Best Bivy Tents of 2020 – Complete Review

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Are you on your way to a hiking trip? Looking for a shelter in the wild? Well, you don’t have to look for shelter if you have a bivy tent in your backpack! A bivy tent provides you great shelter that protects you from external stimuli like weather, etc.

In this guide, we will be discussing some of the best bivy tents you can get your hands on.

Comparison Chart of the Best Bivy Tents

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Durable single-person tent
  • Lightweight and simple design
  • Large zippered door for easy access
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  • Compact and light design
  • Sets up quickly and easily
  • Equipped with an air-vent in the head section
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  • Best for the Money
  • Convenient light and portable design
  • Two ventilation windows and doors
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  • Best Ultralight Bivy Tent
  • Two-pole frame system with shock-corded aluminum poles
  • Windows on the top strengthens air flow
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  • Best Hammock Bivy Tent
  • Instantly converts to rain poncho
  • All-in-one functional design
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  • Best 1 Person Bivy Tent
  • Great for backpacking
  • Mesh window and zippered storm flap
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  • Best 2 Person Bivy Tent
  • Very durable and waterproof
  • Portable and very lightweight
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What is a Bivy Tent?

A bivy tent is a type of tent used by a single or two persons that is waterproof. Also known as a bivy sack, these tents are usually personal-sized and used by climbers. While on hiking expeditions or camping, they provide a great shelter. This is particularly because they are extremely easy to carry due to their lightweight and small size. 

You can easily fit a bivy tent in your backpack, and you won’t even feel the weight! Moreover, they are also sturdy even in harsh climatic conditions. They can withstand rain, snow, and windy conditions to keep you warm and safe inside.

Aqua Quest Hooped Bivy Tent

What Makes a Great Bivy Tent?

Well, bivy tents are a great addition to your gear, especially if you intend for a multiday expedition. They are designed perfectly to provide maximum comfort and shelter to a single or maximum of two persons. 

But how do you know a bivy tent is ideal for your requirements? To answer this, here are some features to keep in mind before purchasing one.

Size

Yes, the most important thing to consider is the size of the bivy tent. A bivy tent can accommodate one to two persons, even more, if you intend to party with your friends together. However, a quality unit will always provide you with adequate size to accommodate you, your luggage, and even your best friend.

Lightweight

While climbing or hiking, the weight you carry with yourself matters a lot. The more weight you carry, the harder it becomes for you to climb. If you are a mountaineer, you would probably need a gear that is lightweight. 

Similarly, a good-quality bivy tent would almost always offer a lightweight design. It would be easy to carry even on a multi-day hiking trip.

Waterproof

A high-quality bivy tent will provide you with a weather-resistant design. It would be capable of withstanding rain, snow, and strong windy conditions. Consequently, you would be safe, warm, and dry in your tent without any trouble.

Review of the Best Bivy Tents

There are different brands that offer various types of bivy tents that deliver unique features and traits. But you want the best of the lot, right? Here are some of the best bivy tents available in the consumer market. These products are listed here based on their unique features. Keep in mind, personal preferences matter, so pick wisely.

Best Overall:
Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent

Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent - with Rainfly, Lightweight, 2lbs 9oz, Stakes, Poles and Guylines Included, Backpacking and Hiking, Orange

Pros

  • Very easy to assemble
  • A great option for hiking and backpacking
  • Comes with a zipped door, rope, and stakes
  • Lightweight design with only 3 pounds 3 ounces weight
  • Designed perfectly for different types of seasons and climate

Cons

  • For one person only
  • Not a great option for people with 6ft height or more

What Recent Buyers Report

A large number of people praise this bivy tent. They believe that it is a great option for hiking or backpacking. Moreover, it offers a great deal of useful features which makes it a better option than other bivy tents. Users highly recommend using this one.

Why it Stands Out to Us

For us, this is a superb bivy tent. It is specifically because of its user-friendly nature. It is super easy to assemble and a great choice for hiking and backpacking. It is also designed to withstand different climates and seasons. Also, it has a lightweight design, which makes it a great option for mobility.

