Still use my ageing but still mint condition Ultralite for the majority of my fishing as its -

1 - Easy / Quick to erect
2 - Excellent head height with small footprint
3 - Permanent / Full twin skin (this never comes off)
4 - Versatile (infills / groundsheet etc)

However . . .with winter rapidly advancing comfort is key (esp in wet weather) and the compact internal space (eg for hanging up wet weather clothing / separate space for a chair / cuddly toy) it can become a bit limiting and a little uncomfortable for a man of my advancing years.

Took the usually 'France Only' v2 2Man Armo for a 48hr session this week and whilst it was great and certainly more comfortable in the deluge conditions we had in the Midlands I'd forgotten how much faff it entailed and the weight (with the wrap which I ended up not bothering with) meant 2x barrow trips from the carp park which to be honest was a pain in the arse . . .

On this basis what should I be looking at that resolves all of the above . . .looking for relative winter comfort!

Pioneer 150 or Tempest Advanced 100 / 150? All silly money . . .is the Tempest 150 too big?
Tempest 100T? Poor visibility with infill on?
Cyprinus Typhoon M4 MH . . .? Poor quality or Value?

In reply to Post #1
I have a Titan TC Pro, when I use the wrap I unzip the front before I go, which reduces a fare bit of weight with all the zips and plastic windows. Once folded I roll the wrap around it, easy fit into the oversized bag and not to heavy. I don't notice much difference than the bivvy with the front.

In reply to Post #1
Belch. I will only answer re the 100T as i have one.

You will not get much if any extra winter space over your ultralite.

Hiwever, regarding no faffing the Tempest goes up like lightening though

I bet the Tempest 150 would suit your needs.

In reply to Post #3
Hi Sundance -

Does the 100T not have much more footspace in reality then - I assumed Tempests had more space at the front?

To cut to the chase my standard Tactical X bedchair takes up more depth than the one I used to use under the Ultralite . . this means I'm either permanently sitting across the bedchair for the session duration (esp if its wet) or on the deck with my legs 'unprotected' if its not raining etc. I have got a transformer chair which gives me options however ideally (and in winter) I want to be sitting on this as a separate chair on the deck whilst being fully protected from the elements (even with the bivvy door as letterbox etc) as well as space to hang wet clothing / keep luggage out of the driving rain etc etc)

I can do this in the 2man Armo but the whole thing is a lump and arguably not worth it for 48hrs, let alone 24.

Tempest 150 does look great (I could almost see myself using this all year round inc France to be honest) however the price is super stoopid and it still looks like a 2man / a little big and heavy?. . .would consider it if it lasted as long as both my current bivvies (well over 10yrs and still VGC) Cyprinus maybe has better dimensions for my height / needs?

Trakker Advanced 150
Height - 145 (lower than ultralite but prob ok)
Depth - 255 (Good)
Width - 315 (Overkill for tighter swims?)

Armo 2 Man
Height - 140 (lower than ultralite, still annoying to be honest esp with peak)
Depth - 250 (Good)
Width - 305 (Wide = wasted accessible space)

Cyprinus Typhoon MH
Height - 150 (similar to ultralite)
Depth - 240 (Ok)
Width - 295 (Ok)

Cyprinus maybe has better dimensions for my height / needs? Price also preferable!

To be honest maybe I'm not thinking out of the box . . .an extended wrap for my Ultralite would possibly be the best and cheapest solution . . .don't think they did one though!

Cyprinus Typhoon Mh would be my choice, zip in groundsheet and with the new coming skull wraps you are set for winter times.

In reply to Post #5
Zip in GSheet def a good shout . . .had a couple of puddles in my Armo because the ground was uneven in places and the flaps have gaps in them meaning water egress in a downpour is inevitable no matter how carefully you tuck in the gsheet . .!

In reply to Post #6
With a Avid Benchmark X bedchair 210 x 100

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sDaQllyPWk

What I like about the Tempest 150 is an innerdome but the price difference is too big for me compared to the Cyprinus Typhoon MH

In reply to Post #4
Hi mate. Go further back a week or so I have thread with a load of photos with my 100t and a wideboy

In reply to Post #7
your Cyprinus Typhoon MH .........video LINKY POO

In reply to Post #8
Sundance pictures thread start at post ONE
LINKY POO

In reply to Post #10
My 2 man cayman will be seeing me blank all winter 😊😁

if the typhoon mh dpm material is the same as my cyprinus fast and light it will be total shyte..mines full of pin holes, seams leak like a siv..no way is it a aqua fast and light re badged..

