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Serious campers, hikers and long-distance athletes know that one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy as you move through the wilderness is by getting a good night's sleep. A bivy sack (“bivy” is short for bivouac) keeps you warm and dry when conditions are suboptimal. It can be the difference between going the extra mile on the trail and calling it a day before it's lunchtime.
Bivy sacks are a specialized piece of camping gear that not everyone who spends time outdoors needs. But if you fall into one of the following groups, it might just be the most important piece of equipment in your pack:
When they were first invented, bivy sacks were nothing more than nylon slipcovers that went over a sleeping bag. It was great for protection from rain, but any moisture coming from the sleeper stayed trapped in the sleeping bag.
Today’s bivy sacks have two tiers of fabric:
If you can handle the extra weight, some bivy sacks add an expanded tent space that completely blocks out weather.
Bivy sacks use a reflective rating to indicate how much body heat is returned to your body from the interior of the sack. The higher the percentage, the warmer the bivy sack is.
Bivy sacks are designed to be compact. They should be large enough for you to lie down with very little extra room. However, if you find yourself feeling claustrophobic, a bivy may not be good for you.
The best feature of a bivy sack is that it's waterproof. Getting wet in cold weather in the backcountry can be dangerous and even deadly. Bivy sacks keep wet weather out.
Taped seams not only prevent water from seeping into the weak points of a bivy sack, but they also block the howling wind.
Even if weight is an issue, some accessories are worth the additional ounces in terms of safety. Look for bivy sacks that include:
It can be a challenging experience to return your bivy sack to your pack. Make it easier by selecting one that comes with its own carrying bag.
Survive Outdoors Longer Store Reflective Escape Bivy
This bivy has a 70% reflective rating. when properly packed, it is the same size as a 12-ounce can of soda and weighs just 8.5 ounces. It has sealed seams and is waterproof. The olive green color blends in with your surroundings.
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This set of two blaze orange emergency sleeping bags also comes with a 120-decibel whistle and a compass. It has a Mylar shell that is waterproof, windproof and puncture-proof. These can also be used as a ground cloth, rain tarp, sunshade or rescue signaling cloth.
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Leberna Emergency Sleeping Bag Survival Bag
These two emergency bivy sacks have a 90% reflective rating. The extra-large size accommodates sleepers of every dimension. Bright yellow stripes on the edge increase visibility in emergencies. Each pack comes in its own carry bag and weighs just 3 ounces. These have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Go Time Gear Emergency Thermal Bivy
These are made of puncture-resistant polyethylene material with sealed seams. They have a 90% reflective rating and weigh 4.1 ounces including the carrying bag and emergency 120-decibel whistle. The stuff sack it comes in can be disassembled to access the 550-pound drawstring cord for emergency repairs. They are available in blaze orange or olive green.
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This is an ultralightweight thermal sleeping bag and bivy sack that weighs 4.8 ounces. It has a 90% reflective rating and is 100% waterproof. The seams are taped, and the drawstring of this stuff sack can be used to tie down gear or start a fire. It comes with a 120-decibel whistle and a carabiner. This bivy sack comes with a six-month refund guarantee.
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This is ultralight and easy to set up. It has a clamshell opening with more headroom that makes it easier to get into and out of. It uses waterproof Pertex Diamond Fuse technology. It fits a sleeping pad for more comfortable camping, but at 18 ounces it is heavier than other options.
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Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy Bag
This has a large mesh window panel to increase ventilation in good weather. A guy line loop lets you raise the height of the bivy, too. It features a U-shaped opening for easy access inside. It's large enough to fit a sleeping pad.
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Msr Quick-Pitch Waterproof Pro Bivy
It is lightweight and breathable. It has a compact design that can accommodate 88 inches in length. Extreme Shield waterproof coating is long-lasting. It packs down small and weighs just 12 ounces. It comes with a manufacturer’s three-year limited warranty.
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Snugpak Special Forces Bivvi Bag
Paratex Dry fabric is waterproof and lightweight. It weighs just 12 ounces, including the stuff sack. A half-length center zip makes it easy to get in and out of. The bag is windproof and warm. It comes in three colors.
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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