To bivvy or not to bivvy?
One of the big questions to answer ahead of any multi-day event is what sleep system to use.
There are always a lot of opinions about what the ‘right’ answer is, but in reality I don’t think there is one. It all comes down to personal preference, trying and testing as many different options as you can, and striking the right balance. If you find something that works for you, stick with it.
I have now spent quite a long time trying to nail this aspect of bikepacking, from sleeping in my parents garden on many occasions in 2020 (in a bivvy, hooped bivvy, multiple tent options, different sleeping mats, and sleeping bags etc), to camping throughout the GBDIVIDE in a small tent and severely underestimating the weather, to nights out recently in a simple lightweight bivvy.
The main thing I’ve learnt from this is that I don’t enjoy camping. I’ve given it a lot of chances, through a variety of rides and weather conditions, and it’s just not something I personally enjoy.
I’ve also learnt that this doesn’t particularly bother me. Sure, I’d prefer to love it, and to be one of those people that can sleep soundly under the stars. But I also appreciate that you don’t have to love something for it to be worth doing. You won’t catch me heading out on my bike simply to sleep outside, but I will definitely continue to embark on adventures where this is a necessary element.
When I get home I remember the incredible ride I’ve just been on. The camping is such a tiny part of the overall journey that it’s eclipsed by the on-bike positives for me. Merely a footnote in the story, and usually one I can laugh about after a good night’s sleep in my own bed.
The conclusion I have drawn from this is that I may as well go for carrying the lightest and easiest option. So, it’s going to be the bivvy for me. It’s functional, it keeps (most) of the elements out, and it’s simple. Pitching a tent, and then packing it up in the morning, is an infuriating experience if you spend longer doing that then you did sleeping.
I do want to give myself the best chance of getting rest when I need it though, so I have fine tuned a couple of other elements.
I’m a very restless sleeper, and prefer to lie on my side, so the constriction of a sleeping bag wasn’t really doing it for me. Instead I’ve invested in some down trousers, and these will now be my go to on the chillier nights. I’ll also continue to pack my trusty beanie to keep my head warm as I rest it on my backpack, having ditched the pillow.
The sleeping mat is still making the cut at this point, alongside the puffer jacket and extra pair of warm socks. But if we luck in with some warm summer nights, I’m sure some of this will end up being left at home as well.
Whether you love camping or not, you can still find joy in the experiences that surround it, and the things it enables you to do. I would have missed out on a lot if I hadn’t stuck with it.
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The Road to GBDuro with Molly Weaver