Trakker's Tempest RS Bivvy already sits in most anglers' minds as one of the best quick-erect shelters ever made, so the brolly-system spin-off carries an unusually heavy expectation.
The construction matches the reputation rather than borrowing shortcuts from budget brolly-system design.
The core of the shelter is the GRP composite centre block with the Rapid Knuckle System. GRP is stiffer and more impact-resistant than the alloy hubs on most brolly systems, and the Rapid Knuckle is the mechanism that enables solo setup in under one minute.
Paired with the black textured powder-coated anti-twist poles, the frame stays rigid where most brollies develop flex and twist after a season of use.
Aquatexx fabric is the other standout. It is a multi-layer breathable system with 25,000mm hydrostatic head water repellency and a black-out pigment that cuts light and internal heat on bright sessions.
25,000mm is industry-leading for a bankside shelter, well above the 10,000mm to 20,000mm you see on most rival brolly and bivvy fabrics.
Two magnetic rod straps sit at the front alongside four internal mesh pockets, the six-vent Adaptive Ventilation system and the flat-back design that maximises usable floor.
9.0 reflects genuinely flagship construction that earns its premium badge through real engineering rather than marketing polish.
Brolly systems live in a trickier position than full bivvies on the weather question, because they need to work as a stripped brolly and as a closed shelter, and most compromise on one to get the other. The Tempest RS Brolly does not compromise meaningfully on either.
25,000mm hydrostatic head Aquatexx fabric is the foundation of the weather case.
Only the pricier flagship 2-person shelters quote this level of waterproofing, and for sustained driving rain under multi-night winter sessions the Tempest RS will not wet through under wind-driven pressure.
The black-out pigment layer also genuinely reduces condensation by cutting internal heat build-up on bright mornings.
Adaptive Ventilation across six vents (four rear, two front) is where the day-to-day usability case is made. The rear vents can be pegged out for additional airflow and shade in summer, or closed up when the weather turns.
Two Quicksticks are supplied as proper storm poles, not accessory afterthoughts, and the tension strap locks the skin taut against wind.
The built-in peak keeps water clear of the door zip during heavy rain, and the Skull Cap accessory extends the peak further if you want additional coverage. 9.0 reflects headline-grade weather performance that matches or beats much pricier full-bivvy flagships.
Rapid-erect shelter technology is what put Trakker's Tempest range on the map, and the brolly-system version is an exceptionally fast-pitching shelter. The Rapid Knuckle System is the mechanism doing the work.
You unfold the shelter, the GRP composite centre block locks the frame into shape in one action, you peg out and tension.
Sub-one-minute solo pitches are realistic once you know the routine, which is meaningfully quicker than traditional rigid-frame bivvies and even faster than most competitor quick-erect mechanisms.
At 9.2kg shelter plus 4.8kg for pegs, Quicksticks and the NXG oversized carry bag (14kg total), the Tempest RS Brolly sits in honest barrow-served territory. For vehicle-accessible swims and barrow transport the weight is not a problem, but for longer walks the carry is real.
The 126cm packed length slips inside most carp rod holdalls, which helps for combined transport.
The NXG oversized carry bag deserves a mention because it is genuinely designed for the product rather than the smallest bag that will fit. Packing up in poor weather is meaningfully easier when the bag does not fight you.
9.5 reflects best-in-class rapid setup and a carry bag that works with you.
A competitive price is where the Tempest RS Brolly value case has to be made, because that is premium shelter money and anglers at this price point expect flagship returns.
What you are paying for over a mid-tier brolly system is the 25,000mm Aquatexx fabric, the Rapid Knuckle System quick-erect frame, the GRP composite centre block, the six-vent Adaptive Ventilation and the flat-back design that maximises usable floor.
Compared with a stripped-back brolly system at the budget end the upgrade is across every spec line.
The Prologic Element 65 at a comparable price (also reviewed here) offers 10,000mm hydrostatic head and a flexi-glass frame, which is credible for the money but sits two tiers below the Tempest RS on fabric and frame specification.
Compared with the more direct flagship bivvy rivals like the Nash Titan T1 Camo Pro at roughly the same money, you give up some interior living space but gain the rapid-erect mechanism and a higher HH rating.
The Skull Cap, Social Cap, Inner Capsule and other compatibility accessories are sold separately, which is a real cost to factor in if you want to expand the system later. Where the score stops short of 8 is the pure money question.
