A bivy is a superb selection of shelter in case you’re attempting to pack mild. The perfect bivy sacks can change into a necessary piece of drugs you’ll wish to at all times have with you.
It offers you with a spot to crash at night time whereas being virtually unnoticeable in your backpack.
These days, there are lots of bivy shelters in the marketplace, so selecting a superb one generally is a powerful process.
On this article, we’ll go over various kinds of bivy sacks and a few of the greatest fashions in the marketplace at the moment:
Greatest Bivy Sacks
Greatest Emergency Survival Bivy Sacks
Greatest Bivy Tents
Greatest Bivy Sacks
Alpkit Hunka
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 3-season | Tent Kind: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 14 oz | Packed Measurement: 5″ x 5.9″ | Set-up Time: 1 min
There are numerous explanation why one may select this bivy bag.
From the inexpensive value and high quality of workmanship to low weight and compact packed measurement, what’s there to not love about it?
To start with, this bivy bag weighs about 14 oz and will be packed down to slot in your palm.
This makes it a fantastic selection for cycle touring, backpacking, and even motocamping. You possibly can simply connect the stuff sack to your backpack, and also you’re good to go.
The bivy bag has a barely tapered form that follows physique curves, with essentially the most area being round your shoulders.
The hood is sculpted and options twin drawcords, which lets you have a extra custom-made match.
However on the identical time, it makes getting out of the bivy bag within the morning a bit extra sophisticated.
Execs
- One of the crucial inexpensive fashions on our listing
- Very light-weight and compact
- Fully waterproof (hydrostatic head of 10,000 mm)
- Is available in common and XL sizes, so appropriate for folks of various heights
Cons
- Twin drawcord system makes it a bit awkward to get out of the bivy bag within the morning
Greatest for: campers on the lookout for a price product
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Kind: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 14 oz | Packed Measurement: 10″ x 4″ | Set-up Time: 1 min
Paying a bit extra actually will get you a premium product – no less than with regards to bivy baggage.
This one by Sierra Designs has all of the bells and whistles that can assist you sleep comfortably.
The bivy has a large zipper opening that makes getting out and in very straightforward.
Not solely that, but it surely additionally permits you to simply add a sleeping bag or pad inside for added consolation.
To additional improve inside area, the bivy bag options guy-out factors that elevate the ceiling off of your head.
You possibly can relaxation assured sleeping on this bivy is under no circumstances claustrophobic.
The highest flap includes a mesh window panel that opens as much as improve airflow.
Nonetheless, if the climate doesn’t permit that, you possibly can shut it to stop parts from getting inside.
If the highest is lifted, then raindrops will merely slide off the bivy floor and onto the bottom.
Execs
- Man-out factors mean you can elevate the bivy ceiling off your head
- High includes a window mesh panel
- Fairly spacious, with sufficient room so as to add a sleeping bag or a pad inside
- Giant, U-shaped opening permits straightforward entry and exit
Cons
- Fairly costly for a bivy bag
Greatest for: campers who discover common bivys too cramped
Verify Value at Sierra Designs
Black Diamond Twilight Bivy Sack
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Kind: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 10.7 oz | Packed Measurement: 3″ x 5″ | Set-up Time: 1 min
Featherweight is the principle attribute of a bivy sack, however this mannequin by Black Diamond goes even additional.
At simply 10.7 oz, this bivy bag weighs as a lot as a pair of flip-flops.
The bivy makes use of NanoShield single-wall shell cloth, which is thought for its ultralight weight and glorious efficiency all yr.
By bonding particular person fibers collectively, NanoShield know-how makes the material waterproof whereas remaining breathable.
Other than resisting rain and snow, the material additionally blocks the wind. This makes it an appropriate possibility for any form of climate.
The one situation I’ve with this bivy sack is how tight it’s. There’s restricted area across the torso, so that you don’t have a lot room to wiggle at night time.
It additionally has a comparatively brief zipper, which makes getting out and in a bit tough.
After all, this restricted inside area is available in fairly useful when tenting in chilly climate.
However you’ll hate taking toilet breaks in the course of the night time, simply due to it.
