Looking for some feedback on the Longtop bivvy. Always loved my venture razorback and this looks like the closest comparison.
Interested in knowing how light it is without all the sides ground sheet etc and also if anyones had any issues with the poles as this was the major problem with the razorback.
All general feedback appreciated
Interested in knowing how light it is without all the sides ground sheet etc and also if anyones had any issues with the poles as this was the major problem with the razorback.
All general feedback appreciated
Stripped back its as light as a feather. I had a AI airframe before buying a long top and its as close to the AI as I could find.
I've had my LT at least 6 years and all is fine , the poles are fine.
There is a knack to putting it up but once you get it it is easy. I can't think of a better all season bivvy. I do use a pioneer in really tight swims on rivers but I can highly recommend the LT.
I've had my LT at least 6 years and all is fine , the poles are fine.
There is a knack to putting it up but once you get it it is easy. I can't think of a better all season bivvy. I do use a pioneer in really tight swims on rivers but I can highly recommend the LT.
In reply to Post #1
I used a long top for a couple of seasons. Positives are that it's very well made, extremely light, and quite roomy. Negatives are that i found it awkward to put up/down (especially on a platform), the material is very thin and for me it was a little too big for what I needed.
I used a long top for a couple of seasons. Positives are that it's very well made, extremely light, and quite roomy. Negatives are that i found it awkward to put up/down (especially on a platform), the material is very thin and for me it was a little too big for what I needed.
You want a new venture razorback? Brand new in box?
I have a longtop, used every week.for a year now..
It's very well made
It's a great session bivvy
First thing I did was to chuck the clear plastic window,and I don't use the front separate groundsheet ,only the rear ..
The material is very thin,I fished under a willow back in the summer and a twig fell off and put a tiny hole in the bivvy,then I found two holes caused by two black insects that I'd found ,made their way into the bag ..
Tenacious tape and tatoos are your friend..!
Try to use it with the light weight 2nd skin ,it's a good thing to use on a regular trip..I like it ,I'd buy another for sure,
There is a knack to setting up ,dismantling...as the other poster said ..
It's very well made
It's a great session bivvy
First thing I did was to chuck the clear plastic window,and I don't use the front separate groundsheet ,only the rear ..
The material is very thin,I fished under a willow back in the summer and a twig fell off and put a tiny hole in the bivvy,then I found two holes caused by two black insects that I'd found ,made their way into the bag ..
Tenacious tape and tatoos are your friend..!
Try to use it with the light weight 2nd skin ,it's a good thing to use on a regular trip..I like it ,I'd buy another for sure,
There is a knack to setting up ,dismantling...as the other poster said ..
In reply to Post #5
It's very well made but a falling twig can put a hole in it?
It's very well made but a falling twig can put a hole in it?
In reply to Post #6
That's right,the actual bivvy itself IS,very well made ,the poles are strong and reinforced with stainless bars where needed,its a quality shelter ,its,as said though the material seems lightweight ,but if you think about it ,the shelter was tensioned up ,like as should be ,and I assume during the night a stick I thought came off and pieced the material,.....
But yes I see your point ,have a look at one you'll see what I mean ..,quality ,lightweight shelter ,material ,a bit thin....
That's right,the actual bivvy itself IS,very well made ,the poles are strong and reinforced with stainless bars where needed,its a quality shelter ,its,as said though the material seems lightweight ,but if you think about it ,the shelter was tensioned up ,like as should be ,and I assume during the night a stick I thought came off and pieced the material,.....
But yes I see your point ,have a look at one you'll see what I mean ..,quality ,lightweight shelter ,material ,a bit thin....
In reply to Post #1
Had mine over a year now, absolutely love it, most of the time I use it a bit like an AI day shelter, no front and 1/2 rear groundsheet.
It's as light as a feather, quick to put up/take down and really well made.
Adam is right about the material appearing to be thin, however for me It's proven to be 100% water proof and I've only used the winter cap a couple of times, I guess there's a trade off for the weight of it.
Honestly I can't believe it's not more popular, I've used, owned, sold most bivvies over the years but I don't see me selling this any time soon as it's light and small enough in its stripped down state for day/short sessions, or big enough for the weeks away when all the bells and whistles are put back on!
All in all a much underrated bit of kit at a price that's hard to believe.
Cheers
Tel
Had mine over a year now, absolutely love it, most of the time I use it a bit like an AI day shelter, no front and 1/2 rear groundsheet.
It's as light as a feather, quick to put up/take down and really well made.
Adam is right about the material appearing to be thin, however for me It's proven to be 100% water proof and I've only used the winter cap a couple of times, I guess there's a trade off for the weight of it.
Honestly I can't believe it's not more popular, I've used, owned, sold most bivvies over the years but I don't see me selling this any time soon as it's light and small enough in its stripped down state for day/short sessions, or big enough for the weeks away when all the bells and whistles are put back on!
All in all a much underrated bit of kit at a price that's hard to believe.
Cheers
Tel
In reply to Post #1
Slightly off topic but perhaps useful to the Razorback/Airframe users.......the Tackle Box will sell you a set of Longtop poles to fit your Razorback/Airframe. They do need the length adjusting slightly but they will do that for you so you could keep your old shelter going rather than throw it when the poles eventually give up. I was going to do that for my Airframes but decided to get a Longtop while they were still available and on offer, and that will replace my Airframes when I eventually need to replace them.
Slightly off topic but perhaps useful to the Razorback/Airframe users.......the Tackle Box will sell you a set of Longtop poles to fit your Razorback/Airframe. They do need the length adjusting slightly but they will do that for you so you could keep your old shelter going rather than throw it when the poles eventually give up. I was going to do that for my Airframes but decided to get a Longtop while they were still available and on offer, and that will replace my Airframes when I eventually need to replace them.
In reply to Post #9
.... and to continue the theme... the Longtop poles fit an aqualite perfectly
.... and to continue the theme... the Longtop poles fit an aqualite perfectly