The Fishing Bivvy Guide

So, you’re thinking of getting your self a fishing bivvy or perhaps you’re thinking of upgrading your existing bivvy to a new one. Whatever your reason for purchasing a new fishing bivvy this guide will provide you with all the info you need to make an informed decision before you part with you cash.

Fishing Bivvy History

Early fishing bivvies were really just glorified fishing umbrellas – which comprised the standard fishing umbrella with wrap around sides. It has to be said that these were pretty terrible – they leaked when it rained and if it was windy, well you would really have been better off going home. Having said that this type of fishing bivvy does still exist and are now much, much better, so if your cash is tight and your looking for cheap fishing bivvies then try looking for umbrella based systems.

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Fishing bivvies have really come about for the benefit of carp anglers and specimen hunters. So the likelihood is, is that if you’re reading this article you are either a carp angler or specimen hunter of some description. If you are either of these things you will be spending some significant time in your bivvy so it’s worth spending sometime researching before you part with your cash.

Fishing Bivvy Features

Here’s a description of what sort of features you should be looking for in a new fishing bivvy:

The first point seems very obvious – you need your fishing bivvy to be made from a waterproof material. Not only does the fabric need to be waterproof it also needs to be hardwearing and ideally breathable. Having a fabric that is breathable will prevent condensation building up in your bivvy, making it more comfortable to spend time in.

The weak point in any waterproof system is always the seams so makes sure if it doesn’t specify in the bivvies description. that the seams are taped. Taping the seams after the panels have been stitched together will prevent any ingress of water – no waking up to damp sleeping bags.

Although breathable fabrics are a fantastic innovation in textile technology, it will not actually allow the air to flow through your bivvy. If you’re going to be using your fishing bivvy in the summer then air vents are going to be an absolute necessity. Unfortunately the summer and water together means insects so you’ll want to make sure that all of your air vents have mesh on them to prevent the little critters getting in.

Make sure that the carp fishing bivvy you buy has secure door tie backs. There’s nothing worse than a door that keep flapping around in the wind. If you can find a fishing bivvy that has a insect mesh on it then all the better – this will allow you to have the door open in the summer and keep the midges out. Some carp fishing bivvies come with interchangeable door panels – so in the summer when you want some light in but the insects out you can have the insect mesh in place, but in the winter when you want some light in and the cold out you can zip in a door that has a large transparent panel in it.

Check the weight of your fishing bivvy before you buy it, at some point your going to need to carry it or transport it in some manner. The lightest bivvies will have aluminium poles so look out for this feature. Not only do you want aluminium poles to reduce the overall weight of the bivvy – you want them made from this material because they will not corrode.

Make sure that you find a fishing bivvy that is large enough to accommodate all of your kit. You may have multiple chairs for example – a fishing chair and a bed chair – and it’s nice if you can keep them both set up and not have one or the other. You may also want to keep your fishing bag and rod holdall in there as well.

Around the base of your bivvy you want at least 12 pegging points – if not more. Having more pegging points will increase the stability of your fishing bivvy. You don’t always have to use them all, but if your fishing on uneven ground then having more pegging points gives you more options of which to use.

The final point is to check what accessories come with your new fishing bivvy, You don’t want to outlay a wedge of cash only to find out that it doesn’t come with pegs for example. Try to find a deal that includes:

  • Pegs
  • Peg Bag
  • A Heavy duty ground sheet
  • A winter wrap if possible

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