Bivouac in the forest: 5 tips for a unique experience

Ah, bivouac in the forest..!

The smell of pine trees, the stars visible in the background, the mysterious sounds of natural spaces... Can you feel that thrill of excitement?

But to ensure that this micro-adventure remains a sweet memory and not a nightmare, here are 5 essential tips for a successful forest getaway . Shall we go?

1. Choose the right spot

Before pitching your tent among the ferns, take a moment to find the ideal spot. Avoid areas that are too humid , sloping terrain (otherwise, hello slipping in the middle of the night), and above all, respect the local rules. Some forests allow bivouacking, others do not. A word of advice: choose open areas to enjoy a starry sky worthy of a postcard.

Little Muule tip: Consider downloading an application like Komoot or IGN Rando to identify the best bivouac spots and anticipate the particularities of the terrain.

2. Pack your bag like a pro

A successful bivouac is above all an optimized backpack . No need to take everything: it's not a move! A few essentials: a tent or tarp, a suitable sleeping bag , a headlamp , and of course... snacks for late night cravings.

Muule tip: Organize your bag into compartments for easy access: the lamp at the top, snacks in a side pocket and the sleeping bag at the bottom. We bet you'll thank us at 11pm, headlamp on your nose?

3. Anticipate the weather

…And mosquitoes. There’s nothing worse than a soaking wet night in the rain or a constant ballet of mosquitoes around your ears. Before you leave, take a look at the weather forecast. And to avoid becoming the mosquitoes’ dinner, remember to slip some insect repellent spray into your bag.

Muule tip: If you sleep under the stars, opt for a sleeping bag with water-repellent fabric and an integrated hood. It's the perfect duo to face a little surprise shower or to escape relentless mosquitoes.

4. Cook like a chef… or almost

Because nothing beats a good hot meal after a day of exploring, equip yourself with a lightweight and easy-to-use stove . A homemade soup or a freeze-dried dish ? It doesn't matter, as long as it's hot and comforting. Also, don't forget to respect the environment : no campfires if it's forbidden, and above all, we leave natural spaces clean.

Muule Little Tip: Carry a small waterproof lighter or waterproof matches to light your stove. Practical in case of unpredictable weather.

5. Love it (really)

Bivouacking in the forest is much more than just sleeping in the great outdoors. Turn off your phone, listen to the owls singing, smell the pine trees, and admire the seemingly endless starry sky. A micro-adventure like this is something you won't forget. So, take a deep breath and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the moment.

Muule Tip: Bring a small notebook and pencil to jot down your thoughts, observations, or even your wildest ideas in the middle of the forest. Who knows, your next great idea might come from a moonlit night.

Ready to give it a try?

With these 5 tips in your pocket and the right gear in your backpack , you are ready for an unforgettable night in the forest.

Visit our bivouac gear section to discover everything you need for your next bivouac in the forest. From tents to smart accessories , we have everything to transform your wild camping into a unique experience.

Come on, put on your shoes, grab your bag, and go live the adventure.

Article written by Solenn de Muule on December 12, 2024.