Wild Camping With Minimal Kit – It’s Bivvy Tent Marvellous!

Sometimes you just want to escape! But, thinking about wild camping can be more fun than the actual experience…unless you get the equipment right.

There’s no better way to enjoy it than getting out there with the bare minimum of camping gear. And that means a decent bivi bag, lightweight tent or bivvy hammock.

In a hurry? If you don’t have much time using the links below to quickly find our favourites for you. You can be assured we only choose the best products…

Wild camping should be carefree camping

Wild camping and bivvying doesn’t need to be a full-on expedition. It’s also pretty wild (and good fun) to simply park up, walk into the woods nearby and set up camp for a mini overnight adventure. 

There are plenty of Bear Grylls-type websites out there for hardened expeditionists with super lightweight (and expensive) gear, tying themselves to the sides of mountains and eating moss. 

That’s not us…but we do like to get close to nature, and that’s where a few nights of wild and basic camping is a brilliant experience. If that’s your dream too, read on for our choice of simple camping gear to help you stay warm, dry and comfortable. We often get asked wether we need to waterproof a brand new tent, so we wrote a blog about it.

Option one – a simply bivvy bag

Bivvying, bivvi-ing or bivouacing is simply sleeping outside without a tent. A sleeping bag and a mat is the most basic kit you’ll need. 

The most basic bivvy bag is simply a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag. This is really only an option for hardier ‘proper’ wild camping types!  But, why not pack a couple in the campervan or car for off-site spontaneous nights or to make the most of beautiful places that don’t allow vehicles.


Snugpak | Special Forces Bivvi Bag | Waterproof centre zip sleeping bag outer shell (Standard,...

You can throw a bivvy cover like this Snugpak Special Forces one into a rucksack or pannier for hiking and cycling trips. Or just keep it handy for  nights when you want to see the stars rather than the inside of a tent or van.

It’s completely waterproof and lightweight, plus it’s designed to trap warm air inside to keep you warm. Some readers have said the centre zip comes down a bit too easily (ie, when they don’t want it to!), but that actually suits us claustrophobic types.

Packs away to virtually nothing and nice and roomy. Remember this is a cover only. You’ll still need a sleeping bag inside.

Lifesystems Heatshield – as minimal as you can get

Lifesystems Heatshield Emergency Thermal Bag For Hiking, Mountaineering And Outdoor Survival

This absolutely basic bivvy bag from Lifesystems is the sort of thing you can stash in a rucksack pocket or even the pocket of your coat, just in case.

It will definitely keep you warmer and drier in an emergency. It’s also a useful extra layer for wild camping in cold or nasty weather.


Sleeping bag cover, modular 3-lg.lam, 14115005, Coyote, standard size

Rainy weather (and even dew) will persuade you to invest in at least a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag like the MilTec one shown here, and perhaps a tarp for over the top.

You slip a waterproof cover like the Mil-Tec shown here over your sleeping bag.

You don’t need to share this with that scary guy. Just ask him politely to leave.

BEWARE

There are a few companies that produce very cheap bivvies made from a coated nylon. They tend to be pretty light and pack down small. The downsides are poor breathability and durability.


HIGHLANDER HAWK BIVI BIVVY BAG MILITARY/FISHING/CAMPING

The Highlander Hawk bivvy bag is lightweight, breathable and waterproof.

Mountain Warehouse Bivvy Sleeping Bag - 225cmX75cm, Compact Camping Bag - For Kids & Adults Khaki

You probably won’t want to use this on a serious expedition but at this price, it’s surprisingly good. Waterproof with taped seams.

Warm weather bivvying

No need for a bivi bag if you can be sure it won’t rain, but you’ll still want a lightweight, insulating mat to keep you out of the dew.

And definitely midge or mosquito protection, like this option below.

Super-simple for dry nights (or stick a tarp over the top for rain protection). The Lixada mosquito net has a dewproof base and two lines you can attach to branches or tent poles.

Option two – a hooped bivvy

Next step up is a bivvy with a hoop so that your head is protected but you have some wriggle room. It’s just a mini-tent the size of a sleeping bag. Unless you’re really keeping your pack down, we’d choose a little tent instead.

You can see some great fast-to-erect and lightweight tents in our stargazing tents article.


Snugpak’s Stratosphere bivi tent - two hoops and a full side zip.

