13 Best Bivy Sacks for Backpacking

There’s, of course, a good deal of stuff that we need to be equipped with when we set out exploring the mountains or low-lying deserts. Well, a revolutionary and super handy product that we never want to miss out on is Bivy Sacks! A bivy, or bivvy – whatever you call it – will be your most compact and portable home-sweet-home in the middle of nowhere. Bivvy bags come light, are easy to carry, and are much more economical than tents. But there are dozens of options out there, and it’s not easy to choose the best bivy sack for backpacking. Don’t worry; that’s where we come in!

We’ve done all the hard work of research and field tests for you. After checking up on the quality and performance of a range of choices, we chose our 13 best. So, below, you get to see the ultimate stock of bivy sacks you will find on the market today. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Ortovox Bivy Single Unisex Bivy

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Let’s meet the Ortovox Bivy Single Unisex Bivy! A radiant orange hideaway of generous dimensions, the sleeping bag guarantees next-level comfort. It’s been a dependable companion for us for years now. And, it’s always ensured that we get peaceful naps whether at a crowded camping site – or stranded in the middle of nowhere! To talk of its features, the bivy is made from a durable and sustainable synthetic material; on top of that, there’s a thick PU coating to keep dirt and water off it. As to the shape, it’s mummy-like and provides enough wiggle room for uninterrupted sleep. Furthermore, the bivvy is a fit for one person only, so it’s an ideal option for those who prefer to travel alone or, maybe, to spend the night alone. All in all, it’s a good pick for the price, and backpackers on a budget might want to go for it!

Check out a variety of options on the original brand site!

Survive Outdoors Longer Lite Bivvy

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Honestly, we were thoroughly impressed with the versatile performance of the Survive Outdoors Longer Lite Bivvy! This lite version bivvy is made from high-quality polyester material on the outside, while the inside is a blend of comfy fabrics. As a result, we felt quite safe and cozy while holed up in this lightweight bivvy bag during chilly winter nights in the wild. Plus, as advertised, the material proved super tough and withstood all the wear and tear of harsh climatic situations without showing signs of damage!

Moving on, overall, the construction is breathable and provides excellent ventilation for the user. Not only that, but this bivvy bag can also easily fit into any camping gear or survival kit. Its compactness was actually something that we found pretty handy. So, yes, this ultra-light, waterproof, and windproof option has all it takes to be your sleeping sack or blanket in emergencies!

Mezonn Emergency Sleeping Bag

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Best Durability. The Mezonn Emergency Sleeping Bag acts like that one bestie that comes to our rescue whenever we need it! The bivy is an emergency option for an instant shelter in case of calamitous weather conditions. The bright orange color is eye-catching and, of course, indicative of an emergency so as to catch attention if you’re seeking help. Moreover, constructed from ultra-lightweight PE material, we found the bivy very warm and cozy. In fact, it effectively returns 90% of the body heat. It’s resistant to the elements too.

Further, this sleeping bag is super spacious and flexible. It can easily wrap up an adult and serve as a blanket for two in case of emergencies like earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters. To sum it up, it’s a must-have item in our survival kit. In our right mind, we would never leave this one out of our travel gear checklist!

Here’s a detailed review by Eric DIY on YouTube!

Snugpak Jungle Bag

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Best Comfort. The Snugpak Jungle Bag is our forever go-to option for our back-to-back backcountry trips! The sleeping bag is made from top-grade polyester on the outside, and the interior is a cozy and breathable fabric. Furthermore, this sleeping bag comes with a rollaway mosquito net that we were able to cover our faces with. Actually, it is an extremely thoughtful feature to the bivvy because it allowed us a full view of the sky while we were lying – and at the same time, kept bugs and insects blocked out!

Moving on, we also loved the roomy inside, which can easily fit people of different body types and dimensions. The bivvy also exhibits awesome water-repellent qualities that keep us dry during inclement climatic conditions in the wet highlands. So, considering the high-value functioning and next-level performance, we recommend this one to all backpacking enthusiasts!

Also, if you’re interested, check out our best sleeping bags for big guys.

Mil-Tec Durable Trilam Sleeping Bag

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A tactical and straightaway functional choice for sleeping snugly in the countryside outdoors, the Mil-Tec Durable Trilam Sleeping Bag never fails to impress us! The great thing about this versatile sleeping sack is that it’s suited for all seasons, so we always keep it handy in our camping gear no matter where we are and what time of the year it is! Aside from that, the versatile bivvy is made from top-grade tear-proof polyester fabric that is comfy and soft to sleep in.

