What's Summit Club?
Find Your Store
Home Page
When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.
Expert Help

Cart, contains 0 items

Home Page

Cart, contains 0 items

When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.

The North Face
Assault FUTURELIGHT Bivy

4 out of 5 stars
9 Reviews
$199.00
Color:Summit Gold/Tin Grey

Size:

Quantity

Only 1 In stock

Join Summit Club+ and earn $19.90 cash back!


Assault FUTURELIGHT Bivy delivers ultralight, stormproof alpine shelter

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:


"I always keep this bivy in my alpine kit. It’s light, packs down small, and actually breathes when things get damp. The integrated pole gives just enough space to feel less claustrophobic, and I’ve stayed dry in surprise storms with full confidence."


We built our kits to move fast and carry light, and the Assault FUTURELIGHT™ Bivy earns its spot when we're racing against time or weather in the high alpine. It’s designed for the minimalist climber, alpinist, or adventurer who still demands storm-grade protection without the weight or bulk of a tent.


Constructed with 3-layer FUTURELIGHT™ fabric, it offers exceptional breathability while standing up to wet weather with a non-PFC DWR finish. The DAC Featherlite NSL pole creates a raised canopy around the head, improving comfort and airflow, while a mesh vent with top zipper lets us fine-tune ventilation from inside. With its fire-retardant finish, durable ripstop floor, and compact pack size, this bivy is engineered for nights on exposed ledges and high ridgelines where every gram and feature count.


Details

  • Ultralight bivy for alpine climbing and fastpacking missions
  • Waterproof, breathable FUTURELIGHT™ fabric with non-PFC DWR
  • DAC Featherlite NSL pole lifts the head area for comfort and airflow
  • Zippered vent at top allows for moisture control and star gazing
  • Ripstop nylon floor with PU coating and fire-retardant treatment
  • Packs down small for minimalist travel and emergency shelter use
  • Fits one person with space for a sleeping bag and gear essentials
  • Item #TNFZEA3
Responsible Collection
Recycled/Repurposed
Material
[membrane/laminate] FUTURELIGHT (3-layer), [canopy] 20D recycled nylon, PFC-free DWR finish, [floor] 40D nylon ripstop, PU/silicone coating, PFC-free DWR finish
Poles
DAC Featherlite NSL
Pole Attachment
internal
Seams
fully taped
Floor Space
21.31sq ft
Trail Weight
1lb 10oz
Packed Weight
1lb 12oz
Manufacturer Warranty
limited lifetime
Activity
ultralight backpacking

What do you think about this product?

Overall Rating

4 based on 9 ratings

Review Summary

1 Stars - 0 reviews
2 Stars - 1 reviews
3 Stars - 2 reviews
4 Stars - 2 reviews
5 Stars - 4 reviews

Customer Images

View

Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the page
3 out of 5 stars

August 17, 2025

Great Option for Cold or Rainy Camping, But NOT in Summer!

Solid, basic and compact Biak for lightweight shelter - but should only be used in colder weather or rain when there are little chances of insects being around. One of the fatal flaws of this particular bivy is that it will be limited to the above use because it does not have an integrated mosquito net. That prevents you from keeping the top open for ventilation during hotter weather when there are bugs around. A simple zip-in accessory could solve the problem, if the North Face takes this technical detail seriously.

MIchael Chronos
thenorthface.com

Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com

3 out of 5 stars

August 9, 2025

Needs an Insect Mesh Add-On!

Purchased for an Antarctic trip, worked fine. One major issue is that this bivy is mostly for folks using in cold weather conditions - if you simply need something for moderate weather where bugs are an issue, the lack of insect screen is a handicap, especially if ventilation is necessary! North Face - PLEASE design an add-on where a screen can be fastened in to these expensive bivy sacks!

Amitava
thenorthface.com

Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com

5 out of 5 stars

March 1, 2025

I would buy this product again!

Lightweight, packs down super small. Super durable. Highly recommend!

Ronnie
thenorthface.com

Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com

4 out of 5 stars

January 11, 2025

Performs on initial testing

I'm 72" tall @ 190 lbs. I can fit comfortably and also fit a small pack (< 45 litres) and boots. I've spent 14 nights in the bag in the Rockies. One night was on the snow in 5° farenheit. The bivy fits a sleeping pad and didn't appear to compress my bag insulation. I've been through one stormy night, which in my area was hard rain, off and on for about 2 hours. I was completely dry in the morning. I cannot tell that condensation has been an issue. Again, consider my climate (Utah Rockies). It packs well. Use the bivy as a stuff sack and store all your components you want to keep dry in it. The poles aren't necessary to take with you, but are an added convenience and provide enough room to maybe read a book. There isn't yet any tears or serious signs of wear. I'm careful about how I lay it on the ground and watch for debris. If I'm on a close foam matress I place the bivy on that, which works for me. Why a 4? I wish the storm flap over the zipper was about 1 inch longer. A bug net would be a nice feature for clear nights when bugs are out. The color options are horrendous. If TNF came out with this in OD Green or Coyote brown or some other natual color I would gift my current one and buy a new one, along with a nu ber of my hunting collegues.

bay
thenorthface.com

Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com

5 out of 5 stars

April 16, 2024

I would buy this product again

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Tested in a winter bivouac, -4ºC and winds of 50km/h. Used on snow with a mat underneath. The bottom protects the sleeping bag well. The small tent on top can be a little difficult to put up in cold and windy conditions but it is appreciated once set up. It gives space and is not claustrophobic. The zippers work very well with two sections to open as you want. Very good wind protection. Excellent breathability, no condensation inside in the morning even leaving a small ventilation opening throughout the night. The bottom protects the sleeping bag well. The materials look durable. Plenty of head and foot space to store clothes. I haven't tested it in rain but in conditions like that I would sleep in a snow cave or use a tarp over it so I'm not worried about that. Looks like it could handle a light snowfall. Perfect for winter bivouac.

Jaimito
thenorthface.com

Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com

5 out of 5 stars

April 12, 2024

I would by this product again

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Used in winter, bivouac at -3ºC with winds of 60 km/h. Sleeping on snow. Good wind protection and excellent breathability. Zero condensation inside in the morning. The poles can be difficult to put up in cold and windy conditions but the small tent makes it easy to feel comfortable inside with a mat and a pillow without feeling claustrophobic. The zipper works well, does not get stuck, with two sections to adjust the necessary opening. Lots of space inside, both at the feet and at the head to store clothes. The materials look good and durable. I haven't tested it in rain but in conditions like that I would sleep in a snow cave. It seems that would hold up a light snowfall without problems. Good for winter bivouac. So far very happy with it.

Julia
thenorthface.com

Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com

2 out of 5 stars

December 8, 2023

Had it out of the box for about 5 minutes

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Arrived at the house yesterday. Took it out of the box, went to unzip the opening and the zipper basically just fell off of the bivy. Minimal tension was put on the zipper end.

user image
QuietBison
thenorthface.com

Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com

4 out of 5 stars

October 31, 2023

Better than expected

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I purchased this Bivy (My first) for a trip in the Jungles just outside of São Paulo Brazil. This exceeded my expectations. On top of working fantastically well with the moist atmosphere the inside was actually more spacious than I had initially anticipated. Fantastic purchase.

Rene
thenorthface.com

Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com

5 out of 5 stars

December 28, 2022

Luv TNF

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This product is very interesting I really like the color and I want to use it quickly

Gy
thenorthface.com

Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com