Snugpak | Stratosphere | Lightweight 1 Person Waterproof Bivvi Shelter with a Single Skin Design...

This bivi comes with two hoops. It’s very easy to set up, using auto snap-together poles that slot into the head end. 

The poles hold the roof well above the head and also mean the bivvy can be used unpegged if needs be. There’s both mesh over the face and behind the head for better ventilation

The full-length side zip makes it feel less claustrophobic and means you can leave it open in warmer weather, though it would be great to have a mesh vent down the side too so that you could keep it airy and keep out bugs.

  • Weight; 1130g
  • Packed size: 31cm x 14cm


GEERTOP Ultralight 1-Person Waterproof Bivy Tent, Green,Outdoor Sleeping Bag,camping Bivvy Bag...

Half the price of the Snugpak, but with some good features, the Geertop bivvy tent has shock-corded aluminium poles and a good level of waterproofing for the rainfly and floor.

Unless you’re really keeping your pack down, we’d choose a little tent instead.

You can see some great fast-to-erect and lightweight tents in our stargazing tents article.

This Rhino Valley tent is a great price and a versatile wild camping option.

Rhino Valley Camping Tent, Waterproof Portable Lightweight Single Person Outdoor Instant Cabin Tent,...

Option three – a bivvy tent

For more freedom of movement, go for a teeny tent that goes up in seconds and packs away to nothing.

Our Favourite for space and simplicity

Aqua Quest WEST COAST Bivvy Tent, Mosquito Bug Net Mesh for Backpacking, Trekking, Hunting, Climbing

This AquaQuest beauty is the best pick for good weather wild camping and bivvying. 

It’s basically a mini mesh tent you can set up in a minute, and you can then string up a tarp to keep off the rain. It’s the most affordable too.

Its big advantage is very little condensation (there was some on the green roof section, but it doesn’t touch your sleeping bag except right at the foot). 

It’s also roomy and a pleasure to sleep in, looking at the stars. For us, it’s the idea small, light and fast ‘thing’ to sleep in when fair-weather wild camping.

  • Weight: 1kg
  • Packed size: 38cm x 13cm

The most bivvy tent

OutdoorGear Backpacker Pro Tent (2 Person)

Choose either the one-person tent or the two-person. They both pack to just 50 x 10cm. Pegs and a generous stuffsack are included.

Up in seconds thanks to the simple prebent poles and you can use it without the rainfly for clear nights.

  • Weight: 1.3kg and 1.8kg
  • Packed size: 50cm x 10cm


Coleman Cobra 2 Backpacking Tent, Black, Blue, Two Person

The Cobra 2 is just about a two-person tent, but we prefer it as a roomy one-person bivvy tent.

Aluminium poles, a ventilated inner tent and storage room. Best of all is the 93cm headroom. It’s heavier than our other picks, but still packable.

  • Weight: 2.2kg
  • Pack size: 48cm x 18cm x 15cm


GEERTOP 1 Person 4 Season Lightweight Aluminum Pole Backpacking Bivy Tent for Camping Outdoor Hiking

Plenty of options for setting up this Geertop one-person tent – with or without fly/inner. It gives you options for different weather conditions. A nice small pack size and aluminium poles.

  • Weight: 1.5kg
  • Pack size: 43cm x 11cm


Vango Banshee 300 Pro Backpacking Tent, Green, One Size

Lots of space and alloy poles that will stand up to a strong wind. The Vango Banshee Pro 300 is for two (or one with more room, of course!)

  • Weight: 2.2kg
  • Pack size: 46cm x 16cm


Andake Ultralight Tent, Waterproof 1 Person Camping Tent, Double-Wall Backpacking Tent (1206 g)

Super-lightweight and very roomy, the Andake is a well-designed little tent.

I doubt you’d want to explore the Antarctic with it, but it’s proved itself in wind and rain and is pretty excellent.

It has a double-wall construction so that it stays dry inside and you can keep mosquitoes off in warm weather while still have air coming through. It has aluminium poles.

  • Weight: 1.1kg
  • Pack size: 35cm x 15cm

Can I walk there? Can I camp there?

The vast majority of England is out-of-bounds. By law of trespass, we are excluded from 92 per cent of its land and 97 per cent of its waterways, blocked by walls whose legitimacy is rarely questioned.

