Trakker Tempest 150

How well is it built?

The Tempest 150 is built the same way as the smaller 100, just on a bigger scale.

At its centre is Trakker's patented quick-erect hinge block, made from a lightweight but strong GRP composite, and it drives a freestanding exoskeletal aluminium frame that holds its shape without relying on the pegs.

The fabric is a rugged 210D polyester that's waterproof and hydrophobic, so water beads on the surface rather than soaking in, and the anti-twist poles simplify setting up. There are dual Velcro rod straps as well, which keep your rods secure when they're not in use.

Inside you're looking at around 150cm of height, 260cm of depth and 315cm of width, which is a big step up from the 100 and plenty for a large bed with extra kit alongside.

It doesn't try to compete with the Tempest RS 150 on refinement, but for the money I think it's a well put together shelter.

Stability & Weather Resistance

The exoskeletal frame has several ground contact points, and Trakker designed it that way to keep the structure rigid in difficult weather.

On a shelter this wide I think that counts for more than it does on a small one, and with storm poles included you've got extra support ready for a windy night without buying anything else.

The 10,000mm hydrostatic head is a sensible figure for a UK shelter, though it's some way short of the 16,000mm on the Sonik AXS-V2 and the 20,000mm on the Fox Frontier II. The hydrophobic finish helps water run off, and I'd be happy with it in all but the very worst conditions.

Two large rear vents move air through the shelter on warmer days. For the colder months the Tempest 150 Skull Cap and Inner Capsule are available separately, and they're worth a look if you fish right through the winter.

Ease Of Setup & Portability

Setting up is the same quick job as the rest of the range, because the hinge block lets the frame open out fast and the anti-twist poles keep things simple.

Trakker say it assembles in seconds, and for a shelter of this size that's a real help when you arrive late or decide to move swims.

The cost of that extra room is weight, since the shelter weighs approximately 8.35kg and the pegs, Quick Sticks and groundsheet add another 4.65kg, so you're carrying around 13kg in total.

It packs down to about 135 x 25cm, which is longer than the 100 but still sits sensibly on a barrow, and it comes with a tension strap and carry bag.

For me that makes it a barrow and car shelter rather than one to carry far. If you fish tight swims, it's also worth checking the 270cm by 325cm footprint against the space you usually have.

Is it good value for money?

The Tempest 150 costs about the same as the Nash Titan Hide XL Camo Pro and less than half as much as the Tempest RS 150, and for that you get the full quick-erect Tempest design in a properly roomy size.

The groundsheet, storm poles, tension strap, carry bag and T pegs are all included, which takes some of the sting out of the price.

The Skull Cap, Insect Panel and Inner Capsule are extras, so the total climbs if you want it set up for winter or for summer insects.

Even so, I think it's fair value for a shelter of this size and build, and if you don't need the extra width, the Tempest 100 gives you the same frame and fabric in a lighter, cheaper package.

It suits carp anglers fishing on their own who want lots of room for a big bedchair and kit, fish longer sessions from a barrow, and want Tempest speed for a lot less than the RS 150 costs.