Beds and Bivvies
Bivvy Dilemma: Am I Camping or Fishing?
When it comes to bivvies, I'm all about simplicity. I don't want to waste an hour assembling some palace-sized shelter I don't need for a quick weekend session. And I certainly refuse to spend more on a bivvy than all my fishing gear combined - especially when I don't use it often enough to justify that cost.
This internal debate has led me to own two bivvies - a classic carp angler's paradox:
- The "just in case" model: More space than I'll ever need
- The "get fishing fast" option: Barebones shelter that lets me hit the bank and be in the water quickly
Because let's be honest - when you're tired after setting up, that extra space mostly just becomes somewhere to trip over your gear before collapsing into sleep!
My Bivvy Sleep System
Nature's nighttime noises don't bother me one bit. Mice doing the conga around my gear? Fine. A curious goose inspecting my face at dawn? No problem. But flying insects when I'm trying to sleep? Absolutely not.
My anti-bug arsenal includes:
- Mosquito coils burning sentry duty
- A thorough fly spray coating for the bivvy interior
- Electric zappers working overtime
- Strategic lighting to lure them away from my shelter
When it comes to staying warm, I've adopted the "double bag" technique:
- The original budget Amazon bag (more "chilly night" than "winter warrior") now serves as my mattress
- The Mrs's thoughtful multi-season Christmas upgrade (not the carpiest look, but practicality wins)
It's a system that works... mostly. As long as temperatures stay above freezing, I can tough it out for a night or two. But let's be honest - a proper sleep system upgrade is well overdue. Maybe next season I'll join the ranks of the thermally efficient carp anglers (provided I don't have to remortgage my house for it).
Westlake 2-Man
My First Bivvy: The Westlake Workhorse
The Good, The Bad, and The Annoying:
✓ Bulletproof reliability - Never failed in wind or rain
✓ Easy up/down - Just not quite as quick as I'd like
✗ 2-man size - Limits swim choice on tighter banks
✗ Too much space - Somehow leads to more mess (weird angler psychology)
✗ Velcro groundsheet - Never quite sits perfectly flat
✗ 5-minute setup - Fine for long sessions, but feels like a chore for quick overnights
2024 Update - Finding Its Purpose:
Turns out, this bivvy has found its perfect role as my "continental campaigner" - it's been brilliant for:
• Extended France trips where space isn't at a premium
• All-weather capability (especially with the overwrap add-on)
• Sun protection when the French heat gets intense
Final Verdict:
What started as mild frustration has turned into appreciation - it's not my quick-strike shelter, but for serious sessions? The Westlake earns its keep.
Trakker Tempest Brolly
The Trakker V1: My Weekend Warrior
I scored this Trakker from a mate for just £150 - complete with mosquito overwrap and extension (essential for the door feature). For quick weekend sessions, it's been perfect:
What Works Brilliantly:
✓ Lightning setup - Pitches in minutes flat
✓ Ultra-versatile - Fits snugly in even the tightest swims
✓ All-weather options - Mosquito net + extension give me coverage choices
✓ Budget champion - Serious value at this price point
The Quirks:
⚠ 3/4 groundsheet - The V1's only real flaw (I've improvised with kitchen flooring - works a treat and keeps the place looking tidy for nosy bank walkers)
⚠ Original plaster block - Did snap once, but upgraded to aluminum (lesson learned!)
Future Plans:
While I love this bivvy, I'm eyeing upgrades mainly for:
• Full-size groundsheet convenience (looking at you, Trakker V2)
• Maybe a fully zipped base (currently considering Sonik AXS V2 or Xtractor XL)
Quick overnighters
Tricky swims where bigger bivvies won't fit
Sessions where simplicity beats luxury
The perfect example of how mid-range gear can outperform its price tag!
NGT Classic Bedchair
My Bedchair Setup: Comfort with Compromise
This bedchair has been my trusty companion—simple, functional, and just comfortable enough for those nights on the bank. It’s not just a place to sleep; when flipped over, it doubles as a makesafe barrow to haul gear to the swim (because why make extra trips?).
The Good:
✓ Versatile comfort – Two sleeping bags = warmth + extra cushioning when needed
✓ Fits just right – Even if it brushes the Trakker bivvy ends, I’d rather deal with a little condensation than feel cramped
✓ Lightweight & practical – No fuss, just does the job
The Not-So-Good (2024 Update):
⚠ Wear and tear – The metal ribs are starting to poke through, and no amount of strap tightening hides the fact it’s seen better days
⚠ Time for an upgrade? – Considering a proper sleep system (integrated mattress/bag) for next-level comfort
Final Thoughts:
It’s served me well, but like all good gear, its time might be up. For now, it’s still "good enough"—but my back might disagree after a few more sessions.