Bivvies

How to Choose a Carp Bivvy

A bivvy is a step up from a brolly or day shelter, with a full frame, closing walls and a groundsheet so it can stay pitched for several nights. Brolly systems are usually lighter and quicker to pitch, while a rigid bivvy gives more room and protection for longer stays.

A one man bivvy holds a single bedchair plus some kit, and it is lighter, quicker to pitch and cheaper than a two man model. The one man shelters here run from about 240cm to 300cm wide.

Two man frames and the larger 200 sizes reach around 375cm to 400cm wide, enough for two beds or one angler with space for a long stay. Apex height ranges from about 122cm on low hide shelters, where you sit rather than stand, to around 190cm on the biggest frames.

Hydrostatic head is the height of water the fabric can hold back before it wets through, so a 10,000mm rating resists a column about ten metres tall. The shelters listed start at 8,000mm and climb to 20,000mm and 25,000mm on premium storm models.

Around 8,000mm to 10,000mm copes with normal UK rain on short sessions and overnighters. For multi-night winter trips in driving rain, look for 20,000mm or more.

Condensation forms when warm, damp air from inside meets a cold single skin, and on cold nights it can drip onto the sleeping bag. An overwrap or a built in twin skin inner capsule adds a second layer with an air gap that cuts those drips sharply.

Some shelters come as a full system with the wrap included, while others sell the wrap separately. Check what is in the bag before you compare two prices side by side.

Pram hood designs with two ribs fan out from the front and pitch quickly, though they flex more in strong gusts than rigid frame designs. Dome and hinge frames stay joined to the skin, so the whole shelter folds open in one movement.

Pop-up shelters spring open on their own and suit short notice overnighters. Low hide style shelters sit close to the ground and pack shorter, at the cost of standing room.

The lightest compact shelters here weigh about 4kg, while full systems with an inner capsule, pegs and groundsheet pass 20kg. That gap matters if the walk from the car park is long or the swims change through the session.

Packed lengths run from about 110cm to around 190cm. Check the figure against your barrow and boot before you buy.

Some bivvies have a sewn in groundsheet, while zip in versions can be left at home on short trips to save weight. A few sit on zips 10cm off the ground, which helps stop surface water running inside.

Storm poles brace the front against the wind, and the ones supplied here extend to around 200cm. Frames on the stronger models use 19mm to 20mm aluminium poles.

For cold weather, a wrap or twin skin, a full groundsheet and a closing door all help hold warmth in. Fire and rescue services warn never to use a stove, barbecue or gas heater inside a tent to warm it, because the carbon monoxide they give off can kill.

Camo versions of several shelters suit anglers fishing tree lined margins who want a lower profile. Mesh mozzi panels keep insects out on warm summer nights while still letting air through.

Vehicle link shelters attach to the back of a van, and the one listed fits vehicles from 130cm to 190cm tall. That suits anglers who sleep in the van and fish from the car park.

How Much to Spend on a Bivvy

The dearest bivvy listed costs about eight times the entry model, and live prices come from reputable online tackle shops. Wraps, inner capsules and groundsheets sold separately can widen that gap further.

Extra money mostly buys a higher hydrostatic head, a twin skin or blackout lining, a stiffer frame and more headroom. It also buys a faster pitch, which counts when you arrive in the dark or the wind is rising.

Scored eTackle reviews cover 35 of the 71 shelters in this range, each judged on pitching, weather protection and living space. Our picks for every budget and session length are in the best bivvies for carp fishing guide.