I am on an umbrella only at present - got loads of condensation last night - so want a new bivvy that does not suffer from it - what have people had for a year plus and are happy with??
Not a fan of pro logic build quality, so not them please.
Not a fan of pro logic build quality, so not them please.
In reply to Post #1
Your budget ?
Your budget ?
In reply to Post #1
2nd hand tempest with skull cap.
BTW, I have the nylon one and with the skull cap it is virtually condensation free, dries quicker and more durable than aquatex.
I also managed to find one with the rear vents
2nd hand tempest with skull cap.
BTW, I have the nylon one and with the skull cap it is virtually condensation free, dries quicker and more durable than aquatex.
I also managed to find one with the rear vents
I've been under one of these on longer sessions with wrap and vents open little/no condensation this year.
LINKY POO™ https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/solar-bankmaster-twin-rib-1-man-bivvy
LINKY POO™ https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/solar-bankmaster-twin-rib-1-man-bivvy
In reply to Post #2
Up £700
Up £700
In reply to Post #1
If you're a brolly fan then the Aqua Ultralite 100 is the next logical step (not to be confused with the Aqua Pioneer 100 which is a hobbit sized shelter) . . .you can leave the skull cap on (semi-permanently) and with its mega thick aquatexx its pretty much condensation free. Quick set up / much better headroom than a brolly and no annoying spars etc.
Had the original for years and the newer variant since release - prefer it to my Tempest / all other bivvies - basically due to its headroom / small footprint / ease of assembly and versatility (all season)
Think there's one going for a decent price in the classifieds - if not they've dropped in price considerably (because everyone's Tempest obsessed) and for the £ and build quality are vfm IMO
If you're a brolly fan then the Aqua Ultralite 100 is the next logical step (not to be confused with the Aqua Pioneer 100 which is a hobbit sized shelter) . . .you can leave the skull cap on (semi-permanently) and with its mega thick aquatexx its pretty much condensation free. Quick set up / much better headroom than a brolly and no annoying spars etc.
Had the original for years and the newer variant since release - prefer it to my Tempest / all other bivvies - basically due to its headroom / small footprint / ease of assembly and versatility (all season)
Think there's one going for a decent price in the classifieds - if not they've dropped in price considerably (because everyone's Tempest obsessed) and for the £ and build quality are vfm IMO
In reply to Post #1
Hi, depends on the size you want but have both tempest brolly advanced (low) and the tempest 100 advanced, which have a very similar footprint. Both aquatex and zero condensation when used with a wrap. Prefer the brolly for short stays as got the nylon wrap which is considerably lighter than the aquatex one and dries more quickly. If you don't want condensation then aquatexx is really good but you must use a wrap as well as the bivvy material won't breath if wet on the outside. For me a second hand trakker tempest advanced with full cap wrap would be my recommendation.
Hi, depends on the size you want but have both tempest brolly advanced (low) and the tempest 100 advanced, which have a very similar footprint. Both aquatex and zero condensation when used with a wrap. Prefer the brolly for short stays as got the nylon wrap which is considerably lighter than the aquatex one and dries more quickly. If you don't want condensation then aquatexx is really good but you must use a wrap as well as the bivvy material won't breath if wet on the outside. For me a second hand trakker tempest advanced with full cap wrap would be my recommendation.
In reply to Post #1
Early days but so far very impressed with my Wychwood Epic. Had a Tempest which was great and I would recommend. Got a Solar SW Uni Spider which is OK (you can see my comments in the review section) but replaced it with the Wychwood (Solar currently up for sale). To beat condensation with all these these you ideally need to be using at least the skull cap
Early days but so far very impressed with my Wychwood Epic. Had a Tempest which was great and I would recommend. Got a Solar SW Uni Spider which is OK (you can see my comments in the review section) but replaced it with the Wychwood (Solar currently up for sale). To beat condensation with all these these you ideally need to be using at least the skull cap
In reply to Post #8
Echo that re the wychwood epic, performing well so far and comes totally complete with cap, standard and mozi fronts and good quality zip in ground sheet
Echo that re the wychwood epic, performing well so far and comes totally complete with cap, standard and mozi fronts and good quality zip in ground sheet
In reply to Post #1
I don't think there's a bivvy out there that doesn't suffer from any sort of condensation. I have a frontier which seems better than most bivvies I've had regarding condensation and I very rarely use a door. Should be able to get a good deal on the v1 with the v2 coming out.
Daz
I don't think there's a bivvy out there that doesn't suffer from any sort of condensation. I have a frontier which seems better than most bivvies I've had regarding condensation and I very rarely use a door. Should be able to get a good deal on the v1 with the v2 coming out.
Daz
In reply to Post #8
Early days but so far very impressed with my Wychwood Epic.
