Updated October 24, 2022
If you want to travel light for some overnight hiking, a bivy sack is a handy and easy-to-set-up alternative to a full tent. Using a minimum of packed space you can bring it along as an emergency shelter or as a viable replacement option suitable for adverse 3-4 season weather and conditions.
In a range of prices but generally not considered too expensive, there are dozens of bivy sacks to choose from on the market today. To help in your choice, some of the best have been selected as an introduction. First, there is a basic comparison table, followed by key features, pros and cons, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpack Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Bivy Sack Reviews
- Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy
- Snugpak Stratosphere Bivy
- Tennier US Military Woodland Camouflage Bivy
- Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy
- Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
- Winterial Personal Bivy
- Black Diamond Big Wall Hooped Bivy
- Rab Alpine Bivy
Bivy Sack Comparison Table
| Photo | Bivy Sack | Weight Dimensions | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy | Wt: 14 oz Dimensions: 80" x 36" | 4.0 | $$ |
  | Snugpak Stratosphere Bivy | Wt: 39.84 oz Dimensions: 91” x 32” x 20" | 4.2 | $$ |
  | Tennier US Military Woodland Camouflage Bivy | Wt: 27.8 oz Dimensions: 84” x 35” x 23” | 4.5 | $ |
  | Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy | Wt: 20.6 oz Dimensions: 84" x 26" | 4.6 | $$$ |
  | Outdoor Research Helium Bivy | Wt: 18 oz Dimensions: 26" x 84" | 4.3 | $$ |
  | Winterial Personal Bivy | Wt: 52.8 oz Dimensions: 90” x 38” x 28” | 4.4 | $ |
  | Black Diamond Big Wall Hooped Bivy | Wt: 30 oz Dimensions: 99" x 35" | 4.3 | $$$ |
  | Rab Alpine Bivy | Wt: 16.5 oz Dimensions: 92.5” x 31.5” x 11.8” | 4.8 | $$$ |
| Photo | Bivy Sack | Weight Dimensions | Rating | Price |
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy
Weight: 14 oz
- Dimensions: 80” x 36” (regular sized)
- Packed Size: 10” x 4”
- Materials: breathable 20D nylon ripstop top fabric, 30D nylon ripstop bottom fabric, both DWR (water-resistant)
- Other Features: fully taped seams, large u-shaped opening, mesh window panel, poleless design, storage bag, available in a long version
- Colors: blue/gold
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.0
- Price: $$
Pros: durable, breathable ripstop nylon, lightweight, mesh bug panel, packs small in its storage bag
Cons: some users complain of condensation, poleless design leaves the fabric on your face
Weight: 39.84 oz
- Dimensions: 91” x 32” x 20
- Packed Size: 12” x 6”
- Materials: 50D 290T nylon ripstop top fabric with waterproof PU coating, 210T nylon with waterproof PU coating bathtub style groundsheet
- Other Features: 50D polyester roll-away, No-See-Um-Mesh mosquito net in the front of the hood, waterproof taped seams, 8.5mm aluminum poles, ¾ length zipper, 7 alloy Y-stakes, compression storage bag, single-point side entry
- Colors: green
- Warranty: 12-month warranty
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $$
Pros: good ventilation and mosquito protection, durable, waterproof, compression storage bag
Cons: heavy
Tennier US Military Woodland Camouflage Bivy
- Weight: 27.8 oz
- Dimensions: 84” x 35” x 23”
- Packed Size: 4” x 3.5”
- Materials: sturdy, heavy-duty, breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex
- Other Features: heat-sealed seams, bad weather storm flap, compression stuff sack
- Colors: woodland camo
- Warranty: ask for details of the warranty
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $
Pros: durable, waterproof, breathable military-grade Gore-Tex, low-priced, packs small in a compression stuff sack,
Cons: heavy, not the roomiest, no hoop or frame, may rest on your face, possible condensation
- Weight: 20.6 oz
- Dimensions: 84” x 26”
- Packed Size: 6” x 13”
- Materials: sturdy, heavy-duty, breathable, waterproof 3-layer Gore-Tex, 40D nylon ripstop floor with TPU lamination for waterproofing
- Other Features: taped seams, overlapping zipper opening for breathability, Delrin single-pole system, no-see-um-mesh/mosquito net, storm flap, an internal mesh pocket, reflective logo and trim for visibility, storm flap, sleeping pad straps, 2 stake loops, 1 guy line loop
- Colors: blue/maroon
- Warranty: lifetime guarantee
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$$
Pros: durable, waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex, 3-4 season capability, overhead space, minimal condensation
Cons: expensive, not super-roomy
View More From Outdoor Research
- Weight: 18 oz
- Dimensions: 84” x 26”
- Packed Size: 6” x 13”
- Materials: Pertex Shield 30D nylon ripstop water-resistant upper, 40D nylon floor with TPU lamination for waterproofing
- Other Features: fully taped seams, Delrin single pole system, reflective logo and trim for visibility, no-see-um mesh/mosquito net, 1 guy line loop, clamshell opening, high volume toe end, 2 stake loops
- Colors: paprika or pewter
- Warranty: lifetime guarantee
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $$