Who Will Use This Most

Ideally, this unit is designed to accommodate a single individual only. It has a large zippered door while it comes with a rope and some stakes to hold its ground. In short, it’s a great choice if you are looking for a reliable shelter during your hiking expedition.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that this bivy tent is outstanding for hiking and traveling expeditions. It offers a lightweight design, easy assembly, and various accessories to facilitate the end-user. It makes for a great choice for single person use only.

Runner-up:
Aqua Quest Hooped Bivy Tent

Pros

  • Offers a waterproof design
  • Comes with a two-year warranty
  • You can quickly set up or assemble it
  • Very comfortable and offers ample space 
  • Very lightweight and compact, which makes it easier to carry

Cons

  • It doesn’t have a bathtub flooring
  • Not a great option for hot weather

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the users are satisfied with the purchase. They think that this bivy tent is one of the best ones available in the market. The most attractive feature is the waterproof nature of this tent that appeals to the users. Also, it has plenty of room to accommodate even 2 individuals.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We find this to be one of the most reliable bivy tents. It has a waterproof design that is built to hold against the rain. It is lightweight and compact, which makes it highly portable. Moreover, it is very comfortable and offers a large space.

Who Will Use This Most

According to us, this model is perfectly designed to accommodate 1 to 2 persons easily. There exists a roomy space where you can do whatever you want. Even if you are more than 6ft tall, this bivy tent is the perfect choice. It’s also great for traveling and highly mobile travelers.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is a great bivy tent available at your disposal. It is packed with a multitude of features. Moreover, it welcomes you with great user experience while offering superb comfort and reliability.

Best for the Money:
GEERTOP Single Bivy Tent

GEERTOP 1 Person Bivy Tent Ultralight Backpacking Tent for 1 Man Double Layer Waterproof Camouflage Camp Tent for Outdoor Camping Hiking Travel - Easy to Set Up

Pros

  • Easy and simple to set up 
  • A professional tent with waterproof sealing
  • Highly durable bivy tent to last longer periods
  • Very lightweight and designed for a single person
  • Super portable and breathable with windows for ventilation

Cons

  • Zippers are not very sturdy
  • Tent poles seem to be a bit flimsy

What Recent Buyers Report

After trying this bivy tent, many users were overwhelmed by this product. They believe that it is a tremendous product when it comes to quality and reliability. It offers all that you can desire while being available at a reasonable price. It is highly recommended.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We love that this unit offers a lightweight design of not more than 4 pounds. That’s not all. It is superbly designed for a single person with a professional outlook and features. It is made up of high-quality polyester fabric while it has waterproof sealing as well. Also, it is fairly easy and simple to assemble while being significantly durable.

Who Will Use This Most

This tent is capable of keeping a single person safe and comfortable. If you are out in the wild or some remote expedition, this might be the ultimate choice. It has a waterproof sealing with windows for ventilation as well. This means it won’t be affected by rainwater or hot summers while keeping you cool.

Bottom Line

You are looking for the best, right? Well, here is one! This model can keep you comfortable under all circumstances. Rain or hot summers? Not a chance! Most importantly, it is available at a very low price. Buy it!

Best Ultralight Bivy Tent:
GEERTOP Ultralight Waterproof Bivy II

GEERTOP Ultralight 1 Person Bivy Tent for Camp Waterproof Single Man Tent for Camping Hiking Backpacking Hunting Outdoor Survival Gear - Easy Set Up

Pros

  • Ideal for camping, hiking or climbing
  • A waterproof tent to withstand rainwater
  • Super lightweight design for high mobility
  • Easy to assemble with a two-pole frame system
  • Comfortable and large space for a single person

Cons

  • Several users reported design flaws
  • Reflective lines disable its camouflage color

What Recent Buyers Report

Users are pretty happy with the purchase. This model seems to have met the expectations of many. Users believe that it is a marvelous innovation, considering the features and quality it possesses. Also, users are attracted to the camouflage color that it has to offer.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What strikes us about this model is the overall design. It has a very lightweight design that is super-easy to carry. Moreover, it has a waterproof build designed to withstand rain and other harsh climates. That’s not all. It offers a comfortable space for a single individual while being a great choice for hiking, climbing, or camping.

Who Will Use This Most

Well, this unit serves the purpose of a single individual only. It is very comfortable and offers a ton of features to the end-user. It is designed to work in 3 different seasons. Moreover, if you are a hiker, climber, or a camper, this is your best bet.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, it is one of the most comfortable and reliable bivy tents available. Although it accommodates a single person only, it displays a multitude of useful features. It is also very attractive due to its camouflage colors that blend in with the surroundings.

