PocketFlintEDC · Survival · Field-Tested Browse Gear
Emergency Shelter

Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL) Emergency Bivvy

The SOL Emergency Bivvy is a compact, affordable, and highly effective piece of emergency gear that belongs in any outdoor or survival kit.

BRAND Survive Outdoors LongerRATING 4.5/55 FIELD REVIEWS
Field Score90/100
Rating4.5/5
Weight3.8 oz (108 g)
Dimensions (packed)5.5 x 3.5 in (14 x 9 cm)
Field Reviews5
Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL) Emergency Bivvy
Field Verdict

The SOL Emergency Bivvy is a compact, affordable, and highly effective piece of emergency gear that belongs in any outdoor or survival kit. While it's not designed for repeated long-term use, its heat-reflective technology and waterproof design make it a critical tool for preventing hypothermia in unexpected situations. A must-have lightweight backup for hikers, campers, and preppers alike.

Field Score Breakdown

Build & Durability89
Field Performance87
Value for Money92
Portability89

Technical Specs

WWeight3.8 oz (108 g)
DDimensions (packed)5.5 x 3.5 in (14 x 9 cm)
DDimensions (unpacked)36 x 84 in (91 x 213 cm)
MMaterialHeat-reflective polyethylene
CColorHigh-visibility orange

The Trade-Offs

Holds Up

  • Extremely lightweight and compact for emergency kits
  • Highly effective at reflecting body heat in cold conditions
  • Waterproof barrier protects against rain and wind
  • Affordable insurance for hikers, campers, and preppers
  • Bright color aids visibility for rescuers
  • Simple to deploy quickly in an emergency

Watch For

  • Not reusable after significant wear or tearing
  • Condensation can build up inside during use
  • Fits one average-sized adult snugly, not ideal for larger builds
  • Crinkly material can be noisy through the night
  • Not a substitute for long-term shelter in extreme conditions

Key Features

  • Heat-reflective Thermal-Vac aluminized coating reflects up to 90% of body heat
  • Waterproof and windproof polyethylene construction
  • Ultra-compact stuff sack size, fits in pocket or pack
  • Reinforced seams for added durability
  • High-visibility orange exterior for search and rescue signaling
  • Single-use, lightweight design weighing only 3.8 oz

Field Notes

The SOL Emergency Bivvy from Survive Outdoors Longer is a compact, lightweight survival shelter designed to be the last line of defense against hypothermia and exposure when conditions turn dangerous. Constructed from the same heat-reflective material used in space blankets, this bivvy sack reflects up to 90 percent of the user's own body heat back toward them, creating a warm microclimate even in wet, windy, or freezing environments. Unlike a flat emergency blanket that can blow away or fail to seal in warmth, the bivvy design wraps around the entire body like a sleeping bag, sealing out wind and precipitation while trapping vital heat. Its bright orange exterior doubles as a visual signal for search and rescue teams, making it a dual-purpose tool for both warmth retention and visibility during an emergency.

Weighing only a few ounces and packing down to the size of a fist, this emergency bivvy is built for anyone who spends time outdoors and understands the unpredictability of nature, including hikers, hunters, backpackers, and emergency preparedness planners. The durable polyethylene construction resists tearing far better than standard mylar blankets, giving users a more rugged option when scrambling over rocks, branches, or rough terrain in a survival situation. It fits easily into a backpack, glove compartment, or emergency kit without adding noticeable bulk or weight, which means there is little excuse not to carry one on every outing. The included stuff sack keeps it compact and protected until the moment it is needed, and reusability adds long-term value compared to single-use foil blankets that tear or degrade quickly.

What sets the SOL Emergency Bivvy apart in the crowded emergency shelter space is its balance of simplicity, durability, and life-saving function packed into an ultralight form factor. It requires no assembly, no batteries, and no prior training to use effectively, making it accessible to seasoned survivalists and casual outdoor enthusiasts alike. In a true emergency, whether from an unexpected storm, an injury that halts movement, or an unplanned overnight stay in the backcountry, this bivvy can mean the difference between a manageable situation and a life-threatening one. As a core component of any EDC or survival kit, it delivers dependable protection against the elements exactly when it matters most.

What Carriers Say

Saved my trip when temps droppedMark T. · 2023-11-14
★★★★★

Got caught in an unexpected cold snap while backpacking and this bivvy kept me from freezing overnight. Tiny package, huge peace of mind.

Great emergency backupJessica R. · 2023-09-02
★★★★★

Bought a few of these for my family's bug-out bags. Glad I haven't had to use it for real, but the test run at home showed it works as advertised. A bit crinkly but that's a minor complaint.

Essential EDC itemDave H. · 2024-01-20
★★★★★

I keep one in my daypack at all times. It's so light I forget it's there until I need it. Reflective material really does trap heat well.

Works but condensation is realAmanda K. · 2023-07-30
★★★★★

Used it during a survival course. It kept me dry and warmer than expected, but I did wake up a bit damp from condensation. Still, better than no shelter at all.

Perfect for the priceChris B. · 2024-03-05
★★★★★

Can't beat the size-to-value ratio. Every hiker should have one of these in their pack just in case.

Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL) Emergency Bivvy4.5/5 · 90% field score
Check Price →