With the colder months on there way I am looking at a new shelter,the toss up is between the tempest aquatexx or the aqua pioneer,would appreciate your opinions folks,thanks
In reply to Post #1
Depends which model (size) Tempest / Pioneer and what you want from a bivvy . . . ?
I have a Tempest V2 bivvy and a Pioneer 150 - footprints are similar but seeing that the V2 is discontinued the closest would probably be a Tempest 150 (although the 150 is probably bigger space wise than a Pio 150)
Tempest 150
More versatile (skull cap / full wrap / social cap (to increase size)
Smaller Pack down length
Heavy
Less headroom
More vents / 'active' ventilation
Pioneer 150
Quicker to assemble (IMO!) skull cap is effectively a 'full' wrap and can be left on much more easily than Tempest
Longer & Heavier (thicker fabric)
More headroom
Looks cooler (IMO)
Stronger / more storm proof
Both good bivvies to be fair and Tempest more future proof but less Pios on the bank so therefore its more carpy and on this basis Pio wins (tin hat on)
Depends which model (size) Tempest / Pioneer and what you want from a bivvy . . . ?
I have a Tempest V2 bivvy and a Pioneer 150 - footprints are similar but seeing that the V2 is discontinued the closest would probably be a Tempest 150 (although the 150 is probably bigger space wise than a Pio 150)
Tempest 150
More versatile (skull cap / full wrap / social cap (to increase size)
Smaller Pack down length
Heavy
Less headroom
More vents / 'active' ventilation
Pioneer 150
Quicker to assemble (IMO!) skull cap is effectively a 'full' wrap and can be left on much more easily than Tempest
Longer & Heavier (thicker fabric)
More headroom
Looks cooler (IMO)
Stronger / more storm proof
Both good bivvies to be fair and Tempest more future proof but less Pios on the bank so therefore its more carpy and on this basis Pio wins (tin hat on)
In reply to Post #2
Sorry mate I should of added I'm looking at the tempest 100 or aqua equivalent (size wise).I use the aqua fast and light which is great but just need that little bit more for when it
the weather turns
Sorry mate I should of added I'm looking at the tempest 100 or aqua equivalent (size wise).I use the aqua fast and light which is great but just need that little bit more for when it
the weather turns
In reply to Post #3
The Tempests will drop in price very soon,a new version is soon to be released
The Tempests will drop in price very soon,a new version is soon to be released
In reply to Post #4
It's not really about the money mate,I just want a good bit of kit
It's not really about the money mate,I just want a good bit of kit
In reply to Post #5
The material on my aqua ultralite ev feels alot better than the material on the tempest v2 bivvy I had.It is alot darker inside and is better made,im not sure why as they are owned by the same company.I prefer how my ultralite goes up over the tempest too,I would go for the pioneer out of the two you have mentioned
The material on my aqua ultralite ev feels alot better than the material on the tempest v2 bivvy I had.It is alot darker inside and is better made,im not sure why as they are owned by the same company.I prefer how my ultralite goes up over the tempest too,I would go for the pioneer out of the two you have mentioned
Can't do links
http://www.carpforum.co.uk/Shared/Messages.asp?TopicID=434037
http://www.carpforum.co.uk/Shared/Messages.asp?TopicID=434037
Ahem 
In reply to Post #9
Belch comments below are pretty accurate and I would concur with most of them
Ive got 4 tempests 2 x air, standard V2 and the XL and have had pioneer ultralite and recently sold my pio 150 so for me its the tempest over the Aqua
I just feel the aqua is over engineered it weighs a ton by comparison to the tempests and while built to last its more than youll ever need in this country - I think the pioneer design with the seperate poles to errect is old tech when compared to the tempest.
Obviously youll see tempests everywhere and with all the versions available you may want to be different/old skool and have the aqua
But I love the tempest - hence I brought a 2nd AIR incase I ever have issues with my other one - the air I use 80% of the time (I had army andy make an infill and i can add a skull cap or full wrap as needed
Full size Tempest I brought for a bargain price of £150 from this forum and the XL I use in france
Dont think youll go wrong with either model though both great bivvys
Belch comments below are pretty accurate and I would concur with most of them
Ive got 4 tempests 2 x air, standard V2 and the XL and have had pioneer ultralite and recently sold my pio 150 so for me its the tempest over the Aqua
I just feel the aqua is over engineered it weighs a ton by comparison to the tempests and while built to last its more than youll ever need in this country - I think the pioneer design with the seperate poles to errect is old tech when compared to the tempest.
