Imagine you are sleeping under the stars, the wind brushing your face as you are wrapped up warm inside your sleeping bag. Most tents won’t allow open access to the sky while you sleep, but the bivouac bag – or bivvy bag – does.

A bivvy bag is essentially a waterproof sack that wraps over your sleeping bag to keep you dry when sleeping outside. It’s an alternative to a tent and a favourite among campers, bikepackers and alpinists looking for a lightweight sleeping solution – and a better view of the night sky.

The Alpkit Hunka has become a go-to bivvy bag after it was popularised by British adventurer Alastair Humphreys in his ‘Year Of Microadventures’ campaign. Humphreys wanted to prove that you don’t have to quit your job and cycle around the world to have an adventure. There are plenty of opportunities right here in the UK. All you need is a sleeping bag, a bivvy bag and plenty of warm clothes.

“A good night’s sleep in the fresh air will leave you feeling revived, just as long as you’re not too distracted by the awe-inspiring night sky above.”

Alpkit was started by four friends who wanted to make good-quality, affordable outdoor gear. Their kit is designed, sourced and manufactured in their Peak District factory, right here in the UK.

The Alpkit Hunka bivvy bag weighs under 400g, making it a reasonably light bivvy bag. It’s a simple, no-fuss piece of equipment made from polyurethane-coated nylon with taped seams, which means it’s highly waterproof yet also breathable. This helps minimise the condensation build-up in your sleeping bag. A simple drawcord allows you to close the bag up around your head, keeping you dry from dusk until dawn.