Execs
- One of many lightest bivy sacks in the marketplace (10.7 oz)
- NanoShield cloth has glorious resistance in opposition to the weather whereas minimizing condensation
- Spectacular breathability and comfy to sleep in even in dry situations
- Hood covers your eyes, stopping the morning solar from waking you up
Cons
- Tight design doesn’t go away a lot wiggle room
Greatest for: backpacking
Greatest Bivy Tent
Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy Tent
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Kind: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 3.4 lbs | Max Inside Peak: 31″ | Packed Measurement: 19″ x 6″ | Set-up Time: 5 minutes
On the subject of bivy tents, this mannequin is among the many greatest ones in the marketplace.
Merely, it has all of the essential traits: low weight, sturdy development, and most significantly, consolation.
The Ionosphere is a double-walled tent, with an inside tent that includes a prime half lined with mesh.
Throughout hotter nights, you possibly can take away the rain fly to benefit from the night time sky and a lightweight breeze.
Within the case of dangerous climate, a 210T Ripstop polyester rain fly with a 5000 mm PU ranking will maintain you secure from wind and rain.
All of the seams are taped and sealed, so there’s no manner water can get inside.
The rain fly creates a decently-sized vestibule on the tent entrance, the place you possibly can retailer your gear. This undoubtedly turns out to be useful as there’s very restricted area inside.
Execs
- High half is roofed in mesh, permitting air flow and a view of the sky throughout good climate
- Rain fly covers your entire tent
- Handled with a layer of 5000 mm PU coating to repel water
- Comes with a primary restore package
- Entrance vestibule offers area for storing gear
Cons
Greatest for: campers requiring a number of space for storing for gear
Winterial Single Particular person Private Bivy Tent
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 3-season | Tent Kind: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz| Max Inside Peak: 28″ | Packed Measurement: 4.5″ x 18″ | Set-up Time: 2 minutes
Typically, 1-person tents are costly, as they’re designed with portability in thoughts.
Nicely, this mannequin by Winterial undoubtedly doesn’t break the financial institution, whereas nonetheless being fairly moveable.
The rain fly is manufactured from 190T polyester, which is a lightweight-but-durable materials.
It’s handled with a layer of PU coating, which makes the material repel water.
Throughout dry and heat nights, you possibly can take away the rain fly utterly to benefit from the view of the starry sky.
Alternatively, you possibly can merely maintain the vestibule door open for added airflow for an evening of higher sleep.
Talking of a vestibule, it’s giant sufficient so that you can retailer your backpack or soiled boots beneath it.
Giant zippers mean you can simply get out and in of the tent, which is very essential if you’re going for a loo break in the course of the night time.
Execs
- Among the many most inexpensive bivvies in the marketplace
- Options aluminum poles and a low profile, which makes it steady in excessive winds
- Rain fly will be partially or utterly eliminated for higher airflow and views
- Giant door makes getting out and in of the tent pretty straightforward
Cons
- Not the lightest bivy tent on this listing
Greatest for: campers on the lookout for an inexpensive bivy tent
Snugpak Stratosphere Bivy Sack
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Kind: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Max Inside Peak: 20″ | Packed Measurement: 12″ x 6″ | Set-up Time: 5 minutes
This mannequin by Snugpak is someplace between a bivy sack and a tent. In a manner, it has the very best of each worlds.
It’s compact and simple to retailer inside your motorbike saddle bag, identical to a bivy sack. On the identical time, it gives the area and luxury of a bivy tent.
The doorway options an intersecting pole design, making a spacious cover.
Other than offering extra headroom, the cover includes a separate mesh door to enhance airflow contained in the bivy.
If there aren’t any pesky mosquitoes round, you possibly can even roll away the mesh portion for even higher circulation.
For heat nights, the mesh door offers first rate air flow. Nonetheless, you possibly can’t use it throughout rain, so that you may expertise condensation throughout moist climate.
In cold-but-dry climate, a completely enclosed bivy will maintain the heat in, which is nice.
