Want to head out on an adventure? Sleep in the heart of nature? Bivvying is the ideal activity for spending time outdoors. That said, it is not simply a matter of turning up at your chosen spot and pitching your tent. Bivvying is subject to regulations and cannot be improvised. It is important to follow certain rules, particularly regarding the equipment to pack in your backpack. While some items are inadvisable for safety or environmental reasons, others will prove extremely useful. With that in mind, here is the essential bivvy gear list.
Bivvy camp gear list
Choosing your tent
While it is possible to sleep under a tarp or out in the open, a tent remains the firm favourite. So, what tent should you choose for a bivvy? The best option is an ultra-light tent, specially designed for this activity. It has the advantage of being easy to carry in your backpack and is made from lightweight and resistant materials. For beginners, it is possible to opt for a slightly heavier tent, which may be easier to pitch and a little more spacious.
In all cases, we recommend opting for a freestanding tent with a groundsheet waterproofing rating of at least 1,500 Schmerber to withstand bad weather. Make sure you also practise pitching it and check that you have all the components before heading out on a bivvy. Pitching the bivvy tent is the first thing to do upon arriving at camp, so you are not left without shelter in the event of sudden bad weather or caught out by nightfall.
The type of sleeping bag
To sleep warm, a sleeping bag is essential. The comfort temperature rating is the first criterion to consider when choosing one. It gives an indication of which sleeping bags to prioritise based on the ambient temperature. In general, a rating between 0 and 5°C is sufficient for a first bivvy, but it all depends on the time of year, weather conditions and the altitude of your camp.
The insulating layer is another important factor. A down sleeping bag will be more lightweight, more compact and generally warmer. On the other hand, a synthetic sleeping bag will be more waterproof, dry faster, be more resistant and more affordable. The choice is yours — find the best balance of weight, temperature rating and compressibility.
Other essentials
Finally, other items can be useful at camp. For extra comfort and insulation, you can bring a foam or self-inflating sleeping mat. A mat's insulation is expressed as an R-value. The higher the value, the better the mat insulates from the ground — a particularly useful indicator in very cold temperatures. If you want an extra layer of warmth, a sleeping bag liner or "sleep sack" is also an affordable and compact option.
The headlamp or dynamo torch is ultimately one final essential. It allows you to find your way before sunrise, light up mealtimes, navigate inside the tent or even start your hiking trip while it is still dark. When choosing one, refer to the lumen rating and opt for a headlamp of at least 100 to 150 lumens for camp use.
Bivvy cooking gear list
The stove
The simplest way to cook warm meals on a bivvy is to use a stove. In general, a simple gas stove is sufficient in the French mountains. It offers a good value for money with canisters containing a propane and butane mix. In windy conditions, you can add a windshield. Bear in mind, however, that gas canisters cannot be taken on a plane. Remember to bring the right number of canisters so you neither weigh yourself down nor run out.
When it comes to cookware, you can choose from steel, aluminium or titanium options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. A multi-function cutlery set and the trusty Swiss army knife can round out your cooking kit.
Food and hydration
Once you have your stove, you will be able to cook proper warm meals. What should you eat on a bivvy? For weight-saving purposes, freeze-dried meals are often the go-to bivvy food. They offer a space-saving solution, good caloric intake and varied flavours. You can then supplement your meals with snacks such as energy bars.
For hydration, plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day of walking per person. How do you carry water on a bivvy? Simple — you can use water bottles or hydration pockets. However, remember to bring a water purification system if you plan to collect water at the bivvy site. Finally, you can bring tea, coffee or powdered milk to warm yourself up at breakfast.
Hygiene and care essentials
The toiletry bag
When bivvying, hygiene remains essential to prevent potential illness or infection. The toiletry bag is therefore an important item on your bivvy gear list. You can pack a range of products, ideally environmentally friendly:
- A toothbrush with biodegradable toothpaste
- a microfibre towel, which has the advantage of drying quickly
- a solid, biodegradable soap that can also be used for washing up
- a solid biodegradable shampoo or a dry shampoo
- toilet paper, ideally unbleached
When washing, make sure to stay well away from water sources to avoid contaminating them. The same applies when going to the toilet. In that case, move away from the campsite, paths and water sources. Dig a hole 15 to 20 cm deep for waste and fill it back in afterwards.
First aid kit: checklist
Minor injuries are very common on a bivvy and emergency services are generally hard to reach. You should therefore carry a first aid kit with you so you can treat yourself in the event of injury. It could include, for example:
- A selection of plasters and blister plasters
- Sterile gauze pads and a roll of medical tape
- Disinfectant
- Single-dose saline solution sachets
- A paracetamol-type painkiller for pain relief
- An antihistamine for allergies
- A tick remover, tweezers, scissors and a needle
- Sugar in individual sachets
- A soothing cream
- A venom extractor pump
- An emergency blanket
- Rubbish pockets
Your first aid kit can then be supplemented with many additional items depending on your needs.
The clothing list for a bivvy
If you are going hiking and then decide to bivvy, you will need to pack several layers of clothing. During the day, you can opt for the three-layer system: a breathable layer, an insulating layer and a protective layer. This way, you can remove your hiking jacket or your fleece during intense exertion, or put them back on quickly if the cold or bad weather arrives suddenly.
For the evening and night, you can wear dedicated sleep clothing, different from your hiking clothes. The best option is to choose thermal base layers to sleep in your sleeping bag. To keep out the cold, you must absolutely protect your extremities. Opt for a beanie, a neck gaiter and socks to prevent heat loss. To stay dry while you sleep, you can also protect your clothes in a waterproof bag.
Current regulations
One final, very important point in preparing your bivvy gear: compliance with current regulations. Bivvying is subject to specific rules and you cannot pitch your tent just anywhere. We recommend finding out in advance whether you are allowed to spend the night in a national park or protected natural area. Generally, it is permitted to set up camp for one night, between sunset and sunrise.
Finally, regulations around campfires are very strict. They are mostly prohibited or restricted to designated areas, which helps prevent fires that threaten already fragile ecosystems. You must also remember to leave no trace of your presence, to protect the environment once again.
As you will have gathered, heading out to camp cannot be improvised, and it is essential to draw up a bivvy gear list before you leave. This will make your nights far more enjoyable and help you avoid finding yourself in uncomfortable situations. Being well organised is therefore the key to an unforgettable night — one that could well mark the beginning of a long series of bivvies to come.
Photos: ©Cyrille Quintard
