If you’re reading this, then there is a high chance that you own a tent and have enjoyed many a night out in it. These days they can be very light, be erected and taken down in virtually no time at all and don’t even have to break the bank. It’s hard sometimes to understand why you’d even consider any other form of camping. A year ago I thought the same thing. I then watched a video featuring somebody using a bivvy bag, went and purchased one of my own and headed out to see what it was like for myself. A dozen or so trips later and I’m here to celebrate all of the advantages bivvy bag camping has to offer.

What Is A Bivvy Bag?

To get straight to the point, I’d best describe a bivvy bag as being a tent without poles. You can purchase hooped bivvy bags, which includes small ones, but the majority don’t. They are essentially waterproof shells, which are large enough to contain your sleeping mat, bag and important items like boots and other items of clothing. Don’t expect to be able to change in one or sit and take shelter from the rain though, unless your pair it with a separate tarp. You might think I’ve made a big mistake here and done a good job in putting you off buying one. Yes the lack of space is a disadvantage for sure, but there are several positives that negate this in my opinion.

But When Should It Be Used?

I’ll be honest. If you’re likely to experience inclement weather on your trip, then a small tent may be a more practical choice. It will simply be a more comfortable experience. Cooking and eating can be completed, as well as practical things like changing clothes or just relaxing on long cold nights. The summer time and especially settled weather offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy bivvy bag camping and it is here when I feel it really comes into its own. Here are five reasons why bivvy bag camping is something you should consider trying if you haven’t already:

1. It’s Lightweight and Cheap

Smaller one man tents can be extremely lightweight. The popular Soloist tent from Alpkit for example comes highly recommended by many, such as here. At just over 1.2 kg, it is ideal for multi-day hikes and bike packing. Even at this impressive weight though, a bivvy bag is almost always going to be lighter still. My Oex Bush Pro Bivvy Bag is by no means top of the range or the lightest available, but is still a good way below 1 kg. If you fancy reading a review of this item along with several other option from another, then have a look here.

When I completed the three day hike across the wild Knoydart Peninsula in Scotland, I knew I would be walking long distances and across all sorts of terrain. Carrying heavy weight for hours at a time can become quite tiresome and so I looked to shed weight wherever possible. The bivvy bag seemed like an ideal option. It took up very little room in my pack, weighed much less than my tent and would still provide me with shelter if the mountain bothies I planned to stay at were full. For details of that amazing trip click here.

2.It’s Time Friendly

On my summer wild camping trips, I have risen early to catch the sunrise. In the UK this means getting up before 4am. I have got better at packing my tent away, but pulling out all of the pegs, removing the poles and packing it away takes quite a bit longer than just rolling a bivvy bag up. With the latter, I am on my way around 10 minutes after getting up. For me at least that would be impossible if carrying a tent.

My point here is that if you are time pressed and want the quickest set up time in the evening or departure in the morning, then the bivvy bag is hard to beat.

3. You Connect With Your Environment

On my first bivvy camp I was blown away by being able to lay there nice and warm while looking up at the stars. I’d first heard about people doing this in The Outback back in 2006 and I finally learned what all the fuss was about.

The majority of tents obviously provide you with good shelter, but once inside you can feel somewhat shut off from your surroundings. The experience is very different when bivvy bag camping. I must confess to feeling very exposed the first time I went without a tent. The canvas walls leave you feeling somewhat protected, especially if wild animals are nearby. I of course survived in only the bivvy and now look forward to this ‘ bare-bones’ form of camping rather than fearing it.

Other than having an excellent view of the night sky, I also loved the fact that I was more connected to the sights and sounds around me. A windy night in a tent can mean you hear nothing other than the shell around you being knocked around. Being much closer to the ground means this is much less of an issue in a bivvy bag. The sounds of nearby streams and the wind in the long grass is more likely to be heard.

Camping out under a full moon is also a wonderful experience too. You can lay there and make out the outlines of the hills and mountains around you.

If you’re reading this in a country populated by bears, then a tent may well be a better option. I’m not sure I’d fancy waking in the dead of night with an eight foot grizzly looking at me!

4. You Can Stealth Camp

I’m sure you’re aware that wild camping in England and Wales is actually illegal, although tolerated by most land owners in these wild places if you’re respectful. I’ll never forget the farmer greeting me early on a mountain summit with his sheep dog. Rather than being angry, he took an interest in my experience and just asked me politely to clear away all of my things afterwards, which of course I always do.

Even with the accommodating nature of most locals, it is still a good idea to remain as inconspicuous as possible. There are no better options than bivvy bag camping in my opinion. Take shelter behind a rock or in some long grass and you’ll practically disappear from view. Even easier if like me your bivvy bag comes in a stealth green colour.

This advantage comes into its own even more if you plan to camp in an area more heavily used by people.

5. You Can Bivvy Anywhere

You are somewhat limited in a tent in where you can pitch it. Its size will dictate how much space it takes up and you’ll almost always spend a good amount of time hunting around for a flat spot.

A bivvy bag can be placed almost anywhere and it expands your options massively. My first ever bivvy camp was at the top of England’s tallest waterfall- Cautley Spout. I ended up sleeping right next to the stream that fed it on a flat section just about wide enough to accommodate me. This would have been impossible in my tent.

It can also be a good option when planning to camp on snow or sand. Pegging a tent in here can be quite a challenge. It isn’t even something you’d need to consider when bivvy bag camping.