The 12 Best Bivy Sacks (Plus All You Need To Know About Bivvies!)

A bivy is a great choice of shelter if you’re trying to pack light. The best bivy sacks can become an essential piece of gear you’ll want to always have with you. 

It provides you with a place to crash at night while being practically unnoticeable in your backpack.

Nowadays, there are many bivy shelters on the market, so choosing a good one can be a tough task.

In this article, we’ll go over different types of bivy sacks and some of the best models on the market today:

Best Bivy Sacks

• Best Overall Bivy Sack: Alpkit Hunka
• Best Premium Bivy Sack: Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy
• Best Ultralight Bivy Bag: Black Diamond Twilight Bivy Sack

Best Emergency Survival Bivy Sacks

• Best Emergency Survival Bivy Sack: Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Survival Bivy
• Great 2nd Choice Emergency Survival Bivy: Go Time Gear Life Bivy
• Best Ultralight Emergency Survival Bivy: Ortovox Bivy Ultralight

Best Bivy Tents

• Best Bivy Tent: Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy Tent
• Best Budget Bivy Tent: Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent
• Best Motorcycle Camping Bivy Tent: Snugpak Stratosphere Bivy Sack
• Best Value Bivy Tent: Eureka! SOLITAIRE AL
• Best Premium Bivy Tent: Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
• Best Stargazing Bivy Tent: Outdoor Research Bug Bivy

Best Bivy Sacks

Alpkit Hunka

Size: 1-person | Season: 3-season | Tent Type: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 14 oz | Packed Size: 5″ x  5.9″ | Set-up Time: 1 min

There are many reasons why one might choose this bivy bag.

From the affordable price and quality of workmanship to low weight and compact packed size, what’s there not to love about it?

First of all, this bivy bag weighs about 14 oz and can be packed down to fit in your palm.

This makes it a great choice for cycle touring, backpacking, and even motocamping. You can just attach the stuff sack to your backpack, and you’re good to go.

The bivy bag has a slightly tapered shape that follows body curves, with the most space being around your shoulders.

The hood is sculpted and features dual drawcords, which allows you to have a more customized fit.

But at the same time, it makes getting out of the bivy bag in the morning a bit more complicated.

Pros

• One of the most affordable models on our list
• Very lightweight and compact
• Completely waterproof (hydrostatic head of 10,000 mm)
• Comes in regular and XL sizes, so suitable for people of different heights

Cons

• Dual drawcord system makes it a bit awkward to get out of the bivy bag in the morning

Best for: campers looking for a value product

Check Price at Alpkit

Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy

Size: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Type: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 14 oz | Packed Size: ‎10″ x 4″ | Set-up Time: 1 min

Paying a bit more really gets you a premium product – at least when it comes to bivy bags.

This one by Sierra Designs has all the bells and whistles to help you sleep comfortably.

The bivy has a wide zipper opening that makes getting in and out very easy.

Not only that, but it also allows you to easily add a sleeping bag or pad inside for additional comfort.

To further increase interior space, the bivy bag features guy-out points that lift the ceiling off of your head.

You can rest assured sleeping in this bivy is by no means claustrophobic.

The top flap features a mesh window panel that opens up to increase airflow.

However, if the weather doesn’t allow that, you can close it to prevent elements from getting inside.

If the top is lifted, then raindrops will simply slide off the bivy surface and onto the ground.

Pros

• Guy-out points allow you to lift the bivy ceiling off your head
• Top features a window mesh panel
• Quite spacious, with enough room to add a sleeping bag or a pad inside
• Large, U-shaped opening allows easy entry and exit

Cons

• Quite expensive for a bivy bag

Best for: campers who find regular bivys too cramped

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Black Diamond Twilight Bivy Sack

Size: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Type: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 10.7 oz | Packed Size: 3″ x 5″ | Set-up Time: 1 min

Featherweight is the main characteristic of a bivy sack, but this model by Black Diamond goes even further.

At just 10.7 oz, this bivy bag weighs as much as a pair of flip-flops.

The bivy uses NanoShield single-wall shell fabric, which is known for its ultralight weight and excellent performance all year.

By bonding individual fibers together, NanoShield technology makes the fabric water-resistant while remaining breathable.

Aside from resisting rain and snow, the fabric also blocks the wind. This makes it a suitable option for any kind of weather.

The only issue I have with this bivy sack is how tight it is. There’s limited space around the torso, so you don’t have much room to wiggle at night.

It also has a relatively short zipper, which makes getting in and out a bit difficult.

Of course, this limited interior space comes in quite handy when camping in cold weather.

But you’ll hate taking bathroom breaks in the middle of the night, just because of it.

