Bivvies, Shelters & Brollies

Since Trakker’s release of the original Tempest, there aren’t many lakes around the country that you could visit without seeing one of some form set up on its banks, such is the popularity of this system. That’s with good reason too; this central block style of shelter is super-stable and the patented hinge block of the Tempest is one of the best and easiest mechanisms for this style of shelter available on the market. The result is a super-stable shelter that is really quick and easy to put up… well, Trakker’s latest release takes an already awesome bit of kit and makes it even better. The new Tempest RS is without a doubt quicker and easier to set up than the original. 

The RS, or Rapid Shelter, really does hit the nail on the head. Utilising the same key folding block mechanism, Trakker addressed the next ‘pinch point’ when it comes to setting up and packing away a Tempest. The new Rapid Knuckle System, which replaces the standard push-fit poles, is a spring loaded joint that automatically locks straight into place. This effectively means that you can simply lift the main bulk of the bivvy out of the bag, letting the five poles swing and lock into place at the same time without having to locate and orient each pole independently. The rest of the setup is simply fanning the poles and locking the hinge mechanism into place – DONE!Packing the bivvy away is simple too and made easier once more by the Rapid Knuckle System. Trakker has designed all five poles to sit flush together once the RS has been collapsed down. The release mechanism for the pole is simply pulling the lower leg of the joint and it smoothly pulls from the locked position, allowing it to swing free. This can be folded down like a conventional Tempest on the floor, but perhaps the best and easiest method is to cradle one hand below the joint then pull each leg. Gravity then does its thing and as soon as the pole leaves the locking position it simply swings down out of the way. The beauty of this system is that all the poles remain in line due to these hinges and so the whole lot folds in half as a single unit. One final point worth mentioning is that the Tempest RS Camo is supplied with a heavy duty carry bag, which it easily packs away into.

The next key change Trakker made with the Tempest RS is the formation of an integrated porch. The great thing about this porch is that it’s integrated into the bivvy and doesn’t require any additional setup. Simply put, the doorway is set further back under the roof than on a conventional Tempest. This porch helps to keep driving rain from entering the bivvy, and when the front door system is in use it allows the user to create a letterbox for viewing the lake without having torrential rain pouring through the doorway. The attachment for the supplied quick-release poles can also be screwed on and left in place, which is another handy little edge!

A few more changes to the design were also made, with a subtle alteration being to the length of the rear pole. This is now ever so slightly shorter, bringing the rear of the bivvy into a shallower angle. This ensures the user can push their bedchair right to the back of the bivvy, but still offers a little gap for safely storing valuable equipment such as camera bags etc. The entire skirt around the base of the shelter is also a single unit, meaning that it automatically folds inwards once the bivvy is constructed – a simple change that just avoids potential muddy hands when manually tucking this skirt underneath. There are also four internal pockets and additional hanging points within the bivvy so users can store mobile phones and keys in a secure and easily located place. Furthermore, the hanging points mean you can hang wet clothes allowing them to dry out rather than get damp on the floor!Materials used throughout the bivvy are top notch, as you would expect from a top end shelter like this. The awesome Aquatexx material now in Trakker’s new camouflage pattern has been used throughout, which has an incredible 25000mmHH waterproof rating, is also highly breathable and even incorporates a black-out pigment into it. This acts to reduce condensation, but when combined with the adaptive ventilation Mozzi Panels situated around the bivvy and also the Skull Cap, the user can really regulate the internal conditions, keeping things warm and condensation free in the winter or cool and airy in the summer.

The Skull Cap reduces condensation and extends the front porch further. A full Insect Panel provides maximum ventilation in the summer, without all the flying critters. This also features a magnetic door system that easily closes behind you to stop those pesky mozzies getting in when you run out for a bite. All the extras listed below can be mixed and matched, the standard green will go on the camo and vice versa. 

RRP: £524.99

Optional extras
• Skull Cap: £154.99
• Groundsheet: £69.99
• Full Infill: £159.99
• Mozzie Panel: £104.99

WEBSITE: www.trakkerproducts.com