bivouacs

A bivouac is a temporary camp or shelter established for a short period, typically without a full tented shelter. The word comes from military French and entered broader usage to describe improvised outdoor camps used by soldiers, climbers, hikers, and disaster relief teams.

In military practice, a bivouac is usually set up on the march or in the field, using minimal shelter such as a poncho or tarp, a simple lean-to, or raw ground with sleeping gear. It prioritizes speed, mobility, and camouflage, and shelters are kept temporary and are quickly assembled or broken down.

In mountaineering and wilderness travel, the term often describes spending a night outdoors without a tent, sometimes in an emergency shelter or bivouac sack, or under a tarp. A bivouac can be a deliberate planned stop or an unplanned overnight when shelter cannot be found.

Site selection emphasizes dry, level ground, shelter from wind, and low likelihood of rockfall or avalanches. Environmental considerations include minimizing impact, avoiding vegetation damage, and packing out waste.

Bivouacs remain common across military, expeditionary, and recreational contexts, reflecting a balance between shelter, mobility, and resilience in challenging environments.