Pros

• One of the lightest bivy sacks on the market (10.7 oz)
• NanoShield fabric has excellent resistance against the elements while minimizing condensation
• Impressive breathability and comfortable to sleep in even in dry conditions
• Hood covers your eyes, preventing the morning sun from waking you up

Cons

• Tight design doesn’t leave much wiggle room

Best for: backpacking

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Best Bivy Tent 

Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy Tent

Size: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Type: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 3.4 lbs | Max Inside Height: 31″ | Packed Size: ‎19″ x 6″ | Set-up Time: 5 mins

When it comes to bivy tents, this model is among the best ones on the market.

Simply, it has all the important characteristics: low weight, durable construction, and most importantly, comfort.

The Ionosphere is a double-walled tent, with an inner tent featuring a top part covered with mesh.

During warmer nights, you can remove the rain fly to enjoy the night sky and a light breeze.

In the case of bad weather, a 210T Ripstop polyester rain fly with a 5000 mm PU rating will keep you safe from wind and rain.

All the seams are taped and sealed, so there’s no way water can get inside.

The rain fly creates a decently-sized vestibule at the tent entrance, where you can store your gear. This definitely comes in handy as there’s very limited space inside.

Pros

• Top part is covered in mesh, allowing ventilation and a view of the sky during nice weather
• Rain fly covers the entire tent
• Treated with a layer of 5000 mm PU coating to repel water
• Comes with a basic repair kit
• Front vestibule provides space for storing gear

Cons

• Somewhat expensive

Best for: campers requiring lots of storage space for gear

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Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent

Size: 1-person | Season: 3-season | Tent Type: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz| Max Inside Height: 28″ | Packed Size: 4.5″ x 18″ | Set-up Time: 2 mins

Generally, 1-person tents are expensive, as they’re designed with portability in mind.

Well, this model by Winterial definitely doesn’t break the bank, while still being quite portable.

The rain fly is made of 190T polyester, which is a lightweight-but-durable material.

It’s treated with a layer of PU coating, which makes the fabric repel water.

During dry and warm nights, you can remove the rain fly completely to enjoy the view of the starry sky.

Alternatively, you can simply keep the vestibule door open for additional airflow for a night of better sleep.

Speaking of a vestibule, it’s large enough for you to store your backpack or dirty boots underneath it.

Large zippers allow you to easily get in and out of the tent, which is especially important when you’re going for a bathroom break in the middle of the night.

Pros

• Among the most affordable bivvies on the market
• Features aluminum poles and a low profile, which makes it stable in high winds
• Rain fly can be partially or completely removed for better airflow and views
• Large door makes getting in and out of the tent fairly easy

Cons

• Not the lightest bivy tent on this list

Best for: campers looking for an affordable bivy tent

Check Price on Amazon

Snugpak Stratosphere Bivy Sack

Size: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Type: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Max Inside Height: ‎20″ | Packed Size: ‎12″ x 6″ | Set-up Time: 5 mins

This model by Snugpak is somewhere between a bivy sack and a tent. In a way, it has the best of both worlds.

It’s compact and easy to store inside your motorcycle saddle bag, just like a bivy sack. At the same time, it offers the space and comfort of a bivy tent.

The entrance features an intersecting pole design, creating a spacious canopy.

Aside from providing additional headroom, the canopy features a separate mesh door to improve airflow inside the bivy.

If there are no pesky mosquitoes around, you can even roll away the mesh portion for even better circulation.

For warm nights, the mesh door provides decent ventilation. However, you can’t use it during rain, so you might experience condensation during wet weather.

In cold-but-dry weather, a fully enclosed bivy will keep the warmth in, which is great.

Pros

• Has a full-length zipper, allowing you to easily get in and out of it
• Poled canopy provides decent headroom, allowing you to sleep on your side
• Canopy features a mesh door to ensure better airflow inside the tent
• Packs down compactly and easily fits inside your motorbike saddle bag

Cons

• Doesn’t perform very well in heavy rain
• Somewhat expensive

Best for: motorbike camping

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Eureka! SOLITAIRE AL

Size: 1-person | Season: 3-season | Tent Type: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 3 lbs 3.2 oz | Max Inside Height: 28″ | Packed Size: 6″ x 21″ | Set-up Time: 2 mins

If we’re looking at value for money, then this model by Eureka! definitely takes the lead. It has a bit of everything, so it’s really a good option for anyone.

First of all, its trail weight is just 2.6 lbs which makes it a perfect tent for solo backpackers. It has dimensions of 8’ x 3’, which is rather ample for a tent of this capacity.

