While it can be fun sitting on the ground next to a fire pit, the best camping chair can quickly transform your camping experience. Whether you are camping, at the beach, a park, or rocking out at a concert, there is a perfectly designed camping chair to suit your exact needs.
If you want to enjoy everything nature has to offer while camping, you need to add a bivvy bag to your gear list. Often called Bivouac sacks or bivi bags, these protective enclosures help to form a waterproof cover that holds your sleeping bag in place and shields you from the elements. Imagine waking up to a beautiful sunrise display and the sound of birds lurking on the branches of the trees. Proper camping doesn’t get better than this, and you should give it a try sometime.
The best bivvy bags are not full-on tent replacements. They weigh less and are more compact than most one-person tents. Most bivvy bags are affordable and are the preferred option when it comes to temporary camping situations. We have compiled a list of some of the best bivvy bags based on expert recommendations and our first-hand experience using them. They’re great for different camping situations and are budget-friendly.
The Best Bivvy Bags (Full Review)
1. Highlander Hawk Bivvy Bag – Camping/Military/Fishing
Highlander Hawk Bivvy bag is your “go-to” shelter alternative whenever you opt to travel or camp light. The highlander hawk is a well-rounded mid-level bivi bag made from thick, waterproof, and breathable AB-TEX laminate material. Its hydrostatic head of approximately 5000mm is almost impenetrable and should do enough to provide maximum protection from the elements while you try to rest from a hard day’s work.
For us, the best part of the Highlander Hawk bivvy bag is its light and portable ripstop stuff sack. The sack has a 37 x 12cm dimension that allows it to envelope the hawk bivi bag. A portable bivvy bag may be helpful in adventure scenarios since it is likely to fit into most backpacks. Every seam on the Highlander Hawk bivvy bag is taped to prevent water from getting into the bag when it rains at night. This extra feature is most times reserved for more expensive bivvy bags but fortunately, the Highlander Hawk bivvy bag is fortified with it. The thin layers of the Hawk bivvy bag allow for fast evaporation of moisture and still manages to keep the rain out.
At full length, the Highlander Hawk bivy bag can house a sleeping bag or mat. As is common to bivvy bags, condensation occurs, especially during a very wet night. However, moisture that gets into the bag, as a result, does not pose much of a problem.
When you sleep in, you will find the hood area of the bag which features a waterproof mesh screen that allows you to view your surroundings. The mesh will also keep bugs away if you find yourself in an infested region of the wild.
If this is your first time using bivvy bags, then there’s no better bag to choose than Highlander’s Hawk bivi bivvy bags. We highly recommend it! They offer great value for money and deliver on all promises made in terms of specifications.
- Hydrostatic head (5000mm 250 X 90 X 50)
- Face frame with wire support/mesh – waterproof
- Durable ripstop fabric (completely waterproof and breathable)
- Two-way zip taped seams (equally water-resistant)
- Lightweight and compact
- Spacious and portable
- It might be a bit uncomfortable in winter when you have to wear bulky clothes
2. Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivvy Bags
Of all the bags we tested, this was the most exciting but equally weird one. Sleeping in a Sierra designs backcountry bivvy bag feels like being in a well-fitted but comfortable box. The hood area is closer to your face than in other bivvy bags, and it is well-suited for bad weather conditions (which is the norm during mountain climbing or wild camping).
At first glance, it’s hard to miss the two U-shaped openings at the top surface of the bag. The largest opening allows you to enter and exit the bag. Two zippers are attached to these openings to make movement easy. Stretching out the zipper reveals an ample space that makes it pretty easy for you to get into the bivi bag. An easy entry point into the bivvy bag comes in handy when there’s a weather change, like in the case of a sudden downpour or snow.
The second opening is on the top surface towards the head area. It is not so big, but it helps form a fly mesh that covers your face. This tiny opening allows you to safely observe the night sky and have a sneak peek at your surroundings in the case of an emergency.
What’s also nice is that you do not have to worry about the weight of the bag. It can pack down to 25 x 10cm while weighing just 400g for the regular length (weight increases to 450g in the more extended version). Based on these dimensions and measurements, the Sierra Designs Backcountry bivvy bag will fit effortlessly into a rucksack and will be easy to move around. At full length, the Sierra Designs Backcountry bivvy bag will accommodate an adult. If you’re a lot taller, you probably should buy the more extended version, which is 2.18m long.
