Best Bivy Sacks of 2024

A portable shelter proves indispensable for multi-day outdoor adventures, granting the freedom to set up camp in various locations without the need to reach traditional accommodation facilities like man-made shelters or huts. While tents are a go-to for their versatility and comfort, they can sometimes be cumbersome for solo adventurers or for those on brief excursions, due to their weight and bulk. In these instances, a bivy sack emerges as an excellent alternative. Not only is a high-quality bivy sack on average twice as light and 30% more compact (when packed) than a comparable two-person tent, but it also offers a swift setup in unfavorable weather conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for those of us seeking efficiency and lightness on the trail. However, it’s important to note that bivy sacks might not be the best option for extended journeys as they offer limited space and comfort, often necessitating that the backpack be stored outside.

In making this selection of the best bivy sacks, we’ve prioritized lightweight and waterproof/breathable materials, ensuring versatility and practicality in a variety of conditions.

If you want even more minimalistic portable shelter than a bivy sack, check out our review of the Best Lightweight Tarps. As for the comfort inside the portable shelter of your choice, we have also made review of the Best Backpacking Quilts.

1. Our Bivy Sack Picks

1. Black Diamond Bipod Bivy
2. Black Diamond Spotlight Bivy
3. Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy
4. Rab Alpine Bivy
5. The North Face Assault Futurelight Bivy

2. Comparison of Bivy Sacks

Feature/Product	Black Diamond Bipod Bivy	Black Diamond Spotlight Bivy	Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy	Rab Alpine Bivy	The North Face Assault Futurelight Bivy
Type	Single-wall	Single-wall	Single-wall	Single-wall	Single-wall
Packed Weight	2 lb. 2 oz.	1 lb. 7 oz.	14 oz.	1 lb.	15 oz.
Packed Weight (Metric)	975 g	660 g	400 g	470 g	420 g
Packed Size	6 x 13 in.	4 x 7.5 in.	10 x 4 in.	4.7 x 12 in.	6 x 12 in.
Packed Size (Metric)	15 x 33 cm	10 x 19 cm	25 x 10 cm	12 x 30 cm	15 x 30 cm
Size (Length/Width)	92 x 30 in.	92 x 30 in.	80 x 36 in. (R), 86 x 40 in. (L)	93 x 31 in.	103 x 34 in.
Size - Metric (Length/Width)	234 x 76 cm	234 x 76 cm	203 x 91 cm (R), 218 x 102 cm (L)	235 x 80 cm	261 x 86 cm
Material	3-layer ToddTex	Single-layer NanoShield	20-denier Nylon Ripstop (WPB)	3-layer eVent	3-layer Futurelight
Head Area System	Single-Pole System	Single-Pole System	None	None	Free-Standing ( Flexible Wire
Season	4-season	4-season	4-season	4-season	4-season

3. The Selection

1. Black Diamond Bipod Bivy

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Backpacking
• Alpine Climbing

The Black Diamond Bipod Bivy stands out in the world of outdoor gear, earning high praise from both hikers and mountaineers for its exceptional balance between weight and performance. Tipping the scales at a mere 2 pounds, this bivy sack is an exemplar of lightweight design without compromising on durability or protection. Made from 3-layer ToddTex fabric, it excels in tear and abrasion resistance, ensuring that wear and tear from rugged adventures won’t be a concern. The fabric’s design also offers commendable weather protection and breathability, making condensation a rare issue—an essential feature we’ve personally appreciated during our outdoor escapades. The floor, constructed from robust nylon, enhances the bivy’s durability and water resistance, providing a reliable barrier against the elements. One of the standout features of the Black Diamond Bipod Bivy is its innovative pole system. The included pole can be effortlessly suspended within the sleeve, elevating the fabric above the sleeper’s head to create more space and comfort. This system, coupled with stake loops and no-see-um mesh to fend off pesky insects, offers an optimized sleeping environment. It’s these thoughtful details that solidify the Bipod Bivy’s status as an ideal choice for hikers, mountaineers, and backpackers in search of a dependable, minimalistic shelter for their adventures. In our collective experience, the Black Diamond Bipod Bivy has proven to be an indispensable ally against the unpredictability of the great outdoors.