Plus, the peak height of 28” means there’s enough room for rolling around in your sleep.

The rain fly is integrated into the design, which makes set-up easy.

You can roll up any of the two separate parts to enjoy a glimpse of the night sky in clear weather. During rain, the polyester taffeta rain fly will keep you dry.

The winds shouldn’t be an issue either. With a 7,000 series aluminum frame and a low profile, this bivy tent will withstand high winds with ease.

Pros

• 2-pole design and integrated rain fly allow you to set up the tent within a minute
• Rain fly can be partially or completely rolled up for stargazing in clear weather
• Rugged aluminum frame and low profile make the tent stable in high winds
• Light weight is suitable for backpacking

Cons

• No useable vestibule storage area

Best for: campers looking for the best value bivy tent

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Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

Size: 1-person | Season: 3-season | Tent Type: bivy, backpacking | Weight: 15.8 oz | Max Inside Height: 19″ | Packed Size: 3.5″ x 12.3″ | Set-up Time: 2 mins

This bivy tent might have a premium price, but it’s a well-justified one.

The fabric features the so-called Diamond Fuse technology, which features filaments that are locked together to create a durable and highly abrasion-resistant material.

This technology also makes it more resistant to weather elements. This bivy tent stands well against rain, snow, and wind, which makes it suitable for year-round camping.

While impenetrable, the fabric is also rather breathable, so condensation is never an issue.

This bivy tent features a single pole, which increases headroom to make sleeping more comfortable.

The clamshell opening makes getting in and out of the tent simple. The top part of the door is covered in mesh, which provides additional airflow during warm nights.

Finally, with a weight of just over 15 oz, this is one of the lightest bivy tents you can find on the market.

Pros

• Poled headspace provides enough room for sleeping on your side
• Mesh top ensures there’s enough airflow during dry nights
• Reflective logo and trims make the tent visible at night
• Weighs just 15 oz, which makes it great for ultralight packing

Cons

• Stuff sack is unnecessarily large

Best for: campers who value comfort above all else

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Outdoor Research Bug Bivy

Size: 1-person | Season: 2-season | Tent Type: bivy, backpacking, stargazing | Weight: 15.5 oz | Max Inside Height: 16.9″ | Packed Size: 4″ x 14″ | Set-up Time: 2 mins

If you’re preparing for an amazing night of stargazing, this tent is definitely a worthy pick.

Completely covered with no-see-um mesh, it provides a clear view of the night sky while keeping the pesky insects out.

Of course, in the case of rain – you’re in trouble. That is, unless you bring a tarp to create a shelter.

You don’t need to worry about the bottom, as the tent features a waterproof and seam-taped bathtub floor.

The mesh itself is really durable. Made of polyester, it doesn’t stretch or degrade from UV exposure, so it should last you a good while.

The top part of the bivy tent features a pole, which increases head room. It’s just over 16” tall at the head, which is enough to toss and turn at night.

Pros

• Completely covered in mesh for excellent airflow and insect protection
• Made of polyester and is durable and resistant to stretching and UV degradation
• Bathtub floor is seam-taped and waterproof, so moisture can’t get inside from the ground
• Features sleeping pad straps to keep the pad in place while you’re sleeping

Cons

• No protection against the elements

Best for: stargazing

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Best Emergency Survival Bivy Sacks

Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Survival Bivy

Size: 1-person | Season: 4-season | Tent Type: bivy, survival | Weight: 7 oz | Packed Size: 5.5″ x 3.5″ | Set-up Time: 1 min

With this emergency survival bivy by Don’t Die In The Woods, you’re well prepared for unexpected situations you might encounter on your trip.

Packed down, this bivy fits right into your palm. That means it can fit well into the smallest pocket on your backpack as well.

Once unfolded, it has the dimensions of 103” x 36”, so it offers quite a bit of room to wiggle.

Now, this is no ordinary space blanket. It’s extra-thick but more flexible than regular mylar, which makes it reusable and quite durable.

You can use it on its own or combine it with your sleeping bag for additional warmth.

Speaking of warmth, this emergency bivy reflects up to 90% of your body heat. This means there’s absolutely no way you can be cold while in it.

It also keeps you dry, thanks to the waterproof material. Furthermore, it features a hood that keeps your head protected as well.

Pros

• Suitable for different body sizes at 103” x 36”
• Made of thicker and more flexible material, meaning great durability
• Reflects up to 90% of your body heat
• Completely waterproof

Cons

• Weighs a bit more than other emergency bivy bags

Best for: campers looking for a reusable emergency bivy

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Go Time Gear Life Bivy

Size: 1-person | Season: 4-season| Tent Type: bivy, survival | Weight: 4.1 oz | Packed Size: 4″ x 3″ | Set-up Time: 1 min

If weight is your most important factor in deciding on an emergency bivy, then this model might be what you need.