Good to hear, I was looking forward to your feedback, seriously tempted
Early days but so far very impressed with my Wychwood Epic.
Good to hear, I was looking forward to your feedback, seriously tempted
In reply to Post #1
Quest defier mk2 with full overwrap and zip in ground sheet. Zero condensation. I dont even put infil in just use the wrap for the front.
Quest defier mk2 with full overwrap and zip in ground sheet. Zero condensation. I dont even put infil in just use the wrap for the front.
In reply to Post #12
I use my mk2 defier in the same way mate, the overwrap is top notch.
I use my mk2 defier in the same way mate, the overwrap is top notch.
In reply to Post #10
You're right.
Any single skinned shelter will suffer with condensation if the conditions are right. The only way to really avoid it completely is with a inner capsule but even then there will be condensation between the skin and capsule.
You're right.
Any single skinned shelter will suffer with condensation if the conditions are right. The only way to really avoid it completely is with a inner capsule but even then there will be condensation between the skin and capsule.
Angling direct do the Wychwood one, I like a Solar Tackle SP Quick-Up Shelter MKII. My mate reckons pay the money get a Aqua Pioneer 150 Fishing Bivvy Aquatexx EV 1.0. I am still torn, I should have added only what johnson Ross or Angling direct stock as fishing tackle is so poorly made I want to be able to return it with ease.
In reply to Post #15
Just be aware that although a quality bit of kit the Pioneer 150 is a beast - its 1.5man (so a spacious 1man) but is fairly heavy and long in terms of pack-down length etc. Def bullet proof but unless you carry the kitchen sink / stay put in a swim for over 72hrs / France, for UK fishing I'd recommend the Ultralite 100 (with skull cap) all day . . . .
Just be aware that although a quality bit of kit the Pioneer 150 is a beast - its 1.5man (so a spacious 1man) but is fairly heavy and long in terms of pack-down length etc. Def bullet proof but unless you carry the kitchen sink / stay put in a swim for over 72hrs / France, for UK fishing I'd recommend the Ultralite 100 (with skull cap) all day . . . .
In reply to Post #16
My mate reckons he got the 100, and he regrets it, I did clock the weight - I am bad enough at moving as it is, that will make me not move a tall.
My mate reckons he got the 100, and he regrets it, I did clock the weight - I am bad enough at moving as it is, that will make me not move a tall.
In reply to Post #14
Only way to avoid is a full wrap
Only way to avoid is a full wrap
In reply to Post #17
Theres the Pioneer 100 and the Ultralite 100 - same concept - v different bivvies in terms of height / space. Pio 100 is very low - Ultralite 100 has a much higher rake so you can sit back in the bivvy on a bedchair buddy and not bash your head (I'm 6'1") . . .the doorway is also high so you can look out whilst seated without stooping / straining your neck etc.
The 'only' downside to the Ultralite 100 is footroom which is a little tight and especially so if you use a wideboy . . . depends on how much gear you take. Pioneer 150 is much wider / deeper than both the above but similar height / door height to Ultralite 100 . . .
Theres the Pioneer 100 and the Ultralite 100 - same concept - v different bivvies in terms of height / space. Pio 100 is very low - Ultralite 100 has a much higher rake so you can sit back in the bivvy on a bedchair buddy and not bash your head (I'm 6'1") . . .the doorway is also high so you can look out whilst seated without stooping / straining your neck etc.
The 'only' downside to the Ultralite 100 is footroom which is a little tight and especially so if you use a wideboy . . . depends on how much gear you take. Pioneer 150 is much wider / deeper than both the above but similar height / door height to Ultralite 100 . . .
I have the Tempest 100T brolly and it's quite bad with condensation on its own but when I put the cap wrap on it's fine
I'll be looking to replace this in the future just because I fancy a change and am looking at the Fromtier 2 but am going to wait until they've been out at least a year, 18 months, before I buy one
I'll be looking to replace this in the future just because I fancy a change and am looking at the Fromtier 2 but am going to wait until they've been out at least a year, 18 months, before I buy one
In reply to Post #17
I picked up a 100 and can't say I'm that impressed. The storm poles are shocking quality and the whole thing is heavy (which tbf I knew when I bought it). It's a more comfortable shelter to sit in than the Tempest mind. I tend to use it for longer sessions and the Tempest for overnighters.
I picked up a 100 and can't say I'm that impressed. The storm poles are shocking quality and the whole thing is heavy (which tbf I knew when I bought it). It's a more comfortable shelter to sit in than the Tempest mind. I tend to use it for longer sessions and the Tempest for overnighters.
In reply to Post #19
I have the all singling all dancing Solar bed, space inside other than the bed and couple of bits not the end of the world I can leave the rest on the barrow under a tarp.
