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Sleeping under the stars and forgetting everything around you – bivouacking is a unique experience, which lets you become one with nature. However, there are some things to keep in mind: The right equipment, the right bivouac spot, and the right behavior. We’ll show you all of this in the guide below so you can really enjoy your next bivouac adventure!
Bivouacking under the stars: This is what you need
Sleeping bag
To really enjoy your outdoor getaway, it’s especially important that you can sleep comfortably and do not freeze. Two things are essential for this: A sleeping bag and an insulation mat. When it comes to sleeping bags, the material and warmth are important. Whether down or synthetic fiber is not an easy decision.
Generally speaking: Sleeping bags with synthetic fiber work better in areas with high humidity because they are less sensitive to moisture, dry faster, and keep you warm even when wet. Down sleeping bags, however, are a lot lighter and have a much longer lifespan. In addition, it is important that the sleeping bag has an insulating outer material that keeps out moisture and resists light rain. Depending on the season and the temperature, you also need to select the warmth of the sleeping bag. Here usually a temperature range is indicated. If you are rather insensitive to cold, you can orient yourself at the lower value, if you freeze fast, then you should pay attention to the upper end of the range. In addition, women’s sleeping bags are usually warmer than men’s sleeping bags.
→ Everything you need to know about sleeping bags you’ll find here
Insulation mat
In order to be warm from below, you need an insulation mat in addition to the sleeping bag. If you lie on the ground only with your sleeping bag, warm air can no longer be stored. It is crucial that the mat is filled – either with synthetic fibers or down. An air mattress without filling does not provide warmth and also gets holes quite easily.
→ Insulation mats: Why they are so important?
Bivy Bag
A bivy bag is not a must, but is very useful. If the weather does not play along, the bivy bag provides additional protection from rain, wind, and dirt. If your sleeping bag has no water and dirt repellent outer material it is also possible to use it in combination with a bivy bag.
Other useful equipment
In addition to the essential bivouac equipment – sleeping bag, insulation mat and bivy bag – you should have the following items with you:
- Backpack with at least 30 litre volume
- Headlamp
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Beanie or balaclava – even in summer, because most of the body’s heat is lost over the head
- Changing clothes for sleeping
- Necessary toiletries
- Food – possibly also cookware and a stove with cartridges (do not forget your lighter!)
- Water – at least two liters per person
- Garbage bags
- Toilet paper
- Hiking map, GPS
You always have to adapt your clothing and your shoes to the respective tour, the weather conditions and the temperature level.
How to find the perfect spot and how to bivouac right?
Finding the right bivouac site is not that easy, because there are a few things to consider. First and foremost: Find out beforehand whether bivouacking is allowed or at least tolerated in the respective country or state. A bivouac is normally understood to be a temporary and spontaneous overnight stay for one night – anyone who makes themselves comfortable for days or sets up a tent is often already liable to prosecution.
For bivouac beginners, it is therefore advisable to spend the night close to a hut. If you talk to the host in advance, you might also have an overnight accommodation if the weather changes. However, the bivouac spot should be dry, on a level surface and sheltered from the wind. You can either set up the bivouac on the downwind side of the mountain or build yourself a windbreak with stones, your backpack or even snow. You should avoid spots with sharp stones, thorns or branches or remove them first. You should also make sure that you are not in any area with a risk of falling rocks and rising waters. Of course, you should also avoid nature reserves and private grounds such as paths, parking lots and slopes. In some federal states, it is not allowed to enter the forest off the trails at night. You should also not bivouac in areas of deer crossing. After all, animals and nature should be given as much consideration as possible.
It is also important that you arrive at the bivouac place before sunset – at least two hours if you are planning a longer tour. After finding the right spot and pitching your camp, it’s time for dinner, so make sure you’ll have everything you need for your Outdoor Kitchen in andvance.
→ Here you’ll find some tips for your outdoor kitchen
Especially when it is cool in the evening, but also in the morning, warm drinks are important. Before you go to sleep, you should also pack everything you need, to protect it from the dew the next morning. Depending on how cold it gets in the night, it is also recommendable to take the shoes and clothes into the sleeping bag. At low temperatures, you should also do this with battery-powered devices and at temperatures below 0°C even with your water. If it is warmer, you can simply put the shoes with the soles up next to the sleeping bag. However, you should always at least pack your clothes in a plastic bag or similar. As an alternative to a pillow, you can also put your clothes into your sleeping bag case and immediately sleep more comfortably.
ACt considerate towards nature, wildlife and other people
When bivouacking you have to consider a couple of things for having a comfortable night but it also important to make it as pleasant as possible for nature and wildlife. Of course, you also need to respect other people. Therefore, you should stick to the following rules:
- Inform yourself in advance about protected areas, and bivouac only in areas where it is permitted – Alpine associations but also tourist offices can help
- Let others know about your plans to avoid unnecessary rescue missions – this includes not only your family and friends but also hut owners and other residents in the area
- Don’t make unnecessary noise – especially at dusk wild animals are active and can easily be disturbed
- Leash your dog overnight to protect wildlife
- No open fire
- Don’t leave any leftovers – food will attract wild animals
- If you go to the toilet outdoors, you should keep at least 50 m away from bodies of water and bury what you leave behind or at least cover it with earth or stones afterwards
- Take home garbage, toilet paper, and other sanitary products
Want to learn more about spending the night in nature? Then you should take a look at these articles:
→ Isulation mats: Why are they so important?
→ Which tent fits you?
→ What do you need for your camping trip?
Photo header: Mountain Equipment