In this guide we’ll look at the best bivy sacks.
We’ve compared weight, compact, material and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Bivy Sack?
| IMAGE | RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
  |
|
||
  |
|
||
  |
|
||
  |
|
||
  |
|
More Detailed Bivy Sack Reviews
Tennier Woodland Camouflage Waterproof Bivy Cover
| FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEATURES |
|
OUR RATING | PRICE |
|
Tennier Woodland Camouflage Waterproof Bivy Cover Review
The Tennier Woodland Bivy Cover is the best bivy sack on the market. Made from fully waterproof material with all seams heat sealed, this bivy sack will keep you warm, dry and comfortable even in bad weather.
This bivy sack has been designed to cover most sizes of sleeping bags and can fit into their compression stuff sacks. It’s perfect for minimalist campers who don’t want to be weighed down by a tent, as it weighs just 2.4lbs.
At 83” long, this bivy sack is comfortable for even the tallest of campers. The material is thick and durable, while the design so compact you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
Specifications:
- Length: 83”
- Weight: 2.4lbs
- Waterproof: Yes
Snugpak Jungle Bag Bivy Sack
| FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEATURES |
|
OUR RATING | PRICE |
|
Snugpak Jungle Bag Bivy Sack Review
The Snugpak Jungle Bag comes in 4 different colors to suit any style of camping. Choose from Black, Olive, Desert Tan or Coyote Tan. The best bivy sack for camping in tropical conditions, the Jungle Bag features a built in roll-away mosquito net, so you can sleep soundly and bug fee!
This Jungle Bag comes with a compression sack so it’s very portable. It weighs just 2lbs so great for taking on hikes, and the fabric used is fully water repellent. Finally, the fabric has been treated with antibacterial and antimicrobial solution for added durability and safety.
Specifications:
- Length: 7ft
- Weight: 2lbs
- Waterproof: Yes
Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag Thermal Bivvy
| FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEATURES |
|
OUR RATING | PRICE |
|
Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag Thermal Bivvy Review
The Go Time Gear Life Bivy Sleeping Bag is designed specifically for emergencies in extreme conditions. The best bivy sack for winter camping on the market, this serves as an emergency blanket, survival shelter and emergency bivy sack all in one.
The 120-decibel survival whistle cuts through wind and trees to alert rescuers up to 1 mile away. Meanwhile, the bright orange color allows you to be easily spotted, while the Para-Synch Technology drawstring can be used to secure and repair gear, build an emergency shelter or start a fire.
Ultra thick, very lightweight, and seriously warm, this is the only bivy sack you need in extreme conditions. The reflective interior keeps you warm by reflecting 90% of your body heat back to you.
Specifications:
- Length: 6ft5
- Weight: 4.2oz
- Waterproof: Yes
Tact Bivvy Compact Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bag
| FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEATURES |
|
OUR RATING | PRICE |
|
Tact Bivvy Compact Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bag Review
The Tact Bivy Compact Sleeping Bag is ultra lightweight, weighing just 4.8oz. It compresses into the tiny stuff sack so you can carry it with the rest of your camping gear with ease.
Designed specifically to keep you warm, this bivy sack can raise your body temperature by up to 20 degrees, with the HeatEcho material reflecting 90% of your body’s head back to you. It’s 100% waterproof, tear resistant and windproof, while the reinforced taped seams create weather resistant barriers between you and the cold.
Use the drawstring to tie down your gear, and blend into the background with the camouflage green color.
Specifications:
- Length: 7ft
- Weight: 4.8oz
- Waterproof: Yes
S.O.L Survive Outdoors Reflective Escape Bivvy
| FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEATURES |
|
OUR RATING | PRICE |
|
S.O.L Survive Outdoors Reflective Escape Bivvy Review
The S.O.L Escape Bivy is an emergency bivy sack that should be added to any minimalist camper’s kit list. This weighs just 8.5 ounces and squeezes into a tiny stuff sack for easy portability.
