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Shelter from a day pack: sitting bivouac, group shelter bag, poncho, tube tent and emergency bivouac compared

I have to wait unexpectedly while out – what can I do with what I have with me?

Fog, darkness, an injury in the group: sometimes you have to wait until help arrives or the situation improves. Five emergency solutions from light kit are compared. None of them insulates from below – a backpack, rope or pad always goes under the body. Never pull plastic sheeting, bin bags or emergency blankets over the head or face: suffocation risk. With signs of hypothermia, call the emergency number early (112 in the EU).

Starting situation
Legend
Select methods to compare side by sideMethodYou can lie downFor several peopleProtects from rainProtects from windReady in a few minutesWithout trees or anchor points
Sitting bivouac with backpack and rain gearNoPartlyPartlyPartlyYesYes
Group shelter bag and huddlingNoYesYesYesYesYes
Poncho as an emergency shelterYesNoYesNoPartlyNo
Plastic tube tentYesDependsPartlyNoYesNo
Emergency bivouac with blanket, bivvy bag or bin bagYesNoYesYesYesYes

Legend:● Yes◐ Partly◇ Depends○ No* = note available

Sitting bivouac with backpack and rain gear

Effort:
Very low
Needs:
Backpack, all clothing, rain jacket with hood; rock or tree as a backrest
  • You can lie downNo
  • For several peoplePartly

    Each person on their own; sitting close together helps.

  • Protects from rainPartly

    Only via your own rain gear; little protection in long heavy rain.

  • Protects from windPartly

    Back into the lee of a rock or tree – not under dead trees or below rockfall.

  • Ready in a few minutesYes
  • Without trees or anchor pointsYes
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Group shelter bag and huddling

Effort:
Low
Needs:
Group shelter bag, something to sit on such as backpacks or pads
  • You can lie downNo

    For sitting and waiting, not a tent for the night.

  • For several peopleYes

    Only really warm with several people.

  • Protects from rainYes
  • Protects from windYes

    Windproof space that warms up from body heat.

  • Ready in a few minutesYes
  • Without trees or anchor pointsYes

    Ventilate regularly, keep one opening free.

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Poncho as an emergency shelter

Effort:
Low to moderate
Needs:
Poncho with grommets, cord, pegs or stones, anchors
  • You can lie downYes

    Very small area, for one person.

  • For several peopleNo
  • Protects from rainYes

    Tie off the hood opening; the poncho is then no longer available as rainwear.

  • Protects from windNo

    Little wind protection.

  • Ready in a few minutesPartly
  • Without trees or anchor pointsNo
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Plastic tube tent

Effort:
Low
Needs:
Plastic tube tent, cord, two trees
  • You can lie downYes

    With a built-in floor.

  • For several peopleDepends

    Depends on the size of the tube.

  • Protects from rainPartly

    Open ends; heavy condensation.

  • Protects from windNo

    Flaps and tears easily.

  • Ready in a few minutesYes
  • Without trees or anchor pointsNo
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Emergency bivouac with blanket, bivvy bag or bin bag

Effort:
Very low
Needs:
Emergency blanket, bivvy bag or large heavy-duty bin bag; something to lie on
  • You can lie downYes
  • For several peopleNo
  • Protects from rainYes

    Significant gain, but heavy condensation.

  • Protects from windYes
  • Ready in a few minutesYes
  • Without trees or anchor pointsYes

    Emergency blankets conduct electricity – keep them away from power lines.

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