Bivouac (or Bivy)--the Minimalist's Shelter Choice

A bivouac or bivy sack is a lightweight shelter that could almost be described as a mitten for your sleeping bag. It is designed to slip over your bag rather snuggly. It is made of waterproof fabric and will provide protection from wind, rain and mosquitoes. While it is light weight and minimalist, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to this unique shelter.

It Goes Where Others Cannot

Advantages include its light weight, coming in between 1 and 2 pounds. It shines where tents cannot be pitched, such as a narrow ledge. A bivy can also be used under the low overhang of bushes. This is particularly useful when hiking in primarily rocky areas where the only possible soft bed is under low-hanging shrubs. In windy areas, the low profile of a bivy makes for quicker and easier set up and less wind flap than a tent.

Less Than Full Coverage Protection

Disadvantages include its tendency to trap condensation inside the bag making for a humid, even clammy environment. A bivy can also feel quite claustrophobic. You may get the feeling that you are not alone in your bag, which is not far from reality.

A bivy provides little protection from creeping creatures. A stray rodent may crawl across the top of your bag in the night. Since the creature won’t like your movement, it is unlikely to stick around very long.

Available Options

Also available are bivy shelters that use hoops or poles to support the fabric so that it rests just above the occupant. These shelters handle condensation slightly better. They are smaller than, but similar in structure and weight to a traditional one-person tent.

Are You A Minimalist Star-Gazer?

A bivy certainly requires a minimalist attitude. Its most popular use is probably as an emergency shelter. However, if star-gazing is your passion, a bivy might top your list of shelters.

Return from Bivouac to Backpacking Tent

Return from Bivouac to Ultralight Backpacking