Having stayed in huts over most of the summer, it was time to go camping and try a night in the Macpac Bush Cocoon.
Update March 2023: The Bush Cocoon is again now available instores and at Macpac online in NZ and Australia.
And the location for this camping trip?
Next to Lake Wilson above Valley of the Trolls.
But let’s forget about the location and get into my Macpac Bush Cocoon review. Here’s what I’ll talk about:
1. Why the Bush Cocoon Bivvy Bag?
2. Macpac Bush Cocoon Specs
3. What I Like About The Bush Cocoon
4. What I Don’t Like About The Bush Cocoon
MY MACPAC BUSH COCOON REVIEW
The Bush Cocoon setup next to Moke Lake, Queenstown.
1. WHY THE BUSH COCOON BIVVY BAG?
There are various types of bivvy bags out there, from a super simple survival bag, and fancier bags like the Alpine Cocoon from Macpac to ones similar to the bush cocoon featuring a hooped pole at the head to create some space.
A bivvy bag is designed for one person, and are much lighter than most traditional one person tents like the Solo Light, but obviously provide less space.
They’re great for people who are often hiking solo and want to travel light, or you might not want to take 2+ people tents which while roomier, add up to a lot more weight and require a bigger pack to take.
2. MACPAC BUSH COCOON SPECS
You can head to the product page for more (when it’s available) but here’s the important stuff:
3. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE BUSH COCOON
It’s easy to set up. My track record at putting up tents is not great. But this was super easy to put up. I had a test run at home which did help as we weren’t at our campsite until just after sunset.
You can fit it into a 30-litre pack easily. When it’s packed, the tent measures in at about 38 cm by 13 cm thanks to the bag that comes with compression straps. I was travelling with my 30 litre Montane Trailblazer and it easily fit in the outside mesh pocket, along with a carrot, can, and tomato leaving plenty of space for my other gear inside the pack.
The pole gives you that little bit of breathing space. In fairness, I do like sleeping completely under the covers sometimes but in a tent, you’ve already got a good sleeping bag that you can use that with. The pole gives you enough space to be able to get changed easier, and you can bring your pack into the tent to organise things etc. This isn’t possible with a simpler bivvy bag. Note, you can’t quite sit up straight in this.
The sturdy floor. I saw a couple of people have mentioned they’d like a different (sturdier) material for the floor in their reviews, but I like what we’ve got here. It’s a balance between weight and performance, but 10,000 waterproof rating is pretty good for me. And the bucket effect prevents water from seeping in from the sides.
4. WHAT I DON’T LIKE ABOUT THE BUSH COCOON
Sleeping in the Bush Cocoon near Lake Alta.
The pesky pole at the bottom. In general people really like the Bush Cocoon, but they just wish there was a pole to use at the end of the bivvy bag to prop up the tent. I didn’t think this was going to be a big deal, even the official video says to use a stick to prop it up.
I did this, and am a big fan of the ingenuity, but ultimately, my stick didn’t work, and overnight the bag started to sag…the weight of the ice overnight didn’t help. They really should just include a small pole that works…you don’t have to carry it.
It’s not always in stock. This is a bit of the global supply chain issues but combined with people loving the Bush Cocoon, it’s often out of stock for months at a time. If it’s not available online, do call a Macpac store as there’s a chance they might be able to get one in stock for you. It’s not ideal and hopefully comes right in the future.
The Macpac Bush Cocoon Bivvy Bag was my first ever experience in a bivvy bag. And while I can’t compare this against another bivvy bag, yet, I’m all about the Macpac Bush Coon!
It’s a yes from me. You can buy it online here in NZ and online in Australia.
If you’ve got any questions about the Bush Cocoon, drop a comment below or email jub@churnewzealand.com.
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Or check all my gear reviews here.
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.