Best Bivy Tents For A Solo Adventure

Are you going outdoors alone and need a minimalistic and lightweight shelter? If you want light packing and carrying nothing but a few necessities, choosing one of the best bivy tents is a perfect solution.

Bivy tent shelters are great for spending the night outdoors but won’t offer you the luxury that comes with bigger camping tents.

Bivies are ideal for a solo outdoor adventure as you can have a lightweight shelter ready in a few minutes. If you will go hiking or camping in normal weather (sun, wind, and rain) this shelter will do the work.

Take a look at the top bivy tents for sale that will satisfy you as a solo adventurer on the trail.

Best Bivvy sacks

Bivy shelters are meant for outdoor enthusiasts who want to go on an adventure alone. If you are thinking of getting one you are probably going to hike so you need a lightweight shelter that won’t add the trail weight.

Choosing the right bivouac tent for your needs can be tricky. So, to make things easier for you, check the best bivy tents review to decide which fits you the most.

BLACK DIAMOND Bipod Bivy

This is a supreme Black Diamond bivy tent that will make your journey worthwhile. Its dimensions are 90 x 30 x 20 inches.

The product is one of the lightest in the category as it weighs only 2.2 pounds. Due to the weight, it is one of the best bivy tents for bikepacking and motorcycle camping.

Fabric

The model features one shock-corded Easton® pole that makes a hoop over the head to maximize the headroom.

It is made of ToddTex single-wall fabric that is well-known to absorb moisture from the inside and sending it out due to the PTFE membrane.

Other details

This 1 person bivy tent has one zippered door that enables easy entrance and getting out. The inner layer is meshed to provide some ventilation on those warm summer nights.

The door can be rolled away and secured when you want to stargaze or have additional air circulation.

Seams of this lightweight bivy tent are taped from the inside but not on the outside as well (Black Diamond and some other outdoor companies seal just the inner seams).

Pro tip: I recommend using the seam sealer that comes in the package to protect the seams from the outside to stay 100% waterproof safe.

Here is a video of The Outdoor Gear Review that shows exactly how to seam seal your bivouac unit so go ahead and do the same.

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

The Outdoor Research Helium model is one of the lightest bivy models produced by this company.

It is also one of the best budget bivy tents to pick if you are short on money. This Helium bivy tent measures 26 x 84 x 20 inches and has 16.3 oz.

Material

It is made of breathable and waterproof 100% nylon Pertex Shield plus fabric with a Hydroseal 40D with TPU lamination anti-fungal floor.

The company boasts a clamshell design that can handle adventures regardless of the weather.

Other specifications

This 3-season model has fully-taped seams and pole sleeves for weather protection. With the bathtub floor, the interior will stay dry in case of rain.

It comes with a hoop over the head to provide you with more headspace. There is an internal mesh pocket in the front part of the unit to store a phone, a flashlight, or another small personal item.

It has a bug screen as the inner layer to provide airflow and bug protection. Inner straps will hold the sleeping mat in place. With the stake-out loops, you will sleep stress-free as you secure the shelter at the ground.

Setup

Roll it out and grab a single pole that you will set in the pole sleeve over the head. Put its ends into the grommets and you have your shelter ready to use.

Snugpak Stratosphere Bivvi Shelter

This ultra-light Snugpak model is one of the best bivy-style tents you can find on the market. Its dimensions are 91 x 32 x 20 inches and it weighs 2.5 pounds.

Fabric

It is made of 50D nylon Rip-Stop with a 5000-millimeter waterproof polyurethane coating. The bottom fabric is manufactured of 210T nylon with an 8000-millimeter waterproof polyurethane coating.

It comes with 2 aluminum poles with screw lock tips to erect the headroom of the structure. They are of the same length, one is black and the other comes with green ends.

Other details

The Stratosphere bivvy tent has no-see-um mesh with mosquito mesh. I like that you have some sort of an awning over the head to stake the model out and to make the air a free path to reach the interior through the meshed fabric.

Big entrance

It features a full-length side zip that goes from the head part to the foot part to enter or exit the shelter easily.

Spacious headspace

The spacious head canopy won’t leave you claustrophobic while you rest. Maybe you will be able to put your gear in the headroom part. Regarding the size of this amazing shelter, I recommend this one for bigger people.

