[Comparison verification] SOL "Escape Vivi" series 3 models: What's the difference? Which one should I choose? Complete guide to "How to use this model" that I learned from actual use
written by Yosuke.C
Even when climbing or hiking active in nature, there is a risk of inability to act, and it is closely related to survival. When you actually go on a mountain climb, it is now common to carry emergency seats and whistles in case of an emergency.
SOL, a brand that sells survival gear, which implies "surviving outdoors," is an American brand that carries many items, including emergency seats. (SOL is an abbreviation for Survive Outdoor Longer)
This time, we will compare and examine whether the "Escape Vivi" series, which appears to be a sleeping bag made by SOL, can be used in mountain climbing and hiking scenes.
Three models to compare are " New Escape Vivi ", " Escape Light Vivi " and " Escape Vivi XL After actually testing in the field, we not only found that there are many different ways to use it, but also made clear the personality that could not be understood by the specs alone, and that the best choice will change depending on the purpose. I hope this will be useful for those who are wondering which model to choose from for Escape Vivi.
table of contents
- Main features of the Escape Vivi series
- SOL Escape Vivi 3 model
- Main Specifications and ratings
- Comparison of comfort between the three models
- I felt this model when I actually used it.
- If you want to use it in a hot season and have an environment where you can sleep with just your inner sleeping bag, "Scape Light Vivi"
- If you want to use it as a sleeping bag cover, you can use it as a practical item, "New Escape Vivi"
- Escape Vivi XL allows you to stay in a tent or tarp in a low-temperature environment, where you can stay in a mat or sleeping bag.
- Conclusion and Summary: It's more interesting as a "tool" than perfect, rather than having a bit of a habit. Escape Vivi is recommended for such people
Main features of the Escape Vivi series
The Escape Vivi series is a tool that keeps you warm and protects your body when you become unable to act, and is made of high-performance materials that combine breathability and weather resistance, allowing moisture to escape and reduces stuffiness, keeping you comfortable. The aluminum-deposited interior reflects up to 70% of heat emitted from the human body and warms the interior, and the 42gsm polyethylene nonwoven fabric material is highly durable and can be used repeatedly.
This item is light and compact, making it a portable item that combines breathability, heat retention and windproof properties.
Differences from emergency seats and how to use Escape Vivi
The left is Escape Vivi, the right is Emergency blanket
Emergency seats are common to carry when climbing, just in case, but what's different is that there are major differences in the materials used. The "emergency sheet" is extremely compact, highly portable, and reflects approximately 90% of heat emitted from the body, but it is not breathable, and the material is very thin and not very strong. There are several shapes, including blanket types, sleeping bag types, and poncho types, but as the name suggests, they are for use in emergencies. On the other hand, Escape Vivi reflects about 70% of heat from the body, and while maintaining its emergency function, it uses breathable materials for the fabric, and is a type of envelope-shaped or mummy-shaped sleeping bag, and although the storage size is slightly larger than emergency seats, it is made of a highly strong non-woven fabric material, so it can be used repeatedly.
Escape Vivi was made as a survival gear, but it is a type of envelope-shaped or mummy-shaped sleeping bag, making it more versatile, and it is generally used to put a sleeping bag inside to use it as a cover or to boost heat retention, rather than carrying it for emergency use. An interesting idea is that it can be carried as an emergency item, but also used as a backpack pack liner, allowing it to be used for many roles, reducing the number of equipment and lighter weight, making it a popular item popular among UL-oriented hikers.
You can also use it as a cover by placing a sleeping bag inside.
SOL Escape Vivi 3 model
From the right, escape light vivi, new escape vivi, escape vivi XL
The " Scape Light Vivi " is a simple envelope-shaped type with no zippers and hoods, and is the lightest and most compact type in the series. Its small storage size and lightweight makes it easy to keep inside your backpack.
" New Escape Vivi " is a mummy type Vivi, and it can completely cover your entire body with three-dimensional stitching. This is a highly practical and versatile model with a zipper that is easy to enter and exit, and a hood with a drawstring.
The mummy-type " Escape Vivi XL " is a model that is a little larger than the Escape Vivi. This model was created at the strong demands of users, and is spacious enough to fit one adult and use the mat inside.