Best Hammock Bivy Tent:
flying tent: Unique All-in-ONE Hammock Bivy Tent

flying tent: Unique All-in-ONE Hammock Tent, Bivy Tent, Hammock and Rain Poncho + Fine Mesh Mosquito Net - Grass Hopper Green

Pros

  • A waterproof bivy tent
  • Highly durable and capable to last long
  • Comes with an all-in-one functional design
  • Protects against mosquitos and other insects
  • Highly convenient and versatile single individual accommodation

Cons

  • Customer support is not great
  • Reliability issues as reported by some users

What Recent Buyers Report

A high percentage of positive reviews suggest the fine quality of this model. Most of the users were completely satisfied with the product and reported flawless operation and design. Also, they believe that it is highly durable and can withstand rough weather.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We like that this model offers an all-in-one functional design. This makes it a highly versatile and convenient unit. It promises a durable design that enables it to last for long periods of time. 

Also, it has a waterproof design that eliminates the risk of rainwater seeping inside. Moreover, it has a fine mesh that protects against mosquitos and other insects.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for a versatile and highly reliable bivy tent, we highly recommend this one. It offers all that you need from a bivy tent. It features an all-in-one functionality that offers great flexibility for single-person accommodation. It is waterproof, durable, and offers protection against mosquitos as well. It’s great for traveling expeditions.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a bivy tent that delivers comfort, versatility, and reliability then, look no further. This is all you need. It offers you a comfortable design that features high versatility. Moreover, it also offers protection against insects. It’s a must-buy!

Best 1 Person Bivy Tent:
Texsport Saguaro Single Person Bivy Shelter Tent

Texsport Saguaro Single Person Personal Bivy Shelter Tent for Backpacking Hiking Camping

Pros

  • Durable with polyurethane coating
  • Weighs only 4 pounds for high portability
  • A great option for backpacking adventures
  • Can accommodate two people with proper ventilation
  • Shock-corded fiberglass poles make it convenient and comfortable

Cons

  • Poles can break very easily
  • Ventilation is not that great

What Recent Buyers Report

We received positive feedback from the end-users regarding this product. This is a phenomenal tent that offers astounding comfort and reliability. Most of the users reported a seamless experience with it without any flaws or trouble. Users recommend purchasing this bivy tent.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Well, this unit has a multitude of features to offer. It offers a sturdy design with a durable polyurethane coating. In addition, it has a very lightweight design and weighs only 4 pounds. Also, it can accommodate two people with proper ventilation and fiberglass poles for a firm assembly.

Who Will Use This Most

If you seek a bivy tent that offers value for your money then, don’t hesitate to buy this one. It is available at a fairly reasonable price while delivering a number of useful features and convenience. Also, it is quite durable due to its polyurethane coating, which makes it a great choice for wildlife expeditions.

Bottom Line

A final word on this model would be that it’s a great choice that offers value for the money. Available at a low price, it delivers the features of a premium-grade bivy tent that can cost you a lot of money.

Best 2 Person Bivy Tent:
Top Lander A Peak 1-2 Person Tent

Top Lander 1-2 Person Poleless Ultralight Backpacking Tent for Outdoor Hiking Camping Mountaineering Travel Waterproof Lightweight Solo Bivvy(Green (2 Person))

Pros

  • Capable of quick assembly and set up
  • Convenient design for a superb airflow
  • 20D Nylon Silicone coating for toughness
  • 2.2 pounds of weight for highly portable nature
  • A pole-less tent for hiking and mountain climbers

Cons

  • Has no extra attachment points

What Recent Buyers Report        

Recent buyers highly recommend purchasing this unit. This is due to the overall design and superb quality that it has to offer. It gathers a lot of admirers due to its outstanding build quality and reasonable price tag. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

A lot of users reported a reasonable price of this unit. However, we think a bit differently. We believe that this tent is highly durable with its nylon materials and silicone coating. 

Furthermore, it is feather-light with only 2.2 pounds of weight. That makes it highly portable. Also, it has a convenient design that allows maximum airflow and offers a pole-less design for mountain climbers.

