11 May 2026
Choosing Your First Bivvy: A Buyer's Guide
Looking for your first proper bivvy? Here's what to look for, what to avoid, and which features actually matter when you're starting out.
One-man or two-man?
For a first bivvy, a one-man shelter is plenty. Two-man bivvies are heavier, take longer to put up, and unless you're sharing sessions regularly, you'll resent carrying the extra weight.
Hydrostatic head
Look for a minimum 5,000mm hydrostatic head fabric, ideally 10,000mm or more. Anything less and you'll get damp bedding the first time it really rains overnight.
Frame quality
Cheaper bivvies use fibreglass poles which can shatter in the cold. Aluminium or steel poles last far longer and won't let you down on a winter session.
Heavy-duty groundsheet
A sewn-in, waterproof groundsheet is non-negotiable. Anything else and you'll wake up in a puddle.
Buy once, buy well — a decent bivvy is a ten-year purchase if you look after it.