Bivvies, Shelters & Brollies

If you’re an angler who appreciates the finer points in life and likes to spend your time in luxury on the bank then this could be the shelter for you. Built from a sturdy yet lightweight aluminium three-rib construction and integrated fourth pole peak, the XTI benefits from increased space to protect both you and your tackle, while a subtle pointed apex allows the user plenty of headroom. The design of the three-rib frame results in this bivvy being extremely sturdy, so if you are caught in the middle of a changing weather front fear not, you can sit back and rest assured that your setup isn’t going anywhere. For increased stability the XTI also boasts reinforced pegging points, and a simple yet effective tension-bar system that effortlessly fits down the shelter’s spine.

I first saw the original HQ when out on features with Avid-backed Ian Russell and, initially, didn’t pay it too much attention. I’ve seen a million and one bivvies so I don’t always notice individual ones at first. However, over time, I grew to be pretty impressed with the ‘twin-skin’ design. This isn’t twin skin as in having a wrap attached; no, it’s what you might call a traditional construction but with an added (it’s removable) fabric inner lining.

Ideal for foreign trips and longer sessions with your mate or even family members, this neat tent sits in your swim (or between yours and your mate’s bivvies) and offers the ideal place to socialise in between bites. Although not sold as a cooking tent for various health and safety reasons, I reckon that as long as you do so with care you can easily get away with preparing all your food in here. Failing that, set up a bait table, fill the whole thing with beer and use it for evening socials and suchlike. It’s extremely easy to erect and doesn’t take up too much room in your motor when packed away in its carryall.

The HQ twin skin broke into the carp scene and made a big impact as the first-ever bivvy to feature a built-in twin skin as standard. Not only eliminating condensation, it also completely eradicates the need for a winter skin and, what’s more, once it has been installed it never has to be taken out again. So how can this already well-regarded shelter be even better? Now boasting a new improved internal layout, there is even more usable internal space, if you can believe it. The unique separated pole design allows the shelter to easily accommodate a large bedchair, all your tackle and even enough room to house your stove and let you brew up and cook inside.

Fishing is very much a social sport and I’m sure – or I would like to hope – that many of you reading this will in fact enjoy fishing with your mates, partners and children as well as those days when you go alone. This product is for the social angler, the person who requires extra space and the angler that generally plays host, because there’s always one person whose swim becomes the venue for the antics of a fishing social. The Trakker Utility shelter is the perfect space whether you’re cooking, getting changed or just talking, avoiding the rain. With enough room to stand up in, the shelter stands tall at 195cm x 155cm deep and 218cm wide.

Dan Murrell’s verdict. . . Lightweight and compact but offers superior protection.