Plenty of ventilation options

You have plenty of options when it comes to the air circulation through the head part.

You can have only the mesh window open or you can close the outer window and unzip and roll up the meshed window so it won’t bother you while you sleep.

Waterproofness

It has waterproof seams to protect the interior from leakage. The Velcro straps protect the seams additionally when the weather gets worse. This unit stands up against bad weather with superior waterproofing.

Assembly

Layout the product. As this is a two-pole structure you will have to put two poles through the sleeves to make the unit standing.

Grab the one with the green ends and insert it through the sleeve that has a green tip on each end.

Repeat the step with the black pole that goes into the black sleeve. When you put their ends into the grommets, you get the headroom with the crisscrossed poles.

Now you stake the hooped part (a fly) to the ground so you will have optimum ventilation through the mesh when it rains.

You can also roll it up when you need extra ventilation. Proceed with staking (find the loops) so the shelter will be secured in case of inclement weather.

World Famous Sports 1-Person Bivy Tent

This model is a budget-friendly shelter for 1 person. Its dimensions are 93 x 24 x 38 inches and it weighs 2.79 pounds. It is a two-layer model which means that it has a mesh inner part and a fly for rain protection.

Material

The floor is made of 1000 mm denier polyethylene and has a 1500 mm coated body. This 3 season unit features shock-corded fiberglass poles that make hoops for more room inside.

Other features

Seams are taped to protect you from leakage. A mesh roof panel provides ventilation and stargazing. You also have mesh on the sides and at your feet. The inner pocket is included.

I like the full-length zipper so you can enter the shelter easily no matter how old you are.

One of its cool features is the inner tent zipper that glows in the dark. They come in handy when you need to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.

About the rain fly

This World Famous Sports tent has a partial rainfly with two small triangle windows (one at the back and one in the front).

It has a triangle shape and covers the head and the body but not the whole structure (sides are exposed to the elements). The fly locks into a place with buckles on the tie-out points of the structure.

Setting it up

Put the product out of the storage bag and extend the shelter on the ground. Grab the provided stakes and use them so the unit will be secured.

Take the larger pole and assemble it. Put it into the sleeve on the front side where the head will be. Put its ends into the grommets.

Now you take the front strap that you can see on the hooped part and stake it out as well. Install the other pole at the bottom and extend the strap to have a full standing unit.

Winterial Bivouac Tent

This Winterial unit is one of the best solo bivy tents that is easy to assemble shelter with 2 hoops. Its dimensions are 38 x 28 x 90 inches and it weighs 3 pounds and 3 ounces.

Fabric

It features two aluminum poles that will help you to have a stable shelter in the wind and rain. The inner fabric has mesh while the outer material is synthetic.

Other specs

It is a 3-season model that has a ventilated mesh roof and comes with a full-covered removable rainfly.

If you intend to camp or hike in warm weather this one will serve you well. It features 3 bundles of strong cord and 14 heavy-duty stakes for security.

Doors

The outer zipper can be found on the front hoop section. The outer door can be rolled up and secured with hooks and latches to have a view and increased ventilation.

You will be able to additionally secure the doors with Velcro straps in case of bad weather. Entering it is easy due to a large inner zipper that goes from the head to the toes.

Interior

The interior is quite spacious (wide) for a single adventurer so you will have the ability to store some of your gear beside you. There is a mesh pocket to have essentials at hand.

Usability

It is one of the best bivy tents for hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities that are common on warmer days.

Assembly

It is easy to put up this two hoop bivvy shelter. Layout the fabric with the roof facing the sky. Stake it out with the provided stakes. Grab the poles and insert them into the grommets (the bigger one goes in the front).

Attach the fabric to the poles with clips. This is really easy to do, even easier than using sleeves. Put a rain fly on and secure it with the rest of the stakes.

Eureka! Solitaire Bivy Tent

This 3-season 2 pole hoop tent has 21.5 square feet of space and weighs 2 pounds and 10 ounces which is a super light backpacking shelter. Its dimensions are 8′ x 2′8″ x 2′4″.

Material

The floor and fly are made of 70D nylon taffeta while walls are made of 40D no-see-um mesh to provide optimum ventilation.

