Bivvies, Shelters & Brollies

We’ve seen a lot of brollies, some good and some not so, but it’s a while since we saw one offering a full system for just £100. With the brolly itself, full infill, pegs and groundsheet included in the price, this is a great choice for the occasional angler or those looking for their first brolly. I like an open-fronted shelter, but if you’re new to brollies then you may want the option of the infill, which this gives. The nylon material isn’t some ‘space-age Megatexx’ or suchlike, but it’s waterproof and that’s the primary reason for it being there! The steel design is basic but perfectly functional and, with the target angler in mind, I reckon it’s an absolute belter.

If you’re an angler who appreciates the finer points in life and likes to spend your time in luxury on the bank then this could be the shelter for you. Built from a sturdy yet lightweight aluminium three-rib construction and integrated fourth pole peak, the XTI benefits from increased space to protect both you and your tackle, while a subtle pointed apex allows the user plenty of headroom. The design of the three-rib frame results in this bivvy being extremely sturdy, so if you are caught in the middle of a changing weather front fear not, you can sit back and rest assured that your setup isn’t going anywhere. For increased stability the XTI also boasts reinforced pegging points, and a simple yet effective tension-bar system that effortlessly fits down the shelter’s spine.

We first came across the Bloxx system last year and were impressed with the speed with which it can be erected, literally one of the quickest around in our experience. The system revolves around a central block with the ribs leading from it. This opens to allow the ribs to splay (it’s simple and the poles never have to be manoeuvred to open them up). The front two poles are then secured under tension and that’s it.

Ideal for foreign trips and longer sessions with your mate or even family members, this neat tent sits in your swim (or between yours and your mate’s bivvies) and offers the ideal place to socialise in between bites. Although not sold as a cooking tent for various health and safety reasons, I reckon that as long as you do so with care you can easily get away with preparing all your food in here. Failing that, set up a bait table, fill the whole thing with beer and use it for evening socials and suchlike. It’s extremely easy to erect and doesn’t take up too much room in your motor when packed away in its carryall.

When we heard that Wychwood had produced a bivvy that unlike its previous products was not price sensitive, we were pretty excited. On unveiling it at its tradeshow we were not only surprised but also a little bit gobsmacked. Completely different from what we had in mind, this new, innovative piece of kit really
does bring a new level to fishing shelters, in terms of design, features and looks. The D-ploy 
was developed over an extensive period, picking the brains of some of the country’s most influential anglers, like Nigel Sharp and John McAllister, to name but a few.

Okay, so it’s fair to say that I rarely use a full-blown bivvy these days, preferring instead my brolly. However, as we head into winter, the comfort of a proper bivvy might be called for. If so, and having tested this one, on and off, for some time now, I have to say that I’d be perfectly happy using it. Without having a ridiculously oversized footprint, the Vizor Lite boasts absolutely loads of internal room, thanks to the spaced bars at the base of the pramhood design.