Tuesday, 07 February 2012

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Woodlore

Bushcraft Tips And Advice


Welcome to the tips and advice section, where we have gathered information on a variety of topics related to Bushcraft and Outdoor Survival.

Gransfors Outdoor AxeCaring for your Axe
Woodlore Leather BeltCaring for your Leather Products
How to Sharpen a Knife
Using the Gransfors Axe FileHow to Sharpen an Axe
How to use a Ray Mears Fire StickHow to use a Fire Stick
Woodlore Canada Jay Sleeping BagSleeping Bag Comfort Temperatures
British Army Bivi BagWhat is a bivi bag?
Swazi/Ray Mears Hooded Back 40 Shirt - OliveWhat is fleece?
Gore-Tex explainedWhat is Gore-Tex?
Woolpower - Ullfrotte Original 200g Thermal Base LayerWhat is wool?
Fair Trade LogoWoodlore's Organic Cotton Clothing


What is a bivi bag?

British Army Bivi Bag (click to zoom) A bivi bag, bivouac, bivvy, or bivy sack is a lightweight alternative to traditional tent systems. It is essentially a waterproof, windproof shell which you can place your sleeping bag inside of, making it possible to sleep outdoors without needing a tent or similar shelter.

Here at Woodlore, we stock the Terra Nova Discovery Bivi Bag, a British-made bag that's ideal for general use and light backpacking in the UK and overseas. After years of looking for the right model, this particular bivi comes highly recommended by us.

A well-made bivy bag acts as a barrier against the wind and rain while providing extra insulation; good bivy bags consist of Gore-Tex, making them breathable, allowing humidity to pass and so reducing moisture inside for the occupant.

Bivi bags are a required piece of kit for many of our Bushcraft courses and Expeditions, as there will be some nights during the course where you'll sleep in a natural shelter or under a tarp.

As an alternative to the Terra Nova Discovery, a standard British Army Surplus bivy bag is also ideal. Check out your nearest Army Surplus shop for stock, but just make sure the bag is breathable.

Frequent Questions

You might also like to take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions where you will find advice on everything from contacting Ray to Ray's earlier TV programmes. We even provide some useful Camping Equipment advice.