In The Book of Trespass, we follow lifelong trespasser and campaigner for access, Nick Hayes, over the barbed wire fences of the aristocrats, politicians, media magnates, and corporations that own England to reveal the real story behind its KEEP OUT signs.

From the historical enclosure of the commons that began in 1066, to modern-day acts of resistance such as the Greenham Common Peace camp and the Kinder Trespass, Nick questions the English orthodoxy that the ownership of land should come with the right to exclude everyone else, and argues that the root of social inequality – across class, gender and race – is the uneven distribution of land.

Part polemic, part passionate defence of our access to the natural world, this is nature writing for 2020.

The Book of Trespass: Crossing the Lines that Divide Us

Option four – an off-ground bivvy hammock

For us, this is one of the best options. You’re off the ground, so you stay drier. But, hammocks aren’t generally comfortable for sleeping in – way too slumpy in the middle.

So, look for a flat-bed hammock. You can read a full review of these bivvy hammocks.


ENO Skyloft Spreader Bar Hammock Grey Seafoam 140 Denier Rip Stop Nylon Flat And Recline Modes Stuff...

We were excited to find the Eagle’s Nest (Eno) Skyloft. It’s not cheap, but it does have some nice features and the brand is reliable.

Use this hammock (almost flat-bed) or use in recline mode for relaxing. It comes with aluminium carabiner fixings, but you do need tree straps. Around 1.3kg and a pack size of 47 x 11cm. The stuff sack doubles as a pillow.


ETROL Camping Hammock with Mosquito Net,3 in 1 Function Ultra Lightweight Single & Double Hammock...

This tree/ground Etrol hammock is a third of the price of some rivals.

Use this hammock (almost flat-bed) in the trees, or peg it down on the ground. Use the mosquito net at night, or remove it to use as a standard hammock.

It comes with all the fixings you need, and some really good tree straps. Around 1.3kg and a small pack size.

The key to sleeping flat in this (and any hammock, actually) is to sleep on the diagonal. For that, the hammock needs to have width, and the Etrol is a good 140cm wide.


Hammock with Mosquito Net - Fully Reversible Bug Free Hammock Tent, Extra Large Sleeping Space, Bug...

For a cheap option, the Hammockbliss Sky Bed with bug net is good but not absolutely flat. 

BUG PROOF NETTING – 2100 Holes Per Square Inch NoSeeUm Netting Keeps Out Sandflies, Fleas, Gnats, Mosquitoes, & No-See-Ums
LARGE BED SPACE – Length 300 cm x 150 cm – Soft & Breathable Parachute Material Also Keeps You Free From Pressure Point & Rope Marks
POCKETS + ROPE + LOOPS – 4 Pockets Inside Net + 4 Utility Loops To Hang Gear – Hammock Complete With Its Own Suspension System – 250 cm of 6mm Climbing Rope Included Per Side For Easy Set Up
REVERSIBLE – Just Flip To Use As A Regular Hammock – NoSeeUm Netting Is Supported By 250 cm Of Attached Cord On Each Side – YKK Double Pull Zippers For Easy Access


The Qaou (yep!) is a multifunction tent and hammock.

It transforms into a hammock, tarp, beach shelter and tent with porch, and is lightweight thanks to its single aluminium poles. The tent size is 220 X 125 x 110H cm bedroom.


Tentsiles are unique. They hang from three trees so that the floor is kept absolutely flat and taut. 

There are sophisticated tents for one to six people, which can also be used on the ground. Plus there are hammocks and lots of add-on accessories.

With rainfly and insect mesh, they’re the all-in-one option for sleeping in the trees. Prices start at around £150 and rise to nearly £1,900 for the soon-to-be-launched Three Elements, which works on the ground, as a hanging tent AND as a floating shelter on a lake. Wow!

 


Lightweight, airy and with integrated ridgeline and net, the ENO Junglenest won us over with its internal spreader bar for decent headroom.

Because it’s so large, you have room to lie diagonally, which means lying flat rather than slumped. 

 

An ordinary hammock – but not if you have a bad back

The Forbidden Road hammocks are a great bargain. They do a single size and an extra-large double.

They come with all the straps and carabiners you need for fixing.

The single will hold up to 180kg and the big one up to 220kg. They fold down into a tiny stuffsack. Spend the money you’ve saved on the Klymit hammock pad for a comfier sleep.

It would also be worth checking out Camping Cots for Bad Backs, if you like many others have problems with your spine.