It has a durable two-pole 6.3-millimeter shock-corded fiberglass frame with easy post-and-grommet assembly.

Other features

This is a non-freestanding unit so you will definitely need to stake it out. I like that it has two entrances.

One can be found in the front hoop and another in the center of the roof. This way you can use the product the way you prefer.

Rain protection elements

The bathtub floor is waterproof to protect you from the groundwater and the seams are sealed.

The fly is integrated so you can’t take it off but you can roll it away to let the breeze inside. It has stretchy bungee cords to stake it down.

On the back hoop, you will find a piece of Velcro that attaches the fly to the pole to stay stable in case of wind.

When you want to increase the air circulation and watch the sky, detach it, roll it towards the front hoop and secure it.

Interior space

This Eureka! tent has plenty of space so you won’t feel crowded. Even more, you will be able to store the gear inside and some other personal accessories as it has 2 storage pockets (one on each side).

The Solitaire model features a flashlight loop and a small vestibule for storage.

Setup

Find an appropriate pitching spot and extend the fabric there. Assemble both poles.

Put the smaller pole through the back hoop pole sleeve and secure it into the grommets. Repeat the same process with another pole in the front hoop area.

In the end, it is time to secure the whole structure as it’s not freestanding. Grab the stakes, extend the fabric and secure it by placing the stakes into the ground.

Aqua Quest Hideaway Bivy Tent

This is a three-season shelter from Aqua Quest that comes with a lifetime warranty. The Hideaway model measures 85.5 x 30 x 25.5 inches.

It is an ultralight bivy tent since it has only 2.4 pounds. The unit packs 15 x 5 inches.

Fabric

The body of this product is manufactured from 70D ripstop nylon with a TPU window. The doors have a no-see-um mesh screen while the floor features a 70D nylon tub floor to protect you from rainwater.

The material is PU laminated and has DWR coatings. This is an exceptional waterproof bivy model since it has a moisture vapor transmission rating of 10,000 gr/m2/day which is quite a lot.

It includes a single-hoop design and a collapsible lightweight shock cord aluminum pole.

Other specifications

All of the seams are heat taped to provide you a dry outdoor experience. The door is opened with the YKK zipper that is known as one of the best zippers in the world.

You will be able to unzip half of the structure to get in or out which is practical.

A TPU window on the outer fabric enables stargazing or watching the storm (if you like). On the half of the product, you will find 2 wide loops so you can attach it to the tree or something to be stable in the wind.

Airflow & Weather protection

The inner fabric is meshed while you have a vent on the back of the hooped area to provide optimum ventilation on warmer days. The zipper is protected with a big flap to stop rain from coming inside.

With Velcro straps, you will additionally protect it and stop the possible leakage in case of rain.

Pro tip: Make sure you pull down the cover over the zipper on the hooped area so the rain won’t get in.

Interior

The interior is quite spacious and you will have the chance to put your gear beside you inside. The hooped area is big so maybe you will put your backpack there and use it as a pillow.

Assembly

Extend the pole so you will get a hoop. Place the fabric on the ground and thread the pole into the sleeve where the head is. Put its ends into the grommets to secure it. Stake it down and you are ready to use it.

GEERTOP Ultralight Army Bivy Tent

Geertop made a bivouac shelter in the army style that will blend in nature perfectly. The camouflage color is perfect for hunters so this model is one of the best hunting bivy tents.

Its dimensions are 7 ft 7 inches x 2 ft 6 inches with a height of 24 inches. This Geertop bivy tent is meant to use in the first three seasons and it weighs 2.8 pounds.

Material

It comes with 3 aluminum poles. Two larger ones crisscross at the head area while the last smaller one is set up at the leg part of the shelter.

The model is made of premium anti-tear 210T ripstop polyester that is resilient and durable.

With a high 5000 mm polyurethane coating, you will be protected in moderate or heavy rain. It is one of the best ultralight bivy tents that you can use no matter the adventure type.

Other specs

This unit is built to withstand rainstorms and strong wind. It features a bathtub floor with an 8000 mm waterproof coating and fully taped seams. The model is double-stitched.

The product has 2 door overlaps. The Velcro straps help to keep the interior dry, especially if you face the wind. Double zippers enable easy operation.