This bivy sack is 84” long once unfolded so great for taller campers. It’s designed to keep you warm in colder weather, reflecting either 70%, 80% or 90% of your body heat back to you. The waterproof seams and drawstring hood let you seal out the elements and stay warm even in bad weather.
Made from durable and tear resistant fabric, this bivy sack is reliable as a standalone shelter or extra layer on top of your sleeping bag.
Specifications:
- Length: 84”
- Weight: 8.5oz
- Waterproof: Yes
Bivy Sack Buyer’s Guide
Minimalist campers who don’t want a tent to interrupt their experience of the great outdoors should opt for a bivy sack. While these were originally used by climbers and mountaineers, where participants needed as little weight as possible, and bivy sacks have now evolved into breathable sleeping bag covers that are loved by hardcore campers who don’t want the weight of a tent in their bag.
Bivy sacks are also fantastic in emergencies, and anyone camping in extreme climates or out in remote locations should have one on their kit list. Or, if you’re camping in a tent in winter, they can be used as an added layer of warmth on top of your sleeping bag.
Not sure what bivy sack to go for? This buyer’s guide will tell you all you need to know.
Lightweight
Bivy sacks like the Tact Bivy Compact Sleeping Bag are designed to be extremely lightweight, often weighing just a couple of lbs. The best lightweight bivy sack will also be very portable, so you won’t be weighed down while on the move.
Compact
Bivy sacks like S.O.L Reflective Escape Bivvy are designed to be compact, usually fitting into the palm of your hand when inside their stuff sack. Of course, this gives them a huge advantage over tents, and make them great for cyclists, climbers or minimalists who don’t want to carry a lot of gear.
Material
Bivy sacks are usually made from a few different materials. Modern bivy sacks have a bottom tier which consists of durable nylon with a waterproof coating. The top tier is usually made from a lighter fabric and will be both waterproof and breathable.
If you’re camping in colder weather, look for a bivy sack with a reflective interior which will help to maintain your body heat and keep warm air in. Bivy sacks designed for hotter weather are usually more breathable and come with a built in mosquito net just like the Snugpak Jungle Bag Bivy Sack.
Durability
Durability is essential, especially if you are camping on rougher terrain. Look for a bivy sack made from durable and tear resistant fabric. Pre taped seams will add to the durability.
Waterproofing
All bivy sacks will be fully waterproof, but some may perform better than others in heavier rain. A waterproof but breathable top is essential. Go for a bivy sack with a waterproof coating and pre taped seams.
Heat Retention
Getting too hot or too cold are common problems while camping, especially if you’re using a bivy sack and no tent. If you’re camping in warm weather, look for one with mesh panels for better ventilation, and the fabric used should be very breathable. Internal side zippers will allow you to pull open the bivy sack if you are too warm.
Bivy sacks like Go Time Gear Life Bivy come with reflective interior that will keep you warm in colder weather. It’s important that the sack is still well ventilated. Look for one with vents, multiple zippers and a large head opening (with a drawstring that can be pulled tightly if needed).
FAQ
What is a bivy sack used for?
Bivy sacks or shelters are used as a lightweight and minimalist alternative to tents. They originally served climbers and mountaineers, but more recently are used for hardcore campers or those looking for an extra layer of warmth inside their tent. Minimalist campers will usually put their sleeping bag and sleeping mat inside their bivy sack and sleep in the great outdoors.
Bivy shelters are more tent-like, with an expanded headspace area as well as a full enclosure to block out the bad weather. Bivy shelters will feel a little more like a tent – and less like an extra sleeping bag!
Conclusion
Tempted to invest in a bivy sack for your next camping trip? These pieces of kit are perfect for minimalist campers who want to push themselves out of their comfort zone. For the awesome camouflage design, the unrivaled durability and serious warmth, the Tennier Woodland Bivy Cover is our best ultralight bivy sack.