The 9 Best Bivy Sacks for Any Outdoor Adventure

A favorite amongst bivy fans, Outdoor Research’s Helium Bivy combines the headspace of its Bug Bivy with the protection of a fully enclosed shelter. This is also easy to get in and out of thanks to the generous clamshell opening, and the hooped head area provides plenty of breathing room.

The Pertex Shield fabric is lightweight but tough, with a fully waterproof construction and abrasion-resistant fabric so you can pitch this on any rugged surface and feel confident it’ll last the full season. The mesh is similar to their Bug Bivy, and the fly can be zipped shut during bad weather, or fully opened for maximum ventilation.

One of the best things about bivvies is the ability to carry a fully enclosed emergency shelter, and this model is a true emergency option. Because this bivy packs down to the size of a standard soda can and weighs under 4 ounces, the benefits of carrying it far surpass the added pack weight.

Stash it in your day pack or general outdoor gear bag. We even recommend keeping one in your car in the winter. The aluminum-coated fabric reflects 90 percent of your body heat when deployed. It’s built with water- and windproof material for surviving an unexpected night out in the elements, and unlike mylar emergency blankets, the enclosed design blocks drafts and is reusable, stuffing back into its own carry pouch.

Looking for the low profile and minimal footprint of a bivy without losing some of the space, stability, and mobility of a tent? This bivy has a 23.5-inch head height and actually has over 20 square feet of interior space, which means you’ll get some added weight, but the extra stability and interior space make it worthwhile.

This is also a highly durable model, with a similar waterproof Pertex material as the Helium Bivy, and taped seams for complete protection during storms. The setup is quick with one aluminum pole, and you can unzip the fly to vent the interior through the mosquito netting door.

This is a highly durable and compact bivy that can take the place of a one-person shelter for true minimalist backcountry travelers. Although this shelter does weigh about as much as some ultralight tarp-tents, you get the benefit of a narrow footprint that can fit pretty much anywhere, as well as less surface area to grab the wind.

The Alpine Bivy packs down to the size of a water bottle, has an eVent membrane for maximum waterproofing and breathability, and has a durable nylon floor so you don’t have to worry about tears or punctures on rocky or rough campsites. The entrance zips open and has storm flaps for more protection—ideal for alpine ascents or an emergency shelter for harsh conditions above the treeline.

The Bipod is among the pricier options we recommend, but for mountaineers, it’s one of the best bivy shelters out there. The alpine-ready shelter provides protection during all four seasons, thanks in part to the ToddTex single-wall fabric that has fully taped seams and a waterproof, breathable membrane.

Bivvies are prone to condensation from your breath since they’re so small, but the Bipod has some of the best performance when it comes to reducing overnight moisture accumulation due to its mesh door panels. The lightweight aluminum pole with a shock cord gives ample head and shoulder room inside—just be careful to not overextend the shock cord to preserve its lifespan.

We love the zippered entry and the option to leave the mesh door panels open for added ventilation on clear, warm nights. You’ll be carrying more weight with this bivy, but the protection, space, and four-season capabilities are worth it.

This ultralight bivy has been around in some iteration since its release in 2004. With a net-covered face window, a high-loft build that won’t compress your sleeping bag, and a surprisingly spacious design, the Superlight Solo hits the sweet spot for ultralight fastpackers who want some protection but don’t need a fully waterproof bivy or the space of a tent.

This shelter was used by Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy for the duration of his Appalachian Trail self-supported speed record, and continues to be a favorite with ultralight backpackers. DWR treatment on the face fabric comes standard, but you can partially customize the materials and size, including the option for an upgraded Dyneema floor.

This lightweight, fast-pitch bivy was designed in conjunction with mountaineers based on the criteria and livability they look for in the lightest, most convenient backcountry shelters. This is a fully waterproof, durable bivy that can stand up to emergency situations and gnarly weather in any terrain, with a small footprint that can nestle in between trees, rocky ledges, and any other space where a tent would be challenging to pitch.

The rainfly on this bivy is technically breathable, but we did find the Pro Bivy collects more condensation than models with more head space and mesh. Still, it serves as one of the best and most versatile options for the average hiker in need of a bivy.

Similar in design to the Rab Ridge Raider but a few ounces heavier, this reasonably priced bivy is aimed at outdoors enthusiasts and hunters who want a low-profile, easy setup for their overnight outings.

The footprint and height is smaller than a tent, but the head canopy is spacious and it has plenty of structure to ease some of the claustrophobic elements of tighter bivvies. This bivy packs into its own compression sack, and the head fly opens up for a fully enclosed no-see-um mesh to let the air flow and keep the bugs out.

This is the only bivy on the list without any sort of protection from precipitation, but for bugs and ventilation, it can’t be beat. It’s made with ultra-fine netting to keep even the tiniest insects out, and we love the generous 50-inch girth of the U-shaped Delrin pole that keeps the mesh away from your face.

It has a raised foot area that can be tensioned with tie-outs, so you can stash gear inside and keep the material off the bottom of your legs. We like using the tie-outs to maximize space, but they aren’t necessary for the structure of the shelter. This bivy comes with straps to prevent your sleeping pad from sliding and a wide zippered opening along the top. For rainy expeditions, pair it with a pole-and-tarp system.