Skip to main content

Go ultralight with the BivyPack — a backpack that transforms into a tent

Serious backpackers are trending toward ultralight gear. There has been a revolution within the industry to reduce the weight, bulk, and redundancy of outdoor products. Many enthusiasts have adopted the mindset to carry only as much as you have to. While you can strip down your carry weight, you can’t go without a few basic things, including a backpack and a shelter. An innovative outdoor enthusiast has gone beyond what has ever been done before with his invention of the BivyPack — a backpack that doubles as a small bivy tent.

Inventor Kenny Flannery has traveled around the world since 2007, living exclusively out his BivyPack since 2014, so he’s perfected his craft. The BivyPack is unbelievably light, tipping the scales at just one pound, which is less than the weight of any comparable backpack or bivy out there — and yet serves as a two-in-one package. Because you don’t use both products at the same time when you’re traveling or hiking, it’s a no-brainer solution.

The body of the backpack is constructed of high tenacity hex grid ripstop nylon which is lightweight, durable, and completely waterproof. The frame is crafted of strong carbon fiber that flexes, allowing for airflow between your pack and your back. The backpack includes cushioned shoulder straps, a hip belt, chest straps, and side compression straps. The main compartment cinches closed — eliminating the need for a rain fly. It provides for a total of 40 liters of carrying capacity — enough for travel or an extensive thru-hike.

The backpack can transform into a bivy in less than 30 seconds. The frame of the backpack slides out, bringing the rest of the bivy with it and transforming into poles that allow for space around your head and shoulders. Bug netting protects you from mosquitos and allows you to breathe easy and look up at the stars. During a rainstorm, you can easily clip your rain jacket over the netting to serve as an effective rain fly. The roof of the bivy is constructed of ultralight waterproof/breathable fabric and there is also a three-stage foot vent.

While the delivery of crowdfunded products is not guaranteed, you can pledge $300 for a freestyle BivyPack on the inventor’s Kickstarter campaign page. Final weight and other specs of the delivered BivyPack may change from what’s listed on its website. Although the campaign has already met half of its funding goal, buyers should proceed at their own risk while supporting crowdfunding projects.

Editors' Recommendations

Amanda Ellis
Amanda is an outdoor junkie and digital nomad with an insatiable hunger for gear. Based out of Raleigh, NC she travels to…
This modular backpack transforms for the city or the woods
Quiver Oddlotlabs waterfall close

Who says arrows have to be the only contents of a quiver? Certainly not Odd Lot Labs, whose own take on a quiver isn't meant for archers, but rather outdoor adventurers of all kinds. Heralded as an eco-friendly swappable backpack system, this particular Quiver promises to be the perfect pack for any occasion, regardless of weather, activity, or age.

Just exchange packs for different scenarios, and be on your merry way.

Read more
The Crua Clan tent system may be the only outdoor shelter you need
Crua Clan

Choosing the right tent to use on all of your outdoor adventures can be a real challenge. What works great for a simple weekend camping trip is not necessarily the right solution for a backpacking or paddling excursion. On top of that, a tent that works well in the summer is completely useless in the winter, often forcing outdoor enthusiasts to purchase multiple shelters to meet all of their needs. But a versatile new tent system called the Crua Clan looks to change all of that by promising to be the one shelter that can actually do just about everything.

Created by outdoor gear manufacturer Crua Outdoors, the idea behind the Crua Clan was to create a modular system of tents that can be used for nearly any kind of outdoor activity. At its core, the Clan consists of three distinct products, each of which can be used independently of one another or combined to crate a more comfortable and versatile shelter depending on the needs of the individual camper.

Read more
Chameleon Pack transforms into a camp chair so that you can relax anywhere
chameleon pack cp5

Spend less time packing and prepping and more time in the great outdoors with the innovative Chameleon Pack. The pack doubles as a stand-up camp chair, allowing you to relax and unwind wherever you are on your journey.

Trailform designed the Chameleon with several goals in mind. First, to have easy access to your gear and eliminate time spent digging for items. Second, to serve as an all-in-one pack so that you always have the kind of carrying capacity you need, whether it's on the trail, at the park, or en route to school. Third, to double as a camp chair so that your load functions in taking a load off.

Read more