Bothy Bags

Even on a 'normal' day on the Scottish or Welsh hills and mountains you can find yourself spending the day in high winds and rain with no natural shelter available. After a while the desire 'to get out of the wind' can become strong. This is where a bothy bag comes into its own.

A bothy bag is a very simple concept. It is nothing more really than a very big waterproof nylon bag. The front usually has one or more windows and the back usually has one or more vents.

Using one is very simple; you take it out of it's pack sack and put it over your head(s). Typically the base of the bag has a drawstring closure that will help stop it flying off. Larger ones might also have interior handles.

A bag will typically be made out of 100% waterproof non-breathable nylon and have taped seams. The better ones are effectively frameless tents.

Using a bothy bag will provide you with some warmth and shelter. Condensation may well be a problem but it is assumed that you will carry on wearing all your normal outdoor gear and use them to stay dry.

A one-person bag weighs around 300g and a 4-person bag weighs around 400g. 300g is lighter than most plastic bivy bags and 400g is lighter than almost all single-man bivy bags. For the low-weight and extra benefit that they bring I would think that they are an essential part of any autumn/winter pack.

In an emergency situation it would I think be viable to leave one or more people in one of these shelters (with food and water and clothing etc.) whilst someone else went to fetch help. This is one of of those few times were choosing a bright colour is a good idea for outdoors gear. The storm shelter shown also has a hi-viz cross on the top.

For most people who are going out into the hills I think a bothy bag and not a bivy bag should be on their emergency essentials list. It weighs less, it packs smaller and is far more versatile.