Evie Summers
Bivvying is an exhilarating alternative to wild camping, offering a more hardcore, no-frills experience. It involves sleeping in a bivvy bag—a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag that protects it from getting damp or wet. To sleep in a bivvy bag, you'll want to find a flat, dry spot with some shelter from the wind, and consider using a sleeping mat for added comfort and insulation. While bivvy bags are lightweight and easy to pack, it's important to be cautious of condensation and ensure proper ventilation to avoid dampness. Additionally, always let someone know your whereabouts and expected return time for safety.
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right bag: mummy bags are good for cold nights
If you're planning to sleep in a bivvy bag, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you choose a spot that is dry and comfortable. Avoid sleeping on marshy or boggy ground, as you might end up feeling damp and cold. It's also a good idea to set up near a water source, especially if you plan to cook or need drinking water.
Now, let's talk about choosing the right bag for a good night's sleep. Mummy bags are an excellent choice for cold nights. They are designed to offer maximum warmth and efficiency in cold weather. The distinctive shape of a mummy bag, narrowing from the head to the foot, is intentional. It minimises air pockets and maximises your body's natural warmth. The tapered design reduces the volume and surface area, requiring less body heat to warm up the space inside.
Mummy bags usually have a well-fitted hood that can be tightened around the head to prevent heat loss, as a significant portion of body heat escapes from the head. Additionally, they are often equipped with high-quality down or synthetic insulation, optimised for an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Mummy bags are constructed with minimal fabric, making them lightweight and ideal for backpacking.
However, it's important to note that some people may find mummy bags too confining due to their snug fit. If you move around a lot in your sleep, a mummy bag might be restrictive. They may also not be the best choice if you prefer to cuddle with your sleeping partner, as they don't easily zip together with other bags.
If you decide to go with a mummy bag, look for one with a neck yoke or "draft collar". This feature ensures a snug fit around your shoulders and neck, keeping cold air out. A full-length zipper makes getting in and out easier, but a shorter zipper reduces heat loss. Lastly, consider the material based on your camping conditions. Down bags are suitable for very cold and dry environments.
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Pick the right spot: flat, dry ground with shelter from wind
Picking the right spot to sleep in a bivvy bag is essential. Bivvy bags are lightweight, easy to pack, and cheaper than tents, but they also offer less protection from the elements.
Firstly, you'll want to find flat ground to sleep on. This will make it easier to sleep and prevent you from slipping and sliding in your bivvy bag. Secondly, check that the ground is dry. If you sleep on boggy or marshy ground, you'll likely end up damp and cold. If it's been raining, make sure the ground has time to dry out before you set up your bivvy bag.
You'll also want to find a spot that offers some shelter from the wind. Look for a spot surrounded by rocks or trees, which can act as a natural windbreak. If you're expecting high winds, consider setting up your bivvy bag near a natural shelter, like a cave, or bring a tarp to string up between two trees to protect you from the wind and rain.
Finally, while a view may not be essential, it can make your bivvy bag experience much more enjoyable. Imagine waking up to a glorious landscape or a starry sky!
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Keep your kit dry: use a survival bag to protect your gear
A bivvy bag is a temporary, minimalistic shelter that is thin, lightweight, compact, and flexible. It is a lot smaller and cheaper than a tent. It is similar to a waterproof jacket, but for your sleeping bag.
To keep your kit dry, bring a survival bag and stuff all your gear inside it. A survival bag is a small piece of kit that can be kept in your race vest and forgotten about until needed. It is more effective than a foil blanket in preventing hypothermia during emergencies. It will keep you fully covered against the cold ground and elements. The bag is bright orange, making it easy for rescuers to spot. It is also extra-large, so it can fit even a tall person comfortably.
Make sure you leave a little gap for your mouth to avoid creating condensation inside the bivvy, as your sleeping bag will get damp. Most good-quality bivvy bags are breathable, so as long as you do this, your sleeping bag should remain dry. If you are in wet or windy weather, choose somewhere sheltered to set up your bivvy, such as an overhang or a sheltered clump of trees. If the weather conditions are wet, place the sleeping pad inside the bivvy bag for extra protection.
You can also carry a large heavy-duty plastic bag to store your pack overnight. Waterproof your gear well and store food securely.
