biv·ouac
1 : a usually temporary encampment under little or no shelter
2 a : encampment usually for a night b : a temporary or casual shelter or lodging
Minimalists, who are a hearty bunch, prefer an almost ascetic style in their backcountry shelter setups, and while we may not all ascribe to the quick, light, and often, solo ethos, the minimalist way can be exhilaratingly liberating. Whether you’re planning to make record time on a trail or want the security of an emergency backup shelter, a bivouac is an essential piece of gear for every backpacker. That said, here are a few that we like ranked from ultra-minimalist to more rugged expedition grade designs:
MSR E-Bivy
The MSR E-Bivy weighs 7 ounces and packs to the size of a soda can. Like a casing for sausage, this ultra-lightweight bivy is ideal for a few nights out on the trail and a couple extra degrees of warmth surrounding your bag. Because of its ridiculous weight and minimalist packability, the E-Bivy is an ideal backup in emergency situations. The E-Bivy is prone to a lack of breathability that can make for uncomfortable early mornings in humid conditions. MSR uses a machine to pack the bivy into a soda-can sized compression sack that is impossible to replicate, so just throw it on the bottom of your pack with your sleeping bag.
Black Diamond Twilight Bivy
This minimalist’s dream may be slightly heavier than the E-Bivy, but it more than makes up for that in comfort. NanoShield fabric keeps the weather at bay and remains breathable for restful nights. The upper torso zipper allows you to have that last cup of cocoa with your legs already secured in the bivy, and a mesh shield maintains ventilation and bug protection on warm nights.
Black Diamond Spotlight Bivy
The Spotlight Bivy delivers the same great comfort of the Twilight Bivy but features increased headroom that can make longer trips more cozy. The one-pole design keeps the weight down and makes setup simple, and multiple stake and guy loops give you the option of a more secure shelter in harsh weather. Black Diamond includes seam sealant that you have the option of using if you wish.
Outdoor Research Highland Bivy
Slightly heavier than the previous bivies, the Highland Bivy features a one-pole design and a mesh vented option for warmer nights or star gazing. A waterproof floor and taped seams ensure protection from pooled water, and multiple guy loops and stakes add security in rough weather. Outdoor Research sized the bivy for thicker sleeping pads and added convenient sleeping bag straps to help prevent you from shifting off your mat in the middle of the night. A small internal pocket holds nighttime essentials.
The North Face Backpacking Bivy
This two-pole bivy adds increased stability in harsh weather conditions, and adds comfort and space on longer trips. A waterproof bathtub floor and taped seams ensure dry nights on the trail, while a raised canopy adds comfortable headroom. Dual high and low vents create a sophisticated ventilation system, and a waterproof window allows you to see the outside world without having to get wet.
Marmot Home Alone Bivy
The Marmot Home Alone Bivy is rugged enough to handle most adventures but has a slightly heavier weight that may cause the most strident minimalists to raise an eyebrow. Waterproof fabric is rated at 20K, and an internal membrane ensures dryness in wet climates (as well as reducing breathability). Multiple guy loops and stakes keep the bivy anchored to the ground to keep your shelter secure on stormy nights. Twenty-six inches of headroom improve comfort on the deep backcountry expeditions this bivy was built for, and multiple interior pockets keep gear off the floor.
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