I have the all singling all dancing Solar bed, space inside other than the bed and couple of bits not the end of the world I can leave the rest on the barrow under a tarp.
In reply to Post #21
Are you on about the Pioneer or the Ultralump?
Are you on about the Pioneer or the Ultralump?
In reply to Post #23
Ultralite
Ultralite
I also fell for the Ultra'lite' nonsense. It's a tart's palace for old men with bad backs who want to pretend that they still use a brolly
In reply to Post #25
In reply to Post #25
So you don't recommend it then?.
So you don't recommend it then?.
In reply to Post #25
I loved my lo pro. But fell for the Ultralite nonsense. Except it's brilliant and I love it. It's heavier yes. But taller and really easy to get up. I would say it's good for a few nights. Probably a bit too heavy for overnighters but for the extra puff pushing the barrow and 5mins more getting it up, it's worth it.
I loved my lo pro. But fell for the Ultralite nonsense. Except it's brilliant and I love it. It's heavier yes. But taller and really easy to get up. I would say it's good for a few nights. Probably a bit too heavy for overnighters but for the extra puff pushing the barrow and 5mins more getting it up, it's worth it.
TBH most brolly or bivvy designs have their own individual drawbacks - too low, too small, too big, too heavy, too damp etc.
I've still got an Aqua UJ M3 well over15 years old. Summer basic bivvy with front zipped off, autumn full bivvy, winter full bivvy plus overwrap, France or long session bivvy with front zipped off and super extended wrap, clear windows. Covers every scenario I need although accept it's a bit low for bad back sufferers.
I'd look for a bivvy that adapts to different scenarios rather than one which is the newest all singing and dancing one trick pony👍
I've still got an Aqua UJ M3 well over15 years old. Summer basic bivvy with front zipped off, autumn full bivvy, winter full bivvy plus overwrap, France or long session bivvy with front zipped off and super extended wrap, clear windows. Covers every scenario I need although accept it's a bit low for bad back sufferers.
I'd look for a bivvy that adapts to different scenarios rather than one which is the newest all singing and dancing one trick pony👍
In reply to Post #1
I picked up a Nash hide pro XL for £250 from total fishing tackle a little while ago with the infill panel (it's gone up since) and added the overwrap later, I got the standard xl overwrap as the frames on the pro and standard are the same and it was the best part of £200 cheaper. These wraps are proper all over wraps, not the cap/wraps that leave the front single skin.
Used it 15+ times now on 48hr sessions and a week in France, can't recommend them enough, build quality is excellent and I didn't feel like I was just feeding the Trakker greed machine that want's to normalise the £1000 one man bivvy...
I do have a 100T with a cap/wrap, cap and social extension but i've not used it since getting the hide, these are good but IMO not as good as a Hide XL.
I picked up a Nash hide pro XL for £250 from total fishing tackle a little while ago with the infill panel (it's gone up since) and added the overwrap later, I got the standard xl overwrap as the frames on the pro and standard are the same and it was the best part of £200 cheaper. These wraps are proper all over wraps, not the cap/wraps that leave the front single skin.
Used it 15+ times now on 48hr sessions and a week in France, can't recommend them enough, build quality is excellent and I didn't feel like I was just feeding the Trakker greed machine that want's to normalise the £1000 one man bivvy...
I do have a 100T with a cap/wrap, cap and social extension but i've not used it since getting the hide, these are good but IMO not as good as a Hide XL.
In reply to Post #27
It depends what you are after in a shelter tbh. If I recall correctly, the night you mentioned in your OP was about 80% humidity in the SE (I was out too). You are going to get condensation in those conditions unless you can justify the time to use a ground sheet, inner dome and overwrap. Even then you will have a build up between some of the layers.
Unless it's dripping on your face does it really matter?
Aqua has always had a certain following.The ultralight is a brolly for the kind of people who like to say things like..'the Tempest design is nothing new, just a copy of the original Chris Manifold design'
It's high and has great visibility, but that means that any rain in your face you are getting wet. You can buy a little hat that gives a peak, but rain is still coming in for any kind of inclement weather as it's so open.
If manifold really put his original pioneers in a wind tunnel they neglected this test with the ultralite as it's so high and wide and open it catches the wind like a spinnaker. It's much better if you face away from the wind but that's not always where you need to be watching. Alternatively you put on the front, but then that's not a brolly.
The fabric is heavy and takes ages to dry. You need to carry two steel bars around that weigh more than a normal brolly just to put it up. Pack up length is about the same as a Toyota Yaris. I think the 1.0 Yaris weighs about the same.
On a sunny summers night it's a decent shelter. When they were recently going for about £380 they were decent value. 9/10 I take my Solar Undercover brolly and would recommend one of those, or possibly one of the new ESP brollies instead.
If you don't want a brolly I would look at a Hide XL. Never had one myself but seen a few and they look ok.