The Mil-tec sleeping bag have us covered throughout our back-breaking hiking trips by providing us with a good night’s sleep in the middle of the woods. It’s an awesome investment for backpackers, no doubt!

WOW Travel

Furthermore, the construction is mummy-shaped, which is quite unique in itself – plus, it offers an open and wide interior for the ultimate convenience of the user. Besides that, the fabric is super resistant to water, making it a no-brainer option for night stays in drizzly lands. What’s the cherry on top? The bivvy comes with lasting quality and withstands the test of time!

On a side note, do see our best one-person tents for further variety.

LytHarvest Ultralight Bivvy Bag

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The LytHarvest Ultralight Bivvy Bag has turned out to be a high-performance product, and we are pretty happy (in fact, in love) with the results so far! The bivvy sack frame is a heavy-duty aluminum construction… Well, that may make it sound like a difficult thing to handle, but we found the setup a breeze, to say so. Honestly, it took us no more than a couple of minutes to install this thing wherever and whenever we wanted to catch some rest. Apart from that, the fabric cover over the metal body is extremely breathable and engineered to allow a satisfactory flow of air!

On top of that, the material is highly resistant to water and other elements, and that makes this bivvy a super protective option for peaceful nights of sleep during wild and crazy adventures. Also, remember that this sleeping bag is dynamically suited for three seasons, making it great for year-round travel. Right?

SONGMICS Sleeping Bag Ultralight

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An outright compact option for weary hikers, the SONGMICS Sleeping Bag Ultralight proved a reliable sleeping bag for our grueling hiking campaigns. The bag is made from premium quality polyester on the outside, while the interior is skin-friendly and breathable cotton. Well, indeed, both fabrics turned out a thoughtful manufacturing choice! That’s because when it rained, the polyester shell kept us bone-dry, whereas, on the other hand, the soft inner cotton lining offered us a comfy slumber hug in the menacing cold of the woods.

Besides that, the bivvy has a lot of room inside so that you can stretch out and even turn over without any restriction of movement. Great, isn’t it? Not only that, but this sleeping bag is pretty versatile to be taken to any outdoor event – be it music festivals, trekking, car camping, mountain climbing, etc!

P.S. Have a look at the best sleeping bags for winter as well!

MSR E-Bivy Ultralight

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Best Packability. We rate the MSR E-Bivy Ultralight as our ultimate safe haven when faced with emergency situations! The bivvy features wide dimensions and a spacious interior. However, at the same time, it’s travel-friendly and, due to its compactness, can easily fit into places where tents won’t fit! And, believe it or not, it’s ultralight and a breeze to carry. Moreover, we loved the overall staunch resistance to weather. So, whether it was windy, chilly, rainy, or dewy, the strong silicone-coated fabric top readily kept the elements out. That’s another virtue that makes it perfect for outdoor explorers.

In addition to that, the bivvy keeps you warm and cozy as the waterproof floor, covered with Xtreme Shield, is designed to keep you dry. There’s also a 3-year warranty on this product… That is why this option is ideal for backpackers looking for sturdy and lasting sleeping bag solutions. Right?

Take a look at the official listing for buyer reviews.

Marmot Voyager Mummy Sleeping Bag

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The Marmot Voyager Mummy Sleeping Bag is a sure-shot option for cozy and warm sleep during wintery nights outdoors! The sleeping bag is a military-grade construction of polyester, both inward and outward. On top of that, we noticed that the synthetic fill material makes the gear far more convenient and comfortable for frigid spells in the woods. Wait, there’s more… To add to the warmth, there is state-of-the-art high loft insulation inside this packable sleeping bag, adding further value to the product.

Besides that, what we found particularly interesting was the unique mummy shape that makes the bivy look chic and modernist. The shape also helps accommodate backpackers of different body shapes. Looking at the high-value virtues, we concluded that this is truly the best bivy sack for backpacking!

Do you want to waterproof your experience? Go over the best waterproofing covers for sleeping bags.

RAB Storm Bivy One-Person

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A sensible alternative to tents, the RAB Storm Bivy One-Person is our favorite thing when packability is the priority! Crafted from durable nylon fabric, it’s the best temporary shelter for travelers, campers, or hikers. Among the many features, we truly liked the accessible design. The zippered closure made it easy-breezy for us to go in and out without having to worm our way. In addition to that, the bivvy offered us a reliable shield against wind and rain, keeping us covered with the maximum weather protection. Also, the bivy has a vibrant ascent red color that increases visibility. Finally, despite being extremely lightweight, it is robust as nails and will survive innumerable rain and inclement weather spells. So, grab the RAB Storm Bivi and head out on the track with total assurance!

As an afterthought, you may also check out the best pillows for sleeping bags just to make your trips more smooth and comfy!