A Hennessy Hammock set-up. Cosy!

One range you can get easily – and one that offers a lot for the money – Hennessy Hammocks. Mosquito nets, included rainfly, almost flat-bed and very strong materials.


Klymit Hammock V Sleeping Pad, Insulated

Convert an ordinary hammock into a comfortable camping bed

For an ordinary hammock, get yourself a Klymit hammock pad…they make all the difference.

The extra side bits keep the fabric from engulfing you. 

See the tree hammock camping options we rate most highly in our head-to-head test.

See our article - Which Bivvy Hammock? A Head-to-Head Best Tree-Tent Test

Find your wild camping spot with Viewranger for walking, biking and more

 

 Viewranger is our favourite way of discovering new walks, cycle routes and exploring new places.

We used it for the first time on a trip to the Lake District. Absolutely loved its Skyline feature for identifying fells, tarns and interesting landmarks.

Be inspired with The Wild Guides

A brilliant series of guides that help you discover lovely landscapes, places to swim and camp, unusual and special places to eat and more. 

There are guides to ScotlandCentral England, the Lakes and DalesWalesPortugalCornwall and the South WestScandinavia and wild swimming in the UK, Italy and France.

Wild Guide: Devon, Cornwall and South West (Wild Guides): Hidden Places, Great Adventures and the...

Now make yourself comfortable

Choose a good sleeping bag

Andes Grande 4 Season Convertible Quad Layer 700g Envelope Camping Sleeping Bag, Single

If you’re going lightweight, then you’ll probably need a mummy sleeping bag, however these do make it difficult to move around to get a good position in a bivvy hammock.

Our choice would be something like the Andes Grand (1.8kg), which can be a duvet or rectangular sleeping bag. It’s rated for four seasons, but you might want the extra warmth of a liner or a Jungle Blanket over the top.

Vango Treklite Lightweight Sleeping Bag, Imperial Blue, Ultra 900

Also consider the affordable Vango Treklites in a choice of warmth balanced with weight and pack size.

Please, please – if you can – don’t buy a down sleeping bag. It’s really not fair to those poor geese and ducks.

Have a look at our review of three-season sleeping bags. Taking warm clothes or an insulated jacket and just a sleeping bag liner is another option.

Unigear Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp 300cm x 300/400/500cm,Portable Lightweight Waterproof Windproof...

 

Read more on tarps in our article - Take One Tarp…Make 66 Camping Shelters (How to)

Nilaqua Skin Cleansing Body Wash Foam, No Water or Rinsing Required, Aerosol Free 200ml

Take Nilaqua waterless washes – there are body and hair washes that will keep you clean without access to a shower or running water (not for very sensitive skins). 

Aqua Wipes are excellent and completely pure AND biodegradable. That doesn’t mean you should ever chuck them in the wild. They take a long time to disappear and are just litter meanwhile. Take them home!

Aqua Wipes Originals Baby Wipes, 100% Biodegradable, Plastic Free Wipes, 99.6% Purified Water,...


Unigear Tarp Poles telescopic set of 2, Aluminum pole for tarp, tent, awning, camping, adjustable...

Providing you have the tarp clips, guyline and trees, it’s pretty easy to make yourself a shelter. But for extra versatility, add a few tarp poles like the Unigear above to your kit.

Go for as light as possible and don’t forget to check how many eyelets your tarp has to accommodate the pole ends.

Cheap foam ones are good, but – if you have the space – more expensive self-inflating mats are better. You can, if you must, use bubblewrap.

We rate the Klymit range of ultralight mats for their comfortable V-shaped baffles.

For insulation in a hammock, go for the Snugpak hammock underpad.

For super-comfortable, non-backpacking options, have a look at our guide and recommendations for camping mattresses.

Snugpak | Hammock Underblanket | Hammock Accessories | Insulated Hammock Sleep System (Olive)

Go for lightweight but efficient

The MSR titanium kettles are superlight and quick boiling. Plus you can cook in them too.

In fact, the whole MSR range is pretty perfect for lightweight, small-pack camping.

Bitty Big Q Titanium Coffee Cup Mug with Lid and Folding Cutlery Set Compact Durable 450 ml, for...

This great little set is super light weight and compact, the mug has a lid to keep it warm and all comes in there own little bags to keep them clean and tidy.

Campfire wood-chopping time!