At just 4.1 oz, it probably weighs less than your phone.

It also packs down to the size of a soda can, so you can store it in your side pocket.

Unfolded, it has the dimensions of 7’ x 3’, so it offers enough wiggle room.

The mylar is tear- and puncture-resistant. So, with proper care, you can get quite a bit of use of it.

It’s also wind- and water-resistant, which makes it suitable for any weather condition.

One thing I really like is the addition of an ultra-loud whistle that’s built into the bivy.

Hopefully you never have to use it, but having one readily available is always a good thing. The whistle can alert rescuers that are up to a mile away!

Pros

• Tear- and puncture-resistant, so can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear
• Weighs just 4.1 oz and can be stored in the side pocket of your backpack
• Features a built-in emergency whistle that can be heard a mile away
• Comes in several colors, so you can match it with your gear

Cons

• Lets heat escape through the opening

Best for: daily hikes

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Ortovox Bivy Ultralight

Size: 1-2-person | Season: 4-person | Tent Type: bivy, survival | Weight: 5.3 oz | Packed Size: 2″ x 3.5″ | Set-up Time: 1 min

If you go mountain climbing during the day, having an emergency bivy can be a lifesaver.

Well, this one by Ortovox is a great option for such situations, for several reasons.

With a weight of just over 5 oz and a minimal packed size, you won’t even notice it’s there.

It fits into any pocket, but you can attach it to the daisy chain on your backpack as well.

It’s 43” wide, which makes it suitable for 1-2 people.

And honestly, that only makes it twice as good, as both you and your camping partner can use it for emergency situations.

Like any emergency bivy, this one also offers amazing protection against the elements.

But what’s also cool is that it’s dirt-resistant. In other words, the dirt and grime simply slide off the material, leaving it clean.

Pros

• Wider than a regular emergency bivy and can fit up to 2 people
• Wind-, water-, and dirt-resistant
• Very lightweight (5 0z)
• Comes with a stuff sack for easier storage

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than other emergency bivy bags

Best for: couples

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Bivy Sacks vs. Bivy Tents vs. Bivy Emergency Survival Bags

As you might have noticed, our list of the best bivy models features three groups of products.

And while these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually mean different things.

Let’s see what each of them is.

Bivy Sacks

A bivy sack, or a bivy bag, is basically a 1-person tent without poles. It’s like a cover for your sleeping bag and pad that keeps you safe from the elements.

Typically, a bivy sack has a drawstring opening around your head, somewhat like a sleeping bag.

Compared to a tent, a bivy sack is much lighter due to less material being involved.

For that reason, it’s often a shelter of choice for casual backpackers who typically go on trips during favorable weather.

But because of the head opening, a bivy sack is not ideal for rainy weather, as it can let moisture in.

While some models may have a mesh closure to keep the bugs out, that’s not a common feature.

Bivy Tents

A bivy tent is a cross between a bivy sack and a tent. Basically, imagine a bivy sack with the top part featuring poles that lift the fabric off of your face.

This increases headroom, allowing you to toss and turn at night.

Like regular tents, bivy tents can be completely zipped up to keep the rain and insects out. This makes them kind of cramped during bad weather.

But during warm, dry nights, many models feature additional mesh doors to increase airflow.

Compared to other bivy shelters, bivy tents definitely have the most material involved, which makes them both heavier and more expensive.

But essentially, you’re paying more for more comfort.

Bivy Emergency Survival Bags

A bivy emergency survival bag, as the name suggests, is designed for unplanned situations.

Let’s say you’re stuck at a location away from your campsite due to bad weather or outdoor hazards.

The help might not get here soon, and you need to stay dry and warm. Well, an emergency bivy comes to save the day.

Made of the same material as a space blanket, this type of bivy bag reflects your heat back to you.

However, the actual material isn’t very thick, so it’s not designated for regular use.

With that being said, bivy emergency bags can definitely be used several times and are a necessary piece of any hiker’s gear.

Differences

Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Bivy Sack

With so many different types of bivy shelters, how does one choose the right one? And how to pick between all the models available on the market?

Well, there are several factors you should always keep in mind when choosing a product.

Value

In most cases, paying more will get you more bells and whistles. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the most for your money with absolutely every product.

That’s why value is an important factor to keep in mind. If you find a bivy sack for dirt cheap but it lasts you about four years? That’s value!

But so is buying an expensive bivy sack and never having to replace one in your life.

