Trakker Tempest Advanced 100 review
The UK long-session standard - sub-2-minute pitch, honest weather rating, replaceable parts.
The UK long-session standard - sub-2-minute pitch, honest weather rating, replaceable parts.
Best for: Regular session anglers fishing 40+ nights a year in UK weather.
Check price on Amazon UKWhere this kit fits in
Trakker released the first Tempest in 2013 as a direct challenge to Nash and Fox in the flagship two-man bivvy segment. Over four generations it has become the default choice for UK anglers who fish 40+ nights a year on exposed venues - Fenland pits, Lakeside syndicates, Scottish lochs. The 'Advanced 100' designation marks the current-generation frame with reinforced hub joints introduced in the 2022 revision, following field reports of stress cracks on 2018-era hubs after 200+ pitches. The current spec has held up under independent 5-year testing.
How it actually works on the bank
The frame uses a Y-hub design where three T6 alloy poles converge at moulded aluminium hubs (not plastic, as on cheaper competitors). The flysheet is a 210D double-diamond ripstop polyester with a Ventec Xtreme DWR treatment factory-applied and rated to 5,000 mm hydrostatic head. The bathtub floor uses a heavier 10,000 mm HH PVC-coated laminate designed to survive being pitched on gravel, tree roots and small stones without wear-through. Ventilation is handled by three fixed lower vents plus a rear zipped high vent - the same air-flow pattern used on mountaineering tents to break the convection cycle that causes condensation on cold nights.
The full picture
Trakker's flagship two-man shelter uses a fully aluminium T6-alloy pole set and a 10,000 mm hydrostatic-head heavy-duty groundsheet. The frame pitches in under two minutes with practice, holds shape in genuine force-6 wind, and every stress point has a factory-replaceable spare. It is the bivvy you buy once and use for a decade.
What we like
- Aluminium T6 poles hold shape in real wind
- Two-skin construction cuts condensation
- Every part is user-replaceable via Trakker UK spares
- Standard footprint fits UK swim sizes without cramping
What we don't
- Heavy at 12+ kg fully packed
- Wrap and overwrap sold separately, adds £180 for full winter setup
- Colour range is limited to olive and camo
Key specifications
| Poles | Aluminium T6 |
| Hydrostatic head (fly) | 5,000 mm |
| Hydrostatic head (ground) | 10,000 mm |
| Peg points | 24 |
| Pack size | 160 × 32 × 32 cm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg |
Long-term ownership notes
Owners on the UK carp forums report the Tempest Advanced holding up structurally for 8-12 years of regular use before pole segments need first replacement. The flysheet's DWR needs re-proofing at year 2-3 (Nikwax TX.Direct spray, £15) and again at year 6. The bathtub floor typically develops small abrasion points at year 5-6 which can be patched with 10cm Tenacious Tape squares (£8 a roll). Zipper failure - usually the main door zip - is the single most common structural failure at year 7-8, easily replaceable through Trakker UK's spares programme at ~£45 including postage.
Care & maintenance schedule
The routine that keeps the Trakker platform running for its expected lifespan.
- After every wet session: erect at home or in garage, allow 24-48 hours to dry completely before packing away
- Every 6 months: brush pole tension cords with a dry brush, check for fraying, replace at first sign of wear (Trakker cord kit £18)
- Year 2-3: re-proof flysheet with Nikwax TX.Direct spray - one 500 ml bottle covers the fly
- Year 4-5: check zip lubrication, apply silicone spray or beeswax; replace slider if stiffness returns after cleaning
- Year 5-6: inspect groundsheet under-side for wear points, patch preventatively with Tenacious Tape
- Never store damp - mould on the flysheet destroys the DWR and voids the warranty
Common issues owners report
Problems reported by long-term users, plus the practical fixes.
- Condensation dripping from the ceiling on cold clear nights - fix: fit the Trakker overwrap (£180), or leave both lower vents fully open
- Pole segments seizing in cold weather - fix: warm segment joins briefly with hands or a warm mug before disassembly, apply dry silicone once dry
- Peg-out point tearing on soft ground - fix: use rock pegs on soft banks, spread load with peg-out rings sold separately
- Faded flysheet colour after 3+ seasons - not a functional issue, but sign that DWR needs re-application
If you'd rather spend more or less
Upgrade
The Tempest Advanced 100 is already the flagship in the practical UK two-man bivvy segment. Trakker's own Tempest 200 (double-skin winter version, ~£500) adds the wrap out of the box but is functionally identical. Nash Titan T2 Pro at ~£550 is the closest lateral option - different pole design, similar spec, personal preference.
Downgrade
Fox Frontier XD - £250
The Fox Frontier XD gets you aluminium poles, two-skin construction and a decent 5,000 mm HH flysheet at £100 less. You lose refinement (heavier fabric, less internal storage, marginally slower pitch) but keep the core specs that decide whether a bivvy actually survives a UK winter.
See on Amazon UKCommon questions
Is the Trakker Tempest Advanced 100 worth the price?
At £350, we rate it 4.7/5 because the UK long-session standard - sub-2-minute pitch, honest weather rating, replaceable parts. Whether that is worth the money depends on how the strengths above line up with your session type and venue.
How does it compare to other bivvies in this bracket?
See our full bivvies & shelters comparison for direct alternatives at higher and lower price points.
Where should I buy it in the UK?
Amazon UK is usually the fastest route with the strongest return policy on kit over £100. Tackle-specific retailers (Angling Direct, Nash Direct, Trakker UK) sometimes match on price and add extras like matched accessories. Check both before committing.
Others in the same category
Fox Frontier XD
The best-value two-man in the £250 bracket - real aluminium poles, decent flysheet, will not embarrass you.
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The honest entry-level shelter - not a proper bivvy but perfect for stalkers and short sessions.
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