For convenience, if you write the full name, each name will be longer, so from here on we will abbreviate each as escaping light ", " new escape ", and " escaping XL
Main Specifications and ratings
Before we provide details about the test results, for those who want to get a rough idea of the conclusion, we have compiled a comparison table of catalog specifications and field test results below.
As for the evaluation items, five indicators were set as follows and rated with 5 stars. This evaluation will not be based on published specifications, but will be its own evaluation after testing in the field.
- Comfort: Comfort, roominess, etc.
- Thermal insulation: High heat retention
- Relaxation: Discomfort caused by stuffiness when sleeping inside
- Versatility: Uses and versatility when viewed from a multifaceted perspective
- Portability: Compare weight and compactness
| Escape Light Vivi | New Escape Vivi | Escape Vivi XL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body size | Approx. 78 x 208cm | Approx. 81 x 213cm | Approx. 98 x 221cm |
| Storage size | Φ8 x 15cm | Φ10 x 15cm | Φ12 x 20cm |
| weight | 156g | 227g | 280g |
| Material | 42gsm Polyethylene nonwoven aluminum vapor deposition | ||
| color | orange | Orange/OD Green | gray |
| shape | Envelope type | Mommy type | Mommy type |
| Maximum heat reflection | 70% | ||
| zipper | none | can be | can be |
| Reference price (tax included) | ￥8,580 | ￥12,980 | ￥15,180 |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |||
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Not easily stuffy | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Multipurpose | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Portability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Comparison of comfort between the three models
From here, we'll compare how the models differ. Let's try using it in the field and see how it differs in comfort.
Different shape and size give a difference in comfort
All Escape Vivi series are sleeping bag-shaped, but when you look closely, the shapes vary, with the escape lights being envelope-shaped, New Escape, and Escape XL being mummy-shaped. The envelope-shaped escape light does not have a zipper or hood, and only has a folding flap at the opening, but the mummy-shaped New Escape XL has a zipper that makes it easy to enter and exit, and a full-size hood with a three-dimensional sewn hood (with drawcord) that can increase confidentiality.
The New Escape, Escape XL has a hood that allows for a firm cover from head to toe, making it suitable for use in more severe situations.
The size of the main unit increases in the order of escape light, new escape, and escape XL. The size itself is obvious at a glance if you look at the official specifications, but when you actually enter it, there are differences in sewing, and the New Escape and Escape XL are three-dimensional stitched, so you can use it with a sleeping bag inside. In particular, the largest escape XL is 226cm long and 100cm wide, so it was possible to use a thick air mat inside.
Escape XL is spacious enough to fit an air mat inside and use it.
The New Escape is also three-dimensionally sewn, but since it is a size smaller than the Escape XL, it cannot fit a thick sleeping mat like an air mat, but it can fit in a closed cell mat. As for the escape light, the size was perfect for one person to fit, rather than three-dimensional stitching, making it difficult to put a thick sleeping bag inside.
Compare three sizes based on footbox size
When comparing the footboxes of the New Escape and Escape XL, which are three-dimensional stitched, and the envelope-shaped escape lights side by side, when compared to the spacious escape XL, the escape lights are not three-dimensional stitched, and there is no room in the footbox.
The escape light is not stitched in three-dimensional form, so the legs become tight.
This difference in size is noticeable when using the sleeping bag inside, and when using the sleeping bag, it is important to note that when using escape lights that are not 3D stitched as a sleeping bag cover, sleeping bags with a large amount of down will get in the way of the loft (bulging), leading to a decrease in heat retention.
Weight and storage size comparison
The difference in size also leads to differences in weight and storage size. The most compact escape light weighs 156g. The storage size is Φ8 x 15cm. Since the materials used are the same, the difference in weight and storage size simply differs depending on size, shape, and function, but even Escape XL can be said to be lightweight at 280g. Considering that sleeping bags and mats can be placed inside, the best choice will vary depending on the environment you are using and the intended environment.
Comparison of the feel of use when entering in an emergency
Escape Lite Vivi is difficult to cover your head
In an actual emergency situation, we have included each model. Since the escape light does not have a hood, it cannot prevent rain and wind from entering. Although it can be completely covered, it becomes difficult to breathe, so if you keep your face exposed, water will become more likely to enter through your back and shoulders, so if you spend a long time, rainwater may flood your head.
