There are many ways that you can shelter yourself from the elements. While choosing a good tent is most common, you could also go more minimalist and opt for a bivvy bag.
Using a bivvy bag for camping is about as simple as it gets. It’s a fun way to camp if you want to connect with nature and simplify your setup.
But, how practical is a bivvy bag? And what’s it like using one?
We’ll answer all your questions in the guide below.
What is a Bivvy Bag?
A bivvy bag is like a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag, keeping it dry and protected from the elements while you sleep outdoors. You can use a bivvy bag as a kind of replacement for a tent – allowing you to go bivvy camping, or “bivvying”.
Unlike a tent, bivvy bags are super lightweight and compact, making them perfect for fastpacking and adventurous folks exploring rough terrain. They offer a close-to-nature experience, allowing you to stargaze and immerse yourself in the outdoors without the bulk of a tent.
We wouldn’t recommend bivvying for beginner campers, as it’s not always the most comfortable experience. However, in the right conditions, a night under the stars with your bivvy bag is truly magical.
What’s the Difference Between a Bivvy Bag and a Sleeping Bag?
A bivvy bag is like a waterproof jacket for your sleeping bag, designed to keep it dry and protected from rain and wind while you sleep outdoors. It acts as a barrier against the elements, ensuring your sleeping bag stays warm and cozy.
On the other hand, a sleeping bag is specifically designed to provide insulation and warmth, keeping you comfortable during the night. You can get various warmth level ratings on a sleeping bag, but a bivvy bag is just designed to protect you from rain and wind in the most simple way.
While a bivvy bag focuses on keeping your sleeping bag dry, the sleeping bag’s main job is to keep you warm. Together, they form a complete sleep system for outdoor adventures, with the bivvy bag providing protection and the sleeping bag providing insulation.
Why Use a Bivvy Bag Instead of a Tent?
There are a couple of advantages to using a bivvy bag instead of a tent.
Firstly, bivvy bags are incredibly lightweight and compact, making them ideal for weight-conscious fastpackers. If you’re hiking or climbing technical or tight terrain where tents may not fit, then bivvying is a great option.
Bivvy bags also provide a closer connection to nature, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the outdoor environment while still getting some protection from the elements.
They’re perfect for minimalist microadventures, offering uninterrupted views of the night sky and the opportunity to wake up to stunning natural scenery. Bivvy bags are also a lot quicker to set up and take down compared to tents. You can save a lot of time and effort, especially for spontaneous overnight trips.
Sure, they’re not as comfortable as a tent, and you don’t get the space to sit up or get dressed while under cover. You also lack privacy. But, bivvy camping does offer a fun and unique experience.
Are Bivvy Bags Waterproof?
Yes, bivvy bags are waterproof. They are made from a waterproof material with fully taped seams to ensure no water seeps through.
The whole point of a bivvy bag is to ensure that your sleeping bag stays dry and protected in rainy conditions. However, if you do plan on camping out in heavy rains, then you’ll want to use a tent, as bivvy bags can let in water around the sleeping bag opening.
How Warm Are Bivvy Bags?
Bivvy bags themselves are not designed to provide insulation like a sleeping bag. However, they do help retain warmth by blocking wind and moisture, which can contribute to heat loss through wind chill and evaporation.
It’s important to pair your bivvy bag with the right sleeping bag for the conditions you’ll be facing to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep outdoors.
Pros and Cons of a Bivvy Bag
Using a bivvy bag can be a lot of fun, but its not for everyone.
Pros
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- Bivvy bags are incredibly lightweight and compact
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- They provide a close-to-nature experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the outdoor environment
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- Bivvy bags are quick and easy to set up
Cons
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- Bivvy bags offer limited space
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- They might not provide enough protection in severe weather conditions like heavy rain or snow
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- Bivvy bags lack the comfort and amenities of a tent, such as standing room and separate sleeping and living areas
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- If you camp with a bivvy bag, your backpack will be exposed
How to Go Bivvy Bag Camping
Interested in trying out bivvy camping? Great idea. Just make sure that you plan the right kind of trip for using a bivvy bag.
Start by choosing the right location with flat ground away from trails. Pack all the gear you need, like a bivvy bag (obviously), sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and warm layers of clothing. Check the weather forecast and know what conditions lie ahead. If you see heavy rain, then its probably best to replace your bivvy bag with a tent.
When setting up your bivvy bag, find a sheltered spot and lay down your sleeping mat inside for insulation. Slide into your sleeping bag and then into the bivvy bag, ensuring it’s fully zipped up. You could use a tarp if necessary for extra protection from rain or wind.
Now just lay back and enjoy the stars!
Things to Consider When Using a Bivvy Bag
Using a bivvy bag is a unique experience, and it can be pretty intimidating for first-timers. Here are some things to keep in mind before you go bivvy bag camping.
Do You Need a Groundsheet When Using a Bivvy Bag?
When using a bivvy bag, whether you need a groundsheet depends on the conditions. In wet or cold weather, a groundsheet can provide valuable extra protection against moisture and help insulate you from the ground.
However, in dry or warm conditions, a groundsheet may not be necessary and could add unnecessary weight to your pack.
Do You Need a Tarp When Using a Bivvy Bag?
A tarp can be a good idea when using a bivvy bag, especially in windy or rainy conditions. It provides an additional layer of protection from the elements, keeping you and your gear dry and sheltered.
As tarps are so lightweight and easy to carry, we’d recommend bringing one along just in case the weather turns and you need that extra layer of protection.
Bivvy Bags are Perfect for Microadventures
Bivvy bags are ideal for microadventures due to their lightweight and compact nature. They offer a convenient and minimalist shelter option for short overnight trips, allowing you to quickly set up camp and enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of a tent.
But, if you’re going on a longer trip, then you’ll probably want to include a tent in your backpacking gear list.
What Gear Should You Take With When Bivvying?
When bivvying, it’s essential to pack the right gear for your adventure. This includes:
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- Bivvy bag
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- Sleeping bag
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- Sleeping mat
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- Appropriate clothing for the weather
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- A headlamp or flashlight
And any other essentials based on your specific needs and the conditions you’ll encounter.
How Do You Stop Condensation in a Bivvy Bag?
Condensation can be a challenge in bivvy bags, especially during colder weather.
To minimize condensation, make sure you have enough ventilation by leaving a small opening at the top of the bivvy bag for airflow. You’ll also want to avoid overdressing before bed to prevent excess moisture buildup inside the bag.
Consider using a moisture-wicking base layer and a breathable bivvy bag to help manage condensation.
Can You Go Bivvying in the Winter?
Yes, you can go bivvying in the winter, but it requires careful preparation and consideration of the conditions.
Choose a bivvy bag rated for cold temperatures and ensure you have enough insulation from the ground and the elements. Dress warmly in layers and bring extra clothing, a high-quality sleeping bag, and a warm sleeping pad.
Be prepared for colder temperatures and potential weather challenges, and always prioritize safety when bivvying in winter conditions.
Conclusion
Using a bivvy bag is ideal for certain adventures – like wild camping in pleasant weather or for overnight hikes. However, it’s not always the most comfortable experience, so you need to make sure you only go bivvying in the right weather, and that you’re ok with the fact that you won’t have much protection against the elements.
But, the close connection with nature and simplicity of your setup makes bivvying a truly awesome experience. We’d definitely recommend trying it out if it makes sense for your next outdoor adventure.