THIS Saturday marks the second year of International Bivvybag Day, a global event aimed at getting people out in the wild and experiencing a night under the stars. The event is the brainchild of Russ Moorhouse, who began it to mark the end of a once-in-a-lifetime challenge.

Last year, Russ took time away from work to camp on each of the 214 Wainwrights (the peaks of the Lake District). On the final camp, he called on people to join him on the first-ever International Bivvybag day.

‘Of course, you can’t have everyone in the same place because it goes against the ethos, so we made a virtual camping group,’ said Russ, ‘but the take-up was really good, I was surprised. We had 1387 people doing it from the UK, Australia, Alaska and Europe. It was incredible.

‘I thought that would be it, but then the next year, people really wanted to do it again, so here we are. This year seems that it’s going to be even bigger, it’s impossible to know the numbers beforehand but it’s looking really good.’

What is a bivvy bag?

In simplest terms, a bivouac sack or bivvybag is a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag. It’s quick, requires little planning and really gets you close to nature.

It’s also great for multi-day adventures as the gear you need is minimal and lightweight.

The simplicity of bivvying adds to its allure. Russ said: ‘You see the world from a different perspective. I do it a lot on the mountains, but you can do it anywhere. Beaches, forests, woods, you can do it in any wild place.

‘It gives you time and space, in a modern world where technology has taken over. It’s ironic in a way that we link it all up on Facebook, as the whole point of divvying is getting away from modern-day stresses.’

How does International Bivvybag Day work?

The first thing to do if you want to take part in the event is to join the Facebook page. Then, find and plan your own bivvy camp for Saturday 25th February. At 12, noon on that day a code word will be issued to the Facebook group.

Take a photo of you and your bivvy displaying the code word written on a piece of paper and post it to the group. This is to prove the bivvy took place that night and is not an old photo.

You will have 24 hours till noon Sunday to upload the photo. The total number of people taking part will then be counted.

For those that are apprehensive, Russ’s response is to just have a go.

‘The forecast last year was great, and this year’s also looking clear. So you’ll get to see all the stars, which is where a bivvybag beats a tent, a tent you’re still locked in a room, but with a bivvy, you see all the stars and the sunrise in the morning. That’s why it’s my favourite type of camping.

‘All you need is a bivvy bag, a sleeping bag and a matt, then you can go sleep anywhere. But of course, safety first. Always check the conditions and you can always head home if you want to or anything.

‘But what I’ve found is that people who do it, don’t want to go home afterwards, they’re buzzing for weeks after.’

Bivvying up on Dartmoor? Send us a picture at: [email protected]