The Best Just Got Better

The perfect all-round bivvy: it’s a debate that has consumed hours, perhaps thousands of man-bankside hours. Something for an overnighter, something for longer sessions, something you actually feel comfortable in. It’s tricky to pick one, right? Bivvies are like Olympic athletes, only bigger, and made from green fabric and… the point is, shot putters don’t tend to be too hot at 100m and long-distance runners struggle in the high jump.

Similarly, bivvies that are good for short, overnight sessions are usually not the most comfortable for a weeklong session in France; and bivvies which have a decent footprint don’t usually pack up too small. But back in 2011 Trakker proved it was possible to combine a quick-fire-up shelter for overnighters with something which was big enough for a long session yet didn’t weigh a ton and take up three-quarters of your barrow space. It was marvellous. And still is. But three years after the release of the original Tempest Bivvy System, the Northern-based masters of fabrics and plastics have a new version and it’s simply renamed: Tempest v2.

What’s so special about it then?
“Lots. But we’ll start right back at the beginning. The original brief with the Tempest MK1 was very simple: it must be rapid to erect and have a spacious interior without a huge footprint. That DNA has remained the core focus with this ingenious v2 space-efficient version. It still features the freestanding design which allows for quick and efficient positioning; the patented block design; and huge array of front panel options, but this new version now comes with a number of key addition upgrades. The aluminium frame and block now come with a black powder-coated finish which is just delicious, and those poles are now also anti-twist.”

The black sounds nice! So is it easy to set-up?
“Incredibly so. After removing it from the supplied heavy-duty NXG bag, unroll and then lock the five arms into place. Next, separate and fan the arms right out before pulling the locking arm over and securing. Job done: you’ve now got a home for the night and that’s what makes it bang-on for the quick overnight angler.

“Anyway, once you’re inside this low-profile looking bivvy you instantly see that Trakker has managed to sign off part two of the brief with an ingenious design which maximises internal space for the session angler (that’s the long session angler ticked off) without it taking up unnecessary room in your swim. They’ve achieved this by giving the Tempest a flat back so your bedchair goes right at the back, protecting you from all the elements.”

The Tempest v2 with the front panel in place with the windows rolled down. All together, it weighs 7.5kgs.

To increase airflow in the summer months, simply rollback the windows and rear vents as shown here.

By removing the front, you not only reduce the overall weight, but it turns the v2 into a perfect quick overnight shelter.

For an out-and-out long-session bivvy, simply add the Wrap, which not only increases warmth but space too.

Okay, I’m impressed, but what’s the build quality like and is it strong?
“In terms of strength, it’ll crack a tree trunk before the trunk breaks the poles and thanks to being constructed from their award-winning Aquatexx material, it means you’ve got one of the most waterproof and breathable fabrics available to man. In terms of build quality – come on, please, this is Trakker we’re talking about here. The craftsmanship is like that of a Louis Vuitton bag: exquisite.”

So it goes up and down quick, but why do you class it as a complete “all-round shelter then”?
“That’s thanks to all the front panel options which come provided within the package. There’s a fully removable infill panel which features rollback windows to reveal a full mozzi-mesh front along with zipped and Velcro mozzie rear vents which provide much-needed ventilation throughout the warmer months.”

But is there room for my mate and me if we want to double up?
“Probably not in the One-Man version as it stands, but you’ll be pleased to hear this new v2 version comes in an XL size – a bigger brother but with all the same attributes. It’s designed for the angler who demands a quick erect shelter, but with the added benefits of some extra room and comfort – i.e. you and your mate. But going back to the One-Man standard model, you can convert this into a twin-skinned fortress by simply throwing the Tempest Bivvy System Wrap v2 over the top. This not only guarantees to keep the elements at bay, keep you super snug in the depths of winter, but it has the benefits of additional front porch space.”

Go on then: what does it cost and what do I get for my money?
“We’ll start with what you get: easy-to-remove Storm Poles, heavy-duty groundsheet, zipped NXG carry bag and pegs. Now for the price: the Standard version will retail for £629.99, whilst the XL model is £749.99 with the Wrap costing £279.99 and £349.99 respectively. Yes, that is a lot of money. But it is three bivvies in one…”