The Bothy 2 Emergency Shelter – Today I want to introduce you to the Bothy 2 emergency shelter made by Terra Nova Equipment, a company based in Derbyshire, England that specializes in outdoor gear. As the name suggests this a two man lightweight windproof emergency shelter for outdoor enthusiasts. I have found this to be a great product to carry, and use, when in the backcountry of the White Mountains, New Hampshire USA.
As a photographer, there are times when I want to get out of the adverse weather conditions (rain, snow storms & strong winds) that I'm shooting in, and I have found the Bothy 2 to be perfect for this. If I want to take a break or need to work on camera gear the Bothy allows me to do it in a dry environment. Old school photographers just imagine a huge film changing bag, only its for humans.
The Bothy 2 packs down pretty small into a built in stuff sack, but I prefer to roll it flat, like a tent fly, to make it even smaller so it fits better in my backpack. No matter how you decide to pack it the material is very flexible and does not take up much space in a backpack. It also makes an okay pillow when traveling light.
It only takes a few seconds to open and is very easy to get into. On each end of the Bothy are seats (see the black area above) so your bottom does not get wet when sitting on the ground. For the most part you just drop the Bothy over your head and body while continuing to go down to the ground into a sitting position.
There are two small windows so you can see what is going on around you, an air vent, and a place on the roof to insert a hiking pole or stick for additional support. Once inside the Bothy 2 there is enough room to stretch your legs out and sit upright with your backpack.
From a photographer’s perspective, I have found only one drawback with the Bothy, but it is a positive problem if ever in an emergency situation. Once inside the Bothy, body heat creates a microclimate, and this can cause moisture problems for camera gear. It doesn’t seem to be much of a problem during cold days (0 degrees and below), but on warmer days I notice the temperature inside the Bothy rises almost instantly.
My suggestion for photographers is to work on your camera (change lens, filters, etc) within the first 5 minutes of entering the Bothy, before your body heat warms up the inside. After about ten minutes the temperature inside the Bothy can be warm enough to fog up a camera lens or sensor.
I having been using the Bothy 2 for a number years, and have found it to be a great investment. Having a piece of gear that I can utilize both for hiking and photography is a bonus in my world. And if your a photographer looking for products that do double duty this one is worth looking at. Just keep in mind what works for me may not work for you. See their website for more information here.
Happy image making..
We earn no commission for promoting this product. This is a product we find very helpful out in the field, and we want to share it with our outdoor friends.
Connect with us on Facebook | Historic Information Disclaimer | White Mountains History
Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.