New Shelter Combines Bivy Sack, Tent

The Ranger ($359) and Ranger Two ($399) are all-in-one bedroll products that seem suited for horseback trips, car camping or storing in the back of a pickup for those last-second camping moments.

It’s pretty big, but contains everything needed for a basic camp — a waterproof/breathable bivy sack and a small lofted tent around the head.

The Ranger Two model includes a built-in 15-degree polyester sleeping bag. Both the Ranger and Ranger Two hold a sleeping pad (not included).

To use, just roll it out, stake down the corners, and crawl in. A simple pole system holds up the head cover if needed in bad weather. Otherwise, just lie in it and stare at the stars.

For severe weather or bugs, the entire head enclosure can be Velcro’d shut and zipped to the bivy. It makes a small shelter over the head.

The roll has a lot of room for expansion and allows for packing more items into the roll for storage or transport, turning it into something of a suitcase for overnight trips. For a light packer, it could simplify overnight trips.

The Ranger models are built with brand-name YKK zippers, Toray waterproof-breathable fabric and DAC poles and seem very rugged. The floor is waterproof 200D nylon ripstop and the head shelter, which doubles as the outside of the roll, is waterproof 500D Cordura.

The Ranger weighs 5 lbs 14oz ounces packed (no sleeping bag) and the Ranger Two weighs 8 lbs 8 oz with the included sleeping bag.

We have not yet tested either of these models extensively, but the creative designs by a new company are intriguing. We’ll be trying them out on some overnight adventures soon. —Sean McCoy