Obviously youll see tempests everywhere and with all the versions available you may want to be different/old skool and have the aqua
But I love the tempest - hence I brought a 2nd AIR incase I ever have issues with my other one - the air I use 80% of the time (I had army andy make an infill and i can add a skull cap or full wrap as needed
Full size Tempest I brought for a bargain price of £150 from this forum and the XL I use in france
Dont think youll go wrong with either model though both great bivvys
In reply to Post #10
Thanks mate,just had a look at the v2 and air.
What are the actual difference between them both,I really like the open fronts on them as I have always been a brolly man,don't like the fact I can't see everything tucked up in a bivvy
Thanks mate,just had a look at the v2 and air.
What are the actual difference between them both,I really like the open fronts on them as I have always been a brolly man,don't like the fact I can't see everything tucked up in a bivvy
In reply to Post #3
Don't own the new Aqua version but have been (and remain) an Ultralite user for donkies - The Tempest 100 is slightly smaller in footprint and height than the V2 but the same comparison parameters apply - Tempest is more versatile / Pioneer is stronger and looks cooler.
Personally would not go for a Pio 100 - they are very low / built for hobbits and heavy for the footprint. If my Ultralite ever gives up would go for the Pio 100 Ultralite but compared to the Tempest 100 they are different bivvies - Advanced 100 has more footroom / space and could be turned into a week long France / session bivvy (although it is still a bit low for tall peeps) Ultralite 100 is more of a short session (24-48hrs) shelter with benefits - its much lighter and has improved visibility and way more headroom - you could also just use it like your fast and light as an open brolly but with a permanent twin skin.
If in doubt get both!
Don't own the new Aqua version but have been (and remain) an Ultralite user for donkies - The Tempest 100 is slightly smaller in footprint and height than the V2 but the same comparison parameters apply - Tempest is more versatile / Pioneer is stronger and looks cooler.
Personally would not go for a Pio 100 - they are very low / built for hobbits and heavy for the footprint. If my Ultralite ever gives up would go for the Pio 100 Ultralite but compared to the Tempest 100 they are different bivvies - Advanced 100 has more footroom / space and could be turned into a week long France / session bivvy (although it is still a bit low for tall peeps) Ultralite 100 is more of a short session (24-48hrs) shelter with benefits - its much lighter and has improved visibility and way more headroom - you could also just use it like your fast and light as an open brolly but with a permanent twin skin.
If in doubt get both!
In reply to Post #12
😂😂yeah go for both,that would take some justifying to the mrs.
That's something else I need to factor in is getting in and out,don't need anything too low as it starts to twinge my back after a while. The fast and light I can push the front up which is great,which of the trakker ones would suit best
😂😂yeah go for both,that would take some justifying to the mrs.
That's something else I need to factor in is getting in and out,don't need anything too low as it starts to twinge my back after a while. The fast and light I can push the front up which is great,which of the trakker ones would suit best
In reply to Post #12
Do like the look of the ultralight,but it's a lot of dollar
Do like the look of the ultralight,but it's a lot of dollar
In reply to Post #14
Try Parkfield Angling,they did me a very good deal on mine.I can get my ultralite set up quicker than my mate can do his tempest bivvy.Its seconds to pop up,once fanned out I pop a peg in the back and it holds it in place plus the skullcap is a full wrap unlike the tempest skullcap.I love my ultralite and would not change it for any of the tempests
Try Parkfield Angling,they did me a very good deal on mine.I can get my ultralite set up quicker than my mate can do his tempest bivvy.Its seconds to pop up,once fanned out I pop a peg in the back and it holds it in place plus the skullcap is a full wrap unlike the tempest skullcap.I love my ultralite and would not change it for any of the tempests
In reply to Post #13
I bought a decent used V2 over the newer Advanced 100 on this basis and its still lower than my original Ultralite so if you need a 'leap straight from bedchair out the door without scuffing your head' bivvy the Ultralite 100 is the one to go for IMO.
Can def erect my Ultralite and Pio 150 quicker than the Tempest - and its got less pegging points which is the worst bit of any bivvy if you've got a dodgy back
Forgot to mention - never mention any fishing tackle purchases to the missus. . .ever. I have an SAS technique in transferring new items from either car / courier / post to the garage - havent been caught yet!
I bought a decent used V2 over the newer Advanced 100 on this basis and its still lower than my original Ultralite so if you need a 'leap straight from bedchair out the door without scuffing your head' bivvy the Ultralite 100 is the one to go for IMO.
