Looking to take your carp fishing to the next level? Or maybe you're just in the market for a new bivvy? Whatever you're here for, we've got you covered.
Carp anglers know the best time to be on the water is early morning or late evening. The narrow window of opportunity is why overnighters are often the best option for carp fishing.
When you’re overnighting on the bank, not just any old tent will do. Below are our top ten picks for carp fishing bivvies in 2024, from the hyper-durable to the beginner-friendly. We cover their pros, cons, and unique features.
What is a fishing bivvy?
Well, the term bivvy comes from the French word Bivouac which roughly translates as 'to sleep in the open'. It was a term used by soldiers in the first world war who would find some protection from trees and pitch a VERY basic shelter consisting of a canvas sheet and a couple of poles. A far cry from the comfort afforded to most carp anglers these days. In carp fishing terms, we tend to use two descriptors when it comes to our shelters, and they are brolly or a bivvy. As the name suggests, a brolly-style shelter is more lightweight and more suited to the warmer months or those who like to travel light. A bivvy usually means something with 360-degree protection, a full front and sides.But which are the best ones? It is impossible to look past Trakker, Fox and Nash when it comes to bivvy design, so let's dive straight in!
1. Sonik — AXS Bivvy — Best Lightweight Design and Quick Set-Up
In terms of efficiency, the Sonik AXS excels. One of its main appeals is the easy transport and set-up.
The Sonik AXS has a sturdy yet lightweight aluminium frame, which takes mere seconds to put up. The 10,000mm HH CloudbaseTM fabric is rugged and fully waterproof, so you can stay warm no matter how bad the weather gets.
The bed of the frame is shaped with curved sides to make the most of interior space. Both you and your carp fishing equipment will stay safe once stored inside, the whole night through!
The front panel can zip on and off for easy access, in addition to a front door system. The entire bivvy weighs just 9.2kg, making it one of the lighter on the market while still being rugged due to the impressively durable frame.
PROS
- Super durable, waterproofed frame fabric to keep the elements out for longer
- Relatively lightweight, strong aluminium frame
- Zip-on/zip-off front panel for easy access
CONS
- Groundsheet clips aren't as strong as competitors
- May not possess the internal storage necessary for heavy-duty carp anglers
2. Fox EOS 1 Man Bivvy — Best Value for Money
If you are looking for an affordable option that doesn't skimp on quality, the Fox EOS 1 is the bivvy for you.
The FOX EOS is for beginners or for anglers who don't want to break the bank. The 8000mm hydrostatic head fabric and full, durable frame make it the best value for your money.
It weighs just 7kg, thanks to its smaller structure. The lightweight design is helpful when you need to carry it around.
A two-way letterbox-style door allows easy access with integrated mesh windows that you can cover with solid panelling. The set comes with a lightweight groundsheet and heavy-duty pegs, so you have everything you need to get started.
PROS
- Affordable yet still high-quality
- Perfect for beginners or those on a budget
- Super lightweight at just 7kg
CONS
- Not the most sophisticated bivvy available
- May not live up to the standards of veteran anglers
3. JRC Defender Peak Bivvy — Best for Easy Storage
The immediate standout feature of the JRC Defender Peak bivvy is how easily it packs away. It boasts a two-pole design with four breakpoints, so folding away is easy and surprisingly compact.
The accompanying bag is also generously sized enough to fit your bivvy comfortably, without feeling like you have to use force to stuff it away.
As its name may have given away, the JRC Defender Peak features an awning over the entryway to the bivvy. It might seem like an unimportant detail, but it is an enormous benefit when resisting the elements.
There is also a total of three door options, including green, clear PVC, and mesh. The versatility gives you complete control over air circulation so that you won't feel too stuffed up during summer.
PROS
- Versatile, capable of resisting inclement weather, and easily modified for warmer weather
- Made from tough 5000mm H.H 210D Oxford Nylon fabric
- Folds away easily
CONS
- The fastening buckles and clips are plastic and not the most durable
- Might not be big enough for all anglers
4. JRC — Stealth Compact Bivvy (2g) — Best for Waterproof Protection
JRC specializes in bivvies that have easy set-up and quick pack away so that you can focus all of your time on fishing. The Stealth Compact 2g is no exception. Its two-rib aluminium frame with an optional peak is perfect for customizing your fishing experience to exactly how you like it.
The fabric is Hydratex high performance with a 10,000mm waterproof rating, so it is exceptionally prepared for even the worst weather. Plus, its sealed seams and double-zipped front opening let you rest assured everything is secure but still easy to access.
PROS
- Easy to set up and pack away
- Detachable awning peak over the doorway to customize your fishing experience
- Highly waterproof with 10,000mm Hydratex fabric with sealed seams
CONS
- Compact size might not provide suitable storage for some anglers
- May arrive with one too many additional accessories and features for outright beginners
5. Nash — Titan Hide XL Camo Pro — Best for Durable Design
The Nash Titan Hide XL Camo Pro is an upgrade from previous releases from Nash but maintains many of the features that made the Titan range so popular. The strong framing is characteristically light while maintaining durability.
Titans are for the more experienced anglers out there with numerous features. The bivvy comes with four zipped mesh panels that open for air circulation. An angled rain peak and storm gutter ensure that no amount of bad weather will ruin your fishing trip. There is even an internal hanging hook for lighting or whatever else you may want.
