Bivvying is one of my favorite ways to connect with nature. Unlike tents, bivvys provide a simple sleeping place where you can lie down and watch the stars while feeling the rain and wind on your face. Of course, when the rain becomes too much, you can always pull the fabric over to protect yourself. For short overnight stays without the landowner’s permission, bivvys also offer the added benefit of stealth.
Back in the day, bivvys were a great option for those looking for a lighter weight alternative to tents. Nowadays, with tents being so lightweight, the weight savings aren’t significant. However, bivvys still provide a unique experience that tents just can’t match.
I recently came across Paul Kirtley’s #ASKPAULKIRTLEY 83, where he shared his thoughts on his go-to bivvy bag. Inspired by his insights, I wanted to share my favorite bivvy setups. I have slightly different setups for different trips, but here are two of my go-to options.
Setup One
When I’m not too fussed about weight or the weather is looking wet, my go-to bivvy is the Outdoor Designs Assault Bivi. Although Outdoor Designs no longer makes the Assault, Rats Ascent Bivi is the closest alternative. I love the diagonal zip, which makes it easier to get in and out of the bivvy while providing a nice view of the sky when lying down, so going to miss this design when my current bag wears out. The midge net is also a great feature that helps to keep midges, slugs, and other bugs at bay.
They claim it is made with 40D eVent® fabric although I think they have moved to us Pertex Shield Air fabric, which is not quite as good. https://www.carinthia.eu/en/professional/bivy_bags/ are one of the few companies I have come across still using GoreTex in their bivvys.
Setup Two
For really lightweight trips where there’s a reasonable chance of dry weather and not too many biting insects, I go for a minimalist setup:
- RAB survival zone bivvy
- OMM duo pad from rucksack as sleeping mat
- Tyvek groundsheet
- PHD Minim 200
- Rubble bags for shoes overnight
- Hat to keep my head warm
This setup adds only about one kilo to my pack weight, and with eating in pubs/cafes and snacks, I manage to avoid carrying extra weight from a stove.
While many people prefer hopped bivvys to avoid the feeling of fabric on their face when it’s raining, I love the RAB Ridge Raider, which my daughter swears by.
Getting in and out of a bivvy in the rain can be a challenge since there’s little space inside to adjust clothing. That’s why I like to pop a tarp in when I fancy the feeling of being close to nature but want a little shelter from the rain. Currently, I’m experimenting with the Backpacking Light Micro Tarp, which I suspend using my running poles.
For further reading and inspiration, I recommend Ronald Turnbull’s “The Book of the Bivvy.” This guide to the bivouac is the pinnacle of minimalist wild-camping. It features accounts of bivvy bag adventures, both nice and nasty, along with practical chapters on lightweight kit and long-distance bivvying. The book finishes with a selection of bivvy bag expeditions that are informative, honest, and highly entertaining!