In reply to Post #8
hey Paul - just rechecked your thread on Gerrys link (cheers Gerry) . . .

Without dissing your shelter I think I can cross the 100T off the list . . .the Typhoon MH looks perfect (footprint wise) however now worried about the mixed reviews on quality . . .to be fair it would probably only be used in winter anyway and seeing that Winter for me ends at the end of the month (unless we have a mild Nov) it may be worth a punt.

Maybe the Pioneer 150 is the way forward . . .quality reviews on that however are just as dubious!

Ideal world - has anyone got an original Pioneer with a winter-skin for sale in good nick?

In reply to Post #13
Lol. Thats OK mate. It was bought purely as
An. Overnighter. My. Original pioneer is for longer
2 man Cayman for when I.take.my son.

Pioneer 150 looks well build

If the footprint and quality are good, the fox frontier XD can also be a good option

In reply to Post #12
I've seen plenty of people saying exactly the same about the Aqua material, so perhaps they are the same, just rebadged?

In reply to Post #1
Have you considered the hide xl? I have been using one for the past year, it performed admirably last winter, and has a lot of usable space inside due to the flat back. I can easily get my bedchair and a chair inside as well.
It is similar in design to the tempest so pops up and down in no time at all and weighs just over 6kg.

Dimensions are:
(H) 152cm
(W) 280cm
(D) 210cm

if it's any help a mate of mine recently got one of the Cyprinus ones, not sure which one but it's in DPM with an inner capsule. Seems like a quality bit of kit, only downsides I can see is it doesn't have the same mechanism as the Tempests so doesn't go up/down as quickly and also because of that it isn't as sturdy without the stormpoles, I find I rarely need to use them on my v2 bivvy.

In reply to Post #17
. . those dims are perfect and looking at vids online it the Hide XL looks good (in terms of effective use of space / head height / footprint) but I've seen the standard one on the bank and it feels a bit plasticy? Don/t like the 'doorway only' opening re visibility and the infill is presumably extra . . .

Anyone know a retailer where there's a Pioneer 150 already set up . . ?

In reply to Post #19
The cyprinus stuff is expensive ok it's cheaper than trakker but I doubt will last as long

In reply to Post #19
there is a new Hide being released end of November I believe and has stronger materials etc
LINKY POO

In reply to Post #21
Needs to be the hide and the hide xl are very poorly made, seen at least 2 hide xl break at the top by the main section that Holds it firm

In reply to Post #20
I've had a cyprinus compact dpm4 for three years and its all sorts of use and abuse and its never let me down. Just because its cheaper than trakker you assumed its poorly made and wont last long im pretty sure they are made in the same factories as trakker/aqua as mine turned up in an aqua or trakker box I cannot remember which one it was I think it was aqua.

I would take a closer look at the Fox Frontier XD aswell

When you look at most Quick erect bivvies those dimensions are all misleading as the back is in a V shape and you will miss a lot of space inside, Fox Frontier XD is almost straight at the back so the interior space expands

Fox Frontier XD is W270 x D210 x H165H165 cm but due to the almost straight back and a bedchair in it you will have +100cm space in front

The fox also seems very good quality, but we have to wait for the first reviews

In reply to Post #21
Looks brilliant

Is that what carpers do nowadays, stand on top of their tents and shout abuse across the pond at each other

In reply to Post #24
Don't you mean field testers lol.

In reply to Post #22
Titan Hide and XL Camo Pros out soon.

In reply to Post #21
. . .I'm weirdly attracted to that new hide . . .normally hate Camo (DPM on bivvies specifically at any rate) but the Nash Camo looks 'right' on that shelter for reasons I cannot explain. Frame bar at front also looks a lot better in terms of design/quality . . the footprint dims / total weight are also great - a shelter with a flat back and sensible head height . .

Heart still pining for a Pioneer 150 . . .a lot of stores now have stock.

https://www.tackleuk.co.uk/Shop/CarpFishingBivviesShelters/Nash-Titan-Hide-XL-Camo-Pro.htm

In reply to Post #28
but you've had a Pioneer ultra for so long. don't you fancy a proper change? and it's not like the new Pioneer 150 is cheap. or likely to be the old quality either.