 

2. Black Diamond Spotlight Bivy

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Backpacking
• Alpine Climbing

The Black Diamond Spotlight bivy is a noteworthy alternative to the previously mentioned Bipod, particularly for those prioritizing ultra-lightweight gear for their outdoor excursions. While it offers a comparable amount of space, the Spotlight is constructed from a lighter, though somewhat less robust, fabric. The top portion utilizes Black Diamond’s proprietary single-layer Nanoshield fabric, which, despite its thinness, delivers adequate protection. The floor, made from durable, abrasion-resistant nylon, upholds the bivy’s overall resilience against rough terrain. One of the Spotlight bivy’s key features is the inclusion of a DAC Featherlite pole, which effortlessly raises the fabric above the head area. This design choice not only maximizes interior space—boasting an internal height of 51 centimeters when suspended—but also contributes to the bivy’s compact packed size and minimal weight. Additionally, the bivy sack comes equipped with four stake loops and a no-see-um mesh door, ensuring a bug-free night under the stars. However, it’s important to note that the Spotlight’s main advantage, its extreme lightness, comes with a trade-off. The Nanoshield fabric, while innovative, doesn’t offer the same level of breathability as the ToddTex fabric found in the Bipod bivy. This means that users may experience more condensation issues, a factor we’ve taken into consideration during our reviews. Despite this, for adventurers who value minimalism and lightweight packing above all, the Black Diamond Spotlight bivy presents itself as a compelling option.

 

3. Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Alpine Climbing
• Emergency shelter

The Sierra Designs Backcountry bivy brings a distinctive approach to portable shelter, emphasizing the concept of minimalism in outdoor gear. This bivy sack is designed with an emergency shelter mindset but does not skimp on essential features. Its streamlined design comfortably accommodates a sleeping pad and features a large U-shaped opening, making it both accessible and practical for quick setups. A standout feature is the bivy’s mesh window panel at the head, a thoughtful addition that greatly enhances ventilation during dry weather conditions. This mesh panel plays a crucial role in mitigating condensation build-up, a common challenge in more enclosed shelters. Constructed with a top layer of WPB 20-denier nylon and a sturdier 30-denier nylon for the floor, the bivy strikes a balance between lightweight portability and durability against the elements. Weighing in at an impressively light 14 ounces and compact enough to take up minimal space in a pack, the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy is an exceptional choice for adventurers who prioritize simplicity and efficiency in their gear. Its lightweight and small packed size do not compromise its reliability, making it suitable for trips across a range of conditions. We’ve found in our own experiences that for those seeking a minimalistic yet dependable shelter, the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy stands out as a top option, offering peace of mind without the bulk.

 

4. Rab Alpine Bivy

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Alpine Climbing
• Emergency shelter

The Rab Alpine sack distinguishes itself as a premier choice for those embarking on demanding outdoor adventures where the emphasis is on carrying equipment that’s both lightweight and unfailingly reliable. Constructed from a 3-layer eVent material, it stands out for its exceptional breathability and robust weather protection, two indispensable qualities for any serious adventurer. This material choice ensures that users remain dry and comfortable, even in adverse conditions, by efficiently managing moisture from the inside out. Reinforcing its commitment to durability, the Rab Alpine features a floor made from tough 70-denier nylon, ready to withstand rough terrain and provide a reliable barrier against the ground. In keeping with its minimalist ethos, this bivy sack eschews additional features like a suspension system for the fabric in the head area, opting instead for a streamlined, mummy-shaped design. This shape is meticulously crafted to accommodate technical sleeping bags, optimizing space and ensuring a snug fit that enhances thermal efficiency. Despite its compact dimensions, the superior breathability of the eVent fabric remarkably reduces the risk of condensation, a common concern in lesser ventilated shelters. This makes the Rab Alpine an ideal companion for alpinists and those venturing into the challenging terrains and cold conditions often encountered in winter mountaineering. We’ve personally observed its performance in tough conditions and can attest to its capability to provide a secure, dry, and warm shelter when the elements are against you. The Rab Alpine bivy sack is thus perfectly tailored for those who face the harshest environments head-on, demanding nothing less than the best in minimalist, effective shelter.

