Fox Royale Classic Camo

Anyone that tells you it was better ‘back in the day’ is wearing rose-tinted polaroids. Sometimes, we just have to stand back and admire what’s possible these days, thanks to new technology and manufacturing efficiency. We mean, to put out a bivvy as good as the Royale Classic 1 Man for £229.99 frankly takes our breath away. It’s solid, has a distinctive (rather appealing) look, and is packed with the kind of features and extras that you’d expect on a bivvy costing twice the price. So, perhaps we’ve whetted your appetite to look a little closer? Any questions? We thought so…

The 1 man with the mesh side panels on show

If you want a better view and/or to cut back on weight, use it open fronted like this

The Big Questions

The Camo version, is it new?
Yep, you might have seen the impressive Royale Classic before? This is the same quality shelter, but with it’s best dancing kit on! The camo pattern that Fox has chosen for this isn’t run-of-the-mill by any means either; in fact, it’s their own exclusive camo (look closely and you’ll spot exactly why it’s so exclusive!). So, if you’re a bit tired of endless DPM, then the Fox camo pattern might be just the tonic you need!

It looks like a solid shelter?
Yep, it’s based on the proven pram-hood design that has been serving carpers for decades now. To save on weight and assembly time, Fox has designed the Royale Classic with two main ribs, and a peak that extends up from the ground too. To ensure complete rock-solid staying power, in the worst of those autumnal equinox winds, you can lock-off the ribs with the frame-support bars that come as standard with the shelter. Take it from us: this bad boy isn’t going anywhere until you drive off with it in the boot!

Packed with features you say?
Yep, brimming. As well as the frame-support that we’ve already mentioned, you’ve got tension straps on both sides of the shelter that are adjustable to allow you to give your bivvy that catalogue-taut look! You’ve got a full front panel, which boasts mozzy panels and a two-way letterbox style door (which can be replaced with a transparent PVC door too, should you wish. The front panel can be rolled up in its entirety to create an open shelter and the front rib is blessed with two handy Velcro rod straps to save calamity striking when you’re in the middle of tying a solid bag!

Rear vents come as standard on both the 1 and 2 man models

A side view of the 2 Man version

Quality materials?
It’s Fox - do you even have to ask? The answer, of course, is yes, even at this price. The main point of note is the 100% polyester fabric, which has a hydrostatic head rating of 2500mm, which is more than enough to combat the worst that you’ll face while fishing. The fabric is bloody tough and breathable too, which we reckon is all the boxes ticked!

What about extras?
Those generous folk at Fox have thrown in that PVC door, in case it’s raining, but you want full viz, as well as the frame-support system, heavy-duty pegs (not those awful bent silver things) and that crucial heavy-duty groundsheet for a bit of luxury on the longer session.

It’s not going to tip my barrow, is it?
Do you know what? For a large, solid shelter, with that heavy-duty groundsheet, the Royale Classic actually tips the scales at just 10.8kg, which isn’t all that much at all, when you add in the pegs, frame-support and quality material. So, we’ve got no qualms suggesting that, no, it won’t be giving you a hernia…
“GIMME”: 1 Man, 229.99; 2 Man, £349.99; foxint.com