7.5 reflects honest premium-tier value where you are paying top money and getting top kit, balanced against the fact that a competitive price rules out anglers who can find the same bankside result from a a competitive price rival in drier climates.
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| Aquatexx 25000mm HH Fabric | Hydrostatic head measures water pressure resistance before the fabric leaks, and 25000mm sits firmly in extreme-weather territory. You can sit out a 48-hour session in driving rain without worrying about the fabric giving up on you. |
| Rapid Knuckle System | The centre block is the quick-erect mechanism that defines a brolly system. Trakker's GRP composite knuckle lets you put this up solo in under a minute, even with an awkward crosswind blowing across the swim. |
| Adaptive Ventilation System | Two side vents open and close depending on conditions, with covers that can be pegged out for full airflow on hot mornings. Keeps condensation under control on long sessions without leaving you exposed to rain. |
| Black-Out Pigment Layer | An extra pigment layer cuts light transmission through the fabric, so the inside stays dark even in bright sunshine. Also reduces internal heat build-up, which matters when you're trying to sleep in during summer. |
| Anti-Twist Powder-Coated Poles | The powder coating protects against rust and scratches, and the anti-twist design keeps the frame rigid when you crank down storm straps. Proper structural upgrade on what's usually a failure point for cheaper shelters. |
| Flat Back Design | The back wall drops straight down rather than sloping, giving you usable floor space for a bedchair, bag and kit against the rear. Feels more like a tent than a traditional domed shelter inside. |
| 140cm Internal Headroom | 140cm means you can sit upright on a standard bedchair without ducking your head. Makes cooking, tying rigs and packing away feel less cramped than lower-profile shelters in the same class. |
| Two Magnetic Rod Straps | Rods clip in magnetically rather than fumbling with buckles or Velcro. Faster on the bank when you're grabbing rods at first light or setting up in a squall. |
| Four Internal Mesh Pockets | Mesh pockets across the inner walls for head torch, phone, rigs and bits. Saves hunting through your rucksack at 3am when you've had a run and need something quickly. |
| HD Groundsheet Included | Full heavy-duty groundsheet in the box, so you're not adding another £30-50 to the budget. Keeps the floor sealed, stops bugs and protects the bedchair from wet ground. |
| NXG Oversized Carry Bag | Carry bag is deliberately sized larger than the packed shelter, so you're not wrestling the brolly back into it at the end of a session. Small detail that saves frustration when you're tired and trying to get off the bank. |
| Two Quicksticks Supplied | Trakker's premium storm pole system, included rather than sold separately. Clip onto the front guy points for proper stability in crosswinds without needing extra purchases. |
See how the Trakker Tempest RS Brolly System compares with other bivvies & shelters on overall score and current price.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Trakker Tempest RS Brolly System | £586.49 | |
| Trakker Tempest RS 200 Bivvy | £994.95 | |
| Nash Titan T1 Fishing Bivvy | £494.99 | |
| Wychwood Epic Tactical Compact Bivvy Full System | £429.99 | |
| Fox EOS Pro 2 Man Bivvy | £299.99 | |
| Sonik Bank Tek Bivvy 1 Man | £168.10 | |
| Fox EOS II Bivvy – 2 Person | £237.59 | |
| Wychwood Tactical Compact Bivvy | £184.99 | |
| Prologic Element 65 Brolly Full System Camo | £159.99 |
Tracked shop prices over time.
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It is a bivvies & shelter, chosen for the situations that style of fishing calls for.
Carry bag is deliberately sized larger than the packed shelter, so you're not wrestling the brolly back into it at the end of a session. Small detail that saves frustration when you're tired and trying to get off the bank.
Hydrostatic head measures water pressure resistance before the fabric leaks, and 25000mm sits firmly in extreme-weather territory. You can sit out a 48-hour session in driving rain without worrying about the fabric giving up on you.
The centre block is the quick-erect mechanism that defines a brolly system. Trakker's GRP composite knuckle lets you put this up solo in under a minute, even with an awkward crosswind blowing across the swim.
Two side vents open and close depending on conditions, with covers that can be pegged out for full airflow on hot mornings. Keeps condensation under control on long sessions without leaving you exposed to rain.
Trakker Tempest RS 200 Bivvy 
Trakker Tempest 200 Fishing Shelter 
Trakker Tempest RS 150 Bivvy 
Trakker SLX 100 Fishing Bivvy 
