8 Best Bivy Sacks 2021 Reviews, Comparison, Rankings & Buying Guide

Last Update: May 3, 2021

Best Bivy Sacks 2021: Many modern minimalist hikers prefer to carry with them bivouac sacks, commonly abbreviated as bivy sacks. These are commonly used by mountaineers and high altitude climbers who wish to reduce weight in their backpacks. Judging by their popularity, this piece of equipment is clearly here to stay, so we thought we would bring you the best bivy sacks 2021.

Portable shelters are extremely essential, especially for multi-day excursions. To this end, the top bivy sacks are something that modern-day hikers and minimalist campers can do without. We have brought you the best bivy sacks and you will find the bivy sack buying guide at the end of the post. The guide will help you choose from the many manufacturers of such equipment.

8 Best Bivy Sacks 2021

Note that this list is not arranged in any order of preference. All of these tents are equally capable of ensuring that you have a pleasant trip. For your benefit, we have pronounced the pros and cons of each of the best bivy sacks that we have described as well as a final verdict.

#1. Snugpak Stratosphere Bivy Sack

These one-person bivy sacks are precisely what one needs when they go on a trek or a camping trip. Given that such bivy tents are available from a lot of manufacturers in the market, what makes this product special is the fact that this model is sturdier and more comfortable than most comparable products.

The first time we used this product, we were in the Florida swamps. We were looking for an ultralight sleeping system and this was then the best product available. The design of the Stratosphere is rather catchy and is uniquely positioned when style and substance come together.

Given that this bivy sack definitely offers increased breathability and all-around ventilation, it can be assumed that no occupant of this sack will ever suffer from claustrophobia. We especially liked the roll away mosquito net that comes with this model and it is likely that this sack will gain some extra marks in the looks department as well.

All the seams of this bivy sack are sealed and the model also comes with its own aluminum screw lock-tips. Overall, a value for money one-person personal bivy.

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• Lightweight and waterproof
• Taped and sealed seams
• Full-length side zip is a breeze to use

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• Not entirely water resistant, merely waterproof

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Overall, this model is a great buy for those who wish to have their own bivy sack but who regard their one-person tents as too big to use. Being lightweight and portable, this model also makes it to our lightest bivy sacks list. Buy it for the comfort it ensures.[/su_box]

#2. ACU Digital Bivy Cover

This is a rather late addition to the list of the top bivy sacks tips list but it is essential that this item is on the list. This is because this is the best windproof bivy sack on the list. This is also one of the best bivy sacks that comes with a great flame-resistant cover and also with a remarkably strong build. What makes this item even more special is that this bivy is amazingly resistant to water. Certain glaring ventilation issues have also been addressed in this item.

Onboard is a 2-way nylon zipper which makes for excellent ventilation options. In order to ensure that all the parts of the enclosed person’s body are equally ventilated, these zips divide the entire thing into the top and bottom ventilation sections. This individual attention to details is what makes this bivouac sack so special.

Attention has also been adequately showered on the zippers as well. These are non-locking slider models which will repair themselves if they are caught in a snarl or jammed in any way. Overall, this list of the best budget bivy sacks is made all the more richer using this model. And the best thing is that this specific model is, unlike many others, also useful for use in slightly warmer climates too.

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• Excellent attention to detail
• One of the airiest and well-ventilated bivy sacks
• Designed for complete modular sleeping
• Easy to carry thanks to its low weight

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• Not too well suited for the coldest climates
• Could have been better waterproofed

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All in all, this is one of those rare finds which make you think about how much difference attention to details matters. This item will inevitably find its way on any list of best bivy sacks for men. It is ideally used for moderate to cold climates and its two-way ventilation system makes this useful even in warmer weathers.

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#3. S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Bivy

As the name itself suggests, SOL or Survive Outdoors Longer manufactures great bivys. This is the best emergency bivy sack on this list and it has a great heat-reflective construction. This type of construction is also needed when one is looking for using a bivy sack under emergency situations. Given that one of the most important issues of a bivy sack is protecting you in cold and inclement weather, this entry adds more variety to this list. This is also important when there are fewer people on a trip.

