The best way to cut the weight of your baggage whenever you’re out for camping, hiking, or any outdoor activities is by eliminating the tent. If you’re looking for a superb alternative to tents, then a bivy sack can be a great help. The best bivy sacks can easily strive with the lightest tents on the market today.
Bivy sacks are personal-sized water-resistant shelters that are commonly used by minimalist campers, mountaineers, and hikers. However, due to lots of available options choosing the best bivy sacks can be a daunting task. To help you decide, in this article, we will review some of the best bivy sacks and walk you over every specification and feature of these products so you can determine which one is for you.
Let’s get started.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT&DETAILS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
Editor’s Choice  |
Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy
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Runner Up  |
S.O.L Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Bivy
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 |
Tact Bivy Compact Ultra Lightweight Sleeping
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 |
Tennier Industries ACU Digital Bivy Cover
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Budget Pick  |
Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag Thermal Bivvy
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Reviews of the Best Bivy Sacks
1. Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy – Best Bivy Sacks
- The Alpine AscentShell Bivy is constructed to enable solo adventuring and…
- Building on the reputation set by the cult-classic Alpine Bivy, this new version…
- The breathable and rugged Alpine AscentShell Bivy is ideal for fast-and-light alpine…
The Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy is loaded with great features that make it more comfortable and versatile. When it comes to effectiveness and quality, this alpine bivy standout.
This bivy bag provides the perfect combination of durability, protection from elements, and comfort. The Outdoor Research Bivy offers exceptional protection from the weather. It means, with this item you can venture with confidence.
Though other best bivy sacks provide smaller packed sized and lighter weight, this model won’t let you down. Especially when the weather condition becomes worst.
Either way, listed below are some of the main features of the Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy
Waterproofing
This bivy shelter is made of a three-layer of Gore-Tex casing. This material lets water vapor to escape over the fabric without allowing snow or rain inside.
Even so, this bivy sock is waterproof.
The Alpine Bivy can be rolled out with ease. Moreover, it has interior straps which secure your sleeping pad. You can also stash your small items like a watch and cell phone in the mesh that is attached inside.
Furthermore, it comes with a line loop and five-stake loops which will hold the best bivy sacks in place. However, the stakes included in this bivy are light in weight.
Ventilation
This unit performed well when it comes to ventilation. It has lots of useful features which allows for additional ventilation. These features will keep the condensation down.
Even so, in warm and clear weather, you can leave this bivy open letting warm air to circulate out.
What We Liked
- Completely waterproof
- Durable and comfortable
- Easy to set up.
- It also offers excellent protection.
- Provides plenty of room for your valuables.
- Made in USA
What We Didn’t Like
- The upper Gore-Tex may fall down to your face while you’re utilizing the mesh cover.
Customer Reviews
Most customers said that this bivy sacks are entirely waterproof. It protects them in actual storms. Also, it has plenty of room where they can store your shoes, food, and clothing safely.
This product also keeps them warm during cold weathers. In addition, they proved that this sleeping bag shelter is made of high-quality materials.
Either way, users loved how easy to set up this bivy sacks from Outdoor Research.
Final Verdict
Even though it’s not the lightest or smallest in this bivy sacks review, indeed, Alpine Bivy is very comfortable, durable, and versatile.
This bivy bag is somewhat similar to ultra-light tents regarding bulk and weight. But it costs lesser compared to most ultra-light tent choices.
Overall, the Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy is a great product.
2. S.O.L Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Bivy
- A Bivvy that Breathes – Stay warm and dry in the original backcountry emergency…
- Weather the Elements – Highly water-resistant fabric with a fully-adjustable hood…
- Stay Warm – Reflects 70% of radiated body heat
- All-Season Durability – Hard-wearing fabric resists punctures and tears through heavy…
- High-Visibility Orange Exterior – Makes it easy for rescuers to spot you even in…
The S.O.L Escape Bivvy is transforming background shelter. This best bivy sack only weighs 8.1 ounces. However, its 70 percent reflective and breathable personal lodging will not let condensation to build up.
Its exclusive water-resistant drapery allows moisture to escape and keeps wind, rain, and snow on the outside. The good thing about this bivy is that you can utilize it as a regular sleeping bag.
Nonetheless, listed below are some of the main features of the S.O.L Escape Bivvy.
Durable
When it comes to durability, this product stands out. This sack made of durable fabrics that can resist tears and punctures through heavy usage.