Sierra backcountry bivi bag made from breathable and fully waterproof fabric features a 10400mm hydrostatic head and 20 deniers with fully taped seams. At its base, you’ll find a rugged 30-dernier bathtub layer which forms a tough layer that prevents the passage of water through it. While the Sierra Backcountry bivvy bag may be full-proof, It would be wise to carry a tarp along with you. It can be attached to nearby trees to form a fence and significant covering that will further protect your bivy bag.
The best bivvy bags come in different designs. If you are looking for a non-hooped-designed bivvy bag, you should get yourself one of Sierra designs backcountry bivy bags.
- Features fully taped PVC-free seams.
- Works well with most sleeping bags, including backcountry bed
- Features a mesh window panel
- It has a large U-shaped opening
- It is forged from breathable waterproof fabric
- It is waterproof but moisture may occasionally get in (hardly noticeable)
- You’ll still have to enter it, unlike a tent
3. Mountain Warehouse Bivvy Sleeping Bag – Compact Camping Bag
The Mountain Warehouse bivvy bag is not the fanciest sleeping bag, but it has everything it needs to rank among the best bivvy bags out there. It is an excellent option for people who are on a budget. For a night or two outside of the comfort of your home, this bivvy bag is an absolute bargain.
The top segment of the Mountain Warehouse bivvy bag zips up completely. This feature is lovely, but it brings the fabric a little closer to your face. On a warm night, you can afford to open the hood area for proper ventilation and to create space for better body movement. It’s safe to say that the Mountain Warehouse Bivvy bag doesn’t suit all seasons, but its durability gets the job done on most nights.
The entire length of the Mountain Warehouse bivvy bag packs freely into a 23 x 11 x 8cm bag and comes with an additional stuff sack (at no extra cost). The entire package weighs 310 grams which may not add too much weight to your already packed camping gear. The length of the bag is 225cm, it should be long enough to house a 6ft individual. However, with an individual this tall in the bag, there may not be room for anything else left in the bivvy bag.
- It is 100% waterproof with fully taped seams
- It is made from top-quality ripstop fabric
- It’s compact and portable
- It is lightweight and moderately long
- It is perfect when used as a protective cover.
- Its robust zipper forms a protective closure.
- It may not have enough space to store large size camping gear.
- It has no mesh for face-covering
4. Snugpack Special Forces Waterproof Bivvy Bag
If you are looking for a highly efficient bivvy bag, then you shouldn’t look past the Snugpack special forces waterproof bivvy bag. Its outlook, especially when you rock the black format, makes you feel like you are in highly tactical equipment. Its waterproof design makes it suitable for most seasons of the year.
The top layer made from Paratex Dry technical material is 100% waterproof and breathable. In specific terms, the hydrostatic head is slightly above the 5000g/m^2 per 24 h mark and further fortified with hydrophilic Polyurathane. The breathability rate is 7.500m^2/24h.
The hood area of the bivvy bag comes with a zipper if you want full closure, but this will increase the chances of condensation whilst you are inside. The Paratex material is lightweight – the Snugpack bivyi bag weighs about 340g. Moving the bivvy bag around should not be a problem. Its length is 230cm, so you can expect the bag to accommodate a 6ft individual with some space to spare for a sleeping bag or small rucksack. When fully packed, the Snugpack special forces bivvy bag measures 14 X 10cm.
This bivvy bag is perfect for one or two days of camping out in the wild. If you desire to stay longer, you may have to opt for a more robust option. The Snugpack Special Forces bivvy bag is excellent for camping in cold regions like the United Kingdom. Its Paratex Dry technical material makeup protects against heat loss due to evaporation and convection. The Snugpack Special Forces bivvy bag is ideal for hillwalking and mountaineering. You can also take it along when you go for adventure racing, emergency survival, and bushcraft.
- It is extra-long and features the 258cm version
- Additional front zipper (half-length) to make entry and exit easy
- It is made from Paratex material (waterproof, technical, lightweight, durable, and breathable)
- Hydrostatic head (5,000 g/m^2)
- Available in different colours to suit multiple occasions
- Not ideal for long camping trips
- The Hood area has no mesh for convenience and night gazing
5. OEX Bush Pro Bivi Bag
The OEX bush pro bivvy bag has similar specifications to those of the Highlander Hawk bivi bag.
