Ultra-light bivvying can be daunting at first. In any case, many people are drawn to it as a way to get closer to and commune with nature, yet they never take that first step — through lack of knowledge about the gear, through apprehension and psychological barriers. So let's look at how to organise a tentless bivvy for the first time, with what equipment and in what setup.
Key takeaways:
- Tentless bivvying is the chance to connect with nature, reduce stress and travel lighter.
- It is possible to protect yourself from bad weather with certain affordable and lightweight pieces of equipment.
- Tarps, single-wall shelters and hammocks are the most popular options for a night under the stars.
- For a successful night out, it's essential to test your gear in advance, head out at the right time of year and check the weather conditions.
- Choosing your bivvy location takes a little experience, but becomes fairly straightforward once you follow a few simple rules.
The benefits of sleeping under the stars
A night under the stars is more than just a night spent outdoors. In fact, there are several reasons that might push you to take the plunge. First of all, the desire to connect with nature. You'll enjoy a truly sensory experience listening to the chirping of crickets or feeling the breeze on your face. You may also spend a good part of the night gazing at the Milky Way. Sleeping under the stars also has numerous health benefits. It's indeed an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, escape from a sometimes stressful daily routine and gain some perspective on your life. The cool air can help to reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and also improve sleep quality. Finally, bivvy going tentless is the chance to travel light. With little or no shelter equipment, your hiking pack will be considerably lighter. By skipping the tent, you can move around more easily and break camp faster. Your presence will also be more discreet and you'll leave fewer traces of your passage. Explore our hiking shoes to gear up before heading out on a bivvy.Barriers to making the switch to tentless bivvying
The first real step towards going lightweight is very often not about making lists or getting hold of revolutionary gear. The most important factor is overcoming your own psychological barriers.Psychological barriers to ultra-light bivvying
In the case of the bivvy, moving from a double-wall or single-wall tent to a tarp or single-wall shelter intimidates many hikers. And that's perfectly normal. First, because changing habits isn't easy for anyone. And secondly, because you feel more exposed and "naked" when you picture your first night under a tarp. When sheltering in a traditional tent, the comfort of a solid structure or home is missing, but one important thing remains in common: the enclosed feel. The ultra-light shelter shatters that protective bubble, as you find yourself in an open environment. In fact, once inside your shelter, your world doesn't close in — it expands. You're not zipping up a tent; instead, your shelter extends to your immediate surroundings. Try it and you'll quickly realise that your "living space" is the small clearing where you've set up or the rocky nook offering you shelter. One of the second psychological barriers to switching to ultra-light shelter is the fear of bad weather. It's clear that you feel more vulnerable directly on the ground and with a simple sheet of fabric draped over walking poles or sticks.
Weather protection on a tentless bivvy
A tarp can easily handle a heavy storm without any issues. A well-chosen single-wall shelter will stand up to many a gust of wind. It's worth knowing that many people use ultra-light shelters in all weathers without any particular weather-related issues. With good clothing, a quality sleeping bag and a well-chosen spot, you're perfectly safe. With a little experience, you'll quickly identify the best location to avoid waking up in a puddle or in an icy draught. Animals and prowlers can also be a source of fear. As for animals, in our regions there is little real danger. Generally, your presence is sensed and animals won't come close. And if you're lucky enough to spot a roe deer at dawn, it'll be a truly special moment. The same goes for unpleasant encounters. You are fundamentally no more at risk in an open shelter than in a closed tent (which wouldn't stop anyone anyway). And here too, your choice of location will be key to minimising risk. In the end, it's the first step that really counts. Don't hesitate to set up your first camp in a place you know well, or carry out some trial runs at the bottom of your garden. Then for your first real bivvy in an ultra-light shelter, do it with someone who already has experience — it'll put your mind at ease!Gear for a tentless bivvy
Tarps
A tarp is nothing more than a waterproof sheet (or groundsheet) fitted with anchor points on and all around the fabric. To pitch a tarp, you'll need to use branches, small tree trunks or your walking poles. These are the most lightweight shelters on the market. They are affordable and adaptable to any situation you might encounter. That said, this is the ultimate option and does require a little experience and skill to be truly comfortable.
Single-wall shelters
A single-wall shelter consists of a waterproof outer shell and has no groundsheet in its most basic versions. They can be open or closed, and can accommodate, depending on the model, between 1 and 4 people. They are simpler to use than a tarp and come with a fair number of accessories that make life easier (mosquito nets, groundsheet, etc.). It's ideal for a beginner with an ultra-light shelter even if their weight and bulk can sometimes be a drawback.Hammocks
A hammock is relatively straightforward to set up and very lightweight. This suspended sleeping space has the advantage of not being in contact with the ground. It therefore keeps you sheltered from surface runoff, small creatures and uncomfortable ground. Several models are available, with or without an integrated mosquito net or with a tarpaulin for extra protection. However, a hammock needs to be attached to two solid anchor points, which can be an issue in non-wooded areas.Other useful kit for a tentless bivvy
In addition to the basic kit, other equipment can provide extra protection during a tentless bivvy. Sleeping mats and sleeping bags are very useful for insulate against the cold while water-repellent bags or over-bags help to fight against dew and moisture. To protect yourself from insects, remember to bring a repellent or mosquito spray. Another essential accessory is the torch or headlamp, which will let you see in the dark during the night. If you want to block out the noise of certain animals, earplugs can also come in handy. Finally, a first aid kit and an emergency blanket should complete your bivvy kit list.
Tips for a successful night under the stars
To make your tentless bivvy a success, the first tip is to choose the right time of year. Indeed, a tentless winter bivvy is not recommended if you're a beginner. Instead, we suggest heading out in spring or summer, when conditions are more favourable. Don't fancy sleeping in the rain without a tent? In that case, make sure you check weather conditions before you set off. The same applies if you want to do some stargazing. In that case, avoid nights with a full moon or when the sky is overcast. Also choose a bivvy spot well away from the city to avoid light pollution. Taking a star map could prove very handy for identifying constellations. For a first tentless bivvy, it's also important to test your gear thoroughly in advance. Some pieces of kit such as tarps take a little practice to set up. So don't hesitate to spend a test night in your garden. Finally, dress warmly for sleeping. On top of the basic kit, don't forget to protect your extremities and wear thermal base layers. They'll prove essential against the cold.Choosing your bivvy spot
As mentioned earlier, choosing the right spot for a successful bivvy in an ultra-light shelter is essential. It takes a little experience, but you'll quickly develop the right instincts to judge whether a location is suitable for a bivvy site.