Execs
- Has a full-length zipper, permitting you to simply get out and in of it
- Poled cover offers first rate headroom, permitting you to sleep in your aspect
- Cover includes a mesh door to make sure higher airflow contained in the tent
- Packs down compactly and simply suits inside your motorcycle saddle bag
Cons
- Doesn’t carry out very nicely in heavy rain
- Considerably costly
Greatest for: motorcycle tenting
Eureka! SOLITAIRE AL
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 3-season | Tent Kind: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 3 lbs 3.2 oz | Max Inside Peak: 28″ | Packed Measurement: 6″ x 21″ | Set-up Time: 2 minutes
If we’re worth for cash, then this mannequin by Eureka! undoubtedly takes the lead. It has a little bit of all the pieces, so it’s actually a superb possibility for anybody.
To start with, its path weight is simply 2.6 lbs which makes it an ideal tent for solo backpackers. It has dimensions of 8’ x 3’, which is slightly ample for a tent of this capability.
Plus, the height peak of 28” means there’s sufficient room for rolling round in your sleep.
The rain fly is built-in into the design, which makes set-up straightforward.
You possibly can roll up any of the 2 separate components to get pleasure from a glimpse of the night time sky in clear climate. Throughout rain, the polyester taffeta rain fly will maintain you dry.
The winds shouldn’t be a problem both. With a 7,000 sequence aluminum body and a low profile, this bivy tent will face up to excessive winds with ease.
Execs
- 2-pole design and built-in rain fly mean you can arrange the tent inside a minute
- Rain fly will be partially or utterly rolled up for stargazing in clear climate
- Rugged aluminum body and low profile make the tent steady in excessive winds
- Mild weight is appropriate for backpacking
Cons
- No useable vestibule storage space
Greatest for: campers on the lookout for the very best worth bivy tent
Out of doors Analysis Helium Bivy
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 3-season | Tent Kind: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 15.8 oz | Max Inside Peak: 19″ | Packed Measurement: 3.5″ x 12.3″ | Set-up Time: 2 minutes
This bivy tent might need a premium value, but it surely’s a well-justified one.
The material options the so-called Diamond Fuse know-how, which options filaments which can be locked collectively to create a sturdy and extremely abrasion-resistant materials.
This know-how additionally makes it extra immune to climate parts. This bivy tent stands nicely in opposition to rain, snow, and wind, which makes it appropriate for year-round tenting.
Whereas impenetrable, the material can also be slightly breathable, so condensation isn’t a problem.
This bivy tent includes a single pole, which will increase headroom to make sleeping extra comfy.
The clamshell opening makes getting out and in of the tent easy. The highest a part of the door is roofed in mesh, which offers extra airflow throughout heat nights.
Lastly, with a weight of simply over 15 oz, this is without doubt one of the lightest bivy tents you’ll find in the marketplace.
Execs
- Poled headspace offers sufficient room for sleeping in your aspect
- Mesh prime ensures there’s sufficient airflow throughout dry nights
- Reflective emblem and trims make the tent seen at night time
- Weighs simply 15 oz, which makes it nice for ultralight packing
Cons
- Stuff sack is unnecessarily giant
Greatest for: campers who worth consolation above all else
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Out of doors Analysis Bug Bivy
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 2-season | Tent Kind: bivy, backpacking, stargazing | Weight: 15.5 oz | Max Inside Peak: 16.9″ | Packed Measurement: 4″ x 14″ | Set-up Time: 2 minutes
Should you’re getting ready for an wonderful night time of stargazing, this tent is certainly a worthy decide.
Fully lined with no-see-um mesh, it offers a transparent view of the night time sky whereas maintaining the pesky bugs out.
After all, within the case of rain – you’re in hassle. That’s, until you deliver a tarp to create a shelter.
You don’t want to fret concerning the backside, because the tent includes a waterproof and seam-taped bathtub ground.
The mesh itself is de facto sturdy. Fabricated from polyester, it doesn’t stretch or degrade from UV publicity, so it ought to final you a superb whereas.
The highest a part of the bivy tent includes a pole, which will increase head room. It’s simply over 16” tall on the head, which is sufficient to toss and switch at night time.