AquaQuest Hideaway Bivy Hooped Tent

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Best Value for Money. Looking for a minimalist shelter to catch up on some sleep during wild adventures? We recommend taking a look at the AquaQuest Hideaway Bivy Hooped Tent! So, the sleeping bag is a heavy-duty, long-lasting product that will provide you with a safe and sound “bedroom-like” sleep in the back of beyond. Put together with the help of aluminum pegs and a collapsible shock core pole; the bivvy gave us sufficient room to sleep without the hassle and turn over as and when we wished. Not only that, but the bivy was also a breeze to install!

Furthermore, the metallic structure has a thick nylon coating to provide you with a foolproof, weather-resistant cocoon during harsh climatic situations. The waterproofing quality gave us peace of mind during inclement weather, while the breathable design let in fresh air, always preventing condensation. So, yeah, I’m impressed with the quality – and we will use it anytime again!

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

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Here’s your ticket to a night of comfort and ease in the middle of wild woods. The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy left us with a remarkable first impression! Built from a combination of nylon, TPU, and polyester, the bivvy came in lightweight and robust enough to stand up to our outdoor adventures. Besides that, we adored the sleek slate color, adding a modern touch to the look. To talk of portability, it’s easy to carry and packs light and small due to its thoughtfully compact design. Also, it’s user-friendly and simple to maintain with a light hand wash. And, yes, our big thanks to the manufacturer for the awesome zip fastening that made for a super quick and seamless exit and entry. In a nutshell, the bivvy proved a reliable choice with its modernist, revolutionary design. So, we highly recommend giving it a chance!

In case you’re interested, do see our exclusive collection of sleeping bags for women!

TETON Sports Celsius Sleeping Bag

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Best Overall. So, among all our top options, we rate the TETON Sports Celsius Sleeping Bag the highest in terms of value, sophistication, user-friendliness, and performance! To begin with, the bivvy is a military-grade construction of taffeta, covered by rip-stop polyester and filled with super loft flannel lining. The strategic and well-planned engineering of the three fabrics has made it possible for us time and again to enjoy the best sleep in not-so-friendly outdoors! In addition to that, the bivvy has a zippered top and bottom to make access just a breeze for you. Plus, we found the interior sufficiently ventilated – preventing condensation at all times. Awesome, right?

Moving on, we call it the best bivy sack for bikepacking, particularly because it has a unique compression mechanism. That means that all you need to do is pack the thing by stuffing it into the compression sack and tighten the heavy-duty straps – and you’re good to go! Finally, the sleeping bag readily keeps out chilly draughts as well as light drizzle. So, to put it in simple words, the TETON bivvy is a real example of what it’s like to get value for the money!

Our Verdict!

After deep diving into each product’s virtues, we finally decided on our Best Overall, which is the TETON Sports Celsius Sleeping Bag. Apart from our top option, we have set aside four special entries based on their specifically high-value features. Take a look at them below!

• Best value for money: AquaQuest Hideaway Bivy Hooped Tent
• Best packability: MSR E-Bivy Ultralight
• Best comfort: Snugpak Jungle Bag
• Best durability: Mezonn Emergency Sleeping Bag

How to Choose the Best Bivy Sacks for Backpacking

When we started out on the hunt to collect the best bivy sacks, we kept several important things in mind. Knowing these factors made it possible for us to choose the best products and make the right investments. So, let’s take a look at the key things to consider when buying a sleeping bag!

Portability

Of course, we wanted the bivy to be highly portable and packable to ensure a light and breezy travel. So, portability, easy handling, and the ability of the sleeping sack to pack small count a lot.

Size

Not all bivy bags are the same size. Some may be large, while others may be small. So, when picking one, it truly pays to check on the size and match it with the size of the people who are going to use it. Makes sense?

Longevity

Finally, the longer the bivy can last, the better. Bivvies are not usually a heavy investment, but most backpackers on a budget prefer to opt for lasting options. Therefore, setting up a target and then looking to get the best possible option in that range is the key!

Are bivy sacks worth it?

The compact nature of bivvy sacks makes them a worthy addition to your backpacking gear. Bivvies can be rolled into a negligible size, so add no extra weight plus, they provide you with comfort and protection throughout your experience. So, yes, they are worth it!

Are bivy sacks comfortable?

There are different opinions. But the majority of backpackers believe that bivy sacks are a comfortable and easy way to relax or take a nap in the woods.

Is a bivy warmer than a tent?

Bivvies might work better than a tent when it comes to warmth and coziness. In fact, bivy sacks specialize in trapping heat and shedding water drops off, so they could fare better than ordinary tents in many cases.