The Book of the Bivvy

Bivvying — camping with just a lightweight shelter or bivvy bag between you and the elements — is the ultimate expression of minimalist wild-camping, immersing you directly in the rhythms of nature under the stars. In

The Book of the Bivvy

, author Ronald Turnbull combines personal adventure, practical insight and humour to explore this uncompromising outdoor experience, drawing on decades of nights spent on remote hilltops, ridgelines and valleys.


Insightful bivvying stories and anecdotes from across the UK and farther afield, including wet, windy, spectacular and unforgettable nights that capture the unpredictable beauty of sleeping outdoors with just a bivvy bag
Practical, experience-based guidance on choosing bivvy sites, minimalist kit selection, membranes, clothing and essentials for safe and comfortable wild camping without a tent
Balanced “how to” and “why” explanations that weave technique with motivation, so you understand both the mechanics and the joy — or occasional challenge— of bivvying under the sky
History and culture of the bivouac, from Classical references to the bivvy’s role in mountaineering history, illustrating how this humble shelter has shaped outdoor adventure
Route ideas and expedition inspiration, including tips and experiences for bivvy nights in iconic landscapes such as the Lake District, the Scottish hills and even the Spanish Sierra Nevada, offering both local and far-flung inspiration



Honest, wry and highly engaging,

The Book of the Bivvy

is much more than a techniques manual — it mixes compelling stories of bivvybag nights with clear, trustworthy advice on gear, techniques and the art of embracing the wilderness with as little between you and the landscape as possible. Whether you’re curious about sleeping out on a mountainside, planning your first bivvy night or seeking to refine lightweight camping techniques for long-distance adventures, this guidebook invites you to rediscover the pure joy of being alone with the sky, the stars and the living landscape.