Tent vs Bivy: Which Should You Choose for Backpacking?

Choosing between a tent and a bivy can be a difficult decision for backpackers. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh the factors that are most important to you before making a choice.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between tents and bivvies:

Feature	Tent	Bivy
Weight	2-5 lbs	1-2 lbs
Size	More spacious	More compact
Setup time	Longer	Shorter
Weather protection	Better	Less
Cost	More expensive	Less expensive

Key Benefits of Tent vs Bivy

Tent

More spacious: Tents offer more space to move around, change clothes, and store gear. This can be a major benefit if you're planning on spending extended periods of time in your shelter.

Better weather protection: Tents are designed to protect you from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind. This makes them a better choice for backpacking in inclement weather.

More privacy: Tents provide more privacy than bivvies, which can be important if you're sharing a campsite with others.

Bivy

Lighter weight: Bivvies are significantly lighter than tents, making them a good choice for backpackers who are looking to save weight.

More compact: Bivvies are also more compact than tents, making them easier to pack and carry.

Faster setup time: Bivvies are typically easier and faster to set up than tents. This can be a major benefit if you're looking to save time on your backpacking trips.

Stories

Story 1: The time I was glad I had a tent

I was backpacking in the mountains when a storm rolled in. The rain was coming down hard, and the wind was whipping around. I was glad that I had my tent to shelter me from the elements. I was able to stay dry and warm, and I got a good night's sleep.

Benefit: Tents offer better weather protection than bivvies.

How to do: Choose a tent that is designed for the weather conditions you're expecting to encounter. Make sure the tent is waterproof and has a good rainfly.

Story 2: The time I wished I had a bivy

I was backpacking in the desert when I got caught in a flash flood. The water was rising quickly, and I needed to find shelter fast. I didn't have time to set up my tent, so I used my bivy instead. The bivy kept me dry and safe, and I was able to wait out the storm.

Benefit: Bivvies are lighter and more compact than tents, making them easier to carry and set up in a hurry.

How to do: Choose a bivy that is made from a waterproof material. Make sure the bivy has a good zipper that will keep the water out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not choosing the right tent for your needs: Make sure you choose a tent that is the right size for your group and the right weight for your backpacking trip.

Not setting up your tent properly: Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting up your tent. A properly set up tent will be more stable and weatherproof.

Not using a ground cloth: A ground cloth will help to protect the floor of your tent from moisture and dirt.

Not ventilating your tent: Make sure you open the vents in your tent to allow air to circulate. This will help to prevent condensation from building up inside the tent.

Not storing your food properly: Make sure you store your food in a bear canister or other animal-proof container. This will help to prevent animals from getting into your food.

Tent vs Bivy: Which Should You Choose for Backpacking?