Bivvies, Shelters & Brollies

I remember receiving what was then the first production version of the then-famous and brand-new Pioneer.

I loved it, and pictures of yours truly reviewing it in Total Carp adorned the walls of Trakker headquarters for several years.

So, when Trakker’s Gary Hood (a former DHP colleague) brought the Tempest brolly to the office and asked me to use it for a while on the bank I was extremely excited.

It’s a quite brilliant piece of kit and the scaled-down brolly seemed to tick a lot of boxes because I tend to use a brolly than a bivvy for most of the year.

Setting up is an absolute doddle thanks to the unique block system. Once erect there is ample space underneath for a day chair and kit or my bedchair.

A few issues ago I took the Tempest brolly out for its initial TC review and I was extremely impressed. Coverage is more than adequate – don’t make the mistake of thinking because it’s called a brolly there isn’t much space inside, because there is.

As I said, I felt that it ticked a heck of a lot of boxes back then and remember being keen to do a few nights under it.

Some time later and I am absolutely taken with it because it offers the ideal combination of ease of use and transportability, along with coverage and protection from the elements. I have added a dedicated groundsheet to mine (available separately) because I am a bit anal about keeping my kit clean and dry!

Finally, two points worth mentioning are the unique closure system on the bag – similar to a dry sack it rolls and clips rather than zipping, giving it complete closure and improved water resistance.

It’s worth noting too that the Tempest is very compact when packed away and fits easily into the bag, even when in a hurry. One of my pet hates is bivvy bags that are just a bit on the small side; there are no such fears here. (MC)

£249.99