Bivvy Camping UK: My First Experience Sleeping Wild in a Bivvy Sack
Discovering the Joy of Bivvy Camping
After years of wild camping in tents, hammocks, and under tarps, I finally decided to try something completely new: bivvy camping. I'd picked up a used Integral Designs bivvy sack on Facebook Marketplace—an original South Col model made before the company was bought by Rab—and figured it was time to get out into the woods and give it a proper test. This blog is all about what it was like to camp in a bivvy for the very first time and whether it’s something I’d recommend.
What Is a Bivvy Sack?
A bivvy sack (or bivouac sack) is essentially a waterproof shell for your sleeping bag. It’s a minimalist shelter that offers protection from wind and light rain and allows you to sleep almost directly on the forest floor under the stars. Unlike tents, bivvies are extremely lightweight, fast to set up, and offer a very "close-to-nature" experience.
My Integral Designs South Col Bivvy
A Rare Find
The South Col bivvy I used is a classic piece of kit. Designed in Canada and known for its high build quality, this one still had the original bug net and hadn’t been used once in 20 years. It smelled new. A rare find, and the kind of thing you don’t often come across.
Setting Up Camp
Setup took minutes. I laid out my sleeping mat, slid the bivvy over it, and tucked my Rab Ascent 900 sleeping bag inside. No poles, no faff—I was done. I used a little hack to secure the bivvy using rocks and paracord where it lacked peg-out points.
The Camp Setup
My Sleep System
Bivvy sack: Integral Designs South Col
Sleeping bag: Rab Ascent 900 (down-filled, rated to -10C)
Mat: Silver foam roll mat
Pillow: Go Outdoors Comfort Pillow
Down Booties: Naturehike (Amazon budget option, game changer)
Rucksack: Berghaus Cyclops Roc (1983 vintage, bombproof)
I also added a bit of mood lighting, zipped up the bug net, and popped a head torch nearby for easy access.
Cooking and Evening Routine
Evening dinner was basic—no Michelin stars here:
Dinner: Two charred sausages cooked over the fire
Tip: Don’t forget your heatproof gloves!
I kept the fire going until the embers gave off a steady warmth, then zipped into the bivvy for the night. The moon was visible through the tree canopy. A peaceful, almost primal feeling.
The Night in the Bivvy
Around 3:30 AM, I woke up chilly. My mat had shifted, creating cold spots, and condensation had started to build up despite having the bug net open. I had to get up and rekindle the fire to warm myself.
Even with the moisture issue, I had a good night overall—around five hours of sleep. By morning, it was easy to pack up. No tent to deal with, no pegs to pull out. I boiled some water, made a strong cup of tea, and had a Mattesons smoked sausage to start the day.
Lessons from My First Bivvy Camp
Bivvy camping is quick, light, and low profile
Pick a familiar woodland or safe area for your first go
Expect some condensation, especially in colder months
Use a well-rated sleeping mat to avoid cold spots
Bring a down jacket and booties for warmth
YKK zips and breathable fabrics are worth their weight
Final Thoughts
Would I bivvy camp again? Absolutely. It won’t replace tent camping for all trips, especially in heavy weather or multi-day expeditions, but it’s an incredible option for those quick, stealthy nights in the woods. The connection to the surroundings—the stars, the breeze, the birds—was unmatched.
If you're thinking of trying it, I recommend going light, testing your gear in a known area, and giving it a go on a dry night first. Once you get a feel for it, the freedom and simplicity might just win you over.
Key Takeaways
Bivvy sacks are fast and lightweight shelter options
Great for short trips, stealth camping, or minimalist hikers
Expect some condensation, especially without airflow
Choose a familiar and flat woodland for your first trip
Down booties and a warm jacket make a big difference
Have You Tried Bivvy Camping?
I’d love to hear from you. Have you used a bivvy sack before? What models do you recommend? Any top tips for first-time bivvy campers? Drop them in the comments below!
And if you found this helpful, please subscribe to the YouTube channel or check out some of my other wild camping adventures.
Stay wild. Leave no trace.
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