It depends what you are after in a shelter tbh. If I recall correctly, the night you mentioned in your OP was about 80% humidity in the SE (I was out too). You are going to get condensation in those conditions unless you can justify the time to use a ground sheet, inner dome and overwrap. Even then you will have a build up between some of the layers.
Unless it's dripping on your face does it really matter?
Aqua has always had a certain following.The ultralight is a brolly for the kind of people who like to say things like..'the Tempest design is nothing new, just a copy of the original Chris Manifold design'
It's high and has great visibility, but that means that any rain in your face you are getting wet. You can buy a little hat that gives a peak, but rain is still coming in for any kind of inclement weather as it's so open.
If manifold really put his original pioneers in a wind tunnel they neglected this test with the ultralite as it's so high and wide and open it catches the wind like a spinnaker. It's much better if you face away from the wind but that's not always where you need to be watching. Alternatively you put on the front, but then that's not a brolly.
The fabric is heavy and takes ages to dry. You need to carry two steel bars around that weigh more than a normal brolly just to put it up. Pack up length is about the same as a Toyota Yaris. I think the 1.0 Yaris weighs about the same.
On a sunny summers night it's a decent shelter. When they were recently going for about £380 they were decent value. 9/10 I take my Solar Undercover brolly and would recommend one of those, or possibly one of the new ESP brollies instead.
If you don't want a brolly I would look at a Hide XL. Never had one myself but seen a few and they look ok.
In reply to Post #31
The Solar brolly dont look much different to the brolly i have. I am edging towards the Solar Tackle SP Quick-Up Shelter MKI tbf. Bloke at fishing has one impressed with what I have seen.
The Solar brolly dont look much different to the brolly i have. I am edging towards the Solar Tackle SP Quick-Up Shelter MKI tbf. Bloke at fishing has one impressed with what I have seen.
In reply to Post #30
I have the hide xl pro camo and I love it,quick to erect,relatively light,like a tardis and pitch black when closed up,nice square back also,to push up the bedchair.My only negative is the condensation is actually quite bad,compared to other shelters I have had.It's in my garden drying out ATM after the 48hrs I've just finished. I'm probably gonna invest in an overwrap at some point.
I have the hide xl pro camo and I love it,quick to erect,relatively light,like a tardis and pitch black when closed up,nice square back also,to push up the bedchair.My only negative is the condensation is actually quite bad,compared to other shelters I have had.It's in my garden drying out ATM after the 48hrs I've just finished. I'm probably gonna invest in an overwrap at some point.
Pulled the plug and got a RS Tempest 150.
In reply to Post #33
Spot on assessment of the hide.
I've removed the vapour shield as its so much easier when drying out the bivvy and I don't really see the point of it.
Ohhh for a skull cap
Spot on assessment of the hide.
I've removed the vapour shield as its so much easier when drying out the bivvy and I don't really see the point of it.
Ohhh for a skull cap
In reply to Post #35
I'm pretty sure that Cotswold were making a skull cap for the original Hide at one point, I wonder if they'd do one for the Hide XL?
I'm pretty sure that Cotswold were making a skull cap for the original Hide at one point, I wonder if they'd do one for the Hide XL?
In reply to Post #36
Sadly not..
I'm certainly not paying £250/300 for an overwrap either lol
Sadly not..
I'm certainly not paying £250/300 for an overwrap either lol
First night in the Tempest, luxury! went up so easy, mind you didnt put the front on last night it was so mild.
In reply to Post #37
I've had most bivvys ...the only way to eradicate condensation completely is an overwrap. Twin skin for the win! My quest defier mk3 is always dry as a bone.
I've had most bivvys ...the only way to eradicate condensation completely is an overwrap. Twin skin for the win! My quest defier mk3 is always dry as a bone.
No love for the Exo+ on here?
In reply to Post #39
Also the overwrap is same material as the bivvy 20,000 rated. Most of the other bivvys the wraps are a thinner normal polyester material. So its a proper thick twin skin which is why its so effective at eliminating condensation.
Also the overwrap is same material as the bivvy 20,000 rated. Most of the other bivvys the wraps are a thinner normal polyester material. So its a proper thick twin skin which is why its so effective at eliminating condensation.
In reply to Post #33
Nash Titan Hide XL
Fantastic bit of kit IMO
Light solid and as said like a tardis inside.
Only thing I would prefer is a zip in groundsheet but it's not a game changer
Nash Titan Hide XL
Fantastic bit of kit IMO
Light solid and as said like a tardis inside.
Only thing I would prefer is a zip in groundsheet but it's not a game changer
In reply to Post #41
How would you rate the build quality of these bivvy?
They do look an impressive bit of kit.
How would you rate the build quality of these bivvy?
They do look an impressive bit of kit.
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