Every active person who goes camping, hiking or backpacking, knows how important it is to have the right equipment with you. This doesn't just include good clothes, water and food supplies and a first aid kit. Having a good place to rest is also important. The shelter you have with you can make or break the whole trip. One of the most popular shelter options is a bivvy bag or bivvy tent.
What's a Bivvy Tent?
A bivvy is a compact, lightweight and easy-to-transport shelter for your outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. It comes with different spellings, bivousac, bivvi or bivi bag. But all of them represent the same thing. One lightweight, weather-resistant tent bivy can make a big difference in your outdoor experience and make it easier and better.
Originally designed to shield climbers and mountaineers from unexpected, severe weather, they have become an essential tool for all hikers and campers. They can’t fit more than one person. Most are made of high-quality, waterproof materials. One of the biggest advantages is their size. They pack down easily so you can carry them around anywhere you go.
Types of Bivvy Tents
Minimalist
Minimalist bivvies are very lightweight, simple to use and don’t need any poles to prop them up. They have a minimalist look and can work in almost any weather. If you're a casual traveller looking to shed some weight from your bag and you avoid going on hikes during strong thunderstorms, this is the proper tent for you. Another benefit is that they provide insect protection and are fairly cheap.
Emergency
Emergency bivvies are some of the most popular options. They blend into your backpack and are meant to be used only in emergencies and unplanned situations. Most of these models are semi-reusable and very affordable considering their longevity. They don’t have a sturdy and strong construction but will keep you safe and protected in case you need a temporary shelter.
Four-Season Tents
This one is an all-season tent that can handle all sorts of weather conditions. It's made of strong, durable materials and it’s highly weather-resistant. Almost every model on the market has a small construction within with a small pole. This prevents the material from going into your face and making you feel uncomfortable. They are comfier because they weigh a little bit more than the others. Even so, they are less heavy than hauling around a large tent. You'll pay a few dollars more in pricing, but it's worth every cent.
Best Materials
The core material of most modern, high-quality, ultra-light bivvies is metallised foil. Just like a rescue blanket, these bags will most likely be used once because they’re meant for emergencies. Some will get damaged even after just one use. Some of the latest bivvy models have polyester or nylon as extra protection on them. To make it waterproof, polyester is coated with polyurethane. This way you’ll stay dry under the heavy rains.
PU (polyurethane) has high density and gives the material the perfect amount of coating. Some manufacturers sometimes use silicone instead of PU as a coating. They do this because silicone is elastic and of higher quality. Yes, it costs more, but it will make the fabric much more durable. It will also make it UV-resistant and tear-resistant. For a material that will be exposed on harsh weather conditions, this is a big advantage.
Accessories You Might Need
Even though a tent bivy works perfectly on its own, there are a few accessories that can make it even more comfortable and easier to use.
Sleeping Pad
A sleeping pad can make you feel more comfortable and much warmer inside the tent. You get a soft surface underneath instead of hard and damp earth. It also adds another insulation layer preventing the cold from coming up inside the tent. Most people prefer inflatable pads. They tend to have good neck, back, spine and shoulder support.
If you have some doubts that the pad can deflate during the night, add some sealant to it just to make sure. If your tent is lighter, it will require a lighter pad and vice versa. Choose accordingly.
Pillow
Choosing a pillow is a very subjective choice. All of us have different sleeping needs so it’s not a one-fits-all solution. So, make sure you choose the one that’s most suitable for you and your sleeping habits. The pillow should support your neck, provide you with a good night’s sleep and reduce aches, pains and discomfort. One of the most popular choices is a stiff sack lined with fleece. All you need to do is fill it with some soft clothing and you’re good to go.
Most of these pillows are adjustable and will give you solid support. They have a simple, yet efficient design and aren’t difficult to inflate and deflate. With how compact and lightweight they are, you can easily fit them inside the backpack. Even though their price can vary, they’re still affordable.
Sleeping Bag
Most bivvy tents will work with any sleeping bag. However, some are larger or smaller and won’t match all sleeping bags. When you go to the store, ask the seller if they have any recommendations on the size of the bag. It should be warm, thick, resilient and fit comfortably inside the tent.
Pros & Cons of Having a Bivvy Tent
Just like any other product on the market, bivvy tents have their pros and cons. Their biggest pros are their lightness and how easy they are to transport. They're also easy to set up and use because there are no complicated poles and tarps to deal with. Plus, compared to regular tens, bivvies will keep the temperature inside warmer.
They have a few cons as well. Most people don’t like them because they aren’t very spacious. Turning on the side inside of them can sometimes be a struggle. You sleep alone, there's no room for a second person, and this is something some people dislike. Also, some of them don’t allow for much breathability and you may sweat during the night. That's why you should choose the right, breathable materials.