It is also made of waterproof fabrics which keeps you dry even though the condition is soggy or wet.
Comfort
For maximum comfort, the manufacturer of this ultralight bivy equipped this with foot box, fully included a side zipper and draw-cord cover closure.
What We Liked
- Waterproof
- Light in weight
- Offers protection and warmth
- Made of high-quality fabrics and materials
- Sports a beautiful and visible exterior
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t offer plenty of rooms for storage.
- It is not breathable
- It is not ideal for below freezing conditions
- Only good for one person
- If you’re big, you can’t utilize it with a wool blanket
Customer Reviews
Customers are impressed with the product’s quality. Also, lots of users claim that this bivy sacks will last for a couple of years.
Even though it is not the very best bivy sacks, the S.O.L Escape Bivvy can be a great help during emergency situations, say customers.
Final Verdict
With S.O.L Escape Bivvy you will have dry and warm emergency lodging that keeps dry while you are heating up.
Moreover, it is a waterproof and unique product that everybody will surely like.
3. Tact Bivy Compact Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bag
- ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT COMPACT SLEEPING BAG: Made out of ultra-lightweight HeatEcho…
- MADE FOR EMERGENCIES: The bright orange color of this light weight sleeping bag cover…
- INCREDIBLY DURABLE: 100% WATERPROOF: For its weight and thinness, these sleeping bags…
- MULTI-PURPOSE: The drawstring is actually para-tinder paracord, so you can use it to…
- PREPARING MADE EASY: Survival Frog has over 10 years of experience in the industry…
This product is considered a useful and refined emergency sleeping bag. The Tact Bivvy from Survival Frog is ideal for very infrequent use.
One of the best things that set this bivy apart from others is that it’s handy for escapades. However, the Tact Bivvy is more like an emergency blanket, not a bivy.
On the other hand, this ultralight bivy sack is loaded with great features that you’ll surely love. It is the main reason why this product is included in this ultimate sack reviews.
Incredibly Durable
For its thinness and weight, this sleeping bag from Survival Frog will shock you with its strength. The materials used in this product is waterproof, tear-resistant, and windproof.
In addition to that, this bivy bag is equipped with taped seams, which makes a barrier between the frigid cold and you.
Designed for Emergencies
Its bright orange color of this sleeping bag helps rescuers determine you easily. Moreover, the HeatEcho materials used in this bag reflects 90 percent of your body’s heat hind to you, which makes it an important survival tool. It is also a nice addition to your camping gear or emergency shelter.
Easy to Use
This Tact Bivvy sleeping bag is easy to use and store at the same time. All you have to do is unpack this lightweight and compact sleeping bag from the sack and then slide inside.
This bivy bag is small especially when on the stuff sack. With that said, you can easily store this item anywhere.
What We Liked
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Easy to use
- Convenient to store
- Ultra lightweight
- It is specifically designed for emergencies
What We Didn’t Like
- No zipper
- Can be destroyed easily depending on the condition and environment
- It will snare water vapor
- Not breathable
- The color is too bright
Customer Reviews
The majority of Tact Bivvy customers loved how these sleeping bags were created. They don’t have any complaint when it comes to comfort, quality, and protection.
Nevertheless, some of the customers complain about its too bright color.
Final Verdict
Undeniably, the Tact Bivvy is a perfect option for emergency and shelter weather protection.
All in all, this sleeping bag is a product that is worth getting. Also, we highly recommend this for hikers, mountaineers, or campers who are looking for a lightweight sleeping bag.
4. Tennier Industries ACU Digital Bivy Cover
- ACU Digital Camouflage
- 100 percent water/wind proof outer layer. Designed to enclose patrol and intermediate cold weather sleeping bag for the complete modular sleep system.
- Nonflammable, machine washable.
- 2 way nylon zipper that allows for top or bottom ventilation (the zippers are non locking sliders which self repairs if jammed or snagged). Can be used alone for warmer temperatures.
- Approximately 80″ x 30″
This waterproof bivy the forth if of the most highly-valued bivy sacks on the market today. The bivy cover made with moisture-vapor-permeable and waterproof materials. Moreover, the seams are all heat sealed.
Another thing that made Tennier Industries ACU Digital Bivy Cover is that it performs a decent job of protecting its user from bad weather.
