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Tips for a successful bivouac
Your bivouac needs to be well-prepared before pitching your tent in the middle of nature! Choice of equipment, location, preliminary information, practical advice: this guide will allow you step-by-step to combine safety and pleasure for your future nights spent outdoors.
Ah, the pleasure of a holiday in the wilderness can quickly turn into a bad dream. Can you imagine waking up in a drenched tent, covered in mosquito bites and no more groceries? Knowing a few tips will help you organise your next bivouac, without a hitch!
Safety, inseparable from any mountain bivouac preparation
Bivouac, like camping, is subject to several safety rules and to legislation. Several days before leaving, we advice you to:
- consult the weather forecast for your destination,,
- find out about the regulations in force: wild camping is very controlled, so you cannot pitch your tent anywhere,
- check your equipment: If you have not used your tent for a long time, it is advisable to pitch it before leaving to remind yourself how to do it and make sure that you have all the necessary pieces. From the pegs, poles, emergency repair kit, to cooking utensils and your groundsheet: scrutinize everything.
Where to bivouac in the mountains the art of organisation
Bivouac, like camping, is subject to several safety rules and to legislation. Several days before leaving, we advise you to:
- consult the weather forecast for your destination
- find out about the regulations in force : wild camping is very controlled, so you cannot pitch your tent just anywhere
- check your equipment: If you have not used your tent for a long time, it is advisable to pitch it before leaving to remind yourself how to do it and make sure that you have all the necessary pieces. From the pegs, poles, emergency repair kit, to cooking utensils and your groundsheet: scrutinize everything.
How to find the best place to bivouac
Choosing the right location is essential for making the most of the pleasures of outdoor life. Your golden rule? Observe your surroundings before pitching the tent.
The location of your bivouac should be:
- A neutral zone, far from a cultivated field (possible manoeuvring of machinery at dawn, deterioration of seeding), an area welcoming animals (droppings, ticks, etc.) and a river (upward movement of humidity, insect population).
- Flat ground, to avoid slipping down during the night, but also to ensure minimum comfort and protect you from puddles if it rains. Branches and stones under the sleeping area must be removed.
- A surface sheltered from "wind": to avoid damage caused by strong winds or a storm that rises in the middle of the night, it is advisable not to set up your tent facing the mountain. You will therefore avoid upward gusts that hit your canvas at full force. a common mistake: don't take into account the katabatic wind, which arrives from the peaks, caused by the descent of a mass of cold air along the slope. Under gravity, it can reach particularly high speeds.
Our tips for a comfortable night outdoor.
In the mountains, certain details can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips, of proven relevance:
- Provide one lamp per person to secure the comings and goings of everyone.
- Make sure you have an extra bottle of water with you, essential to put out the embers of your camp-fire when you go to bed.
- Protect yourself from the cold at night, which can be a surprise even in summer. A good mattress and a suitable sleeping bag will do the trick. And for winter, we advise you to place an insulating foam mat under your inflatable mattress.
- Protect yourself from the dampness of dawn, especially when bivouacking under the stars. A waterproof and breathable cover allows you to avoid this kind of setback. For XXL comfort, you could also add a liner.
- Do not attract surrounding animals by leaving leftovers near the tent. Clean cooking utensils and secure the storage of food are the guarantees of a peaceful night's sleep. Find our tips for easy camp meals.
- To make sure you can make your hot coffee in the morning slip your gas canister into your sleeping bag at night. A tip to avoid finding it frozen at dawn!
And to avoid getting lost in the middle of the bush: Get all our hikes on Decathlon Outdoor
The choice of location: decisive for a safe bivouac!
Choosing the right location is essential for making the most of the pleasures of outdoor life. Your golden rule? Always prioritize safety over the beauty of the landscape. You are here to sleep, after all!
The location of your bivouac should be:
- A neutral zone, far from a cultivated field (possible manoeuvring of machinery at dawn, deterioration of seeding), an area welcoming animals (droppings, ticks, etc.) and a river (upward movement of humidity, insect population).
- Flat ground, to avoid slipping down during the night, but also to ensure minimum comfort and protect you from puddles if it rains. Branches and stones under the sleeping area must be removed.
- A surface sheltered from "wind": to avoid damage caused by strong winds or a storm that rises in the middle of the night, it is advisable not to set up your tent facing the mountain. You will therefore avoid upward gusts that hit your canvas at full force. a common mistake: don't take into account the katabatic wind, which arrives from the peaks, caused by the descent of a mass of cold air along the slope. Under gravity, it can reach particularly high speeds.
Our tips for a comfortable night outdoor.
- In the mountains, certain details can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips, of proven relevance:
- Provide one lamp per person to secure the comings and goings of everyone.
- Make sure you have an extra bottle of water with you, essential to put out the embers of your camp-fire when you go to bed.
- Protect yourself from the cold at night, which can be a surprise even in summer. A good mattress and a suitable sleeping bag will do the trick. And for winter, we advise you to place an insulating foam mat under your inflatable mattress.
- Protect yourself from the humidity of dawn, especially when bivouacking under the stars. A waterproof and breathable cover allows you to avoid this kind of setback. For XXL comfort, you could also add a liner.
- Do not attract surrounding animals by leaving leftovers near the tent. Clean cooking utensils and secure the storage of food are the guarantees of a peaceful night's sleep. Find our tips for easy camp meals.
- To make sure you can make your hot coffee in the morning slip your gas canister into your sleeping bag at night. A tip to avoid finding it frozen at dawn!
Well rested and well restored, you are ready for a beautiful hike!
Now you're ready for a great hike! You are ready for the adventure of the bivouac, in the calm and serenity of a perfect organisation.
Elise
I am not only a hiker, I am also passionate about passionate people!
