How Much Does A Bivy Sack Weigh?

As mountaineers, climbers, or even backpackers, it’s important to be mindful of the weight of our gear. Even more so when it comes to the shelter that will serve as our primary defense against the elements.

Although it’s not always the case, a bivy sack’s (short for a bivouac sack) weather protection is often related to its weight. The heavier the bag, the more water-resistant it gets and vice versa.

The weight of a bivy sack can vary between 5 ounces (oz) and 3 pounds (lbs). Where the ultralight bivy weighs between 5 ounces (oz) to 1 pound (lbs) approx., whereas the military bivies or highly durable bivvies weigh between 2 to 3 pounds approx.

In this blog, I go over the topic in greater depth, concluding with some of my recommendations.

Is It Important To Consider The Weight Of The Bivy Sack?

Yes, the weight of a bivy sack is important enough to take into account when packing for all of your other gear.

However, because the weight of a bivy is less than 3 pounds, you have the freedom to choose your other gear before looking for a lightweight or highly weather-resistant bivy bag (as per your needs).

Furthermore, there are times when you don’t even need to think about the weight of your bivy.

For example, if you are going to a nearby camping ground or campsite that is accessible by car or if the weather is not an issue, you can choose any type of bivy and still have a relaxing yet enjoyable camping/hiking experience.

However, there are a few situations where the weight of the bivy does matter.

For example, if you are going on a long trip, it is best to choose a lightweight bivy to avoid aching your back.

Also if the forecast indicates a downpour near your trail, a heavy bivy with high weather protection might be the best choice.

When all is said and done, it really comes down to where you’re camping and the presence of elemental forces. Choose your bivy based on these two factors, and you shouldn’t have too much trouble.

What Makes A Bivy Sack Heavy?

Just as a sleeping bag’s weight is mainly determined by its fill material, ie. synthetic or down, the weight of a bivy is also mostly determined by the materials used in its construction.

There are numerous materials used in the construction of a bivy sack, including Sil-Nylon, Sympatex, and Gore-Tex, to name a few. Considering that these are the most common materials used in the construction of a bivy, let’s discuss a little more about them.

The weight of the bivy also depends on a few other things as well. One such factor is the number of layers present; the more the layers, the heavier the bivy will be.

Also, does it come with a mesh cover or bug net, since it will also contribute to the weight of the bivy. And finally, does it have a hoop, or in other words is it a structured bivy or an unstructured one, since the ones with a hoop tend to be a bit heavier than the others.

Some may argue that having a zipper also affects the weight of the bivy, but I don’t think such a small object will affect the weight to be even noticeable.

What Should Be The Weight Of Your Entire Sleep System?

To be clear from the start, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the weight of your sleep system will vary depending on what time of the year you are camping as well as where you are camping.

For example, when you are camping in heavy rain or even light precipitation, you want to include a tarp or a footprint along with your other camping gears to help you stay dry, which in turn adds about 1-2 pounds to your overall sleep system.

Whereas for winter camping or snow camping, all of your original gears (sleeping bag, sleeping pad/sleeping mat, your choice of shelter) will instantly become heavier in order to increase insulation.

Further reading: Does A Bivy Sack Add Warmth?

It also includes rather misc. factors such as do you need a pillow with your sleeping bag as well as a blanket for particularly windy days.

However for a more “normal” day with clear weather during the spring-summer months with relatively fewer winds, expect your sleep system to weigh around 7.5 pounds (bivy sack 1.3 lbs, sleeping bag 2.7 lbs, sleeping pad 1.5 lbs, tarp 1.5 lbs, other misc. 0.5 lbs).

My Recommendations

Here are a few bivys I recommend you check out:

Final Thoughts

Although I mentioned earlier in the article that the weight of a bivy is important enough to consider while packing your backpack, it’s also worth mentioning that a bivy is one of the lightest shelters you can get your hands on.

So don’t get too excited if one bivy is a few ounces lighter than the other. What’s more important is that you reduce the weight of your other gears since they will occupy the bulk of your pack.

Anyways, as always, stay safe and happy adventuring!