Interior

This is a spacious bivouac model where you will be able to store your shoes and gear. Turning around on the other side won’t be an issue so you will sleep comfortably and won’t feel claustrophobic.

This unit has 2 big mesh storage pockets in the head section so you will have a flashlight and a phone at hand all the time.

Airflow

There are two ventilation windows, one in the front and one on the back so the air can circulate. The inner fabric has mesh for additional airflow and bug protection.

Above the front vent is a piece of a fly that serves well when you want to have ventilation when it rains. It also serves as a staking point.

Setup

The setup is easy and simple. You will have to extend it out, assemble the poles and insert them through the sleeves on the fabric.

Two bigger poles crisscross at the head section while the smaller one goes at the feet section. The ends of the poles go to the fabric grommets at the corners. Stake it out.

Etrol Hammock Bivy Tent

Here you have a hammock bivy tent from Etrol company that you can use in different ways.

This 3-in-1 multifunctional 2 person bivy tent measures 115 x 55 inches. It weighs only 2.5 pounds and can withstand up to 440 pounds.

It is one of the best bivy bag tents on the market due to its durability and multifunctionality.

No matter that this is the two-person outdoor gear I recommend using it as a solo outdoorsman to have more space and comfort.

If you are interested in these hanging hammock shelters know more about hammock tents that can make your enjoyment even greater.

Fabric

This hammock creation is made of 70D/210T parachute nylon fabric with triple interlocking stitching taffeta that has an SGS International Certification.

It also features polyester B3 mosquito netting to provide air inside and to stop annoying bugs from entering the interior.

The fabric is silver-coated to prevent sun damage. It features 2 foldable aluminum alloy poles to lift the structure up.

Other features

It features a two-way SBS zipper to smoothly open or close the shelter. There is a small hook to hang a lantern inside so you can read a book in the evening or at night. You will be able to store a phone inside the inner pocket to have it in hand.

When you lay inside you have a sunshade to rest more comfortably so this is a perfect 3-season hammock product that you can also use as a ground shelter (on the dry ground).

It comes with all kinds of accessories (carabiners, straps, stakes) to set up a hammock among trees and to stake the emergency tent on the ground.

Usage

This is a great outdoor sleeping product that you can use in three different ways.

Etrol shelter can be used as a typical hammock that you hang on the trees, or as a hammock with a mosquito net, or as a hammock shelter on the ground.

The bottom is not waterproof so this limits its usage. I recommend using it when the forecast is good and when you don’t expect any sudden weather changes.

Seasonality

It is not waterproof and doesn’t have a fly over the main fabric so this model isn’t appropriate to use in the rain or snow.

However, you can bring a tarp with you and set it up above the unit to have at least a minimum rain protection. It comes in handy since there are afternoon showers in summer.

Assembly

Here you have 3 ways to set this shelter for different occasions.

Assembly of the hammock with mosquito net

Install the straps if you want to camp among trees. Extend the material and assemble the poles.

Thread them into the sleeves and put their ends into the grommets. Attach the hammock to the straps on the trees while making sure all is stable and secure.

Setting up just a hammock

If you want to use just a hammock without a mosquito net remove the poles and just flip the net for 180 degrees and you will have your hanging bag ready for relaxation.

Erecting it

If you will install only the tent then you have an even easier job. Layout the shelter on the ground. Insert the poles with their ends into the grommets. Stake it down with the 2 provided aluminum alloy ground nails.

Rhino Valley Bivy Tent

Here is a typical three-season bivy tent from Rhino Valley. Its dimensions are 75.5 x 30.2 x 22.5 inches.

This bivouac unit has 3.2 pounds. It is a breathable structure that you can use on camping, bikepacking, climbing, or any other outdoor activity that demands shelter.

Material

This multi-purpose bivy model has a floor made of 210T high-tenacity polyester with a PU5000 mm waterproof coating.

The flysheet is manufactured by 190T polyester with PU2000 mm. This two-layer shelter includes 2 strong aluminum poles (7mm) that don’t break easily.

Other specs

This tent provides good waterproof properties due to sealed seams, a bathtub floor, and a full-coverage waterproof rain fly.

I like the colored part above the head to provide you shade when you are relaxing on a hot summer day.