I'm also concerned about the difficulty of entering and leaving the escape light. There is only a flap, so you will need to dive in to get inside, but if you're injured, you'll likely have a hard time getting inside.
New Escape and Escape XL have a zipper so it is easy to enter and exit. Although the Escape XL comes with a hood and is easy to prevent rain from entering, it is large, so it is difficult to feel the heat retention when it comes in compared to other models. However, it's not that it's not good for use in emergencies, and because the size is large, it might be a good idea to put it inside even while carrying a backpack on your back.
The mummy type, which can cover the whole body firmly, has better heat retention and weather resistance.
In the event of an emergency, I went in and found the best balance to be New Escape. It comes with a hood to prevent water from entering, and is the perfect size for one person to fit in, making it easy to use, and when it comes in, the effect of aluminum vapor deposition gives you a gentle warmth.
Comparison of durability, such as sewing and waterproofing
The quality of the seams also differed.
Since the materials used are the same, the differences may be the shape, size and weight when comparing them, but if you look closely there are also differences in sewing. This has a big impact on waterproofing.
When I turn it over and look at the seams, I see that the New Escape and Escape XL are covered with a cloth to improve waterproofness, but the escape light is left sewn.
To test its waterproofness, I tried pouring water into the seams, and the escape light quickly leaked. The New Escape and Escape XL are not completely waterproof, so they will leak after a while, but due to the firm attachment, there is less leakage than the escape light.
Try watering to test its waterproofness
The Escape series uses waterproof and breathable polyethylene non-woven fabric, so it can be used as a sleeping bag cover, but the waterproof surface is not perfect and requires caution. The seams are not waterproofed, so rain cannot be prevented from entering through the seams. This is not recommended when using the product with the aim of getting wet due to heavy rain.
I felt this model when I actually used it.
We have actually tested the three models in the lineup, and the individuality of each model has been clarified. Here are my own conclusions about how to best use each.
If you want to use it in a hot season and have an environment where you can sleep with just your inner sleeping bag, "Scape Light Vivi"
There are emergency blankets to protect your body for emergency use, but considering the durability and performance of the Sake Light Vivi is a much more secure item. The Emergency blanket, which is a single piece of cloth, needs to be wrapped, but you can simply dive into the envelope-shaped Sake Light Vivi. Although it feels a little cramped, the advantage of envelope-shaped products is that they can keep your body warm and protected in emergencies.
When comparing Emergency Vivi (bottom) it gives the sense of security in terms of durability, and the escape light vivi (bottom)
Since it is not 3D stitched, it is a simple envelope-shaped item, it is not recommended to put a sleeping bag inside and use it as a cover. It especially goes bad with down sleeping bags, obstructing the space that the down expands and reducing its heat retention. If the temperature is high and you can enjoy a comfortable atmosphere with just an inner sleeping bag, combining it with Escape Light Vivi is recommended for improved weather resistance. As mentioned above, as a result of the seams, it is not completely waterproof because the seams are not seamed, so protecting the sleeping bag and boosting the heat retention can be expected to be effective, but if the purpose is to prevent it from getting wet, a dedicated sleeping bag cover is better.
If you want to use it as a sleeping bag cover, you can use it as a practical item, "New Escape Vivi"
The mummy shape makes it not only versatile but also versatile, and can be used as a pack liner (with the understanding that it is not completely waterproof when used as a pack liner), and because it has a three-dimensional stitching that can cover the entire body, it can be used practically as a sleeping bag cover.
A 2cm thick closed cell mat could be used inside (the sleeping bag is thin for 3 seasons).
However, it is dangerous to use it for the same performance as a dedicated sleeping bag cover. Although it is made of breathable and waterproof fabric, the performance difference is clear compared to a dedicated sleeping bag cover, including seam treatment of the seams. The performance of breathability has not been disclosed, but it is best not to expect it to have such high breathability.
Previously, when I used a New Escape Vivi as a cover when I was staying in a winter tarp, my sleeping bag got wet with internal condensation the next morning (though not fatal). At that time, I was able to get away with the mountain hiking for one night, so I was able to get away with it, but if I had stayed for a consecutive night, I might have endured the cold with my wet sleeping bag on the second day. Although the steaming effect makes the heat retention a little better, there are cases where it is hard to say that it is comfortable, so techniques are required to seek comfort. This item is used while understanding that it is an emergency tool and taking advantage of its characteristics.
