There are various types of bivi bags to choose from on today’s market, ranging from the cheapest survival bags for one time usage through to the expensive yet extremely effective bags that will perform in even the harshest of weather conditions faced by professional climbers and mountaineers. Due to new innovations in Gore-Tex technology bivi bags are not only waterproof and windproof but breathable, as the fabric allows for an exchange of carbon monoxide and oxygen to give optimal breathability. This means that the problems of excess condensation inside the bag are now no longer an issue. The seams of a bivi are now often hot taped and so there will be no tiny holes in the fabric from stitching as there was previously. This in turn ensures that the bivi will be fully waterproof.

Should you find that a bivi bag is too claustrophobic then there is the option of a hooped bivi or bivi tent, which makes use of poles or hoops to provide extra room for maneuverability and storage giving its occupant some of the advantages that a tent would provide but at the same time being far lighter and taking up considerably less room in your backpack.

All in all a bivi bag is a great option to consider and the purchase a high quality bag will save its owner money in the long term due to its durability for long term usage. It may also save your life should you ever become trapped in extreme conditions. So choose carefully and find the bag that is best suited to your individual needs.