One of the best ways to cut weight when overnight hiking or mountaineering is eliminating a tent. A bivy sack is an excellent alternative to a tent. And, the best bivy sack can easily compete with the most lightweight tent on the market.
Bivy sacks have the extra value of being much smaller than tents as well. They’re well worth considering if you’re heading out for an overnight hiking trip. They can also be set up much faster than tents. This is a feature that is most useful in adverse weather conditions.
However, it must be said that on long-distance hikes, you might want for a backpacking tent. The disadvantage of even the best bivy sack is that it’s so small you’ll have to leave your backpack outside. In general, bivy sacks are ideal for (short) overnight hikes in colder and more humid climates.
The Ultimate Guide to Find The Best Bivy Sack
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What Exactly Is A Bivy Sack?
Bivy sack stands for “bivouac” sack, from the French/German word for “standing guard.” This former military term has now become a word related to outdoor camping. A temporary camp with basic shelter is referred to as a bivouac. This is exactly what a bivy sack is.
A bivy sack is a small and lightweight shelter, not much larger than a human. Originally, they were nothing more than a waterproof sleeping bag cover. Modern bivy sacks have evolved into closeable, breathable sacks that can fit a whole human body. Sometimes they also feature a hoop, allowing for more space and better ventilation.
5 Things To Consider To Find The Best Bivy Sack
1. Outing Duration
Arguably the most important thing to consider when looking for the best bivy sack is how you will use it. Will you use it on mountaineering excursions or on overnight hikes? On long-distance hikes or just for camping?
There’s general consensus among ultralight hikers that bivy sacks are ideal for short overnight trips. This is because they’re lightweight, small and easy to set up. They’re also usable in all four seasons and are typically warmer than tents.
On the downside, due to their small size, bivy sacks limit the space you have to move around. Only fitting one person in a sleeping bag, they require that you leave your backpack or other gear outside. This is, of course, inconvenient when you’re camping every night for weeks on end—on a long-distance hike or bicycle tour.
2. Weight
Weight is a significant feature in all outdoor gear, not in the least concerning bivy sacks. Their light weight is often the main reason that people buy them in the first place. If you want to limit the weight on your back, it’s recommended to compare different bivy sacks as well.
Even though they’re all lightweight, some are even lighter than others. This is usually due to whether they have a hoop (and therefore a pole).
3. Space
Space is just as important as weight. Space can mean two things, though. First, it applies to the room inside the bivy sack. This is often the main concern when considering whether to buy a bivy sack or a tent.
Bivy sacks can only fit one person and might feel claustrophobic. This inconvenience is, however, countered by their light weight and easiness to use. It’s up to you to decide if this trade-off is worth it. On short adventures, such as weekend hikes in dry weather, it often is.
Second, space also refers to the room the bivy sack takes up in your backpack. This is one of the main benefits of getting a bivy sack. Their pack size is exceptionally small, especially with those without poles. This makes it much easier to pack your backpack.
4. Waterproofing/Condensation
Bivy sacks, because of their snugness, are warmer than tents. This is a feature might cause problems with condensation. Manufacturers of the best bivy sacks are always trying to improve the ratio between breathability and water resistance. This is also a tricky feature of raincoats and other waterproof gear.
Because you’re essentially sleeping in a bag, your breath condensates on the bivy sack’s inner walls. Higher breathability solves that problem, but not without making the bivy sack less waterproof. This is a balance that’s hard to find. So, bivy sacks are not recommended for use in areas known for heavy rain.
When buying a bivy sack, it’s important to consider the place where you’ll be using it. Is it known for its humid and wet weather? Or is it a dry or cold place?