Although it has a lower performance than GORE-TEX sleeping bag covers, in a warm environment where condensation is less likely to occur, the risk of severe impact on the sleeping bag can also be reduced. In the summer mountains where temperatures are not low, I also play a three-way role by using New Escape Vivi as a sleeping bag cover, emergency use, and pack liner.
As mentioned above, the seams are not waterproof when used as a pack liner, but since we have not experienced any serious damage even when it rains on mountain hiking so far, we have determined that it will have a certain effect.
It is not suitable for use in harsh environments, but there are many opportunities to use it if it is used for three seasons, and it is also recommended for cost reasons.
The unusual part of the renewed "New Escape Vivi"
Escape Vivi was renewed in 2025. The updated version was large with the shape of the hood, the position of the zipper, and the weight of the hood.Although the old model also had a hood, the renewal made it three-dimensional, making it easier to cover the head.
The left is the New Escape Vivi, and the right is the old model. The hood is three-dimensional
The zipper has been changed. In the old model, the zipper is located on the right side, but the New Escape Vivi is located on the left side. This can be both a pros and cons depending on which sleeping bag manufacturer you use. Domestic sleeping bags such as Nanga and Iska often have a zipper on the right side, which is in the opposite position to New Escape Vivi (if the zipper is positioned different, it can cause stress when entering and leaving). Sleeping racks from overseas brands often have a zipper on the left side, which will reduce the stress of coming in and out when using them as covers.
On the left is New Escape Vivi. The old model is on the right
Escape Vivi XL allows you to stay in a tent or tarp in a low-temperature environment, where you can stay in a mat or sleeping bag.
The Escape Vivi XL is less versatile than the New Escape Vivi. The largest Escape Vivi XL is large and over-spec for emergency use, and is also too large to use as a pack liner, making it unrealistic. Recommended for those who are intended to use it as a sleeping bag cover.
If you are using it as a substitute for a sleeping bag cover or Vivisac, it is easy to use if it is about the size of the Escape Vivi XL, and it is spacious, so it won't crush the loft even if you put the sleeping bag inside.
There is plenty of room even when you put an 8cm thick air mat inside.
However, the Escape Vivi XL also has concerns about internal condensation due to temperature differences and waterproof surfaces. The heat and moisture released from the human body cannot be completely dissipated, causing sweating, and the temperature difference becomes larger, condensation of the boundary between the sleeping bag and the Escape Vivi XL.
When using Escape Vivi XL as a cover (although New Escape Vivi), it would be effective to use it when you want to protect against external influences rather than from inside. For example, when you want to prevent your sleeping bag from getting wet from the rain or snow while staying over a tarp, or when you are constantly exposed to the wind. Even if you stay in a tent, in situations where the sleeping bag gets wet due to condensation inside the tent, using it as a sleeping bag cover will prevent it from getting wet. Water cannot be fully prevented from entering through the seams, but it is rare for people to sleep in places where it rains that hardly so hard without a tarp or tent, so we believe that there is no problem as long as it is just to prevent rain and wind inside a tent or under a tarp.
Conclusion and Summary: It's more interesting as a "tool" than perfect, rather than having a bit of a habit. Escape Vivi is recommended for such people
We compared the specs of the three models of the Escape Vivi series and explained the differences in individuality we felt during field tests. It is a versatile item and is attractive in terms of cost, but it is a tool that was created for emergency use. It is true that it is not as good in terms of performance as outdoor gear, which was created in the harsh environment of mountainous areas. However, depending on how you use it, it seems that there are many scenes that can be useful.
As an author, it's more interesting to use tools that are somewhat quirky and slightly inconvenient than equipment that is secure and has high performance, and I also enjoy how to deal with the parts of the equipment that are lacking. In that sense, I feel that the Escape series is still an item with a strong potential, so I would like to continue to use it in my backpack and use it to the fullest.
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Yosuke.C
People who act with just one backpack with the motto of "as light as possible" so that they don't get inconvenient.
From spring to autumn, I chase after char deep in the mountains and go fishing in the mountain stream. We walked the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. Camping to be healed by the bonfire. Snowboarding is a floating mountain with a mountain of silver.
A freelance writer who enjoys outdoor activities all year round. I share my own experiences and tools that I've been using.