Here’s my Bahco Laplander, spotted in the timber merchants this week and now in the kit.

Bahco Laplander Folding Saw (396LAP - Frustration Free Packaging)

The teeth cut in both directions, so it’s a bit easier to use, plus folding it up is a tad simpler.

Cheat when it comes to cooking

Take easy-to-make food like Firepot (our favourite camping readymeals) and make your own tea and coffee bags using unbleached paper pouches.

Keep mosquitos away

Incognito Insect Repellent Spray, 100ml - Travel-Sized Natural DEET Free Formula, Protects for up to...

All natural Incognito keeps everything nasty away. Mosquito and midge repellent range that’s a bit kinder on the skin. We’ve tested it in some buggy places!

Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Body Spray with Jojoba 150 ml - Pack of 2

We prefer this to the old favourite Avon Skin So Soft, but try them both!

Go to the loo without fear

Multi Tool Survival Shovel Camping Spade Metal Military Scaled Hand Trowel with Paracord Handle for...

Take a toilet trowel…and read our article on camping toilets for information about how to go responsibly in the wild.

Clever clips and cords

Faithfull TARPCLIPS Instant Clip On Tarpaulin Eyelets (Pack of 4), APT0806-APE

These bits and pieces will cost you under a tenner and will change your (camping) life! Use the bungee cords to secure tarps, awnings, bits of flapping tent or for 101 other uses.

The green clips (screw-down) or black clips (slide-shut) fasten on to canvas taps, tents and so on without damaging the fabric and give you more options for securing.

Petzl Noctilight

This handy (and cheap) little zip-up pouch holds your headtorch, turning it into a lantern. 

A hanging cord wraps neatly around it. Clever little Petzl Noctilight!

The best headtorch we’ve found is the new Actik Core 450-lumen Petzl. It’s big advantage is that it can be recharged from a USB socket or used with batteries. Very bright, very comfortable.

PETZL Headlamp, Red
Ticket to the Moon Fair Trade & handmade Moonstraps for Tree-Friendly Installation, 2 PCs x 2.6m x...

We use the Ticket to the Moon hammock straps. Three types to choose from but all quick and easy, don’t damage the trees and make setting up your hammock really easy.

JOYHILL Hydration Bladder

JOYHILL Hydration Bladder, 3 L 2 L 1.5 L Water Bladder BPA Free, 3 Liter Large Opening Water...

The JOYHILL Hydration Bladder is a taste-free, non-BPA, foldable water carrier. Holds three litres. Stands up (many water bags don’t), reliable tap and easy-fill top.

The other great option is the PackTap – holds 10-litres.

Sea to Summit Unisex_Adult Backpack, Blue, 5
Snugpak | Jungle Blanket | Insulated camping or emergancy blanket for just in case (Green, Standard)

Try a Snugpak Jungle Blanket for sleeping under on warmer nights, for adding a layer to your sleeping bag or for wrapping around you and a friend so you can sit under the stars for longer. Lots of readers say they love them. Warm and light.

The Kelty Bestie blanket serves the same purpose and might suit you more if you’re after some colour!

Coleman Sportster stove

No products found.

The Coleman Sportster is a fantastic petrol stove that’s cheap to run and small to pack.

Don’t use unleaded fuel (clogging) and don’t use the Coleman fuel (expensive). Instead, buy Aspen 4T or a similar purified petrol. You’ll find them in garden equipment stores. Comes in five litres and without the smell and health hazard of unleaded. 

The stove comes in a neat box. It’ll last a lifetime of camping trips.

By the way, the box is very strong and robust, but it’s plastic…so don’t put your hot stove inside! Well, you just wouldn’t, would you!

Bitty Big Q 316 Stainless Steel Ultra Compact Potable Lightweight Camp Grill

If you looking for something super light and compact take a look at the Bitty Big Q 316 Stainless Steel Ultra Compact Potable Lightweight Camp Grill, folds up to fit in the palm of your hand! you can use it over an open fire (safely) when opened up big enough to boil the kettle and fry some bacon! Also comes in a handy bag to safely stow away when your done.

Safe drinking water

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, Blue, 1pc

If you’re unsure about how safe the water is, the LifeStraw‘s the answer.

There’s also a steel straw version and water filter bottles with the same filtration system. Gets rid of 99% of harmful nasties.

Take a look at our article on hammock camping for more lovely ways to sleep cosily in the wild.

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