The inside layer of materials that this bivy has can reflect up to 90 percent of the total body heat, which enables the conservation of heat inside the body and also prevents hypothermia. At a mere 3.8 oz, this bivy is waterproof and lightweight, both essential aspects of budget bivy sacks.

Besides, the durable & reusable fabric that the bivy uses is also important to keep in mind. This ultralight and portable bivy is also useful when one goes mountaineering as the thumb rule goes for high-altitude treks: the less the weight carried, the better the trip.

Lastly, this model uses the proprietary Sympatex Reflexion material that is useful in keeping the users both warm and dry. In these aspects, we believe that this specific model is pretty advanced.

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• Excellent construction with durable design
• Waterproof and heat reflective materials
• Ideal for emergency use

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• Not recommended for use in warmer climates

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As you can see for yourself, this is the best emergency bivy sack on the list. It has all the features that may be expected from an emergency product, including the fact that it has a very easy to use procedure and is also lightweight and durable. Overall, one of these units can always act as your backup.

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#4. Woodland Camouflage Waterproof Bivy

This model has been included on this list as the best affordable lightweight bivy sack. We have gone on several trips over the last few years covering several hundred miles. This item has yet to disappoint us. Last month, we were in the Grand Canyon backcountry and, on a night with heavy rains, this Woodland Camouflage model again proved its worth.

At its core, this is basically a 3-piece system which is made in the semi-mummy style. The chest and the arm portions are especially snug and the bivy is very warm overall. Like we mentioned, we were caught out in the rain and we were left unscathed. This item brings its waterproof game to a whole new level. Made with Gore-Tex, this is one of the most affordable bivy sacks on this list.

The same Gore-Tex design also makes this model ideal for rough use too. This material has proven itself to be a rather moisture-vapor-permeable material too. Indeed, it is extremely well-ventilated and the material lends itself to rough usage on a regular, if not a daily, basis.

Weighing in at less than 3 pounds, this best bivy sack 2021 nominee is also a member of the Military Modular Sleep System. Overall, this provides value for money and provides decent comfort and airy environments to sleep in. It could have been made a bit more bugproof, however.

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• Comfortable nature with a snug fit
• Incredibly tough design
• Made with moisture-vapor-permeable material
• Lightweight

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• The item’s bugproof nature needs some much-needed improvements
• Not ideal for warm weather usage

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Overall, this is one of those bivy sack types which offer a unique combination of style and substance. It is also incredibly waterproof and its comfortable and snug fit is something that many companies have tried to emulate but few have succeeded. Ideal for the avid outdoorsman who wishes to travel alone and light.
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#5. Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy Sack

Outdoor Research is considered to be one of the most impactful and important manufacturers of trekking and camping equipment. This is true in the case of bivouac sacks too as demonstrated by the Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy. This is one of the most popular bivy sacks among hikers and backpackers. This is due to its fantastic and durable construction but, at the same time, is also extremely lightweight: at a mere 2 pounds, it is lighter than the average bivy sack.

The first thing that we were most impressed by was the 3-layer Gore-Tex Respiration Positive fabric. This offers a superb construction material alongside a wonderfully airy and excellently breathable. Such a material makes this one of the toughest and most durable bivy tents in the business currently. This fabric also offers a superior degree of tear and abrasion resistance. The weather protection factor is also excellent.

Thanks to the high-quality fabric, there are considerably lesser instances of condensation forming inside the sacks themselves. The resilient nylon floor design makes it considerably stronger and more waterproof. The Outdoor Research Alpine bivy sack also has some features which are nicely thought of and come in handy from time to time. Since it comes with a pole, you can suspend the fabric above your head, for example. You can also secure the outside sleeve using the Velcro closures which come with it. The sleeping pad straps and the no-see-um mesh are some of the other features which we like. Overall, a great option as far as lightweight bivy sacks are concerned.

