The Best Bivy Sacks for Comfort While Camping
The Best Bivy Sacks for Comfort While Camping
Whether you're a pro backpacker or are just starting to take up camping, a bivy sack can be useful for many reasons. For minimalist backpackers, the ultralight, pole-less tents are a great way to cut weight in your pack and connect with nature. On the other hand, a bivy sack can also act as a comfortable blanket for those spending a night or two outdoors, in a tent, or in a cabin. Plus, they can also be great in emergency situations when mother nature strikes. Whatever your intended use, sleep in one of our favorite bivy sacks to stay warm and dry the next time you go on an outdoor adventure.
MSR E-Bivy
MSR
rei.com
$99.95
If you're looking for an incredibly lightweight bivy (just 8 ounces!) that gives you full coverage and won't cost you much, the E-Bivy (think "economical") is a solid choice. Keep it on hand for survival situations, or pair it with a tarp for a minimalist camping shelter.
Ortovox Bivy Single
Ortovox
backcountry.com
$59.95
Weather you want to use it as a light cover while backpacking or an extra insert into your sleeping bag during a camping trip, this lightweight bivy from Ortovox is a solid option.
It weighs in at 7 ounces and is both windproof and water-resistant. Plus, it comes with a compression bag to pack it up nice and small.
Outdoor Research Bug Bivy Sack
Outdoor Research
moosejaw.com
$88.95
If sleeping under the stars is your favorite way to camp, but the thought of mosquitos and spiders crawling on you while you sleep gives you the heebie-jeebies, Outdoor Research's Bug Bivy is the answer.
It might not protect you from rain, but it will let you enjoy fresh air all night and the sunrise in the morning with no obstruction to your view!
MSR Pro Bivy
MSR
backcountry.com
$199.95
MSR consulted with professional mountaineers to construct this awesome bivy. It has a ripstop nylon floor, waterproof coating, and a rainfly that helps prevent condensation and gives you fresh air. Plus, it folds up to the size of a mere water bottle.
Survival Frog Tact Emergency Bivy Sleeping Bag
Survival Frog
amazon.com
$17.97
You never know what Mother Nature has in store, so it's best to be prepared. This emergency bivy packs down to the size of your hand, so you can stuff it in the bottom of your overnight pack, or keep it in the trunk of your car. With a price tag so low, you have no excuse for being unprepared.
Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy
Outdoor Research
amazon.com
$249.00
Sure, this bivy costs as much as a decent backpacking tent, but that's because it performs just as well and packs down to a fraction of the size.
It's roomier than most other bivys, too, with a nice arching pole that provides enough headroom to breathe, sneeze, or read a book.
Black Diamond Bipod Bivy
Black Diamond
backcountry.com
$319.95
Heading out for a solo trek of the Appalachian Trail? Leave the heavy tent behind and carry this bivy, with the perfect combination of function and comfort, instead. There's plenty of space to toss and turn, thanks to a pole that arches over your head and shoulders. The large zipper makes entry and exit super simple, too.
The no-see-um mesh panel also gives you great views of the sky, while also improving breathability.
RAB Storm Bivi Sleeping Bag
RAB
amazon.com
$119.97
Rab named this the Storm Spartan for an obvious reason — because monsoons don't stand a chance! While it may not be as light as other bivy sacks, the ripstop, stormproof fabric and taped seams will keep you dry as a bone, no matter how big the raindrops get.
Tennier Woodland Camouflage Waterproof Bivy Cover
Tennier
amazon.com
$129.99
Looking to blend in to your surroundings rather than stand out? Well, this camouflage bivy will make you one with nature — literally. Stuff your sleeping bag inside, zip it up, and disappear for a night. Your friends couldn't find you if they tried!
SOL 2-Person XL Emergency Bivy Sack
S.O.L Survive Outdoors Longer
amazon.com
$20.85
The only thing that'll keep you warmer than a bivy sack is the body heat of another person, and with this option, you get both! Snuggle up next to someone else, whether stranger or friend, to stay alive when the conditions get harshest.
They're like the human equivalent of a cocoon.