Planning • Safety • Comfort
Smart bivouac: optimize your camping in the great outdoors
A successful bivouac depends above all on preparation , reading the terrain and careful management of resources . This expert, quantitative and actionable guide gives you clear principles, quantified benchmarks and field checklists to set up a safe, comfortable and efficient camp, whatever the weather.
1) Planning & Weather
- 48–72 hour weather forecast : wind (gusts), cumulative rainfall (mm), minimum nighttime temperature. Capture offline maps.
- Timing : aim for T-60 to T-90 min before nightfall to install (soil + water + shelter).
- Route : Reliable water points every 8–12 km (summer) or 12–18 km (mid-season).
- Plan B : 2 alternative spots (different altitude, different exposure).
2) Choose the location (quantified criteria)
Slope & soil
- Slope ≤ 5% (≈ 3°) for sleeping upright; beyond: slipping, back tension.
- Drainage : avoid basins and dry stream beds (risk of runoff).
- Soil : moss/short grass > clay > pebbles.
Water & distances
- 70 m minimum from rivers/lakes (Leave No Trace + noise + humidity).
- 2–3 L/person/day (summer); 1.5–2 L (mid-season) excluding cooking.
Wind & exposure
- Position yourself downwind (break: grove, rock, slope).
- Avoid ridges (gusts, cold clearings) and valley bottoms (stagnant cold air).
3) Shelters & assemblies (tent / tarp / hammock)
Shelter
Typical weight
Mounting speed
Wind/Rain
Notes
Freestanding tent
1.2–2.0 kg (2P)
5–8 min
++++ / +++
Windproof, quick assembly anywhere, higher price
Tarp + poles
300–700 g
6–12 min
+++ / ++
Ultra-light, modular; practical application
Hammock + tarp
800–1300 g
7–12 min
+++ / +++
Comfort in wet conditions; insulate underneath (underquilt or mattress)
- Guys : angle 40–50°; critical points doubled in winds > 50 km/h.
- Anchors : 6 minimum (4 corners + 2 guy lines); 8–10 if wind/soft ground.
- Orientation : entrance on the leeward side, low side facing the prevailing wind.
4) Thermal management (down, mattress, diapers)
Sleeping system
- Down : aim for a comfort temperature ≤ expected minimum temperature − 3°C (cold margin).
- Mattress : Cumulative R-value ≥ 3 (mid-season) , ≥ 4.5 (light winter) .
- Thermal layer : hat + dry socks = +2–3°C felt.
Numerical benchmarks
- Each +1 of R-value ~ +2 to +3 °C of ground comfort (order of magnitude).
- Floor insulation often counts as much as the down above.
- Humidity : limit condensation (high ventilation, ground clearance).
5) Water: collection, treatment, volumes
- Volumes : 2–3 L/day/person in summer (up to 4 L if hot/exercise), 1.5–2 L in mid-season.
- Treatment : 0.1–0.2 µm filter (bacteria/protozoa) + UV/chemical backup (viruses). Boil 1–3 min = universal.
- Flow : pre-filter cloudy water (fabric), fill at camp (avoids night trips).
6) Cooking & nutrition: calories, fuel
Context
kcal/day intake
Macronutrients
Fuel (gas)
Notes
Moderate hike
2,300–2,700
50–55% carbohydrates / 25–30% fat / 15–20% protein.
~25–35 g/day/person
2 kettles/day (meal + hot drink)
Steady gradient
2,800–3,400
+ lipids (energy density)
~35–45 g/day/person
Wind/altitude = overconsumption
- Menus : freeze-dried + quick starches + salty/sweet snacks.
- Hydration : 500 ml/h during moderate walking (more in heat/altitude).
- Stove : windbreak, reliable ignition, stable surface. Keep shelter 3 m away (CO + fire).
7) Fire & Safety
- Permits : Check local regulations. In dry weather: use a stove instead.
- Location : mineral circle, 2 m from any vegetation, water/sand within reach.
- Extinguishing : drown + stir + touch warm ashes = not finished.
8) Camp organization & routines
Camp zoning
- Sleeping : shelter + mattress + duvet; nothing smelly.
- Kitchen : 60–70 m, downwind, mineral soil.
- Requirements : Latrine 70 m from water, 15–20 cm deep (cathole), close carefully.
Effective routines
- On arrival : spot → water → shelter → mattress → duvet → kitchen.
- Before night : dry clothes, lamp tested, filtered water, bag put away.
- At the start : check clean areas, cold ashes, nothing forgotten.
9) Hygiene, health & minimal traces
- Hands : 30–50 ml gel before each meal, after washing.
- Teeth : mini-brush + dry toothpaste; expectorate away from high traffic/water areas.
- Waste : Zip bag; nothing left behind. Microfibers: Dry separately.
- Leave No Trace : Camp on durable surfaces, no cutting of vegetation, limited/no fires.
10) Wildlife, night & risk management
- Food : hang (ursack/rope) 3–4 m high and 1–2 m from the trunk if opportunistic wildlife.
- Night navigation : headlamp + backup lamp, short azimuth, reflective beacons.
- Changing weather : lower shelter, add guy lines, reinforce anchors, evacuation plan.
11) Typical scenarios (packs & settings)
Dry summer (200–800 m)
- Tarp 400–500 g, mattress R ≈ 2.5–3, comfort down 10–12 °C
- Water 2–3 L/day; filter + UV backup
- Gas ≈ 25–30 g/day; windbreak essential
Wet mid-season
- Tent 1.3–1.8 kg, mattress R ≥ 3.5, comfort duvet 0–5 °C
- Water 2 L/day; filter + boiling for soups/drinks
- Gas ≈ 35–45 g/day; ventilated shelter (condensation)
Gentle altitude (1600–2400 m)
- Sturdy tent (poles), 8–10 guy lines, snow/rock anchors
- Mattress R ≥ 4.5, comfort down −3 to −5 °C
- Gas +10–20% (coldness/wind), water 2.5–3.5 L/d
12) Printable checklists
12.1 Pre-departure
12.2 Setting up camp
12.3 Departure
13) FAQ
How do I size my mattress for cold weather?
Aim for R ≥ 3 (mid-season) and R ≥ 4.5 (cold). If in doubt, layer foam + inflatable to accumulate the Rs.
How much water should I take at night?
Prepare 1–1.5 L/person for cooking + hydration until morning, to avoid night outings.
Gas or alcohol/wood?
Gas = regularity & cleanliness, sensitive to cold/wind; alcohol/wood = local but slow/restrictive logistics. In wind/altitude: gas + windbreak.
Condensation in the shelter: what to do?
Ventilate at the top, remove fabrics from the bag, avoid cooking in it, and pat dry when you get up. Choose a spot with a little ventilation.
Conclusion
Smart bivouacking is the combination of a good spot , a well-adjusted shelter , suitable insulation and methodical management of water, fire and food. With these benchmarks and routines, you gain comfort, security and peace of mind — whatever the weather.
Continue with our detailed bivouac guide and discover our technical selection .
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