PROS
- Highly durable while remaining lightweight at just 8.4kg
- Unique features such as the internal hook and flat back to help push the bedchair back
- Ventilation panels for increased air circulation make it suitable for hot weather
CONS
- Storm poles not included
- Might be too big for some anglers
6. Trakker — SLX V3 150 Bivvy — Latest Version of the Best in Class SLX
As the third iteration of the top-rated SLX series, this bivvy delivers yet again. It comes packed to the brim with unique features that make it one of the most advanced on the market. If you want to take your angling game to the next level, this is a solid option.
The new, exciting features unique to the V3 include the fully enclosed inner capsule, the rear air vent for superior air circulation, and a new pram-style hood for more excellent weather resistance. This protection against the elements is heightened even further with the 10,000mm Hydrostatic Head Polyester outer casing.
PROS
- Numerous new features, including an inner capsule and rear ventilation
- Supremely weatherproof with both a pram hood and resistant Hydrostatic fabric
- Improves on everything that made the previous two SLX so popular
CONS
- Smaller than previous versions of the SLX
- Threading on the tension pole less durable than other models
7. Trakker — Tempest 100 Bivvy Aquatexx EV — Best for Spacious Interior
A unique feature of the Tempest 100 is the patented block design, meaning the bivvy can be assembled and set up in mere seconds. An emphasis on internal space means even the most experienced sessional anglers will be satisfied. However, once packed away, you will be surprised by how compact the Tempest 100 can be.
The patented adaptive ventilation maximizes airflow, so you can still find comfort even during the hottest summer days. Four large rear vents further improve circulation, fully equipped with insect panels. These vents can prop open halfway, so you can still maintain a cool temperature without letting the water in, even if it rains on a hot day.
PROS
- Unique, patented ventilation system to keep you cool
- Large enough to feature a bed
- Made from Aquatexx fabric for maximum waterproof design
CONS
- May be too big for beginner anglers
- A high price point compared to others on the market
8. Avid — HQ Dual Layer Brolly System — Best for All-Year Angling
With 20,000mm Dura-Stop fabric, the HQ Dual Layer is one of the toughest bivvies out there. It can withstand all weathers all year round, so you can focus on getting the catch.
This bivvy has maximum space inside, and with its flat back, you can fit your bedchair in easily.
When we say that the fabric is perfect for all weathers, we aren't just talking about the rain. The interior lining keeps heat in during colder months and humid air out during warmer months. It truly is the best of both worlds, which makes it especially popular for seasoned anglers.
PROS
- Intuitive design 20,000mm Dura-Stop fabric suitable for all-year use
- Letterbox-style door with camo mesh enables easy access
- Rain-gutter style channel keeps your bivvy dry at all times
CONS
- May be too large for beginners
- High price point
9. Trakker — Tempest Brolly 100 T — Best for Tall Anglers
The height of the Tempest Brolly 100 T helps it to stand out from competitors. If you are a taller angler, you will probably appreciate the extra headspace that this bivvy affords.
Despite that, it remains lightweight at 6kg and is incredibly easy to assemble. It is also fatigue-resistant, so as long as you're willing to stay out, this bivvy has you covered.
The set comes with a Tension strap carry bag and T pegs to keep the bivvy securely in place. It packs down into a tiny shape, so it's easy to carry around with you if you like to stay on the move. Ultimately, the Tempest Brolly has a lot to offer.
PROS
- Extra headspace suitable for taller anglers
- Lightweight and durable with dual rod straps
- Easy to set up and pack away into a compact shape
CONS
- The snug bag makes for a bit of a tight fit
- Lacking in features compared to similar products on the market
10. Fox — Frontier Shelter — Best for Heavy-Duty Shelter
If you're looking for a full-blown shelter that will protect you from just about anything, the Fox Frontier Shelter is the one. Fox developed this shelter for five years, and it shows.
The attention to detail is evident, and the result is an angling bivvy designed to handle all weather conditions and keep you comfortable simultaneously.
This shelter is heavy-duty but remains easy to set up and pack down. There is more than enough space within, including a good amount of headroom, and the mesh vents keep air circulation moving.
PROS
- 20,000mm Hydrostatic fabric for ultimate protection
- Easy to set up and pack down with the unique, patented Easy-Tension-System
- Adjustable frame to customize the height to your specific preference
- Flat back to help push the bedchair back
CONS
- No inner-capsule
- Heavier than many competitors
What to Consider When Choosing Carp Fishing Bivvies
The first thing you need to do is consider how you like to fish. If you only go out to the water once or twice a year, you don't need the latest innovations or most heavy-duty equipment. At the same time, if you're on the bank come hell or high-water (sometimes literally), you need something more durable and protective than entry-level kit.
The size of your bivvy is usually a key factor. If you're planning on sitting in one for hours on end, you need to be comfortable. Some carp anglers prefer to go on extended trips to make the most of the session, for which comfort and spaciousness are vital.
If you know that you're going to have to endure unpredictable weather while fishing, prioritize durability. Although most bivvies are suitable for wet weather, some fare better than others, especially if they come equipped with a rain gutter. Others feature vent flaps for improved circulation during warm-weather days.
Final Thoughts
And that concludes our review! Hopefully, you feel a little more confident in what your next bivvy purchase will be. Just remember, the key to the best purchase is to tailor it to your specific needs.
For carp fishing bivvies and more, shop our selection at Total Fishing Tackle. We have something for every angler, guaranteed.