Photo by Joseph, licensed under CC BY
BIVY SACK REVIEWS
Top 10 Best Bivy Sacks Of The Year
OUTDOOR RESEARCH BUG BIVY
BEST FOR: Camping in dry weather
WEIGHT: 16 oz
SIZE: 25″W x 89″L x 18″H
FEATURES: Bug netting, hydroseal coated waterproof nylon floor, overhead corded delrin pole, sleeping pad straps
PROS: Easy to use, durable materials, extremely light
CONS: Narrow, only for use in dry and warm weather
AQUA QUEST HOOPED BIVY TENT
BEST FOR: Camping in wet weather conditions
WEIGHT: 38 oz
SIZE: 35.4”W x 90.5”L x 27.6”H
FEATURES: Collapsible shock-cord pole, wide shoulder area, head-section air vent, TPU Window
PROS: Very waterproof for a single-walled bivy sack, top window, large
CONS: Heavy, poor breathability
BLACK DIAMOND HOOPED BIVY SACK
BEST FOR: Adventurers looking for a minimalistic and reliable 4-season shelter
WEIGHT: 30 oz
SIZE: 35”W x 90-99”L
FEATURE: Sewn-in support wire, Todd-Ex 3-layer waterproof material, bug netting, dual zipper
PROS: Waterproof and condensation resistant, great weather protection, bug protection, durable
CONS: Small sleeping space, low head height, bulky, large packing size
SIERRA DESIGNS NAVASSA BIVY
BEST FOR: Short trips in dry areas
WEIGHT: 16 oz
SIZE: 28”W x 86”L
FEATURES: Drizone single-wall construction, PVC-free seams, U-shaped zipper that opens on either side
PROS: Lightweight, cheap, breathability
CONS: Less waterproof
SNUGPAK 92860 STRATOSPHERE BIVY
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Lightweight backpacking in all seasons
WEIGHT: 39 oz
SIZE: 42”W x 90”L x 37”H
FEATURES: 7 L-shaped steel anchor pegs, roll-away mosquito net, aluminum poles, compression sack
PROS: Spacious, bug protection, ventilation, small pack size, water resistance
CONS: Heavy, low breathability
OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM BIVY
BEST FOR: People looking to go mountaineering, backpacking and camping
WEIGHT: 18 oz
SIZE: 26”W x 84”L x 19.5”H
FEATURES: Fully seam taped, anti-fungal floor coating, five-stake loop, Pertex Shield material
PROS: Lightweight, water and weather resistant, suspended head area, mosquito net
CONS: Low condensation resistance and breathability
CHINOOK SUMMIT BIVY BAG
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Multi-day wilderness adventures and snow camping
WEIGHT: 32 oz
SIZE: 32”W x 91”L x 17”H
FEATURES: Facial ventilation system, stuff sack, Featherlite aluminum poles, waterproof ripstop nylon floor, factory-taped Seams, two Windows
PROS: Waterproof, breathability, spacious, ventilation
CONS: Heavy, no pegs
OUTDOOR RESEARCH ALPINE BIVY
BEST FOR: Extreme weather conditions
WEIGHT: 30 oz
SIZE: 26”W x 84”L x 20”H
FEATURES: 3-layer Gore-Tex respiration positive fabric, hydroseal coated waterproof floor, fully taped seams, overhead shock corded delrin pole, mosquito net, storm flap, sleeping pad straps, internal mesh pocket
PROS: Durability, weather Resistance, condensation resistance and breathability, space, comfort
CONS: Expensive, heavier
WOODLAND CAMOUFLAGE WATERPROOF BIVY COVER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Camping in colder weather
WEIGHT: 40 oz
SIZE: 35”W x 82”L
FEATURES: Gore-Tex fabric, heat-sealed seams, military issue
PROS: Waterproof, affordable, spacious
CONS: Very heavy compared with other bivy sacks
RAB ALPINE BIVY
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Minimalist mountaineers
WEIGHT: 18 oz
SIZE: 31.5”W x 92.5”L x 11.8”H
FEATURES: Lightweight 3-layer eVent fabric, durable floor, mummy shape
PROS: Lightweight, weather protection, breathability
CONS: Expensive, minimal inner space, primarily for use in winter
Now We’d Love To Hear From You. Have You Ever Used A Bivy Sack While Camping? Which One Do You Think Is The Best Bivy Sack?
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The post Top 10 Best Bivy Sacks And How To Choose Yours appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
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