Bivvy is almost synonymous with freedom — the word conjures up the great outdoors, the joy of spending an evening under a starry sky and breathing in the morning dew. But a bivvy isn't improvisation if you want it to go well. It's better to set out with a clear head about what to think through for a successful bivvy. So here are 13 tips — a sort of checklist — to give yourself every chance of a perfect evening and night out in the wild!
13 key tips for a successful bivvy
Timing: not too early, not too late
Of course, you're not going to set up your bivvy at 3 in the afternoon when you can still enjoy the nature around you! But there are other reasons not to pitch too early — among them, avoiding curious onlookers and better assessing the quality (or shortcomings) of the site. Equally, don't pitch too late or you risk running out of light to see clearly. The ideal is to set up about 1 hour before sunset.
Flat ground above all else
The primary criterion when choosing a bivvy site should be flat ground. This prevents sleeping at an angle or in a hollow that will be damper, and avoids putting excessive strain on the structure of your tent.
Avoid meadows
Choosing a meadow for a bivvy is the surest way to find yourself face to face with a herd, a sheepdog, a shepherd or even a bull in the middle of the night or at first light! Even if you're convinced the meadow is empty, find somewhere else!
Never under an isolated tree
Pitching your tent under an isolated tree is dangerous — you effectively become a lightning conductor. A bad idea!
Check which way the wind is blowing
Orient your tent entrance away from the prevailing wind: this makes it easier to cook or use your stove. In strong winds, however, always point the most aerodynamic side (usually the lowest) directly into the wind.
Set up your bedding immediately after pitching the tent
Too many people only set up their bedding (sleeping mat and sleeping bag) a few minutes before turning in. This is a mistake. By doing it well in advance, you give your sleeping bag and mat time to reach their maximum loft and thermal efficiency.
Use a stove rather than a fire
Even if building a fire is romantic and enjoyable, it comes with a lot of downsides. Fire hazard, prep time, long cooking time, ash disposal, and in some areas outright bans… In short, if you can, bring a stove in your bivvy gear to do your cooking!
Avoid bright colours
A discreet bivvy is always preferable, but the real reason to avoid bright colours is mosquitoes. They are strongly attracted to red, yellow and orange, and will happily descend in large numbers around your tents and bags! Even if you're kitted out with mosquito-repellent clothing, it would be a shame to have a swarm of these insects hovering around your camp!
Layer up in the evening
You're always surprised by how much the temperature drops in the evening once night falls — especially when your body has been working hard all day and is running a little hot. So layer up and opt for, say, warm fleece jackets and thermal base layers for your legs.
Don't go to bed fully dressed
This is a fairly common mistake. It's better to sleep in just thermal base layers and keep a jacket within reach to pull on first thing in the morning if it's cold. That will always beat sweating in the early part of the night and shivering later.
Wash your clothes
A good bivvy spot has a water source, so make the most of it and wash some clothes as soon as you arrive. Leave them to dry outside first, then bring the damp items into the tent for the night. They'll be dry by morning, or will finish drying hung on your rucksack as you walk in the sun!
Set off early enough
Without setting off before sunrise, it's best not to linger too long in the morning. You never know how busy the spot is or what it might be used for. It's therefore best to plan on breaking camp within one to one and a half hours after sunrise.
Clean up the spot you leave behind
It can't be said enough: take your rubbish with you and leave no trace of your presence. Lift flattened grass, put back any stones you've moved, and above all eliminate any trace of a fire if you made one! Wild camps that leave a mark are the worst possible advert for trekkers and hikers!
Photos Cyrille Quintard
