A Bivy sack, also known as a ‘bivouac sack’, is a lightweight weather protector for sleeping bags that shields them from inclement weather such as rain. It was first developed as a lightweight and highly compressible gear for climbing and mountaineering enthusiasts mostly for emergency purposes.
As time went on, Bivy Sacks became a popular shelter for ultralight hikers and minimalists as it is much smaller and lighter weight than other comparable shelters.
Today’s bivy sacks are made with the latest waterproof fabrics. These modern materials are lightweight and durable, making them perfectly suited for bivy sacks.
Because of its waterproof characteristics, a bivy sack is perfect for the outdoors when weather can become unpredictable. This sleeping bag cover was primarily invented to serve climbers, hikers, and bikers who wanted protection for sleeping bags during multiple-day ascents. Frequent backpackers find bivy sacks very useful especially on hiking adventures that take longer than a day or during long-distance biking trips as the lighter weight helps to let you go farther and longer without tiring out.
Bivy sacks are also able to withstand colder weather that occurs during events such as winter camping trips. As these sacks morphed into a more sturdy and durable accessory over time, its adaptations to different purposes and types of environments became more and more prevalent. Since the time it was created, bivy sacks have evolved to other uses such as bug netting and waterproof breathable fabrics that improve comfort and help reduce internal condensation.
What are its basic functions?
Its main function is to keep your sleeping bag dry which increases your sleeping bag’s warming capacity by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This comes in handy when the climate is unpredictable or extreme. Getting a good night of sleep is important for giving you the energy that you need to tackle on the next day.
What are bivy sacks made out of?
Modern day bivy sacks are typically composed of a durable grade of nylon which is coated with urethane. This material, which is akin to what is used for most tent floors, makes these sacks waterproof.
Why use a bivy sack?
One of the biggest advantages that bivy sacks offer to an outdoor enthusiast is its compactness. These shelters are incredibly light in comparison to a full-sized tent or something of the like. This comes in handy and is almost a necessity for climbers and cyclists. Ultralight hikers of all experience levels can enjoy the benefits of this as well. These people are constantly looking for gear and equipment that does not weight them down and are not looking to bring too much with them.
Aside from these, there are several other noteworthy benefits. To enumerate some of these, let’s take a look at the following:
- It very is easy to set up in comparison to a tent since as it requires a smaller space.
- There are no tent poles or stakes that need to be secured and pounded into the ground.
- Ideal for sleeping in places that are out in the open (such as rock ledges) or in an environment with a dense forest.
- it is waterproof and its primary design is focusing on keeping you dry.
- You don’t need to put down a ground sheet to stay dry in the rainy weather.
- It is considerably cheaper in comparison to its counterparts when considering a weight to dollars ratio.
What are the basic features of a bivy sack?
Some bivy sacks feature multiple zipper sliders which give you the ability to create armholes. This way, you can wear the sacks to keep you dry while still doing the things you need to do. Its full-length zippers provide multiple ventilation spots and the strap that comes with it lets you secure your sleeping pad in place.
A bivy sack is a must-have for those of you who are avid adventurers looking to minimize their load. It is also very economical and is great affordable option for those who might be a little tight on finances. To get more information on bivy bags and discover the best fit for you, please click here.
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