Best Bivvy Bags for Wild Camping UK
If you're into wild camping in the UK, you’ve probably come across bivvy bags — the minimalist’s answer to a tent. Today, I'm comparing three bivvy bags I've personally used on trips: the British Military Bivvy, the Integral Designs South Col, and the Snugpak Stratosphere. If you're trying to decide which bivvy is right for your next adventure, you're in the right place.
A Quick Bivvy Bag Intro
For anyone new to bivvy camping, a bivvy bag (or bivouac sack) is a lightweight, waterproof cover designed to slip over your sleeping bag. It offers some weather protection and stealthy camping options — perfect for staying hidden or packing ultralight.
You’ll generally find three styles:
Open Bivvy – No zips or structure. Just slide in.
Enclosed Non-Hooped Bivvy – Fully enclosed, but with no poles.
Hooped Bivvy – Small internal pole structure, tent-like.
First Up: The British Military Bivvy Sack
This was the first bivvy I ever used. Standard issue to the British military, it's bombproof and breathable thanks to Gore-Tex. With no poles or fancy zips, it’s as basic as it gets, but that’s part of the charm.
What I Like:
Totally waterproof
No faff — just lay it out
No condensation issues
Downsides:
No bug net
No pegs or anchor points
Gets drafty in colder months
DIY Tip: I pegged it down using rocks wrapped in the corners of the fabric — lashed off to paracord. Not elegant, but it works.
When you’re inside, there’s surprising space. With a decent mat and sleeping bag, it’s totally doable. Just remember: it’s open to the elements, so you’ll feel the wind and bugs if you're not covered up.
Next: Integral Designs South Col Bivvy
I found this old-school gem on Facebook Marketplace for £30. Designed by the Canadian company Integral Designs (now owned by Rab), the South Col is fully enclosed and made with top-tier waterproof-breathable fabric.
Standout Features:
Fully enclosed
Bug mesh panel
Built-in flexible wire keeps fabric off your face
It’s not hooped, but it does give you a bit of head space thanks to that internal wire. Getting in isn’t elegant—there’s no side zip—but once you’re in, it’s snug and surprisingly cosy.
Ventilation Tip: Zip the bug net only and leave the storm flap open for airflow. You’ll still get condensation in high humidity, but it helps.
Pros:
Completely sealed up
Bug protection
Stealthy green colour for low-profile camping
Cons:
Not easy to get in/out
No pegging points
Slightly claustrophobic
Finally: Snugpak Stratosphere Hooped Bivvy
This is a recent addition to my gear shed and by far the most ‘tent-like’ of the three. The Stratosphere features two lightweight poles that give you headroom and a bit of breathing space — ideal if you hate fabric on your face.
Key Features:
Dual pole hoop system
Side zip for easy entry
Integrated bug net with zip closure
Small gear pocket inside
Once you’re in and zipped up, you feel properly enclosed. It’s almost like sleeping in a tiny one-man tent. The ventilation is decent, with vents at the rear and the bug mesh offering some airflow up front.
The Trade-offs:
Heavier and bulkier than others
Setup takes a few minutes
More expensive than the military option
But for comfort, this is the one I’d choose in damp or buggy environments.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re on a budget and just want something reliable:
Go with the British Military Bivvy. Bombproof and cheap.
Want stealth and protection with minimal setup?
Choose the Integral Designs South Col. Light and enclosed.
Prefer comfort and a bit of room?
The Snugpak Stratosphere is your best bet. Ideal if you’re bivvy-curious but worried about claustrophobia.
Gear I Used on This Trip:
British Military Bivvy Sack (Gore-Tex)
Integral Designs South Col Bivvy
Snugpak Stratosphere Bivvy
Paracord
Cheap tent pegs + DIY rock anchors
Key Takeaways
Military bivvy = basic but effective.
Integral Designs = stealthy and sealed.
Snugpak = comfort and convenience.
Use paracord and rocks to peg down open bivvies.
Bug protection and condensation management are key factors.
Over to You
Have you tried bivvy camping yet? If so, which style do you prefer — hooped, non-hooped, or open? Drop your experience in the comments. Let’s help other wild campers decide!
Best Bivvy Bags for Wild Camping compared: Snugpak Stratosphere, British Army Bivvy, and Integral Designs South Col. In this bivvy bag comparison, I cover features, pros, and real-world use for wild camping. Whether you're into solo hiking, stealth camping, or lightweight gear, this guide has it all. See which bivvy bag suits your next adventure!
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Comparing the British Military, Integral Designs South Col, and Snugpak Stratosphere bivvy bags — real talk on comfort, weight, and wild camping practicality.