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• Lightweight and durable construction
• Easy to carry around even at high altitudes
• Condensation resistance is remarkable
• Weather protection factor is good

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• The zippers inside of the bivy could have been better
• The no-see-um mesh also needs some minor improvements

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Overall, this item from Outdoor Research is pretty much our go-to bivy sack for all seasons. It is extremely tough and durable, full of features, resistant to scratches and abrasions, and waterproof. It is also extremely lightweight and is thus a joy to carry around. This bivy sack is a must-buy.
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#6. Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent

The next product on this list of the top bivy sacks is this entry from Winterial. Of course, any self-respecting list of hiking and trekking equipment is incomplete without at least one product manufactured by Winterial. Although the company classifies this as a bivy tent, it is more of a personal bivy sack that is ideal for 1.5 person camping.

This single-person tent-cum- bivy sack is lightweight and can be used by a single individual. It is also very windproof and waterproof in its nature. The well-ventilated bivy goes toe to toe with some of the best 3-season bivy sacks and tents and has clearly made its mark. There is a well-ventilated roof mesh that not only makes the entity airy, it also keeps it remarkably bugfree.

There is a large zippered door that lets the occupant in and out. This way, there are not too many zippers to bother with. When it comes to the Winterial Bivy tent review, we must advise you to follow the instruction manual very carefully. When in warmer weathers, you can use this item without the fly attached. Once it starts raining or the weather takes a turn for the worse, this item can also help you stay clean and dry with the rain fly attached securely.

A fantastic addition to the list of the best budget bivy sacks.

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• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Well-ventilated
• Ideal for more than one person/1.5-person camping
• Usable even in wet weathers

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• Not too ideal for use in warmer weathers
• Not too good to use in the wild

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Overall, this is one of the best bivy sacks. This wonderful item weighs a mere 3 pounds. It is expected to become even more popular when the two rival genres- of bivys and tents- merge. This item is also equipped with its own stakes which can be used to pin it to the ground. We expect this bivy tent to be sturdier than most comparable bivys.[/su_box]

#7. Rab Ridge Raider Bivy

This particular sack is definitely one of our most favorite bivys. This is clearly the biggest bivy sack on this list as the dimensions are significantly bigger than the previous entry by Outdoor Research. By dimensions, we mean the length and width and height. These dimensions also ensure that the company has to manufacture only one size and can focus on a single, seminal model. The sack is also extremely lightweight and durable.

The very first thing that struck us when we caught hold of the Ridge Raider bivy sack was that it was one of the top bivy sacks 2021. The ultra-tough construction material used in its design. The upper part of the sack is manufactured using 3-layer 40-denier eVent fabric, which is a proprietary fabric designed by the company. Such a fabrication material also ensures that the bivy is both soft as well as breathable, to speak nothing of ventilation.

The abrasion-resistant nylon flooring material also aids in the durability factor of this sack. This very specific sack also comes with a DAC Pressfit pole which allows you to suspend the material right over the head. A total internal height of 58 centimeters is on offer when the material is suspended. This means that, like we said earlier, this is easily one of the largest bivy sacks in business. For such a light and portable bivy, this amount of space is definitely worth looking into.

The pole comes in the sack’s external sleeve and can thus be used to secure the sack with stakes and keep it upright. Onboard are several handpicked features like a decent six stake loops besides a no-see-um mesh door which is designed to keep all the bugs out. These factors also aid in elevating the ventilation of the sack.

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• Lightweight and easily portable
• Bugproof nature is better than most comparable bivys
• Abrasion-resistant flooring material

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• Can get too cold for comfort at times

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At the end of the day, this still remains one of the most popular and durable bivy sacks. While comparisons with its other competitors are inevitable, it is also true that this is the roomiest sack we have had the good fortune of owning. Together with the fact that this model is smaller than most one-person tents and is slightly bigger than most comparable bivy sacks, you get the picture.
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Also read – Best 8 person tents for camping & hiking

#8. Rab Alpine Bivi Sack

The last item on our list is also manufactured by the company whose product came in second. This highly distinguishable yellow bivy sack is comfort and style molded into one entity. This is one of the most favored budget bivy sacks. The company claims that this entity is manufactured for treks and expeditions and we tend to believe them. Ideal for all-weather expeditions, this one takes the cake for the sheer visual delight that it provides.

