Going ultralight for bivvy can be daunting. Many people are drawn to it — wanting to get closer to nature — but never take the plunge, held back by a lack of knowledge, apprehension, or psychological barriers. So let's look at how to organise your first tentless bivvy, what gear to bring, and how to set things up.
Key takeaways:
- Tentless bivvy is an opportunity to connect with nature, reduce stress, and travel lighter.
- It's possible to shelter from bad weather with certain lightweight, low-cost pieces of kit.
- 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 beforehand, head out at the right time of year, and check the weather conditions.
- Choosing a bivvy spot takes a little experience, but is fairly straightforward if 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. There are plenty of reasons to take the leap. First and foremost, the desire to connect with nature. You'll enjoy a truly sensory experience — listening to the crickets, feeling the wind on your face. And you'll have the whole night to lie back and take in the Milky Way.
Sleeping under the stars also brings many health benefits. It's a genuine opportunity to reconnect with yourself, escape a sometimes stressful daily routine, and gain perspective on your life. Fresh air can help reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and improve sleep quality.
Ultimately, bivvy without a tent is an opportunity to travel light. With little or no shelter gear, your hiking pack will be significantly lighter. By leaving the tent behind, you can move more freely and break camp faster. Your presence will also be more discreet, and you'll leave far less trace of your passing.
Check out our hiking shoes to gear up before heading out on a bivvy.
What stops people making the switch to tentless bivvy
The first step to going lighter is rarely about making lists or sourcing revolutionary gear. The most important factor is overcoming your own psychological barriers.
Psychological barriers to ultralight bivvy
When it comes to bivvy, moving from a double or single-wall tent to a tarp or single-wall shelter is daunting for many hikers. And that's completely normal. First, because changing your habits isn't easy for anyone. And second, because you feel more exposed and "naked" when you picture your first night under a tarp.
When sheltering in a standard tent, you lack the comfort of a solid structure or home — but one important thing remains: it's enclosed. Ultralight shelters break that protective bubble, leaving you in an open environment.
In reality, once you're inside your shelter, your world doesn't close in — it expands. You're not zipping up a tent; instead, your shelter extends into your immediate surroundings. Try it, and you'll quickly realise that your "living space" is the small clearing you've settled in, or the rocky nook offering you cover.
Another psychological barrier to going ultralight is the weather. It's natural to feel more vulnerable on the ground with just a sheet of fabric draped over walking poles or sticks.
Weather protection for tentless bivvy
A tarp handles a heavy storm without any trouble. A well-chosen single-wall shelter will stand up to strong gusts of wind. Many people use ultralight shelters in all weather without any particular issues. With good clothing, a quality sleeping bag, and a well-chosen spot, you'll be perfectly safe. With a little experience, you'll quickly learn to pick the best location — avoiding a puddle at dawn or a channel of icy wind.
Animals and strangers can also be a source of anxiety. As far as animals go, in our part of the world there's very little danger. Your presence is generally sensed, and animals tend to keep their distance. And if you're lucky enough to spot a deer at dawn, it'll likely be one of your most memorable moments.
The same goes for unwanted encounters. You are fundamentally no more at risk in an open shelter than in a closed tent (it won't stop anyone). And here too, choosing your spot wisely will be key to minimising risk.
Ultimately, the first step is what counts. Don't hesitate to set up your first camp somewhere you know well, or even do a trial run in your back garden. Then, for your first real bivvy in an ultralight 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 simply a waterproof sheet (or tarpaulin) with anchor points on and around it. To pitch a tarp, you'll need to use branches, small tree trunks, or your walking poles.
These are the lightest shelters on the market. They're affordable and adaptable to every situation you might encounter. That said, this is the most advanced option, requiring a little experience and technique to feel truly comfortable.
Single-wall shelters
A single-wall shelter consists of a waterproof outer sheet and, in its strictest form, has no groundsheet. They can be open or closed, and can accommodate between 1 and 4 people depending on the model. They're easier to use than a tarp and come with a range of accessories to make life easier (mosquito nets, groundsheet…). It's the ideal choice for a beginner stepping into ultralight shelters, even if their weight and bulk can sometimes be a drawback.
Hammocks
A hammock is relatively easy to set up and very lightweight. This suspended sleeping space has the advantage of keeping you off the ground. It therefore protects you from surface water run-off, insects, and uncomfortable terrain. Several models exist, with or without an integrated mosquito net, or with a tarp for extra protection. A hammock does, however, require two solid anchor points, which can be a problem in non-forested areas.
Other useful gear for tentless bivvy
Beyond the basic gear, other equipment can provide extra protection during a tentless bivvy. Sleeping mats and sleeping bags are extremely useful for insulating against the cold, while water-resistant bags or over-bags help combat dew and moisture. To protect yourself from insects, make sure you bring a repellent or mosquito spray.
Another essential piece of kit is a torch or head torch, to light your way during the night. If you want to block out the sounds of certain animals, earplugs can also come in handy. Finally, a first aid kit and emergency survival blanket should round out your bivvy kit list.
Tips for a successful night under the stars
For a successful tentless bivvy, the first piece of advice is to choose the right time of year. Winter bivvying without a tent is not recommended for beginners. Instead, we suggest heading out in spring or summer, when conditions are more favourable.
Not keen on sleeping in the rain without a tent? In that case, make sure you check the weather forecast before you set off. The same applies if you're hoping to stargaze. You'll want to avoid full moon nights or overcast skies. Choose a bivvy spot well away from the city to escape light pollution. Bringing a star chart could also prove useful for identifying constellations.
For a first tentless bivvy, it's also important to test your gear thoroughly beforehand. Some equipment, like tarps, takes a bit of practice to pitch. Don't hesitate to spend a test night in your garden. Finally, make sure you dress warmly for sleeping. On top of your basic kit, don't forget to protect your extremities and wear thermal underwear. It'll prove essential against the cold.
Choosing your bivvy spot
As mentioned earlier, choosing the right spot for a successful bivvy with an ultralight shelter is essential. It takes a little experience, but you'll quickly develop the right instincts for identifying a suitable bivvy site.
Scouting ahead
First, scout ahead before your hiking day — on your map, look for relatively flat areas away from busy roads or paths. Avoid deep valleys or pronounced hollows (colder at night) and areas below cliffs or sheer drops (rockfall risk). Also avoid marshes and overly damp ground, even if proximity to a small stream can be handy.
Once on site, assess the terrain. If you're unsure about flood risk, avoid areas where debris has accumulated. Check whether the spot matches what you'd imagined from the map.
To find the exact spot to pitch your shelter, choose a wind-sheltered location with soft ground. Don't hesitate to improve it with ferns, large plants, moss, or pine needles — you'll also get a welcome insulating effect.
Testing the ground
Before you settle in for good, test the spot where you'll be sleeping. The devil is often in the details: a sharp stone, a hollow, or a bump that's invisible when standing upright.
Then all that's left to do is set up your little camp and enjoy a great evening and a good night's sleep!
