I was just going threw few bits on YouTube. And I come across solar trailer for there spider bivvy. I didn't realise thay done bivvys. It looked pretty good. Anyone got one or seen on the bank ? The only thing I didn't like look of was the guid ropes thay looked a bit cheap and what you would get on a normal camping tent

In reply to Post #1
Never seen one in the flesh but from reviews looks ok apart from the saggy front/sides 😂
See they've bought a compact shelter but again no real reviews out yet

In reply to Post #2

In reply to Post #1
My buddy got one, unfolding takes 1 minute top.
Heavy duty floor 360 zip, lots and lots space for one person, too low for me but if you don't mind height, I would take it because it's well made.

I picked one up from total fishing tackle when they were on sale, got the bivvy and wrap for 370 and so far love it, loads of room as the bedchair can be pushed right to the back, material is really good, very waterproof and let's very little light in and with the wrap on its pitch black. The zip in ground sheet is good quality and a doddle to put in and remove and its easy to put up, I have found it slightly harder to fold up again to put it in the bag but always managed it in the end lol. Really nice solid stainless Central block that looks cool. Loads of good quality pegs and storm poles are decent quality. Lots of vent and door options to allow good airflow in all conditions and I love the magnetic self closing mozzy mesh door. Regarding the saggy front and sides, this can be pretty much eradicated if you have a play about with the tension straps that you attach to the poles. All in all an absolute bargain for what I paid but I'd still be more than happy if I'd paid full whack for it.

Really like the look of the compact version, very small footprint, flat back but good height......ticks a lot of boxes.

In reply to Post #6
The compact looks good, have to wait for a few more UK reviews to watch.
Still looking what to get next. This is definitely on my list

Anyone bought the spider compact version really liking the look of this

In reply to Post #8
I doubled checked the depth and that put me off, then tried to find a shop with one in, again a ball ache so gave up lol

I've been using the compact now for the last 6 weeks and really rate it.
I purchased the zip in ground sheet, full front and mesh front which all still fits in to the bivvy bag with room left over.
The main bivvy itself fits my Solar SP wide bed with around 40cm left at the front which isn't bad for the size and the flat back really helps.
I've not used the zip in ground sheet yet so cant comment on how easy or hard this is to get on and off. Both fronts zip on perfectly and the zips are very good quality. The material at the moment beads off water well and only requires a quick shake of to dry.
It comes with side pockets inside but if you have a wide bed chair you cover them up. The vapor shield works well with no moistness in the morning but is a little baggy in some places.
The bivvy packed down in to its bag is the same size as my 10ft rod bag and is around 15-16kg with everything.

The only negative point is that the full front doesn't have side panel windows.


Coming from a Titan T1 I wouldn't call it an upgrade but for the fishing I'm doing now (overnight) it's perfect. If Solar were to bring out an overwrap with a small extension to the front it would be perfect for longer sessions.

In reply to Post #10
Any longer term review comments on the compact spider? Had a look at one in shop today and looks good, just a tad expensive

In reply to Post #1
Door height is not great sadly...

Looks like a good concept and Solar don't do ‘pants' stuff normally

In reply to Post #12
Bought one at the weekend and impressed, good quality, stable, decent material.

Door height can be adjusted by extending the legs.

No negatives so far 👍

In reply to Post #13
True enough....still a bit low overall for some

Just sat in the solar compact spider bivvy after my 1st night using it. Very easy to put up, found the groundsheet and infill a bit fiddly to zip in but got there in the end. Space is a bit limited but I bought it for ease of use. Only one big issue I have is the inside is wet through with condensation this morning and dripping all over my stuff round the sides. I am currently looking for the overwrap, hopefully that will help for next time. I got the bivvy, groundsheet, solid infill and mozzy mesh infill for £300, so not bad really.

Do they make a green wrap for these? I can only seem to find camo?

I found the same thing with condensation in the compact but it didn't drip over everything as it collected on the second fabric skin at the top. Sides were soaking though. Overall I have been very impressed with the compact. I travel light and don't take everything and the kitchen sink so it is ideal for me. The zip in groundsheet is great - no more worrying about rats, frogs, newts etc getting in and I've had them all over the years!