The OEX bivvy bag weighs 560g and has fully taped seams for compactness. 560g is quite heavy compared to the Highlander hawk bivi bag or the other bivvy bags but it is still relatively lightweight and portable enough for most camping situations. The OEX Bush Pro bivi bag’s externals are manufactured from sturdy nylon material. Regardless of the weather condition, the nylon material remains intact and does not tear apart. It is 245cm long and 95cm wide. A fully grown man should fit into the bag easily with some space to spare.
Like the Highlander Hawk Bivvy bag, the OEX Bush Pro has a hood design. It has a waterproof top layer that features a 5000mm hydrostatic head. The bag is built for super wet conditions, and it should increase your odds of surviving wet and lonely nights in the woods.
The makers of the OEX Bush Pro adopted the “mummy-style” design for this bivvy bag. The structure can accommodate a full-length sleeping bag, but it won’t leave room for leg movement at the bottom of the bivvy bag.
The hood part of the bag features a drawstring instead of a zip. This feature does not automatically seal off the bag, but it is easier to undo if you need to get out quickly.
Also, the top layer’s thick material makeup is a full-body shield against the elements and should present very few condensation problems. The sturdy nylon material prevents heat loss through convection and evaporation, keeping you warm in cold situations. The OEX Bush Pro is an absolute bargain, and it should protect you for a night or two in the woods.
- 5000mm waterproof hydrostatic head
- It is made from sturdy nylon material
- Dimension is 245cm X 95cm to fully accommodate people of a variety of sizes
- It is perfect for people on a budget
- Easy to pack down
- It is 100 percent waterproof
- Features drawstrings instead of zipper to allow easy entry and exit
- It can accommodate a full-length sleeping bag
- It’s not big enough to accommodate more stuff apart from a sleeping bag
6. Rab Ridge Raider Bivvy Bag
Rab Ridge has a long history of manufacturing some of the best outdoor gears in the market currently. Ranging from accessories for men and women to durable sleeping bags, Rab Ridge has something for everyone.
The Rab Ridge bivvy bag’s top segment is made from Rab’s event waterproof technical, breathable fabric. The fabric is also 40 denier and has three layers to increase its effectiveness and efficiency. The bottom layer is made from a thick 70 denier nylon waterproof material which prevents moisture from getting into the bag from the ground.
The entire Rab Ridge bivvy bag packs up to 32cm X 15cm when it comes to storage. The Rab Ridge Raider bivvy bag’s framework is held together by a single hooped fiberglass pole system. This support system creates an enticing bivvy structure for a comfortable night’s sleep.
When it comes to dimensions, the Rab Ridge raider bivvy bag is 80cm wide, 60cm high (internal), and 240cm long when fully stretched. This feature gives enough room for you to store a rucksack and other gears close to you while you are in the bag. The Rab Ridge bivvy bag weighs 809g, and it is portable enough to replace most one-person tents.
Setting up the Rab Ridge bivvy bag is easy, just like the very best bivvy bags. All you need to do is to thread up the 8mm pole via a duct at the head section of the bivvy bag. Doing this is similar to what you’d do when it comes to setting up any random dome tent. This trick lifts the bivvy far from your head so you can have room to breathe better or read a book. If you wish to make dinner, you can do so while remaining in the bag and looking out.
Getting in and out of the bag is based on what you find comfortable. We like to set up the whole bag with the head section fully opened. This way, you can sit and slide right in if you wish. Most bivvy bags have a slight problem when it comes to dealing with the challenges associated with condensation. However, this isn’t the case with the Rab Ridge bivvy. It remains waterproof even during heavy rain. This strong waterproof capability is due to the thickness of the technical material used in the manufacture of Rab Ridge bivvy bags.
If you aren’t on a budget, this is one bivvy bag you should not miss out on. It has qualities needed for a successful bivvy camping.