Can def erect my Ultralite and Pio 150 quicker than the Tempest - and its got less pegging points which is the worst bit of any bivvy if you've got a dodgy back
Forgot to mention - never mention any fishing tackle purchases to the missus. . .ever. I have an SAS technique in transferring new items from either car / courier / post to the garage - havent been caught yet!
In reply to Post #11
the full size tempest is slightly bigger than an air and does have a zip in front
the air doesnt have a front (army andy can make you one as I have done for mine)
The XL (now known as the 150) is bigger than both of the above
One thing ill also add about the tempest over the pioneer is that they are free standing you need the storm poles for the aqua and the tempest also cheaper
Also I'm 6'3 and the tempest is higher especially when looking at my pals pioneer 100
the full size tempest is slightly bigger than an air and does have a zip in front
the air doesnt have a front (army andy can make you one as I have done for mine)
The XL (now known as the 150) is bigger than both of the above
One thing ill also add about the tempest over the pioneer is that they are free standing you need the storm poles for the aqua and the tempest also cheaper
Also I'm 6'3 and the tempest is higher especially when looking at my pals pioneer 100
In reply to Post #17
I agree the tempest is free standing and better in that respect but a peg in the back and the ultralite stays in place until you put the stormpoles in place.The one thing I don't like about the ultralite is the horrible twist lock poles,mine are getting changed very soon
I agree the tempest is free standing and better in that respect but a peg in the back and the ultralite stays in place until you put the stormpoles in place.The one thing I don't like about the ultralite is the horrible twist lock poles,mine are getting changed very soon
In reply to Post #18
I've said in the past I had the original aqua ultralite before it was available in the shops as I bought the show one before their release. Replaced the storm poles straight away and had it twenty plus years and was still in good nick. Had a tempest air briefly as well but preferred the ultralite as without the wrap and groundsheet it's not that heavy. Bought the new ultralite as soon as it was in stock local with the wrap for less than the rrp of bivvy alone. Again replaced the storm poles and recently been using it without wrap, groundsheet or front and I love them. I've done a week long session no problem you just need to be organised but if long sessions were a regular thing I would buy a 150 as well and wouldn't consider anything else on the market.
I've said in the past I had the original aqua ultralite before it was available in the shops as I bought the show one before their release. Replaced the storm poles straight away and had it twenty plus years and was still in good nick. Had a tempest air briefly as well but preferred the ultralite as without the wrap and groundsheet it's not that heavy. Bought the new ultralite as soon as it was in stock local with the wrap for less than the rrp of bivvy alone. Again replaced the storm poles and recently been using it without wrap, groundsheet or front and I love them. I've done a week long session no problem you just need to be organised but if long sessions were a regular thing I would buy a 150 as well and wouldn't consider anything else on the market.
In reply to Post #19
Agree with all those points in principle . . .however the reason I bought a V2 was to
a) see what all the Tempest fuss was about
b) get a utility front (which I now have) and ditch my mint 2Man Armo (soon to be for sale)
c) not have to lug the Pio 150 about as much on slightly shorter UK sessions as its heavy and takes up car space
Saying that if I ever do get a French trip booked this year I will be in a dillema as to what to take - headroom vs foot/extra crap room!
Agree with all those points in principle . . .however the reason I bought a V2 was to
a) see what all the Tempest fuss was about
b) get a utility front (which I now have) and ditch my mint 2Man Armo (soon to be for sale)
c) not have to lug the Pio 150 about as much on slightly shorter UK sessions as its heavy and takes up car space
Saying that if I ever do get a French trip booked this year I will be in a dillema as to what to take - headroom vs foot/extra crap room!
In reply to Post #19
What size storm poles are they Goose,which ones did you go for to replace them.I keep looking at the JAG ones
What size storm poles are they Goose,which ones did you go for to replace them.I keep looking at the JAG ones
In reply to Post #20
Should say that for me the ultralite is perfect, most of my fishing is 24 to 72 hours and all I need for such sessions comfortably fits in but if you want to take to much spare kit or a chair etc it may be too small but I'm happy sitting out on the ground. It's all a compromise and I've often thought about the 150 as the extra space would be a luxury allowing be to spread stuff out more for easier access but the additional weight and space required has always put me off. How many tempest variations has there been now, they seem to bring out different ones every six months. Saw one Ltd edition camo one a while ago that came with matching camo wrap that was I think £1299 but seen it recently being sold off at £850 and that would really pea me off if I had bought one when it was first out.
