Make sure your comfortable
This is where i am unsure if i am camping or fishing, when it comes to a Bivvie i like ease of use, i dont want to spend an hour getting something put together thats got way more space than i need for a short weekend trip and i do not want to spend a fortune on something that i do not use often enough to cost me more than all my equiptment combined.
so this means i now have two bivvies, the larger ones with more room that i need and the smaller with just essentials to get up and in the water as fast as possible so i can get some sleep
Sleep Tight
I have no problem sleeping outdoors or with creatures scuttling around the floor outside and sometimes inside. waking up with some kind of goose in my face does not phase me. i do not enjoy any flying insects when i trying sleep. i use mozzie coils before i go to sleep, i spray the inside of the bivvy with fly spray and now i have additional zappers to keep them occupied, also with the lights that i leave outside helping to attract the flying pests away.
I take two sleeping bags with me, one is my original purchase from amazon, i think its more of a generic winter type sleeping bag that did not keep me very warm so for Christmas the Mrs got me a multi-season sleeping bag. its not very carpy but doubled up with the original bag i use as a matress i am nice and warm. (2022)
Westlake 2-Man
So the westlake was my first bivvy in my collection, there is absolutely nothing wrong it it. it goes up and comes down just fine…..but there were things that did start to annoy me after a few uses (2022)
- Its a 2-man so that limits my space on smaller swims
- It gives me so much space in side i make more of a mess spreading things out
- The ground sheet is velcro and does not sit 100% flat how i would like
- It takes longer than 2mins to put up and i just cant be bothered unless its a long trip
Not really bad things but after i see some other bivvies it just makes me want something new
Update 2024: I have used this in France twice now and it has been great for the longer stays. I purchased the overwrap for the extra coverage in the rain and to keep the shade in the sun.
Trakker 100v1
The Trakker i purchased from a friend, it does everything i need for a short weekend trip. it goes up in a few mins and fits anywhere i put it and with it i received the extension and mozzie door so i have options to keep myself covered
the only downside with the v1 is they do not make a full size ground sheet, its like a 3/4 fitting sheet. i mean its not bad i have a peice kitchen flooring that i also lay out that keep the floor nice if its wet and muddy and look good for the passing eyes
This will be the next bivvy i upgrade, not becuase i do not like it but to get that complete package as the v2 has a full fitted sheet or maybe a fully zipper groundsheet would be good (2022)
NGT Classic Bedchair
This bedchair is perfect for me at the moment. it provides the right amount of comfort and when turned over it works are the sides for my burrow to get the gear to the swim.
I use two sleeping bags and when its not too cold one has the purpose of being an extra bit of cusion for the matress. It does touch the ends of the trakker but that does not bother me, having a bit of condensation in the morning touching my head or feet if better than having something that too small for me to fit (2022)
Update 2024: this will be on my wishlist to replace now, i do keep increasing the tension on the straps but the metal ribs are coming through making my nights sleep a bit less comfortable.