- It comes with a zipped entry that also features a mosquito mesh door
- Taped waterproof seams made from thick fabric
- Waterproof/air permeable upper material for extra comfort
- Features six external peg points
- Spacious
- It has a money-back guarantee
- Deals well with condensation problems
- The Fabric is made from Pertex Shield Air 15D polyamide 3L ripstop
- The Rab Ridge bivvy bag weighs up to 890g
- May not need a tarp
7. Rab Survival Zone Lite Bivvy
Next up is another quality bivvy bag from the RAB company. The survival zone lite bivvy bag is super light, and it’s made from the most delicate Pertex Endurance Fabric.
It is a bivvy bag designed for people who have intentions to travel light while in the woods. The survival zone lite bivvy bag may be confused for a sleeping bag based on how light it looks and weighs.
The lite bivvy bag weighs only 200g, making it the lightest bivvy bag on our list so far. It packs down to a size no larger than a tennis ball when it’s not in use. Considering what this bivvy bag can offer, its ability to pack down to a minimal size is an absolute marvel.
The Rab company prefers to describe the Survival Zone Lite Bivvy bag as a “sleeping bag cover”, but in truth, it is so much more than that. At full length, it extends to 250cm X 87cm, which is long and wide enough to fit an adult alongside their sleeping bag and other camping gear. However, a rucksack or boots may have to fit in somewhere else since they’re much larger. The hood area of the bag serves as an entry point for a sleeping bag or a pillow if there’s a need for one. There’s a drawstring attached to help you tighten up the hood entry point. You can assume different positions while in the bivvy bag, depending on whether you want your face covered or not.
Based on its weight, the Rab Survival Zone Lite Bivvy bag is durable enough, and its Pertex endurance material is strong enough to provide the needed protection. The Pertex Endurance fabric is waterproof and has a hydrostatic head rating of 1000mm. The Rab Survival lite bivvy bag can protect against light showers that are common at night time. The Pertex material allows you to breathe well while you’re inside the bivvy bag.
The Rab Survival Lite bivvy bag is perfect for fair weather bivouacking. It can also serve as a sleeping bag cover and as a helpful sleeping tool during alpine climbing.
- Super lite (weighs 200g)
- Very easy to carry
- Long and wide enough to accommodate a 6ft individual (250 x 87cm)
- Features a drawstring
- Made from highly breathable material (Pertex Endurance)
- Cannot survive harsh weather conditions
8. Rab Storm Bivi Bag
This bivvy bag is a lightweight single-person bivi bag. It is forged from breathable 7D Hyperlite Storm fabric, making it suitable for trekking and travel purposes.
The Rab Storm bivi bag has consistently offered the same high level of protection and durability for many years and has been a regular on Rab’s list of top-selling outdoor gear. The Storm bivi bag is designed to house all forms of wide Rab sleeping bags. It also features an end zipped entrance and a mesh for venting.
It will pack down to just 5 x 10inch (13cm X 25cm) for quick storage and transportation. When fully stretched, the Storm Bivi bag is 235cm long, 80cm wide (head region), and 70cm at the bottom for easy leg movement.
The Rab Storm bivi bag can weigh up to 664g when it is packed and ready for storage. Its Hyperlite storm fabric:10,000 HH makes it both lightweight and waterproof.
Based on its dimension, the Rab Storm bivi will fit into a rucksack which ensures portability and ease of travel. It is a great tent replacement and should serve as a protective cover against the elements on a lonely night out in the wild.
- Features a wide sleeping bag design
- Lightweight and waterproof
- Small mesh pane and vent zip rand
- Packs down to 5 x 10 inches
- Manufactured using breathable 70D Hyperlite storm fabric
- Dimensions: 235cm long, 80cm wide (head), and 70cm long (bottom)
- It may need a tarp during a heavy downpour
Qualities You Should Look For When Buying a Bivvy Bag
Spending long nights in the woods may not be a comfortable experience for anyone. So, it makes little sense to spend lots of time trying to pick the best bivvy bag to carry along instead of preparing for the bumpy ride about to come. With this in mind, we have put together a few qualities you need to look for when shopping for the best bivvy bag, to help streamline your search.
Lightweightedness
Mountain climbing, camping in the wild, or Hillwalking may be fun, but they are not a walk in the park. It makes sense to travel as light as you possibly can, and this begins when you buy a lightweight bivvy bag. Lots of bivvy bags have substantial weight and may be difficult to carry along with other important gear you need for your time away. So be on the lookout for bivvy bags that weigh the least before considering other qualities that they may possess.
