Bivouac – for some, the very thought makes their eyes light up. Others feel a shiver as they remember the last north face bivy. No matter how you put it into practice – a bivy in the mountains is and remains one of the great mountain adventures. In the following, we would like to clarify briefly where the term bivouac comes from, what you should pay attention to when bivouacking and what you need to consider when it comes to choosing your gear.

Where does the name “Bivouac” originate?

Bivouac originally comes from the Flemish “bijwacht” and means “special watch” or “guard”. Later the term became “bivouac” in French, which meant “night guard” or “field guard”, later also “field camp”. In the course of time, the term from military jargon has also established itself in the language of mountaineers and adventurers.

• One of those important pieces of equipment you will need for spending the night outdoors is a  bivy bag (not to be confused with sleeping bags; a bivy bag is not lined, but light and thin and is used solely for weather protection!)
• Bivouac boxes can be found in the mountains (not always) for spending the night protected from the rain
• Bivouac tents offer a little more comfort for one or two people
• Equipment for emergency bivouacs in alpine accidents and for winter bivies during the cold season

Depending on the planning, special attention should be paid to the right equipment for a bivy – because a lot depends on it. From the right bivouac sack (which, by the way, is also available for two people and made of various materials – to special sleeping bags suitable for bivouacking), outdoor brands today have come up with all kinds of practical bivouac products.

Here’s a few examples of what you might need:

1. 1. • Bivy bag
      • Sleeping bag
      • Sleeping pad 
      • Backpack
      • Headlamp
      • Outdoor stove

Outdoor kitchen and provisions

1. 1. • Fuel
      • Lighter/matches
      • Cooking pot
      • Eating utensils (plate, bowl, cup)
      • Cutlery
      • Pocket knife
      • Multitool (with a can opener)
      • Water bottle
      • Vacuum flask
      • Trekking food and other supplies
      • Water or water purifiers/- treatments
      • Garbage bags
      • Candle

What is the difference between bivouacking and camping?

There is no clear definition of the term bivouac. So what for some people is still bivouacking – for example, high alpine camping with a one-person tent – is already camping for others.

Nevertheless, it can be basically said that bivouacking is generally understood to mean an outdoor overnight stay with reduced means. Camping, on the other hand, places value on a certain level of comfort – the mere fact that you always have ” fabric over your head” when camping and not when bivouacking in many cases speaks for itself. In Summer, bivouacking often doesn’t even require a bivy bag. If the weather is stable and the conditions are dry, and efficient sleeping bag is sufficient.

Note: In the context of mountain sports, a bivouac is a (high) alpine overnight stay with reduced, light equipment.

Mountaineering apparel

1. 1. • Baselayers
      • Fleece jacket
      • Touring-/Trekking trousers
      • Trekking boots/hiking boots
      • Hiking socks
      • Rain jacket
      • Rain pants
      • Headband /scarf
      • Light beanie
      • Light gloves

Mountaineering equipment

1. 1. • Trekking poles
      • Sunglasses
      • If necessary equipment for climbing or for Via Ferrata

Special Equipment Winter bivouac

1. 1. • Down sleeping bag
      • Thermal insulation sleeping pad
      • Down jacket/insulation jacket
      • Touring pants
      • Gaiters
      • Long underwear (eg Merino wool)
      • Mittens/gloves
      • Bivy boots
      • Warm hat
      • Ski touring equipment or snowshoes

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Orientation & Electronics

1. 1. • Map
      • Compass
      • Mobile phone
      • Possibly a GPS device

Personal items

1. 1. • Travel Towel
      • Toilet paper
      • Hand sanitizer (see Outdoor Body Care)
      • Tissues

Health and Emergency

1. 1. • First Aid Kit
      • Insect repellent
      • Sun protection
      • Tape

Packing tips for a night of bivouacking

This packing list gives some helpful hints on what to consider for a planned overnight stay in the outdoors. Depending on weather conditions and location of the bivouac, other individual equipment may be needed to add to the list. Balmy summer nights are obviously easier to move around in than on a chilly winter night, wear warm clothes, spare dry clothes and a thick down sleeping bag with a capacity to keep you warm well into below zero are absolutely necessary. Also, a pot of hot tea can be that perfect comfort moment. However, even on a summer evening, a temperature drop is not out of the question, which is why a warm sleeping bag, fleece sweaters and even a light beanie are also recommended. It’s so much easier to enjoy the great outdoors and a beautiful night under the stars when you are properly equipped and in preparation for whatever nature throws your way!

A bivouac sack is not always mandatory. If the weather is relatively mild in winter you can “camp out” in a snow cave or igloo. One thing to remember is a shovel! Also good to remember is that your kit will need to be carried. The ideal is special ultralight gear and apparel for those not wanting the burden of carrying a heavy load.

Keep in mind that extra equipment may be needed in addition to this bivouac packing list, depending on how you intend to arrive at the bivouac site of your choice. If combining a bivy-night with a climbing route, or a full-blown trekking tour, multi-day ski trip or a multi-day kayak trip, you will find plenty of inspiration in Bergzeit’s further comprehensive packing lists.

Packing lists for alpine activities