Pros: lightweight, wind-resistant, waterproof, head and foot space
Cons: not super-roomy, potential condensation
View More From Outdoor Research
- Weight: 52.8 oz
- Dimensions: 90” x 38” x 28”
- Packed Size: 18” x 4.5” x 4”
- Materials: waterproof nylon rainfly and floor, ventilated mesh canopy
- Other Features: 2 aluminum poles, 3 bundles of tie-down line, 14 heavy-duty stakes, large zippered door, 3 seasons
- Colors: orange or green
- Warranty: lifetime warranty
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Pros: roomy, lots of head and foot space and space for a bit of gear, waterproof, secures firmly in the wind, easy setup, breathable, low-priced
Cons: heavy for a bivy
Black Diamond Big Wall Hooped Bivy
- Weight: 30 oz
- Dimensions: 99” x 35” (long), 90” x 35” (regular)
- Packed Size: 13” x 6”
- Materials: ToddTex single-wall, breathable, waterproof laminate upper, ToddTex floor is PU laminated for extra waterproofing
- Other Features: mesh-covered opening, sewn-in support wire, fully taped seams, tie-in loop, dual zipper,
- Colors: yellow
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
Pros: convenient sewn-in wire creates headroom, waterproof, comes in long and regular, durable ToddTex laminate, mesh bug and mosquito protection, easy setup
Cons: headroom is not great, narrow
- Weight: 16.5 oz
- Dimensions: 92.5” x 31.5” x 11.8”
- Packed Size: 12” x 5”
- Materials: 3-layer waterproof, breathable membrane, DVStorm fabric, 70D nylon floor
- Other Features: end zip entrance, external zipper storm flap, mummy shape, suitable for winter
- Colors: olive, signal orange, yellow
- Warranty: lifetime warranty
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$
Pros: quality waterproofing, durable, lightweight, good for winter conditions, breathable
Cons: expensive, no headroom
Bivy Sack Buying Guide
What is a Bivy Sack?
Bivy is short for the term bivouac which means “a temporary camp without tents or cover used by soldiers and mountaineers.” In modern-day usage by campers, a bivy sack is a breathable, closable bag large enough for a human body but with little room for much else inside. It is lightweight, with a compact design that provides warmth, comfort, and protection from the weather with no frills.
Categories of Bivy Sacks
Bivy sacks can be divided into 3 basic styles.
- Minimalist Sacks – The basic design includes a sack that fits over the sleeping bag providing a head-to-toe cover. There is a flap with a zipper at the head that can be kept open when warm or sealed when the weather is cooler or harsher. When closed condensation can be a concern.
- Face-Lifters – This style is similar to the minimalist sack but adds a hoop or pole at the head which gives the camper a more open area around the head.
- Bug Nets – This design incorporates a mesh fabric with a hoop or pole in the head area that allows for ventilation but prevents the entry of mosquitoes, bugs, or other pests.
All three styles can use lighter or heavier materials and weatherproofing to make them suitable for 3 or 4-season use.
Waterproofing
A primary purpose of a bivy sack is to provide a level of protection from the elements, especially water. The nylon and other materials used on the outer fabric and floor will be rated for waterproofing and oftentimes use PU, TPU, or silicone coating to enhance it. Look for fully sealed or pre-taped seams, as well.
Ventilation and Breathability
The relatively small space available in a bivy sack can fairly easily become a sticky, sweaty place if measures aren’t included in the design to mitigate. Some of the top materials like Gore-Tex, ToddTex, eVent, and Pertex have been developed to provide breathability which will help avoid condensation. Mesh panels, vents, and zippers can also aid in the process.
Size and Weight
Length, width, and height are important considerations for your comfort level inside. Most bivies are 80” to 90” or more in length and can run from around 26” in width up to around 38”. If you are large make sure you get one to suit you. They also tend to be lightweight and pack into a small bag for easy portage. Heavier models with 4 season capability don’t often get much heavier than 3 pounds. If your bivy is on the high end weightwise you might consider whether or not an ultralight tent might be more suitable as the space and comfort levels would tend to be higher.
Other Features
Bivy sacks are usually low on special amenities but there are a few that can add to the convenience like internal pockets for personal items, lighting, or a cell phone, straps to hold your sleeping bag in position, stakes, and guy lines for secure placement, and quality long zippers that allow easy access.
The Essential Guide to Ultralight Bivy Sacks
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpack Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Feedback and Comments
I hope you have found this review of bivy sacks to be useful. If you have any questions, ideas, or personal experiences, please feel free to share them in the comments. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