Fabric Quality
One of the needs for a bivvy bag is the provision of protection against the elements. The quality of the fabric used in manufacturing a bivvy bag will determine its strength against the elements. Based on experience, we will recommend that you opt for bivvy bags made from sturdy nylon materials. They guarantee protection from wet weather conditions and are durable. Paratex dry technical cloth is another material you can consider since they are known for their waterproof abilities and breathability. In general, look out for strength, durability, and breathability.
Space
Bivvy bags are not famous for their spaciousness. However, some can house an adult and still let you have some space to move your legs around. One of the ways to enjoy your time in the woods is to have a good night’s sleep, and there’s no way you’d be able to sleep well if you can’t move your legs. Be on the lookout for bivvy bags with dimensions big enough to let you have some space after fitting yourself into the sleeping bag.
Face Mesh
A mesh is not very important when it comes to the overall performance of a bivvy, but it still has its uses. A breathable face mesh fixed to the top of the hood area of the bivvy bag lets you breathe well and gives you a front-row seat to view the display of the beautiful night skies. The best bivvy bags are spacious and have features that let you take a look at the environment while you take a quick rest.
Fully Taped Seams and Waterproofing
Taped seams further improve the waterproof ability of a bivvy bag. However, condensation is a common issue with most bivvy bags, and from time to time, a little moisture may get in. This is normal, and you shouldn’t be alarmed if it happens. Look out for fully taped seams when buying a bivvy bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I set up a bivvy bag?
Unlike tents, bivvy bags do not require a special setup. The best bivvy bags simply slip over a regular sleeping bag and prevent it from getting damp or wet. They are lightweight and discreet, and sometimes cheaper than tents. Once you have fitted your sleeping bag into your bivvy bag, slide yourself into it and tighten it across your face. The hood area comes in different designs and may feature a mesh.
At full length, the bivvy bag will accommodate extra gear but nothing too extravagant. You can also cook outside the bivvy bag if you wish to do so. All you need to do is to set your stove outside and monitor whatever you are cooking by extending your upper body out through the bivvy bag’s opening.
2. Can you sleep in just a bivvy bag?
Bivvy bags are great options to turn to if you want to go camping without bringing a traditional tent with you. You’d be better off going wild camping with a bivvy bag rather than a tent. They are comfortable and easy to move around. You can also sleep in them if you don’t have a sleeping bag. Some people like to add a sleeping bag to the makeup of their bivvy bags, but it’s not always necessary. On a dry night, you can easily pack your bivvy bag in a rucksack. In place of the bivvy bag, you can roll a mat on the floor and enjoy the sparkle of the night scene while in the woods. The sleeping bag will be a great option too.
3. Do bivvy bags add warmth?
Yes, they do! This need for warmth is probably one of the primary reasons for the creation of bivvy bags. They come with designs and material textures that will increase the internal temperature of the pack by at least 4 degrees. With this in mind, it’s best not to spend long hours in your bivvy bag. If you sleep in and find it hot, that’s a sign that you should be on a roll mat. A lighter sleeping bag will be a good option if insects fly around and stop you from having a good night’s rest.
4. Is it warmer to wear clothes in a bivvy bag?
In cold regions like the United Kingdom, wearing long clothes will keep you warm inside a bivvy bag. Your clothes will serve as another layer of insulation to help trap your body heat. However, there are instances where this strategy of wearing long clothes will fail: When you wear wet clothes, which compromises the insulating power of the bag. Also, when you wear tight socks, that stops blood flow to your legs and makes them colder.
To trap a sufficient amount of heat in the bag, you need to keep it dry and clean at all times. You can turn the bivvy bag inside out and hang it out to dry during the day while you are engaged in other activities.
5. Are bivvy bags waterproof?
While they are designed to be bigger and thicker than regular sleeping bags and mattresses, bivvy bags are made from water-resistant materials or fabrics. This design helps to shield against rain, wind, precipitation, and other elements that may deter you from having a warm and cosy night. Bivvy bags were initially designed to act as shelters during emergencies. Nowadays, they do so much more than that. New designs come with features that let you look at the skies and the immediate environment while remaining in the comfort of the bivvy bag.