One of the most favorable things that this bivy has going for it is that it is extremely breathable and also very well ventilated. Being lightweight, it does not take up too much space or weight in the backpack, making it one of the ideal mountaineering bivy sacks. One of the things that we like the best about this specific item is that it has a differentially cut sleeping bag pattern design which makes it extremely comfortable

To aid in its sturdy waterproof design, this item also has a 70d coated nylon bathtub floor which is skid-proof. Overall, this is easily one of the best cheap bivy sacks 2021 due to the sheer number of features it offers within a reasonable price tag. We have reason to believe that it will do very well in our next trip where it does tend to get rather wet.

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• Sturdy and durable design
• Waterproof nature is better than most comparable items
• Lightweight and portable
• Distinguishable yellow color

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• This item will leak in heavy rains

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Yet again, this company has managed to take our breath away thanks to its awesome construction and unique design elements. This eminently usable bivy is extremely good at what it does. In case you are ever in doubt about which item to purchase on this list, this should be your first destination. There is a reason why we have put it at the end of our top bivy sacks reviews list.[/su_box]

Check out – Best 4 person tents for hiking & camping

Best Bivy Sacks 2021 Buying Guides

ollow these simple instructions and rules to find out which bivy sack will suit you the best. Almost all of the listed best bivy sacks are specialized products, so you need to find the correct one.

Duration of the outing

The first point is of extraordinary importance. How long will you be gone and where to? Will you be in a group of people or will you be alone or in a smaller group of individuals? If the answer lies in the first option, you may consider buying a sleeping bag. We have an updated compilation of the best sleeping bag liners on this list. If you have more people in the group, you will also have more people to share the load with. This will increase your options: instead of bivy sacks, you can also opt for one-man tents.

Besides, it is also important to remember where you are going to go camping. Are you going somewhere it is going to be very cold? Or do you expect to go somewhere where the temperatures are slightly more moderate? Either way, you will have to remember that most top bivy sacks are manufactured keeping in mind the colder weathers in mind.

Not all of these sacks are ideal for use in a warmer or a more tropical climate. Choose wisely before you end up buying one. Some research on the area you are heading to is in good order.

Weight

The weight we are talking about here is not only of the sack itself but how much extra weight it would contribute to the hiker’s backpack. Weight is a defining factor when choosing all great outdoor equipment and the bivy sacks are also pretty important. If the area where you are going has a fairly even terrain with no great altitudes to be climbed, you might need to ensure if a more weighty bivy sack will suit you. This is because on any high-altitude trip, the weight factor has to remain low and this thumb rule applies here as well.

Some bivy sacks come with a hoop and therefore a pole. These extra features increase the weight of the overall item. When it comes to lightweight bivies, there are a lot of different models which deserve your attention. It is best to spend some time looking up the company’s description of the product that they are selling.

Check out – Best backpacking tent of 2021

Space

Space, in this case, is as important as the weight factor. In this case, the space factor has two aspects: one is the available space inside the bivy itself. This is as important as any other factor because of the bivy sack should not be the cause of claustrophobia. Space here is also a factor which should be kept in mind when packing the ideal backpack. One of the most important aspects of the bivy sack is that it is lightweight and occupies less space. This is why this is important here as well.

Waterproofing and Condensation Factors

How waterproof a bivy tent is, and how well it withstands outside condensation, are also factors that need to be considered when buying a bivy sack. If such an item is not waterproof, it is absolutely worthless. Note that being waterproof and water-resistant are not the same. While most bivy tents are waterproof, not too many are water-resistant.

When buying a bivy tent, make sure that you review the condensation resistance factor as well. This is essential in ensuring that the user does not get too cold in the outdoors while sleeping or nestling inside such a sack.

Also read – Best teepee tents for kids

Wrap up

Hopefully, this updated list of the best bivy sacks 2021 will come to your aid when you are making a purchase decision. Some of the top bivy sacks can be pretty expensive, so make sure you check out the bivy sack reviews before pouncing on one. Do check back for more updates.