Weather Resistant
This bivy cover does an excellent job in making its users dry and warm, even in times of blustering snow and rain. On the other hand, its opus material has waterproof treatment and taped seams, making its shield more durable against any elements.
Ventilation
When it comes to ventilation, this bivy cover is also top-notch. It has lots of different configurations for venting setup.
Since its ventilation is above average, you can button and zip it completely to keep weather and wind out.
Comfort
Regarding comfort, you can also count on this waterproof sleeping bag cover. This bag offers plenty of room for your stuff and yourself. With that said you can toss as well as turn around without being constrained.
What We Liked
- Warm
- Weather-resistant
- Incredibly durable
- Offers maximum comfort
- Made of premium-quality materials
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t come with a stuff sack
- Heavy
- Not ideal for recreational activities
- Expensive
- Don’t have a bug screen or pole.
Customer Reviews
Lots of customers praised the spacious interior of this best bivy sacks. Aside from that, they also appreciate the comfort it offers to them.
Even so, according to some users, this bivy sack is great for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Final Verdict
This manufacturer of this item gives up weight savings to build a heavy bivy. Even though it doesn’t come with bug screen or poles, it still the most considerable product in this list.
Also, this bag is specifically designed to last for a couple of years. If you are looking for a bivy sack that you could convey from generation to generation, this one is for you.
To sum it all, this bivy sock can offer maximum warmth as well as durability wherever you want to go.
5. Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag Thermal Bivvy – Best Cheap Bivy Sacks
- Winter Survival Essential: The Go Time Gear Life Bivy Sack is a crucial addition to…
- Durable And Reliable: Built to withstand harsh conditions, this bivy bag is not only…
- Ultimate Weather Protection: In need of an emergency shelter? The survival bivy…
- Compact And Lightweight Design: Weighing only 4.1oz, this sleeping bag bivy is easy…
- Adventure-Ready Survival Gear: Designed in the USA, the Go Time Gear Life Bivy…
Regarding functions, size, and weight the Life Bivy Emergency Bag provides the best features. It also has several functions that will keep your family and you secure and safe.
Moreover, this bivy sacks will keep you insulated especially when you’re stuck in the nowhere and not capable of reaching your campsite and home in time.
This product stands out because it’s created with lots of reliable and great features.
Durable
Whether you’re stuck in howling wind, relentless snow, or pounding rain, this bivy sacks can help you a lot. The Life Bivy offers you maximum protection against bad conditions so that you will stay alive, warm, and dry.
Furthermore, this best bivy sack is made of puncture and tear resistant materials. It also comes with a waterproof and durable stuff sack.
Multi-functional
This sleeping bag comes with additional tools that can help you a lot when there’s an emergency. Its drawstring can be utilized to repair gear and tie down.
Moreover, it comes with a tremendous 120dB whistle that you can use when you are out of sight or stranded.
Compact
The Life Bivy weighed 4.1oz and stored inside a solid stuff sack. You can place it in your camping gear, trunk, or backpack.
However, it is a perfect addition to your hiking pack, vehicle emergency kit, or survival kit. Because nothing blows the coziness of knowing you are ready for any emergency.
What We Like
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Durable
- It can withstand several uses
- It features puncture and tear-resistant materials
- Light in weight
- Compact
What We Didn’t Like
- Too much condensation
- Provides limited protection
- Too bright color
- It is not easy to stuff
- It has no zipper
Customer Reviews
Many consumers praised the product’s reliability and usefulness. On the other hand, some customers keep citing the Life Bivy Sleeping Bag’s safety and comfort.
Final Verdict
Overall Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping bag is a bivy sack that is worth getting. This will protect from bugs and severe weather conditions. It is completely waterproof and provides a great combination of substance and style.
With its great features, rest assured you will have a comfortable, safe, and secure adventure.
Buying Guide
Outing Duration
Without a doubt, it is one of the significant factors that you need to consider when buying a bivy sack is how you’ll utilize it.
Will you utilize it on overnight hikes or mountaineering excursions? For camping or on long-distance treks?
Once you’ve determined how and when you’ll use it rest assured you will end up purchasing the best one.
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Weight
Keep in mind that the weight we’re talking about isn’t only the sack itself. But the additional weight that it would contribute to the camper or hiker’s backpack.
When buying great outdoor equipment, weight is an important factor. If the place where you’re going has an even landscape that has no altitudes to be climbed, then you’ll need weightier bivy sacks.