It has one door that unzips with two-way zippers all the way to the leg part so you will enter it easily. A mesh pocket is on the right side to put personal items in.

Highly breathable

The most obvious feature of this shelter is its mesh that makes the inner fabric. You will be able to view the surroundings without the bugs and mosquitoes wanting to join you.

Plenty of space

It is quite spacious, offering you space for storing the gear and other backpack accessories.

It is wide at shoulders and head so it is appropriate for a bigger person. The bivy can fit 2 people in the emergency if they are small.

Setup

Unfold the product and lay it on the ground. Assemble both of the poles and install them into the grommets so they will crisscross. Tie them with the provided cloth on the top where they crisscross.

Attach the fabric to the poles with clips and stake its corners with anchor pegs. Put a fly on if you expect rain and position it. Use Velcro straps, 2 buckles, and pegs to secure it on the ground.

Bivy Tent Buying Guide

What do you need to know before buying a bivy tent for your adventure? Here are some of the features you should consider before opting for one.

Poles

Poles can be aluminum or fiberglass. These single-person shelters are usually packed in a backpack so they need to be as light as possible.

So, I recommend that you pick aluminum poles instead of fiberglass because they are lighter and more durable to use.

Space

How much space do you need inside a tent? If you don’t need much of it then you can opt for a minimalistic shelter that will offer you space to spend the night.

However, bivies can be tight, so if you feel claustrophobic in tight places then you should consider a wider model to feel comfortable. Bigger ones provide a space for equipment storage as well.

Bigger space can mean a bigger weight of the product so be careful about overall model weight.

Weight

Backpacking and bikepacking demand a light shelter to spend the night in the great outdoors. Bivouacs are perfect for these kinds of adventures but you should be careful about the weight.

Choose a product that will fit perfectly in your backpack or on the bike. Its weight shouldn’t weigh you down on the trail or road so choose one that doesn’t have more than 3 pounds.

Seasonality

Like in camping tents, you should know which weather model to buy to stay safe and comfortable out there.

It would be a big mistake if you take a 3-season model on a winter backpacking as it won’t protect you from the elements.

Choose a breathable structure with lots of mesh in the first three seasons. If you expect cold weather or going outdoors in winter then opt for a 4-season unit that will protect you from the cold wind and snow loads.

The seasonality should be specified on the product box of the outdoor brand.

Ventilation

Most of the one-man bivy tents get condensation fast due to small and limited space. Ventilation is their most obvious con so you should be careful about the airflow system that a unit has.

Look for a model that has meshed inner fabric, vent windows, and fly vents to provide air circulation that is crucial to stay away from the condensation inside.

What is a bivy tent?

It is a shelter similar to a bivy sack however it provides greater weather protection, space, and more useful features.

Bivy sack VS tent

Bivies were made for climbers to have a quick shelter in the mountains. It is a minimalistic emergency bag that offers some weather protection and a warm shelter to sleep in.

However, bivy tents are made for solo hikers and backpackers who want to carry an easy backpack but still have a quality and secure shelter for themselves.

Why is it called a bivvy?

It is a short name for bivouac that is a French word. It ultimately derives from Swiss-German usage of beiwacht from the 18th century. It was an additional watch with military or civilian force to increase vigilance.

What does bivy stand for? It stands for bivouac sack that climbers use as their emergency minimum shelter equipment.

Are bivy tents good?

If you want to hike lightweight with the minimum sleeping equipment that will also protect you from the elements then it is perfect outdoor equipment for you.

You can use it no matter where you go and what weather you expect (if it offers rain protection). Today, you will find bivouac shelters that have thick material, are waterproof, and have mesh-breathable tops.

It is a good option to choose if you are going on a solo hiking adventure. As bivy sacks make some people feel claustrophobic in bad weather, these tents are upgraded from the emergency sacks providing enough headspace, full weather protection, and room for one person to sleep and turn.

Hooped bivy tents are one of the best as they provide enough headspace and comfortability.

Are bivy tents good for rain?

If they are advertised as waterproof then they should protect you on a rainy day. However, consider the HH coating that will tell you how many mm of rain the fabric can handle.

The models that have around 1500 mm HH are typical 3-season units while those for all-year camping have a higher HH coating, a 4000 mm, and more.