Execs
- Fully lined in mesh for glorious airflow and bug safety
- Fabricated from polyester and is sturdy and immune to stretching and UV degradation
- Bathtub ground is seam-taped and waterproof, so moisture can’t get inside from the bottom
- Options sleeping pad straps to maintain the pad in place whilst you’re sleeping
Cons
- No safety in opposition to the weather
Greatest for: stargazing
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Greatest Emergency Survival Bivy Sacks
Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Survival Bivy
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Kind: bivy, survival | Weight: 7 oz | Packed Measurement: 5.5″ x 3.5″ | Set-up Time: 1 min
With this emergency survival bivy by Don’t Die In The Woods, you’re nicely ready for surprising conditions you may encounter in your journey.
Packed down, this bivy suits proper into your palm. Which means it will probably match nicely into the smallest pocket in your backpack as nicely.
As soon as unfolded, it has the scale of 103” x 36”, so it gives fairly a little bit of room to wiggle.
Now, that is no peculiar area blanket. It’s extra-thick however extra versatile than common mylar, which makes it reusable and fairly sturdy.
You should utilize it by itself or mix it together with your sleeping bag for added heat.
Talking of heat, this emergency bivy displays as much as 90% of your physique warmth. This implies there’s completely no manner you will be chilly whereas in it.
It additionally retains you dry, due to the waterproof materials. Moreover, it includes a hood that retains your head protected as nicely.
Execs
- Appropriate for various physique sizes at 103” x 36”
- Fabricated from thicker and extra versatile materials, which means nice sturdiness
- Displays as much as 90% of your physique warmth
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- Weighs a bit greater than different emergency bivy baggage
Greatest for: campers on the lookout for a reusable emergency bivy
Go Time Gear Life Bivy
Measurement: 1-person | Season: 4-season| Tent Kind: bivy, survival | Weight: 4.1 oz | Packed Measurement: 4″ x 3″ | Set-up Time: 1 min
If weight is your most essential think about deciding on an emergency bivy, then this mannequin could be what you want.
At simply 4.1 oz, it most likely weighs lower than your telephone.
It additionally packs all the way down to the dimensions of a soda can, so you possibly can retailer it in your aspect pocket.
Unfolded, it has the scale of seven’ x 3’, so it gives sufficient wiggle room.
The mylar is tear- and puncture-resistant. So, with correct care, you will get fairly a little bit of use of it.
It’s additionally wind- and waterproof, which makes it appropriate for any climate situation.
One factor I actually like is the addition of an ultra-loud whistle that’s constructed into the bivy.
Hopefully you by no means have to make use of it, however having one available is at all times a superb factor. The whistle can alert rescuers which can be as much as a mile away!
Execs
- Tear- and puncture-resistant, so can face up to fairly a bit of wear and tear and tear
- Weighs simply 4.1 oz and will be saved within the aspect pocket of your backpack
- Incorporates a built-in emergency whistle that may be heard a mile away
- Is available in a number of colours, so you possibly can match it together with your gear
Cons
- Lets warmth escape via the opening
Greatest for: each day hikes
Ortovox Bivy Ultralight
Measurement: 1-2-person | Season: 4-person | Tent Kind: bivy, survival | Weight: 5.3 oz | Packed Measurement: 2″ x 3.5″ | Set-up Time: 1 min
Should you go mountaineering through the day, having an emergency bivy generally is a lifesaver.
Nicely, this one by Ortovox is a superb possibility for such conditions, for a number of causes.
With a weight of simply over 5 oz and a minimal packed measurement, you gained’t even discover it’s there.
It suits into any pocket, however you possibly can connect it to the daisy chain in your backpack as nicely.
It’s 43” huge, which makes it appropriate for 1-2 folks.
And truthfully, that solely makes it twice pretty much as good, as each you and your tenting companion can use it for emergency conditions.
Like all emergency bivy, this one additionally gives wonderful safety in opposition to the weather.
However what’s additionally cool is that it’s dirt-resistant. In different phrases, the filth and dirt merely slide off the fabric, leaving it clear.
