The waterproofness of a bivvy is measured in millimetres and is called the hydrostatic head (hh). The larger the number on the hh rating, the more waterproof the fabric is. The large square internal space can accommodate two bedchairs and two anglers’ luggage. Alternatively, it can be used as a large social area/ dining room. It has plenty of headroom and even the tallest angler can walk in and out of the shelter with ease.

Just wanted some experience and if it’s worth paying the money for one, I have a frontier X for my normal bivvy but need something a little bigger to fit 2 bedchairs in for when she comes This dual-layer system helps hold heat in the winter without condensation forming on the inside of the tent. It also helps keep the interior of the bivvy cool during the summer months.

At the very least, a bivvy should have mesh infill panels at the front that can be opened to increase the airflow inside. However, you should definitely look out for extra ventilation features such as side and rear mesh panels when purchasing a 2-man shelter. The Trakker SLX V3 bivvy is the third generation of this product, complete with loads of new features. It's no wonder this bivvy has won multiple awards for “Best in Class” many times over. I have 2 the Solar Spider and the Solar Undercover brolly system both extremely well made with quality parts It has a fully enclosed twin-skin inner capsule that helps reduce condensation and maintain internal air temperatures. It also has a stitched-in groundsheet to keep you completely sealed in from groundwater and floor-dwelling bugs.

It features a large peak for doorway protection from the weather and the letterbox-style door has a two-way zip, a solid khaki panel, a PVC window, and a mesh panel. It’s also compatible with the R-Series internal dome. This provides you with a second skin inside the shelter that essentially acts as an overwrap. This helps insulate the bivvy and eliminate condensation. Have done two week long sessions in France with it on my own, and also done about 6 or 7 weekends in it either fishing or camping with the Mrs and Dog. This bivvy has large mesh panels on the front and rear. The rear panel runs the length of the bivvy and provides fantastic airflow throughout the shelter’s interior. The front has two mesh window panels and a large mesh door panel. The whole front infill can be rolled up or removed to create an open front shelter for warm weather use. Simply put, bivvy manufacturers conclude this rating by testing how much water it takes in millimetres before the fabric breaches. The amount of water the fabric can stand before leaking is labelled as the hydrostatic head.Ventilation is an important factor when buying a new fishing bivvy. It’s even more important when buying a bivvy for 2 people because far more condensation can build up from the additional body heat. Overall, this three-rib pram hood bivvy is a spacious and comfortable shelter to use throughout the year. For cold winter sessions, definitely consider purchasing the inner capsule as this will greatly improve its performance. This bivvy has a space-efficient interior that allows you to locate two bedchairs on either side with plenty of room to spare for two anglers’ luggage and bait in the middle. The Sonik SK-Tek 2-man bivvy is a fantastic lightweight shelter for a great price. If you’re on a bit of a budget, this is a fantastic shelter. I haven’t tried this shelter but I love Sonik’s Xtractor Rod series and their SKX Bite Alarms. They are a “budget brand” and not all of their products are fantastic, but they definitely offer quality without the need to break the bank, as long as you know where to look. Trakker has been making stand-out carp fishing shelters for over 30 years. This company prides itself on quality and its shelters are up there with some of the best on the market.

I would recommend purchasing something with at least a 5000mm hh rating, more if your budget allows. A rating above this mark will definitely keep you dry in all but the worst European conditions. All of the bivvies on our review list above have no less than 5000mm of protection. 2. How Much Ventilation Does a Bivvy Need?The Fox R-Series XL is another spacious bivvy for 2 people that’s built to withstand the wear and tear of carp fishing all year round. I’m a big fan of Fox shelters. I currently use the Fox EOS Brolly System and used to love my old Frontier Bivvy. It’s not huge inside but there’s enough room for two anglers and their luggage. What really makes this bivvy special is the epic build quality, great ventilation, adjustability, and the wide range of add-ons available separately. More specifically, if you’re looking for one of the absolute best 2-man shelters currently available then the Trakker Tempest 200 is definitely worth a look.