Free delivery on orders over £80The Art Of The Bivouac
Originally designed for emergency use, bivi bags are minimalist shelters that divide the outdoor community. For some, they are things of necessity, insurance against unplanned nights, never to be used out of choice due to their lack of comfort and protection. For others, they offer the ultimate free-camping experience; fully immersing you in your environment with a front-row view like no other.
So, who are these intrepid individuals who disregard comfort for the thrill of the experience? Traditionally, bivi bags were the domain of alpine and big wall climbers. Used for a degree of protection as they settled down on rocky ledges, where there was scant space for a tent, and the need to shed every gram possible was paramount to success.
These days, gram-counting is no longer the reserve of alpinists. Many adventurers are driven by the desire to lighten the load in their packs so they can go faster and further. The ultralight mindset has spread, with backpackers, bikepackers, and solo adventurers all looking to master the art of the bivouac.
As with other ultralight equipment, bivi bags are specialist pieces of gear. They require consideration and knowledge to make sure they are right for your adventure. Selecting the correct location for a bivi, along with a sound understanding of factors such as wind direction is critical. So too is an appreciation of whether a bivi bag is right for your trip - with the weather forecast, trip duration, and the presence of biting insects all key considerations.
One way to expand your camping options is to use a tarp alongside your bivi bag. The combined weight and pack size is usually lighter and smaller than a one-person tent and gives you more flexibility. Highly versatile, a tarp can increase weather protection, extend your living area, provide a shelter for cooking and more
TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BIVI
- Don’t go to bed cold - Wherever you are camping, it is crucial to start your night warm. Jogging on the spot, swinging your arms, and star jumps are all simple ways to help raise your temperature. Your sleeping bag traps the heat you release and creates a layer of warm air around your body. If you start cold, it is far harder to warm up; even with the best insulation around you.
- Protect your gear - Once your sleeping bag is inside your bivI bag, there is not much room left over. Make sure you have a way to keep the rest of your kit dry. Put your clothing and essentials into waterproof dry bags. If you are carrying a pack, protect it with a waterproof cover.
- Take time to find the perfect pitch - Find a flat, sheltered spot that offers wind protection. A rock wall, trees, a hollow; these will all help to provide cover. And definitely make sure that you are not setting up in a water run-off channel.
Rab Storm Bivi
£134.99
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Made from waterproof Hyperlite Storm fabric, this simple and reliable bivi bag features a small mesh vent panel underneath the zip storm flap.
Rab Survival Zone Lite
£144.99
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A single person bivi designed for emergency use, lightweight Pertex Quantum Pro fabric provides windproof, water-resistant protection.
Rab Ridge Raider Bivi
£349.99
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Use this low-profile, freestanding bivi for backpacking and bike touring. Waterproof Pertex Shield Air upper is highly breathable, reducing condensation and increasing comfort.
Rab Siltarps
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1 Person - £64.99
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2 Person - £109.99
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Ultralight yet fully waterproof, Rab’s Siltarps provide essential shelter from the elements. Extremely versatile, they feature multiple webbing loops for set up using trekking poles, trees, and more.
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