Execs
- Wider than an everyday emergency bivy and may match as much as 2 folks
- Wind-, water-, and dirt-resistant
- Very light-weight (5 0z)
- Comes with a stuff sack for simpler storage
Cons
- Barely costlier than different emergency bivy baggage
Greatest for: {couples}
Bivy Sacks vs. Bivy Tents vs. Bivy Emergency Survival Baggage
As you might need seen, our listing of the very best bivy fashions options three teams of merchandise.
And whereas these phrases are typically used interchangeably, they really imply various things.
Let’s see what every of them is.
Bivy Sacks
A bivy sack, or a bivy bag, is mainly a 1-person tent with out poles. It’s like a canopy to your sleeping bag and pad that retains you secure from the weather.
Usually, a bivy sack has a drawstring opening round your head, considerably like a sleeping bag.
In comparison with a tent, a bivy sack is far lighter attributable to much less materials being concerned.
For that motive, it’s typically a shelter of selection for informal backpackers who sometimes go on journeys throughout favorable climate.
However due to the pinnacle opening, a bivy sack is just not perfect for wet climate, as it will probably let moisture in.
Whereas some fashions could have a mesh closure to maintain the bugs out, that’s not a typical characteristic.
Bivy Tents
A bivy tent is a cross between a bivy sack and a tent. Mainly, think about a bivy sack with the highest half that includes poles that elevate the material off of your face.
This will increase headroom, permitting you to toss and switch at night time.
Like common tents, bivy tents will be utterly zipped as much as maintain the rain and bugs out. This makes them form of cramped throughout dangerous climate.
However throughout heat, dry nights, many fashions characteristic extra mesh doorways to extend airflow.
In comparison with different bivy shelters, bivy tents undoubtedly have essentially the most materials concerned, which makes them each heavier and costlier.
However basically, you’re paying extra for extra consolation.
Bivy Emergency Survival Baggage
A bivy emergency survival bag, because the identify suggests, is designed for unplanned conditions.
Let’s say you’re caught at a location away out of your campsite attributable to dangerous climate or out of doors hazards.
The assistance won’t get right here quickly, and you have to keep dry and heat. Nicely, an emergency bivy comes to save lots of the day.
Fabricated from the identical materials as an area blanket, such a bivy bag displays your warmth again to you.
Nonetheless, the precise materials isn’t very thick, so it’s not designated for normal use.
With that being stated, bivy emergency baggage can undoubtedly be used a number of instances and are a mandatory piece of any hiker’s gear.
Variations
| Attribute | Bivy Sack | Bivy Emergency Survival Bag | Bivy Tent |
| Sturdiness | Medium | Low | Excessive |
| Value | Medium | Inexpensive | Extra Costly |
| Bug Safety | No | No | Sure |
| Consolation | Medium | Low | Excessive |
| Closure Kind | Drawstring | None | Zipper |
Components To Think about Earlier than Shopping for The Greatest Bivy Sack
With so many various kinds of bivy shelters, how does one select the best one? And the right way to decide between all of the fashions accessible in the marketplace?
Nicely, there are a number of components it’s best to at all times take into accout when selecting a product.
Worth
Generally, paying extra will get you extra bells and whistles. However it doesn’t essentially imply you’ll get essentially the most to your cash with completely each product.
That’s why worth is a vital issue to remember. Should you discover a bivy sack for filth low cost but it surely lasts you about 4 years? That’s worth!
However so is shopping for an costly bivy sack and by no means having to interchange one in your life.
You must also take into accout an important options of a bivy sack, that are low weight, climate resistance, and luxury.
You won’t get glorious efficiency in every class, however a price bivy will cowl them to a sure diploma.
Climate Resistance
Each bivy gives some extent of water resistance.
That diploma is measured with the “hydrostatic head” scale, and the upper the quantity, the higher it resists water.
To be thought of “waterproof,” a bivy wants an HH ranking of no less than 10,000 mm.
Such a bivy will maintain you dry even within the heaviest downpour. A quantity decrease than that’s fantastic for a slight bathe.
After all, the water resistance of a bivy additionally relies on the seams and zipper covers.
Anywhere the place the stitching needle has handed is a possible spot for the water to leak via.
That’s why the seams must be taped and the zippers ought to characteristic covers.
