Air Bivy All Weather Shelter: Setup and Packing Guide

Quick answer

To set up the Air Bivy All Weather Shelter & Hammock, first confirm you have two sturdy trees and a hanging kit (not included). Then attach the Skeeter Beeter XT hammock and Hexfly Rain Shelter, adjusting for a flat lie and full rain coverage. Pack it by folding the Hexfly last to keep the hammock dry. The biggest mistake is forgetting the hanging kit—without it, you can't hang the shelter.

Choose the right trees and check your gear

Before you start, find two trees about 12–15 feet apart with trunks at least 6 inches in diameter. Look for dead branches overhead and avoid low spots where water pools. The Air Bivy includes the updated Skeeter Beeter XT and Hexfly Rain Shelter, but hanging straps are not included. Check that you have a hanging kit that won't damage bark, such as tree-friendly straps.

Hang the Skeeter Beeter XT hammock

Attach your straps around both trees at about head height, then clip the hammock carabiners to the straps. Aim for a 30-degree angle on the suspension lines—if they're too tight, the hammock will be uncomfortable and stress the trees. Sit in the hammock to test the lie; you should be able to lie flat on the diagonal, not like a banana. Adjust the strap height until it feels right.

Pitch the Hexfly Rain Shelter

Unfold the Hexfly over the hammock and center it so the ridgeline runs directly above the hammock's center. Tie the ends to the trees or to your straps using the included guy lines. Stake out the sides at a low angle to block wind and rain. In heavy rain, lower the sides closer to the ground for more coverage. A common mistake is leaving the Hexfly too high, which lets rain blow in sideways.

Adjust for weather and comfort

For windy conditions, pitch the Hexfly lower and add extra guy lines to secure it. In hot weather, raise the sides for airflow. If you expect condensation, leave a small gap at the top. Always test your setup before dark so you can fine-tune without stress.

Pack the Air Bivy efficiently

When breaking camp, shake off debris and moisture. Fold the Hexfly separately and place it in an outside pocket or on top of your pack—this keeps the hammock dry. Stuff the Skeeter Beeter XT into its stuff sack, then compress it. If the Hexfly is wet, pack it last so it doesn't dampen other gear. A common mistake is packing the wet Hexfly with the hammock, which can lead to a soggy sleep next time.

Step-by-step setup and packing

1. Select trees and check gear: Find two sturdy trees 12–15 feet apart. Ensure you have a hanging kit (not included). Checkpoint: Trees are at least 6 inches in diameter and no dead branches overhead.
2. Hang the hammock: Attach straps at head height, clip hammock carabiners, and aim for a 30-degree suspension angle. Checkpoint: You can lie flat on the diagonal, not like a banana.
3. Pitch the Hexfly: Center the Hexfly over the hammock, tie ends to trees, and stake sides low. Checkpoint: In rain, lower sides to block wind; in heat, raise for airflow.
4. Pack for next time: Fold Hexfly separately, place in outside pocket or on top of pack. Stuff hammock into its sack. Checkpoint: Keep wet Hexfly away from hammock to avoid a soggy sleep.

Product facts

• Air Bivy All Weather Shelter & Hammock: Includes both the updated Skeeter Beeter XT and Hexfly Rain Shelter. You get a complete hammock and rainfly system, but you'll need to supply your own hanging kit.
• Compass 360° XT Swivel Stool - Extra Tall: The Compass 360° XT Swivel Stool is extra tall, standing at 20 inches. Provides comfortable seating at camp, but it's not part of the Air Bivy setup.
• Stonefly Chair: The Stonefly Chair is a taller modification of the Mayfly chair, with cup holders and a stash pocket. A comfortable camp chair option, but not required for the Air Bivy shelter.