The different camping and hiking pieces of equipment have evolved a lot over the years in order to meet every user’s preference and style. Bathroom and bedding accessories, furniture, fridges, swags and tents are just some of the many things you can get in order to improve your outdoor experience and when it comes to bedding, one of the most popular additions today are the bivvy sacks. They are used for a lot of outdoor adventures like mountaineering, backpacking, bicycling, hiking, or simply anywhere where a lightweight and waterproof shelter is needed. Although its main purpose is to provide lightweight weather protection for all your outdoor hiking and adventure needs, it can be used also for keeping your belongings safe and dry.
A bivvy bag or also known as bivy sack (bivouac sack) was invented to serve hikers and climbers in situations when they need a lightweight emergency weather protection for their belongings. Although waterproof, the first invented bivvy bags were not so good in ventilating the vapor produced by body heat. Fortunately, these days outdoor lovers can really enjoy the opportunity to have a bivvy bag that provides the best of both worlds – good protection and great air ventilation. Except for reducing internal condensation, the nets on the newest bivvy bags are great for protecting you from all kind of insects.
Another great advantage of owning a bivvy bag is that they are pretty easy to carry and install. They also do not need that much of a space to be installed because usually, they need the same space as a sleeping bag. All you need to do is to lay out the bivvy sack, place the sleeping bag inside and that’s it, however, placing a sleeping bag inside it is optional, as these sacks are waterproof meaning that it can keep you dry regardless of the weather conditions. Last but not least, bivvy sacks can add few degrees of insulation (somewhere around 5-10 degrees) which means that you’ll be able to reduce the amount of gear you carry.
When it comes to choosing the right one, except for being waterproof, make sure the sack has a netting and ventilation options that include side zippers so you can open it when feeling too warm. The size of the bag also matters, so make sure you choose one that will meet your height needs. Luckily, you can choose between several sizes including an extra large one that has also a place for your belongings.
