How to Make Your Own Bivy Sack

Velo Steve on Flickr

Bivouac sacks, also known as bivy sacks, are preferred over tents by some backpackers. They are lighter, take up less room, and serve as a quick escape from unexpected rain. New ultralight tarps have reduced the weight advantage retail bivy sacks used to have, but you can make your own bivy sack that weighs only 4 ounces.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Two large garbage bags Duct tape
Two large garbage bags
Duct tape

Step 1

Take the open ends of two large garbage bags and place them parallel to one another on the ground.

Step 2

Apply duct tape along the edge. Flip over the bag and repeat on the other side so that the entire circumference is taped.

Step 3

Cut a hole at one end big enough for you to comfortably fit your torso through. This will be the head hole for the bivy sack.

Tips & Warnings

Do not sleep with your head inside the tent. You could be asphyxiated. If not, you will make the interior of the bivy sack humid and uncomfortable to sleep in.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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