Sonik AXS-V2 XL Bivvy

How well is it built?

The XL is built the same way as the standard AXS-V2, with the AXS Alloy centre block at the heart of a lightweight anti-twist frame made from 6061 aluminium.

The poles are reinforced double-wall sections at the high-stress points, and that's where I'd want the extra strength on a bivvy of this size.

The canopy is Sonik's 16,000mm Cloudbase+ fabric, described as tough, light and extremely waterproof, and the high, flat-backed frame with steep sides is designed to give you more internal space and headroom.

At 162cm high there's room to sit up properly and move about without crouching.

Sonik have also fitted direct-mount attachment points for a vapour cap and an inner capsule, so adding those later should be straightforward. It's a well-specified bivvy, and I think the build is right for the money.

Stability & Weather Resistance

That 16,000mm hydrostatic head is a strong rating for a bivvy at this price, and the oversized front peak with its rain-drip guard adds protection over your bedchair and kit.

Two 48-inch quick-connect storm poles and heavy-duty T-pegs come in the bag, so you've got the support for rough nights from the start.

Ventilation is well handled too, because the three-way Dura-Mesh rear vents open from inside, the zip-on front panel has mozzi vents beside the door, and Watershed bars keep both ends ventilated in wet weather, which I'd expect to keep condensation under control.

The heavy-duty zip-in or clip-in groundsheet has a fold-back entry flap, so it's easier to keep the doorway clean. My only caution is that a bivvy this big catches more wind, so I'd make full use of those storm poles in an exposed swim.

Ease Of Setup & Portability

Sonik say the AXS Alloy centre block and anti-twist frame give quick set-up and pack-down, and that's the main appeal of a hub bivvy like this.

The two-way letterbox entrance with its interchangeable green, clear and mozzi panels also makes it easy to change the front as the weather does.

The weight is the drawback, because the XL comes in at 13.5kg, which is nearly 4kg more than the standard AXS-V2, although it packs down to the same 150 x 27cm.

It goes into an oversized compression bag, which helps, but it's a bivvy for the barrow and the car rather than a long walk.

That extra weight is why I've marked it slightly below the standard model here. If you fish from a barrow and value space over a lighter load, though, I don't think it'll hold you back.

Is it good value for money?

The XL costs a fair bit more than the standard AXS-V2, but it's still cheaper than the Nash Titan Hide XL Camo Pro and well below premium bivvies like the Fox Frontier II.

For that you get the 16,000mm fabric, the alloy hub, a groundsheet, two storm poles, heavy-duty T-pegs and a compression bag, so there's nothing essential left to buy.

Compared with the standard AXS-V2, you're mainly paying for an extra 35cm of width and depth and 25cm of height, and for me that's money well spent if you fish long sessions.

A vapour cap or inner capsule would add to the cost if you want it set up for winter, but the direct-mount points should make either one simple to add later.

It suits carp anglers on longer UK or European sessions who want a big, weatherproof bivvy with lots of headroom, use a larger bedchair, and are happy to barrow 13.5kg to the swim.