Bivouac: luggage, shoes, clothing, outdoor equipment and gear

What is bivouacking?

Bivouacking is a temporary shelter or camp established for the purpose of spending the night in an outdoor location, usually without the usual amenities and facilities of a permanent campsite, namely sanitary facilities, tables, electricity, etc. A bivouac may require the use of a simple tent, a tarp-type cover or other portable shelter.

Bivouacking can be established by hikers, mountaineers or military personnel crossing an area far from cities or roads. The word bivouac is often associated with the idea of roughing it or making do with limited resources. The term bivouac is used to describe a series of outdoor camping experiences that prioritize simplicity, mobility and self-sufficiency over comfort and convenience. As you will have understood, bivouacking is a state of mind!

Bivouac and bushcraft, what are the differences?

For several years, some enthusiasts of outdoor activities and outdoor sports have been turning to bushcraft. Although bivouacking and bushcraft are similar concepts, they nevertheless have some differences. Bivouacking mainly refers to shelter building techniques and temporary sleeping solutions. Bushcraft therefore involves bivouacking, but it takes the experience of living in the woods further. Bushcraft is simply the art of surviving and even thriving outdoors. There are several skills to master for a successful bushcraft outing: building shelters, starting a fire, collecting and purifying water, gathering food, navigating, providing first aid...

How to bivouac?

On vetsecurite.com, you'll find everything you need to bivouac safely. If you've never bivouacked before, here are five tips to get you started:

1. Respect the environment: leave no trace of your passage and take your waste with you to minimize your impact. This is called "leave no trace".

2. Respect the law: find out in advance whether bivouacking is allowed as well as campfires. If they are allowed, use only dead wood, mark out an area for your fire with stones or a hole dug in the ground and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving.

3. Plan ahead: research the area, check weather conditions and plan your equipment accordingly. Nothing is worse than being caught in the rain without a rain jacket or spare clothes and shivering all night in your tent.

4. Always prioritize your safety: Depending on where you set up your bivouac, it may be wise to store your food safely, away from camp and elevated to avoid attracting wild animals. Also remember to bring a few items for your safety and that of your adventure companions: first aid kit, compass, whistle, signal mirror, survival blanket... Learning basic first aid skills is also a good initiative!

5. Choose an appropriate location: if possible, opt for a flat and dry place offering natural protection against the wind. Avoid dangerous places, likely to be flooded in case of heavy rain, near unstable rock formations, dead trees, etc.

What to take for bivouacking?

Which bivouac bag to choose?

Choosing a bivouac bag depends on several factors such as the duration of the trip, the type of sleeping arrangement used and the weather conditions. Indeed, logically, you won't need the same bag for a weekend trip in summer with a tarp-type sleeping arrangement as for a two-week trip in the mountains in winter.

Thus, on vetsecurite.com, we offer a wide selection of bags and luggage accessories: backpacks, hydration bags, transport bags, waterproof bags, storage pouches, ... We offer bivouac bags with a volume ranging from 15 liters for day hikes or ultralight bivouacking to over 121 liters for long outdoor expeditions.

Which shoes to choose for a successful bivouac?

High, low or mid-height, waterproof or antistatic, you will find a wide choice of bivouac and hiking shoes in our online store. Both women and men will find shoes to fit. Many sizes and colors of shoes are available on vetsecurite.com!

Bivouac equipment

On vetsecurite.com, get all the necessary equipment for bivouacking and survival: multi-function tools and pliers, headlamps, first aid kits, fire starters, storm lighters, compasses, map cases, topography accessories and electronic accessories. The biggest brands are present at an unbeatable price: Leatherman, baladéo, BCB Adventure, Bushnell, Élémentaire, Garmin, Gerber, Highlander, Led Lenser, Lifestraw, Morakniv, Petzl, Silva, Survive Outdoor Longer and many others!

Bivouac equipment

Find your favorite brands of bivouac equipment on vetsecurite.com! We offer everything you need for sleeping: tents, tarps, tarps, camouflage nets, stakes, tensioners, carabiners, maintenance products, repair kits, camp beds, hammocks, sleeping bags, bivy-type sleeping bag covers, ground sheets, mattresses and mosquito nets.

But bivouacking also means outdoor cooking and paying attention to your hygiene. You will definitely find the equipment that meets your needs on our site: stove, fuel, mess kits, water bottles, cutlery, toiletry bag, shampoo, foldable toothbrushes, microfiber towels, solar shower, etc.

How to choose your bivouac clothing?

Discover our range of bivouac clothing, hiking and outdoor activities for women and men. Tops, bottoms, technical underwear, textile care and headwear accessories are available at the best price on vetsecurite.com!

What to eat while bivouacking?

In addition to cooking equipment, equipment for sleeping and hygiene, we also offer a full range of bivouac food to eat with or without a stove: freeze-dried meals, protein or energy drinks, coffees, meal or survival packs...