Bivvies & Hammocks

Bivvies & Hammock Shelters

Minimalist shelter for emergency, ultralight, and packable backup. Emergency bivouac sacks weigh ounces and fit in a pocket; camping hammocks set up in five minutes between any two trees. Both eliminate the bulk of a tent for use cases where weight and pack space rule.

Emergency bivvies vs. camping hammocks

Emergency bivvies are reflective, single-use or limited-use shelter for unexpected nights out — heat-trapping mylar or reinforced fabrics that buy you survival time when the trip goes sideways. Camping hammocks are full sleep solutions for planned trips — comfortable, repeatable, and surprisingly warm with the right setup.

When to choose each

• Emergency bivvy: always in the pack as backup, regardless of trip type
• Hammock: planned trips with trees, warm enough for the season
• Both: redundant shelter for solo backcountry travel

Round out the shelter system

See Tarps & Hammocks for tarp-over-hammock configurations, Shelter for the full category, and Sleeping Bags & Quilts for the warmth layer.

Lighter, faster, ready when conditions go sideways.