However, some bivy bags features a pole and hoop. These additional features will upsurge the sack’s overall weight.
When it comes to a lightweight bivy, there are lots of options where you can choose from. Thus, it’s better to spend some of your time checking the description of the product you’re planning to buy.
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Condensation and Waterproofing Factors
How well it endures outside condensation and how waterproof it is, are also important factors that you need to consider when buying bivy sacks.
If a product isn’t waterproof, it’s absolutely useless. Keep in mind that being water-resistant and waterproof aren’t alike. Some bivy sacks are water-resistant while others are waterproof.
When purchasing a bivy, you should also check the product’s condensation resistance.
It is important in guaranteeing that users don’t get too cold in the outside while nestling or resting inside a sack.
When buying a bivy tent, make sure that you review the condensation resistance factor as well. This is essential in ensuring that the user does not get too cold in the outdoors while sleeping or nestling inside such a sack.
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Insect Protection
Since you’re staying outdoors, it is best to invest in bivy sacks that comes with insect protection.
Sacks that have insect protection are simpler to pack, more lightweight, and more breathable. However, this bivy doesn’t feature lots of weather protection.
Materials
The kind of materials used in making bivy sacks vary greatly. However, one of the most important things that you need to think through is the durability.
Most likely, you will be sleeping on the ground, so, you need to make sure that your chosen bivy sack is made of durable materials.
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Comfort
Undeniably, comfort is essential for outdoor equipment. Even so, it is more important especially if you tend to use your bivy sack as your shelter.
Either way, some of the factors that will determine how comfortable a bivy include insect protection, roominess, ease of use, and additional features like gear pockets as well as straps for a sleeping pad.
Ventilation
Even if your chosen bivy sack is waterproof, but it doesn’t have good ventilation, then it’s worthless.
With that said, it’s better to look for a bivy sack that offers a great combination of waterproof and ventilation. Also, look for bivy socks that are equipped with a zipper, as such bivies have good ventilation.
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FAQs
Bivy Sacks vs. Tent: Who Performs Better?
Bivy sacks, unlike tents, can be positioned on harsher landscapes, rocks, or inside caves. Wherein, tents can’t handle these areas. Bivy sacks, on the other hand, can offer you greater functionality and versatility.
Moreover, a bivy sack is more inexpensive compared to a tent. Notwithstanding its cost, bivy sacks can offer excellent weather protection, warmth, and comfort.
Normally, tents aren’t adaptable for either terrain or weather instances, especially when compared to a bivy sack. Plus, bivy sacks are much easier to use and setup.
How Does Air Flow Inside a Bivy Sack?
Waterproof or breathable laminates like Gore-Tex cloth make it probable for vapor bent by the body heat to be pressed over the fabric.
Even so, this works better when a humid and warm body is resting somewhere dry and cool. During raining circumstances, your bivy sack must have zippers and enough overlapping material, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to zip them closed totally.
Nevertheless, physically venting a flap or zipper helps uphold acceptable inner humidity level.
Why Would I Utilize A Bivy Sack As An Alternative To A Tent?
The majority of outdoor enthusiasts that utilizes a bivy sack instead of a tent prefer the compressibility and lightweight of bivy sacks.
Bivy sacks are made to be used and carry with ease and to be smaller. These sacks can keep you from any weather condition and warm.
Even though bivy sacks are ordinary among outdoor enthusiasts, some backpackers prefer to use a lightweight tent.
On the other hand, when comparing a bivy sack to a tent, you will notice that it is more compressible and easier to set up.
Thus, if you are looking for a shelter that is good for one person and protects you from any outdoor element, then a bivy sack is for you.
Where Can I Purchase The Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy?
You can buy this best bivy sack at Amazon. Or, you can visit the official website of Outdoor Research or any outdoor store near to you.
Conclusion
If you want to have the best bivy sack, then we commend you to invest in Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy. It offers a great combination of comfort and durability.
It’s also top-notch when it comes to effectiveness and quality. Most importantly, it can withstand even the harshest weather condition.
For hikers, mountaineers, campers, investing in a high-quality and steadfast bivy back is not a bad idea. A bivy sack is useful and can offer you a comfortable shelter especially if you’re stuck in nowhere. Aside from that, it is also versatile, quite affordable, safe, as well as secure.
Hopefully, this content helps you a lot in choosing the best bivy sack that suits your personal and outdoor needs.
