 lb, 13 oz.
Price: $225
Weatherproofness: 2.5
Claustrophobia factor: 3.5
Comparative Ratings Chart

For more information: Call Western Mountaineering at (408) 287-8944.

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