6. How do you manage a bivvy bag when it rains?
In case you are expecting a heavy downpour, it makes sense to opt for a full-blown tent rather than a bivvy bag. In heavy rain, you’ll have a tough time trying to keep all of your gears dry. This occurrence does not mean that bivvy bags cannot protect against wet situations. In the case of light rain, you can take a tarp along for extra guarantees. You can be systematic in how you set it up alongside your bivvy bag or bags. The best way is to use the ropes provided or bungees to attach them to a tree or bike to form a fence-like structure. Then place the bivvy bags under the tarp with the leg area protruding out. This way, your bivvy bag will help keep your legs dry and warm, and the tarp will effectively shield your face.
The tarp will also provide extra protection for your gears and shoes. Ensure you do not pitch your tarp at the bottom of a hill or ditch that might get flooded. Bivvy bags are excellent for a few nights in the forest, but they may not be ideal for an extended stay.
7. What extra gear do I need for bivvy bag camping?
Camping trips can sometimes be very unpredictable. So, there is a chance that you will need extra gear to help you come up with quick solutions when problems arise. Some of the most important ones are:
- A quality bivvy bag
- Roll mat (alongside a good bivvy bag, a less expensive roll mat will do just fine).
- Sleeping bag (again, a less expensive sleep bag will do the trick since you already have a bivvy bag)
- Water bottle
- Food and snacks
- A Headtorch (This will help you find your way if you need to pee at night. But again, your cellphone’s torchlight will do just fine)
- Comes with a portable rucksack
- A reliable power bank to serve as a backup for your mobile phone.
8. Can you breathe in a bivvy?
Most bivvy bags’ breathability rating highly depends on the material used in their design. So, unless it is made from Goretex or a similar breathable fabric, we recommend that you create some space for proper ventilation while you are in the bag. Also, we’d like to add that if you feel choked while you’re in the bag (regardless of its maker), please create room for yourself to breathe. Even in the case of a heavy downpour, it still makes sense to leave a tiny hole to allow for some air. This situation is common when condensation freezes overnight and causes the bivvy bag to be less breathable.
9. What’s the difference between a sleeping bag and a bivvy?
Sleeping bags are not as thick or as big as bivvy bags. They are not the same, but you’d need them both when you are out camping. Sleeping bags also cannot act as a covering, and you’d probably catch a cold if you sleep in a sleeping bag alone. What you need to do to get the best experience is to combine the powers of both. Doing this will keep you dry and protect your camping gear.
On a cold night, you’ll sleep better when you combine a sleeping bag with a bivvy bag.
10. What’s the difference between a tent and a bivvy bag?
A tent offers a spacious roof-cover sensation, while bivvy bags provide a more liberating experience. Bivvy bags offer the chance to sleep under the stars while inside close but comfortable protection. They feature lightweight barriers which protect against bugs and rain. However, if closed spaces make you uncomfortable, you are likely going to find bivvying very difficult. However, there are some bivvy bags that are large enough to accommodate an adult and some gear. You’ll find such bivvy bags breathable and comfortable.
11. How do I reduce condensation in my bivvy bag?
You can significantly reduce condensation in your bivvy bag by ensuring your face is not inside the bag. This action will ensure that your breathing doesn’t compound the condensation problem your bivvy bag may be having.
When it’s morning, turn your bivvy bag and sleeping bag inside out and hang them out in the sun to dry. You should avoid doing this if it is a damp morning. Always wait for when the sun is at its brightest to dry your bivvy bag. Your bivvy bag should be dry enough to prevent you from getting cold when you sleep in at night time.
With the best bivvy bags, condensation is almost non-existent.
Our Verdict
When it comes to the best bivvy bags, there are many options that you can choose from. However, you must have a clear idea of what you are looking for before you go on the shopping spree. Breathability, durability, size, and weight are some of the qualities you should consider. Pricing may or may not be a challenge depending on your budget size.
Our top bivvy bag picks above are viable options since they can fit into tight budgets. They have what it takes to protect you from the elements and enhance your overall camping experience. Finally, we recommend that you take a tarp with you for the extra protection they offer when there is a heavy downpour.
