Finally dug out my old M3, all appears to be good after 13-14 years in the loft.
It was my session buvvy and near enough always used with the winter wrap, so I'm hoping a few hours in the sun to see if the seam tapes peel off (like my equally aged JRC oval did last week) and my work nights/ fish days plan may come together.
Does anyone remember if there was a strap to tension the frame or did it just clip onto the ground sheet ?
Might be in with the overwrap if not it's been used on another project in the last decade...
It was my session buvvy and near enough always used with the winter wrap, so I'm hoping a few hours in the sun to see if the seam tapes peel off (like my equally aged JRC oval did last week) and my work nights/ fish days plan may come together.
Does anyone remember if there was a strap to tension the frame or did it just clip onto the ground sheet ?
Might be in with the overwrap if not it's been used on another project in the last decade...
In reply to Post #1
From memory didn't they come with the strap and the ground sheet was extra
From memory didn't they come with the strap and the ground sheet was extra
Definitely came with the groundsheet and possibly a strap.
Actually had two M3s, one with rear air vents that developed a material fault and the replacement which didn't.
Got a bit cash happy back then, had two Pioneer (not) ultralites that broke, then bought the M3, wrap and the M3 6 rod sling.
By god I was fitter even if it all went on the barrow.
Broke into a sweat getting it out of the loft and setting it up in the back yard
Actually had two M3s, one with rear air vents that developed a material fault and the replacement which didn't.
Got a bit cash happy back then, had two Pioneer (not) ultralites that broke, then bought the M3, wrap and the M3 6 rod sling.
By god I was fitter even if it all went on the barrow.
Broke into a sweat getting it out of the loft and setting it up in the back yard
Still using my Union Jack M3. I actually bought a spare extended and super extended wrap from Chuffy on here as long term spares.
Yes they came with both the fittings on the groundsheet and a tension strap in case you used it without the groundsheet.
Yes they came with both the fittings on the groundsheet and a tension strap in case you used it without the groundsheet.
In reply to Post #4
cheers SB, wasn't sure. I have a mental image of small black 'snap' hooks?
hmm..Union Jack tags, The first one had a royal blue UJ, this has the teal blue writing and UJ ..was around the time when the lines between Trakker and Aqua became blurred.
Better go outside and see if the tape has peeled off yet
cheers SB, wasn't sure. I have a mental image of small black 'snap' hooks?
hmm..Union Jack tags, The first one had a royal blue UJ, this has the teal blue writing and UJ ..was around the time when the lines between Trakker and Aqua became blurred.
Better go outside and see if the tape has peeled off yet
In reply to Post #5
IMHO it’s still the most versatile bivvy going.
In weather like this, stripped down with peak zipped off, front zipped off and no groundsheet sleeping under the stars with just enough protection if a sudden shower starts.zip on front with mozzie panels if too many beasties around.
Spring and autumn, full bivvy with the option of the front folded back. Extended wrap if the weather looks iffy
Winter, long stay and France - full Monty, super extended wrap, groundsheet, clear windows. With the super extended wrap, fold back the inner front and with the groundsheet infil get an extra 2-3 foot extension for all the extra gear.
Can’t see me ever changing for the sake of 90 seconds on setup time.
IMHO it’s still the most versatile bivvy going.
In weather like this, stripped down with peak zipped off, front zipped off and no groundsheet sleeping under the stars with just enough protection if a sudden shower starts.zip on front with mozzie panels if too many beasties around.
Spring and autumn, full bivvy with the option of the front folded back. Extended wrap if the weather looks iffy
Winter, long stay and France - full Monty, super extended wrap, groundsheet, clear windows. With the super extended wrap, fold back the inner front and with the groundsheet infil get an extra 2-3 foot extension for all the extra gear.
Can’t see me ever changing for the sake of 90 seconds on setup time.
In reply to Post #6
I miss my old M3. In fact I miss pram hoods in general. Loved my old 10,000HH JRC STI brolly, that was cracking and went up solid!
I miss my old M3. In fact I miss pram hoods in general. Loved my old 10,000HH JRC STI brolly, that was cracking and went up solid!
Pramhood is still the best ever bivvy design
In reply to Post #6
Two designs that standout.
CM armadillo
KN Titan
Everything else is a spin off from two iconic designs for me, you could even say they changed the shape of carp fishing camping!
Two designs that standout.
CM armadillo
KN Titan
Everything else is a spin off from two iconic designs for me, you could even say they changed the shape of carp fishing camping!
In reply to Post #9
Still using my original Armadillo. It was one of the first produced, possibly number 9?. Never been re-waterproffed & absolutely bomb-proof. Best thing I've ever bought...Also got the original overwrap in camo but it's only ever been used once!!!
Still using my original Armadillo. It was one of the first produced, possibly number 9?. Never been re-waterproffed & absolutely bomb-proof. Best thing I've ever bought...Also got the original overwrap in camo but it's only ever been used once!!!
In reply to Post #10
I've still got mine, in the attic.it is still usable, and I use it for one of our club lakes with tight swims.
I've still got mine, in the attic.it is still usable, and I use it for one of our club lakes with tight swims.
In reply to Post #11
In reply to Post #10
I've still got mine, in the attic.it is still usable, and I use it for one of our club lakes with tight swims.
tbh whist the M3 was great for sessions i found it too heavy for overnighters, as 'simple' as it is; a ball ache to set up- too many panels, too much velcro and an invitation to stay put.
As for tight swims..my idea of tight was barely big enough to open an oval without half of it in a bramble.
But the curent club water, open grassy swims- all round vehicle access
In reply to Post #10
I've still got mine, in the attic.it is still usable, and I use it for one of our club lakes with tight swims.
tbh whist the M3 was great for sessions i found it too heavy for overnighters, as 'simple' as it is; a ball ache to set up- too many panels, too much velcro and an invitation to stay put.
As for tight swims..my idea of tight was barely big enough to open an oval without half of it in a bramble.
But the curent club water, open grassy swims- all round vehicle access
In reply to Post #9
Yes the Titan and the Armadillo were absolute game changers in bivvy design.
The Armadillo is 5.5kg and the new Titan Hides are about 6kg. Small pack sizes, can’t go wrong with either.
I got Armadillo number 3.
Yes the Titan and the Armadillo were absolute game changers in bivvy design.
The Armadillo is 5.5kg and the new Titan Hides are about 6kg. Small pack sizes, can’t go wrong with either.
I got Armadillo number 3.