 

5. The North Face Assault Futurelight Bivy

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Alpine Climbing
• Emergency shelter

The North Face Assault Futurelight bivy represents a compelling blend of minimalism and functional design, tailored for adventurers who demand both lightweight gear and a touch of added comfort. Weighing slightly more than the Sierra Designs bivy previously discussed, this difference is justified by its Delrin reinforced brow. This ingenious feature lifts the fabric at the head, providing a more spacious and comfortable sleeping area—a design choice that significantly enhances overnight comfort without compromising the bivy’s minimalistic ethos. Further adapting to varied outdoor conditions, the bivy is outfitted with a bug net for warm, insect-prone environments and boasts a fully waterproof closure to keep occupants dry during rainy weather. Its square shape is another notable design element, offering extra space near the legs for storing footwear or a small backpack, thus increasing its utility. Crafted from The North Face’s proprietary Futurelight fabric, the bivy sack incorporates a face fabric, liner, and a waterproof/breathable membrane. This combination ensures a high level of breathability and weather protection, making it suitable for a wide range of conditions. The North Face Assault Futurelight bivy sack is an excellent choice for those in search of an emergency shelter or a streamlined shelter for short-term adventures. In our experience, it’s proven to be a reliable companion, offering the right balance of minimalism and comfort for overnight stays in the wilderness.

 

4. Buying a Bivy Sack – What is important?

Weight:

Lightweight equipment allows you to reach your goals faster and easier. As shelters are usually among the heaviest items of backpacking/hiking gear, a lightweight shelter can make a big difference in the weight that you carry. For example, a low-quality one-person tent can easily weigh as much as 6 pounds while a high-quality bivy sack weighs no more than 2 pounds. Read more about why it is important to use lightweight gear in our article Why hike lightweight.

Space:

Bivy sacks usually offer just enough space for one person. However, some allow you to suspend the material above the head which reduces the claustrophobic effect of the small shelter and thus increases your comfort. There are two different systems to suspend the material above the head area: The pole system and the flexible wire system. The pole system is very reliable but requires additional work when you are setting up the bivy sack because the pole must be inserted in the sleeve and secured. The flexible wire system is common on bivy sacks that have a relatively low head height. The wire in the head area stretches automatically when the product is unpacked and thus slightly suspends the fabric above the head.

Packed size:

Outdoor sports require gear that packs small because such gear enables you to pack more efficiently. Here we only listed bivy sacks that pack small.

Material:

All bivy sacks in this review are made of waterproof/breathable (WPB) fabrics such as Gore-Tex, eVent and Pertex. These fabrics are also used for rainwear and as you probably already know, WPB rainwear is never completely waterproof. The same goes for bivy sacks. Bivy sacks are water resistant but in heavy rain they will eventually leak. The main advantage of bivy sacks in comparison to ordinary tents is that they are completely sealed shelters. Therefore, they provide better weather protection in windy conditions and snowstorms. WPB fabrics are always treated with DWR, so they repel water. DWR must be reapplied from time to time for optimal performance. To learn more about waterproof/breathable fabrics check out the Hardshell section in our Comparison of Shell Materials. The floors of bivy sacks are made of polyurethane-coated nylon for better durability and complete waterproofness.

Weather and Condensation Resistance:

The weather and condensation resistance of a shelter greatly depend on the fabric. Unfortunately, the two qualities are mutually exclusive to some extent. The higher the breathability of the fabric, the better the condensation resistance as it allows moisture and warm air to escape to the outside. However, there is no such thing as highly breathable fabric that is also completely waterproof. Therefore, manufacturers have to find the right ratio between breathability (condensation resistance) and weather resistance in order to achieve the best functionality.

In general, bivy sacks offer inferior rain and condensation resistance in comparison to double-wall tents (which are equipped with a completely waterproof fly that comes over a breathable canopy) but on the other hand they are also faster to set up and much lighter. We do not recommend using a bivy sack (or indeed a single-wall tent) in areas that are known for continuous heavy rain.

5. Questions and Answers