Who Will Use This Most

If you seek a truly professional bivy tent for mountain climbers then, don’t hesitate to purchase this one. Designed for two persons, this tent offers a reliable shelter and enough space to cater to the needs of two people. It’s highly recommended for mountain climbers and camping.

Bottom Line

Ready to take your traveling gear to the next level? Well, all you need to do is purchase this tent and get rid of body pains. This tent is durable and reliable enough to keep you comfortable throughout your trip.

Bivy vs. Tent - What’s the Difference?

You might be wondering, what’s the difference between a bivy and a traditional tent? Well, there are certain differences between the two, which we will be discussing below. Here are some major differences:

Accommodation

A bivy is a small-sized tent that is used to accommodate one to two persons only. It is specifically designed for personal accommodation while you are on a remote expedition. A tent, on the other hand, can accommodate several individuals. It is designed for sleeping or providing shelter for more than two people.

Placement

Obviously, you will need a proper place to set up a tent. Well, that’s not the case with a bivy tent. Since a bivy tent is small, it requires very little space to be set up. Meanwhile, a tent requires a large plain area for ideal placement. 

Design

Typically, bivy tents offer a lightweight design. They can be carried easily from one place to another due to their small and lightweight design. If you are a mountaineer or climber, a bivy tent will work perfectly. 

On the other hand, a tent might not be lightweight and mobile-friendly. It is because it is fairly larger and requires a number of components to be set up. Therefore, it won’t be a good idea to pack a tent if you seek mobility.

Pros and Cons of Bivy Tents

There is always a bright and dark side of the product. However, it won’t be a deal-breaker if you are a mountaineer, climber, hiker or camper. Most of the products are designed specifically for some particular purpose. 

As a result, they might overlook certain aspects. Here, we will be displaying some of the strengths and weaknesses of having a bivy tent.

Pros

A bivy tent provides the buyer with the following benefits:

Lightweight

Bivy tents tend to offer a lightweight design for high mobility and portability. You can easily carry one in your backpack without adding to much weight. 

Waterproof

A bivy tent is waterproof. It means that it can uphold external stimuli like rough weather conditions. If you are on a hiking trip, a bivy tent would be a perfect choice. It can protect you against harsh weather like rain, snow, and strong breezes.

Portability

Of course, being lightweight means that you can easily carry it without any hassle. Unlike conventional tents, bivy tents offer great mobility and require minimum space for storing. 

Cons

Meanwhile, it comes with the following disadvantages:

Size

A bivy tent is quite small in size. It can only accommodate one to two persons at maximum. Since it is designed for portability, mobility, and uneven surfaces, it depicts a fairly small size.

Conclusion

If you like to travel on remote expeditions, hiking, or mountain climbing, a bivy tent will work like a charm. It is due to the small size that makes it lightweight and easy to carry. At the same time, it offers a reliable shelter as well. This guide is an all-inclusive stop if you intend to buy a good-quality bivy tent. What are you waiting for then?

People Also Ask

There is always some sort of uncertainty and ambiguity left in the minds of the users. To eradicate those ambiguities and queries, we have come up with a list of frequently asked questions. These questions are displayed here to provide you with reliable information regarding the product.

Are Bivy Bags Waterproof?

The answer is yes. Bivy bags are completely waterproof. They are designed perfectly to keep out water during rain or snow. While on a hiking trip, you might never know how the weather turns up. In that case, a bivy is the best solution to tackle the situation. They offer a waterproof design to keep out the rainwater.

What is a Bivy Sack?

A bivy tent is also known as a bivy sack. They both refer to the same product regardless of their name. Bivy sack or bivy tents are personal-sized tents designed to facilitate your multi-day expeditions. They are lightweight, small, and easy to carry, which makes them a great addition.

How Much Warmth Does a Bivy Sack Add?

Bivy sacks add warmth to keep you warm while residing in a bivy sack. They are perfectly designed to add nearly 4 to 8 degrees of warmth. Since they block out the harsh weather due to being sealed tightly, they offer warmth and a comfortable night's sleep.

Do You Need a Tarp With a Bivy?

The answer is no. You won’t be needing a tarp with a bivy tent. As it is only able to accommodate one to two individuals, it is quite stuffy. Adding a tarp can give an option for a second shelter; however, you might need some more space.

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