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Stay cosy: wear warm, soft layers and use a sleeping mat
Sleeping in a bivvy bag can be a cosy and exhilarating adventure. To stay warm and snug, it's important to wear the right clothing and use a sleeping mat.
Firstly, when it comes to clothing, opt for warm and soft layers. Thermal inner layers are ideal for bivvy bag sleeping as they provide warmth without adding too much bulk. You can also wear a hat and socks to bed for extra warmth. If you're bivvying in extremely cold conditions, consider a four-season sleeping bag with a comfort rating well below zero. Additionally, doing some star jumps before bedtime will generate body heat to keep you warm through the night.
Secondly, a sleeping mat is essential for a comfortable night's sleep. It provides insulation, keeping you warm by blocking the cold from the ground beneath. It also adds cushioning, making lumpy ground less noticeable. There are various types of sleeping mats available, from simple foam roll mats to inflatable mats. If you're bivvying in snowy conditions, a 'mattress' of springy tree branches can be used as a creative alternative.
When using a sleeping mat inside your bivvy bag, you may need to master the art of turning over without ending up underneath your mat. Some people prefer to place their sleeping mat outside the bivvy bag for more freedom of movement and a bit more space. However, placing the mat inside the bag offers the advantage of protecting the bottom of the bag from the elements.
To further enhance your comfort, consider bringing a pillow. You can opt for a blow-up pillow, which is lightweight and quick to inflate, or simply roll up some clothes and lay a soft fleece on top.
Remember, staying cosy in a bivvy bag is about more than just the right clothing and gear. It's also about choosing the right spot. Look for flat, dry ground, ideally with some shelter from the wind and, if possible, a gorgeous view to wake up to!
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Stay safe: tell someone where you are and carry a physical map
Bivvying is an exhilarating adventure, but it's important to take precautions to stay safe. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your safety when sleeping in a bivvy bag:
Tell someone where you are:
Before you head out to your bivvy spot, make sure you let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. This simple step can provide peace of mind and potentially save your life in an emergency. Share your planned route and timeline with a trusted contact, so they can raise the alarm if you don't check in as expected.
Carry a physical map:
In addition to letting someone know your plans, it is crucial to carry a physical map with you when bivvying. Don't rely solely on digital maps or GPS apps, as batteries can die, and signal issues may arise. A physical map will help you navigate your surroundings, plan your route, and locate essential amenities like water sources. It is also a valuable tool for planning alternative routes or escape routes in case of unexpected weather changes or emergencies.
Staying safe while bivvying:
When choosing a bivvy spot, opt for flat, dry ground with some natural shelter from the wind, such as rocks or trees. Avoid low-lying areas that may be waterlogged or prone to flooding. Consider carrying a tarp or a lightweight shelter to provide additional protection from the elements if needed.
Other safety considerations:
- Keep your essential belongings close by, especially a headtorch, so you can easily access them during the night.
- Stay warm by wearing warm, soft inner layers, and consider bringing a hot water bottle.
- Ensure your sleeping bag is suitable for the temperature conditions you expect.
- Keep your kit dry by storing it in a dry bag or rucksack with a raincover.
- Stay hydrated by choosing a bivvy spot near a water source, and bring water purification methods like filters or chlorine tablets.
- Respect the landscape by setting up late and dismantling early, leaving no trace of your visit.
By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can enhance your safety and have a more enjoyable bivvying experience.
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Frequently asked questions
A bivvy bag is a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag, protecting it from getting damp or wet. They are lightweight, easy to pack, discreet, and often cheaper than a tent.
Make sure you have the right equipment. You will need a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, water, food, a stove, fuel, a head torch, and a map. It is also important to let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return.
Look for flat, dry ground, ideally with some shelter from the wind. If rain is forecast, consider setting up a tarpaulin for extra protection.
To keep warm, wear warm, soft inner layers. You can also do some star jumps before bed to increase your body heat. To avoid condensation in your bivvy bag, leave a small gap for your mouth.
It is important to be cautious when sleeping in a bivvy bag. Make sure you let someone know where you are and always carry a physical map and a GPS app on your phone. Bivvy bags should not be fully sealed to prevent the risk of suffocation.