Should say that for me the ultralite is perfect, most of my fishing is 24 to 72 hours and all I need for such sessions comfortably fits in but if you want to take to much spare kit or a chair etc it may be too small but I'm happy sitting out on the ground. It's all a compromise and I've often thought about the 150 as the extra space would be a luxury allowing be to spread stuff out more for easier access but the additional weight and space required has always put me off. How many tempest variations has there been now, they seem to bring out different ones every six months. Saw one Ltd edition camo one a while ago that came with matching camo wrap that was I think £1299 but seen it recently being sold off at £850 and that would really pea me off if I had bought one when it was first out.
In reply to Post #21
Mine currently are cheap cygnet ones with korum quick releases fitted. To be honest I've thought jag but these cheap ones are perfectly OK.
Mine currently are cheap cygnet ones with korum quick releases fitted. To be honest I've thought jag but these cheap ones are perfectly OK.
In reply to Post #21
Personally, for that money, I'd look at the defiant MPS ones.
Personally, for that money, I'd look at the defiant MPS ones.
In reply to Post #22
You would.probably love my Dymag storm poles
Full carbon And stainless fittings 48.and 36
You would.probably love my Dymag storm poles
Full carbon And stainless fittings 48.and 36
In reply to Post #21
I use original fox cam lock screw point storm poles (these are strong a light) with prologic fast connectors - is there a different coupling fixing on the new ultralite (a threaded nut rather than the Trakker quick connector type)?
I use original fox cam lock screw point storm poles (these are strong a light) with prologic fast connectors - is there a different coupling fixing on the new ultralite (a threaded nut rather than the Trakker quick connector type)?
In reply to Post #26
I think the multiple variations of the tempest is more about marketing and milking revenue from all avenues
Its no secret the tempest concept was going to be an aqua bivvy originally but it would have hurt pioneer sales and so they launched it under the trakker brand - they realised they would sell way more £3-500 bivvys than a £7-800 aqua variation and it would have also damaged the sales of the pioneer had it been in the aqua stable
Then they have tweaked it so they can capture the whole market - aquatexx, non aquatexx, open front, brolly etc etc its just clever marketing in my opinion and allowing them to dominate the bivvy market and sell at all levels
The concept has completely changed bivvys - Long gone are the days of pram hood shelters - even brollys for that matter you only have to look at lakes to see that
As for storm poles - pro logic do quick release connectors on ebay and they are great for the job attach one end to your storm pole the other end to your bivvy and its litterally a case of plugging it in and jobs a goodun
I think the multiple variations of the tempest is more about marketing and milking revenue from all avenues
Its no secret the tempest concept was going to be an aqua bivvy originally but it would have hurt pioneer sales and so they launched it under the trakker brand - they realised they would sell way more £3-500 bivvys than a £7-800 aqua variation and it would have also damaged the sales of the pioneer had it been in the aqua stable
Then they have tweaked it so they can capture the whole market - aquatexx, non aquatexx, open front, brolly etc etc its just clever marketing in my opinion and allowing them to dominate the bivvy market and sell at all levels
The concept has completely changed bivvys - Long gone are the days of pram hood shelters - even brollys for that matter you only have to look at lakes to see that
As for storm poles - pro logic do quick release connectors on ebay and they are great for the job attach one end to your storm pole the other end to your bivvy and its litterally a case of plugging it in and jobs a goodun
In reply to Post #25
Would I love the price even if you were to sell them
Would I love the price even if you were to sell them
In reply to Post #28
Genuinely no idea what I even paid.
They were made to order for my full size pioneer
Well over 10 years ago having 4 bevvies meant they never got used much.
Genuinely no idea what I even paid.
They were made to order for my full size pioneer
Well over 10 years ago having 4 bevvies meant they never got used much.
In reply to Post #26
Just bought some of the new solar black ali mag loc quick release adaptors for the storm poles on my fast and light and they are a great little bit of kit.
Just bought some of the new solar black ali mag loc quick release adaptors for the storm poles on my fast and light and they are a great little bit of kit.
In reply to Post #21
I was going to get the jag poles as well but the really thin sharp point on the end put me off as had visions of them going straight through the bivvys material as they are so sharp and pointy so stuck with my cygnet ones which have lasted me years.
I was going to get the jag poles as well but the really thin sharp point on the end put me off as had visions of them going straight through the bivvys material as they are so sharp and pointy so stuck with my cygnet ones which have lasted me years.
In reply to Post #31
Thats the thing that is putting me off getting them too.
Thats the thing that is putting me off getting them too.
In reply to Post #29
I will start saving up until you work out a price
I will start saving up until you work out a price
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