Why using a tarp or/and a bivvy bag?

Today the topic will be about bivvy bags, but you can’t speak about that without also mentioning the tarp. So first of all what is a bivvy bag, and what is the reason for use? The easiest way to explain this, is to describe it as a shell for your sleeping bag. It can also be used as a shelter for emergency needs. But here today it will be about as a shell for your sleeping bag. Ok, so why do we need this? Well its like a bit of using a convertible, the feeling of freedom. I prefer a real tent for the comfort and as well for the space. But still it is a feeling of “freedom” to use a bivvy. So what do you need to think of while choosing a bivvy bag? First of all you need one that will protect from rain, moister and wind. It should also have good ventilation for minimize the condense.

So the advantage with a bivvy bag is the freedom right, but the disadvantage is that you cant do anything for example cooking or so, and you risk that all your gear will get vet, when you getting out of the bivvy (if its raining) So for that you also need a tarp (here is why I prefer a tent). But on the other hand, nothing is like laying in your sleeping bag and watching the stars up above…

Ok, so how and what to choose? First of all there is two types of bivy’s, the bivy shelter and the bevy bag. The bivy shelter got a pole to keep the sack up from your head. This of course result in a bit more weight. The bivy bag will increase the warming capacity by about 5 degrees Celsius. And it will keep your sleeping bag dry. The bivy shelter is more lavish, and resist rain even better.

Here comes the next part, it will be of high importance of how and where you choose your place for sleep with this solution. A tent is more forgiven due to a bivy bag. So first of all secure you got dry surface. Avoid place where water might build gutters. You should also chose a place where you got some wind protection.

And now we go over to the more practical use of the bivy solution. If it happen that you need for a pee in the night, plan for it. Getting out of the sack might be a complicated story, and you risk to get everything wet. The next thing to focus on will be -how to avoid moister/condensation in the bivy bag. My first thing to recommend is to use a tarp to put under your sleeping mat (if its not rainy or risk for rainy weather). This will hinder the cold coming up from the ground, this will decrease the risk of condensation. Try to place your sleeping place where the coolest/radiating/condensing surface is well above you, but then you defeat your view of the sky. The next thing you can do is to high the bivy end with a pole or use bungee cord for example. Take advantage of breezes to help move moisture away (see above), this can be a fine line when actually trying to use a bivy for wind protection. Don’t go to sleep with damp clothes and do not breath inside the bivy bag. I also recommend to bring  a wettex cloth for dry the bivy sack if/when needed.

I will try the snugpak Bivybag Special forces. I like the solution with a zipper for ventilation and for a fast way of getting out from the bag. I will also test the Helsport Bitihorn Tarp X-treme. So there I got a “wrap” bivy solution😊.

Sunday Afternoon

See ya at Tuesday