So, if you are going to a location where it rains a lot then choose one with a higher waterproof level to be stress-free.

However, when going summer camping, you don’t need a high HH coat as there will be fewer possibilities of precipitation.

Pro tip: When you face a storm, place a tarp over the structure to protect the shelter from leakage.

How to put up a bivy tent?

Setting up a hooped bivy tent is pretty simple. Find a place that is flat and remove the rocks and the branches so they won’t puncture the bottom of the product.

Layout the fabric, the bottom facing to the ground. Assemble the poles, insert them throughout the sleeves, and secure their ends. The longer pole goes in the front and the shorter at the back. Peg it and secure.

How to make sleeping in a bivy tent more comfortable?

If you want to upgrade the sleeping system of your outdoor excursion then you need to take additional camping equipment with you.

Pack a sleeping pad or mat

A sleeping pad for one person will make your sleeping experience better and won’t take much space in the pack since it is inflatable.

It will provide you comfort while you won’t lose so much body temperature through the ground.

Get the one that will fit the shelter and don’t forget to use straps (if the product has them inside) to hold the pad in place while you turn at night.

Using a sleeping bag

You can also take a sleeping bag with you and put it inside the tent to keep the body temperature.

Can you suffocate in a bivy sack tent?

I didn’t hear that someone suffocates in it but I recommend opening the doors a little bit to provide the fresh air in the interior. This will also help to prevent condensation.

Most of them have an inner mesh layer so you can open the outer door layer to have proper ventilation.

In case of rain

If you worry about the rain, you can open the door for a few inches at the bottom so you won’t get wet. It is best to put a tarp over it to stay additionally protected and don’t worry if the weather will change.

Where to put your essentials?

Some models have an inner pocket close to the head. However, not every bivvy has it so the small items can be stored in the corners at the upper part of the unit; besides your head.

If you don’t want to have a phone close to the head you can place it at a side or close to your feet.

Where to store the backpack?

As a solo outdoorsman who is exploring the backcountry, you will carry a backpack. If you would camp with a product that has a vestibule you wouldn’t have problems storing the gear.

However, where to put it when you are bivvy camping? A backpacking bivy tent doesn’t have space for the gear so you will have to improvise.

One of the solutions is to put up a tarp above the structure and keep the gear close to the shelter to stay dry. You can also find a dry spot, like a cave, and put the hiking equipment there.

What’s the difference between a tent, a bivvy, and a bivy tent?

You should know the differences between these outdoor shelters as they have unique features that differ from one to another.

About tents

We all know how a tent looks like and what it is meant for. It will provide a place to have a safe sleep and element protection that depends on its season.

You can choose among hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, beach, and other types of models regarding the type of adventure.

Tents are like outdoor temporary homes where you can sleep, cook, eat, change clothes and spend quality time being protected from the elements.

They come with different features as vestibules, vents, weather protection features, and more.

About bivy sack

A bivy sack is a temporary minimalist shelter that is used for spending the night when solo hiking or backpacking. It is like a sleeping bag but it typically provides protection from the rain and wind as well.

Mountaineers and climbers use it together with the sleeping bag to protect themselves from extreme weather conditions and to stay warm.

They come in different styles and shapes and provide better warmth than a typical tent. You don’t have to set it up like a shelter with poles, you just jump in and prepare to rest.

Bivouacs have an exceptional weight-to-protection ratio and are simple and effective when it comes to a fast outdoor shelter.

About bivy tent

A bivy tent is like a bivy bag but it also has a roof as tents do to provide full weather protection. It gives a more secure shelter when being outdoors than just a bivouac.

Bivies are made for a solo outdoorsman, however, bivy tents come in different shapes and sizes and are made for different occasions.

Are bivy sack warmer than tents?

I can say that a bivy sack (bag) gets warmer faster than a typical tent or a bivy tent. However, they are not as comfy as tents and aren’t appropriate for claustrophobic people.

Do bivy sacks add warmth? According to Trail and Summit, it is designed to add approximately 4 to 8 degrees of warmth to your sleeping system.

Look for the Three Most Important Features

When looking for a bivvy tent you should pay attention to breathability, lightweight and compact style. Choose one of the best bivy tents from the list and make sure to share it with your friends who also like to go outdoors solo.