DIY Bivy

A bivy sack, otherwise known as a bivouac sack, is a wind- and waterproof shell for a sleeping bag that acts as a shelter. Bivy sacks are often used in place of a shelter such as a tent or hammock. Typically, bivy sacks are used by those who spend significant time out in the wilderness where pitching a tent is not practical. These are also often used by mountaineers where no other shelter can be set up on cliff-sides. A bivy sack can be made from a variety of materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Scissors
  • Outdoor adhesive
  • Sewing needle and nylon thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Roll out your sleeping bag on the ground. Set the sleeping bag out straight and flat.

    • 2

      Measure the width and length of the sleeping bag using a tape measure. Add 8 inches to the measurements.

    • 3

      Cut two pieces of waterproof material--such as Gore-Tex fabric, gabardine or oilskin--to meet your measurements plus 8 inches.

    • 4

      Place one piece of fabric on top of the other. Glue the sides and bottom edges together--leaving an opening on one end--using a light coat of outdoor adhesive. Allow time for this to dry.

    • 5

      Sew the two pieces together along the edges using nylon thread, leaving the one end open. For added security, double-stitch the edges.