You should also keep in mind the most important features of a bivy sack, which are low weight, weather resistance, and comfort.

You might not get excellent performance in each category, but a value bivy will cover them to a certain degree.

Weather Resistance

Every bivy offers some degree of water resistance.

That degree is measured with the “hydrostatic head” scale, and the higher the number, the better it resists water.

To be considered “waterproof,” a bivy needs an HH rating of at least 10,000 mm.

Such a bivy will keep you dry even in the heaviest downpour. A number lower than that is fine for a slight shower.

Of course, the water resistance of a bivy also depends on the seams and zipper covers.

Any place where the sewing needle has passed is a potential spot for the water to leak through.

That’s why the seams should be taped and the zippers should feature covers.

Weight

Obviously, weight is an important factor. Otherwise, why not go with a tent instead?

Now, there’s a difference in weight between different types of bivy shelters.

Emergency bivy bags are the lightest, so they’re suitable as a backup shelter for emergencies.

Bivy sacks are similar in weight to your sleeping bag. Finally, bivy tents are the heaviest, weighing a couple of pounds.

Comfort

Comfort depends on several things, including the floor dimensions, headroom, and breathability.

Most bivy shelters have similar dimensions, which can be an issue for very tall people or those who shift a lot during their sleep.

However, there are certain brands that offer larger models targeted at this audience.

Between different types of bivy shelters, bivy tents arguably provide the best comfort.

They usually have some kind of suspension involved to keep the fabric off of your face, thus increasing headroom.

Ventilation

Among different camping shelters, a bivy may not be the best option when it comes to ventilation.

Well, that mainly depends on the type of bivy shelter.

Bivy sacks keep your face exposed to the air, but as far as the fabric goes, that depends on the material used.

As for the bivy tents, the extra headroom inside provides more room for air to circulate.

These shelters also typically have some kind of venting system in place, making you comfortable even in wet weather.

In the case of emergency bivy bags, these don’t let much air in or out.

This is kind of their purpose, as they’re designed to keep you warm and dry in unfavorable conditions.

Packed Size

Being able to easily carry it around is kind of the point of a bivy. You want it to be as compact as possible so that it doesn’t take up precious storage space for other essentials.

Most emergency bivy bags pack down to the same size as a soda can, which means you can fit it inside any pocket.

As for the bivy sacks, that depends on the amount of fabric used. The same goes for tents, with poles adding more to the bulk.

FAQs

How Do I Set Up A Bivy Sack?

Bivy bags require no setup. You just open them up and insert your sleeping pad and bag. When it comes to bivy tents, they usually have a top part that is erected with either poles or guylines.

Are Bivy Sacks Comfortable For Side Sleepers?

Most bivy sacks are designed for sleeping on your back. If you’re a side sleeper, then a bivy tent would be a better option.

These shelters provide additional headroom, which allows you to turn on your side without feeling cramped around the shoulders.

Can You Fit Two People In A Bivy Sack?

In most cases, bivy sacks can fit only one person. However, certain brands make wider models that allow two people to sleep inside.

How Do I Clean & Maintain My Bivy Sack?

You should clean your bivy sack just like you would a tent. Make sure to get all the grime and dirt out of the bivy before packing.

Furthermore, it should always be stored dry. If you’re caught in the rain on your way back, dry it at home before storing it away.

What Materials Are Bivy Sacks Typically Made From?

In most cases, they’re made of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester.

Both of these materials have decent weather resistance, good durability, and low weight, which are essential characteristics of a bivy.

What Makes A Bivy Sack ‘Outstanding’ Compared To Other Camping Gear?

A bivy sack is the perfect shelter for a camper on the go.

If you only need a modest place to crash at night and be ready to continue your journey as soon as you wake up, then this is the ideal shelter for you.

What Is The Difference Between A Bivy Sack & A Bivy Tent?

A bivy sack cuts down on comfort to save up on weight and storage space. It’s basically a shelter against the weather elements, and it’s only used for sleeping.

To Sum Things Up

A bivy is a perfect shelter for a fast and light trip across the backcountry.

Depending on your needs and personal preferences, you have several great options to choose from.

In the world of bivy sacks, Alpkit Hunka is a great option. It’s light, comfortable, and fairly priced.

If you’re looking for an emergency bivy, then Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Survival Bivy is a reliable shelter for unexpected situations.

Finally, the Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy Tent is suitable for every backpacker who doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort for weight.

More Backpacking Tents:

• Best Budget Backpacking Tents
• Best 1 Person Tents
• Best 2 Person Tent for Backpacking (Small Tent Guide)