I've only got the brolly but it goes up in a fraction of the time that my pioneer does. I can't imagine a front making much difference.

re the head height on the new HIDE. that doorway angles down a lot lower than the tallest part of the bivvy. I would be interested in the ground to top of doorway measurement.

In reply to Post #28
I still think my Original Pioneer was one of if not the best bivvy I have ever owned I loved it I could put it up fast I loved the big wide doorway and the way as you sprang out of bed the roof raised up high towards the doorway as you went out .................. but !

I would not buy the new version personally
there are much better bivvys now

How about a proper Titan, Absolutely rock solid and a design that has stood the test of time. Expensive but I reckon if you wanted to it would still be around in 10 years time

I guess what swings the decision is how long your sessions are?

I have a cyprinus compact and wrap, usually use for up to two days. If I'm fishing longer than that, 2 man armo and wrap. Bed at one side, chair at the other, great if the weathers bad, just sit on the chair in the doorway

Will say one thing, I wouldn't use a compact unless you have a wrap or it's a tight swim, not in winter anyway. The more I have them I don't really see the point. If your bag touches the side, soaked

In reply to Post #32
I agree you dont want a bed touching the sides in winter
but I like the smallest bivvy I can get away with in winter purely because its much easier to keep a small air space warmer

In reply to Post #1
Im going against the grind here and go for something old school. The Nash double top mk4 1 man which sets up very quickly once you get the hang of it. Bivvy has twin skin design which is what you are after with built in groundsheet and ample space and headroom. As they are also now discontinued you can pick them up for peanuts.

Also if you feel like expanding you can get the porch extension which works wonders in winter time when its pissing down as you can sit/cook/store stuff all in the dry and your tent doesnt get filled with muddy boots etc. The porch extension also serves as a 3rd skin over your bivvy.

I saw somewhere you can buy one brand new with porch extension, hd groundsheet and hd porch groundsheet for £500 which is half price. You will never need another bivvy ever as with all above you have a 1 man or 2 man or 1 man glamping.

I almost bought the new titan camo 1 but after playing with one see no point. With all its extras heavier then the double top. Doesnt set up that much quicker. The addtiional 2nd skin needs to be inserted everytime or Bivvy doesn't pack away properly and you dont get nearly as much space. Plus for a t1 with hd groundsheet and porch extension would cost you over 1k just to have the latest and greatest

In reply to Post #34
I agree, it's a great bivvy and definitely underrated. The twin skin design and built in groundsheet are great features and perfect for winter camping, especially with a bivvy mat or two for extra insulation. Yeah, loads of headroom and spacious too. In fact it's massive for a one man bivvy. More like one and a half man! The only negatives for me is it's a bit heavy (14kg I think, no problem though if you're parked near by) and the colour. The brown is a bit odd don't you think? Took me a while to get used to. On the whole though it's solid as a rock and I would recommend it.

For.me the thing about re Double Top is they convinced
Angers that it is twin skinned. It's not. It's single skinned
With a tent style mesh capsule in it.

In reply to Post #36
Double top have a poor inner Capsule if you compare it vs Trakker slx/V4, and the set up/ break down time is also crap compared to Trakker Slx/V4 (5 rib vs 3 rib system)

In reply to Post #36
My mates double top got nicknamed the parachute. With that giant peak and stitched in groundsheet, when the wind caught it, it really caught it. I remember the 1st night of a 3 day social trip, he had pegged it with extra long pegs due to sandy banks, put all his gear in and set bed up etc and came walking to my swim for a chat. I remember seeing it take off and fly 30ft down the bank then roll another 20ft before settling half submerged in the corner of the lake
A few cans of beer and his milk had spilt everywhere, it took months to clear the smell

Then it happened again

In reply to Post #38
Lol your mate clearly needs to learn to peg a tent down fml. Ive had a DT giant out this year twice with wind over 60mph at Blue bells with multiple trees falling down and it was rock solid.

That being said the noise the bivvy made in the wind clearly had a bigger impact on my tinnitus then all those slayer gigs i use to go to

Another one that I add to my wish list

RCG Alpha 1

In reply to Post #30
@sundance - Hide opening in reality does look low . . .mmm.
Get what your are saying about the Pioneer . . .(although I'm sure I'd be happy with it) would a Tempest 150 be a better solution - same dosh, different design?