Weight
Clearly, weight is a vital issue. In any other case, why not go together with a tent as an alternative?
Now, there’s a distinction in weight between various kinds of bivy shelters.
Emergency bivy baggage are the lightest, so that they’re appropriate as a backup shelter for emergencies.
Bivy sacks are comparable in weight to your sleeping bag. Lastly, bivy tents are the heaviest, weighing a few kilos.
Consolation
Consolation relies on a number of issues, together with the ground dimensions, headroom, and breathability.
Most bivy shelters have comparable dimensions, which will be a problem for very tall folks or those that shift loads throughout their sleep.
Nonetheless, there are particular manufacturers that supply bigger fashions focused at this viewers.
Between various kinds of bivy shelters, bivy tents arguably present the very best consolation.
They often have some form of suspension concerned to maintain the material off of your face, thus growing headroom.
Air flow
Amongst completely different tenting shelters, a bivy is probably not the most suitable choice with regards to air flow.
Nicely, that primarily relies on the kind of bivy shelter.
Bivy sacks maintain your face uncovered to the air, however so far as the material goes, that relies on the fabric used.
As for the bivy tents, the additional headroom inside offers extra room for air to flow into.
These shelters additionally sometimes have some form of venting system in place, making you comfy even in moist climate.
Within the case of emergency bivy baggage, these don’t let a lot air in or out.
That is form of their objective, as they’re designed to maintain you heat and dry in unfavorable situations.
Packed Measurement
Having the ability to simply carry it round is form of the purpose of a bivy. You need it to be as compact as potential in order that it doesn’t take up treasured space for storing for different necessities.
Most emergency bivy baggage pack all the way down to the identical measurement as a soda can, which implies you possibly can match it inside any pocket.
As for the bivy sacks, that relies on the quantity of cloth used. The identical goes for tents, with poles including extra to the majority.
FAQs
How Do I Set Up A Bivy Sack?
Bivy baggage require no setup. You simply open them up and insert your sleeping pad and bag. On the subject of bivy tents, they often have a prime half that’s erected with both poles or guylines.
Are Bivy Sacks Snug For Aspect Sleepers?
Most bivy sacks are designed for sleeping in your again. Should you’re a aspect sleeper, then a bivy tent could be a greater possibility.
These shelters present extra headroom, which lets you flip in your aspect with out feeling cramped across the shoulders.
Can You Match Two Individuals In A Bivy Sack?
Generally, bivy sacks can match just one particular person. Nonetheless, sure manufacturers make wider fashions that permit two folks to sleep inside.
How Do I Clear & Preserve My Bivy Sack?
You must clear your bivy sack identical to you’ll a tent. Be sure to get all of the grime and filth out of the bivy earlier than packing.
Moreover, it ought to at all times be saved dry. Should you’re caught within the rain in your manner again, dry it at residence earlier than storing it away.
What Supplies Are Bivy Sacks Usually Made From?
Generally, they’re manufactured from artificial supplies like nylon and polyester.
Each of those supplies have first rate climate resistance, good sturdiness, and low weight, that are important traits of a bivy.
What Makes A Bivy Sack ‘Excellent’ In contrast To Different Tenting Gear?
A bivy sack is the proper shelter for a camper on the go.
Should you solely want a modest place to crash at night time and be able to proceed your journey as quickly as you get up, then that is the perfect shelter for you.
What Is The Distinction Between A Bivy Sack & A Bivy Tent?
A bivy sack cuts down on consolation to save lots of up on weight and space for storing. It’s mainly a shelter in opposition to the climate parts, and it’s solely used for sleeping.
To Sum Issues Up
A bivy is an ideal shelter for a quick and light-weight journey throughout the backcountry.
Relying in your wants and private preferences, you’ve a number of nice choices to select from.
On the planet of bivy sacks, Alpkit Hunka is a superb possibility. It’s mild, comfy, and pretty priced.
Should you’re on the lookout for an emergency bivy, then Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Survival Bivy is a dependable shelter for surprising conditions.
Lastly, the Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy Tent is appropriate for each backpacker who doesn’t wish to sacrifice consolation for weight.