My Armo is a decent bit of kit . . its the bulk and lugging it (with everything else) balanced on my current Portlerlite that's the real issue . . .thinking outside the box and if I'm going to have to spend £700 plus notes on either of the above - would a Mk6 Power Porter be a more effective Winter Bivvy solution . . ?

@gerry - What in your genuine opinion Gerry is now a better bivvy?

In reply to Post #41
Dont think you will find many bivvy's that can beat the Slx v3/Armo V4

imo keep the V4 and get a bigger barrow, set up/break down time is not much faster on fast erect bivvies compared to the slx / Armo V4.

I have the slx v3 plus and can load it on my Barrow with 2 chairs/2 bedchairs, rods, 2 bags, stinkbag and food for 3 days (Chub outcast barrow) next year i gonne buy a 3 weel Carp porter

In reply to Post #41
I spent a lot of. Money on my powerporter. But 10
Years later I'm still glad that I did. However
It's harder to balance and doesn't like a high stack

In reply to Post #43
. . .10yrs is a good investment. And that's kind of key for me - I'm still using 20yr old Fox RX digitals / Greys F1Mk2 rods / Blue Emblems / Tournies / Quattro Pod . . .all this kit was quality when I bought it, and is still going strong now.

Much like the Ultralite / Mk2 Armo, I'm either going to buy kit that will last, or rather not buy at all . . .perhaps the new Power Porter (with rear wheels) is more stable than yours? You can now also remove the front wheel which is much more appealing (in terms of boot storage) than the previous models . .

In reply to Post #44
For what it's worth I have the rear wheels. It will tip more with any bump or slope left right more readily than when holding it up. Not a problem you just lift it as and when.

In reply to Post #1
I can answer your last line... do not waste your money on the Typhoon MH DPM. Great idea. Poorly executed. Sent mine back after receiving a replacement. That too was still poor quality.

Went for a Frontier XD instead. Awaiting delivery so can't comment on it yet. But has inner dome and wraps available.

In reply to Post #46
What was wrong with it.

In reply to Post #47
There was 3 holes in the first one. And the second had a hole in it. The actual quality of the stitching is shoddy. The groundsheet is as thin as the bivvy material itself and is not heavy duty. My 10 year old Chub Vizor groundsheet is what you class as heavy duty. The Typhoon groundsheet was already showing marks of penetrated holes after one use when I used the first one with 3 holes in it. So the actual product (bivvy and skull cap) is not worth £660 imo. The skull cap is flimsy and how they can charge £110 for it is shocking.
I like the space you get inside, 4 vents, the height at the front entrance of 152cm, the zip groundsheet. All great ideas. But it's made poorly. Oh, and the storm poles, they just loosen after about 30 seconds with some tension and then go floppy making them redundant and pointless for their purpose. Customer service is spot on. Can't fault them on that. But I'm not buying for their aftercare. I want a decent quality, good value for money product.

In reply to Post #48
I own one and have non of the problems you mention. I would say it is a heavy duty groundsheet its the same thickness as my trakker composite and trakker v1 brolly ground sheet. I've been using mine every weekend bar lockdown since march and have been out in 45mph winds and the storm poles have not moved an inch. I think the build quality is no worse then my v1 brolly or my v1 composite. I guess I must of been lucky with mine

In reply to Post #22
Chatting to a chap in a large tackle shop chain stated he seen a lot of them returned due to failure. Then again it wouldn't surprise me if people with damaged ones rushed the set up and didn't manage the material.

In reply to Post #34
Sorry just to confirm the T1 Camo packs away fine with the inner skin, I've had one since release and it's fantastic, I fish it stripped back with no ground sheet/inner skin or front in the summer and it weights 8.5kg's which is about the same as the new hide. In the winter I use it with inner capsule which bumps the weight up but it's worth it when it's subzero outside.

You are right, with all the bells and whistles it's well over a K, I'm still to get the extended porch, I'm waiting for them to be sold off when the new model is released.

Overall it's an amazing bit of kit and extremely versatile

In reply to Post #51
Had the extreme canopy, bit of a headache to set up decided to return it.