All hail the new Tempest Composite
Trakker have a new addition to the Tempest clan. It’s got all the tech, all the looks, just minus a hefty price tag…
There are those who would argue that the pram-hood is the pinnacle of man’s bankside living ingenuity. And until 2011 we wouldn’t have argued with them. Trakker’s original Armadillo, the shelter which has spawned a thousand copies, is a fine example of how brilliant that system is. But then it was Trakker themselves who bucked the trend of how a bivvy was erected when they launched the Tempest in early ‘11– a shelter which featured a new patented block design and which actually made setting up even easier than a pram-hood.
But what happens when you take that Tempest concept, strip it out and reduce the overall weight? You get bankside housing nirvana…
The big questions
Why should I be excited?
First off, it’s a new bivvy from Trakker – that in itself is awesome news. But secondly, it’s a development of the previous award-winning Tempest shelter – a bivvy that comes with a cool, near-as-damn-it £700.00 price tag – and the Composite features many of its bigger (and way more expensive) brother’s patented features but just with a wife/bank manager-friendly price tag.
That’s good to hear. So what makes this one so special?
For starters it’s part of the Tempest family – the equivalent to the Royal Family. Secondly, it features many of Trakker’s patented designs, with the main one being the block design which is right at the heart of the bivvy. Just like the Tempest and Tempest Air, the Composite is a freestanding design which allows for quick and efficient positioning. To set-up, simply remove it from the supplied carry bag, unroll and then lock the five arms into place, separate and fan them out before pulling the locking arm over and securing. And that’s why it’s so special!
Sounds awesome. What’s the internal space like?
In one word: impressive. It actually shares the same footprint as the Tempest Air: 265 (W) x 210 (D) x 130cm (H) and when packed away it’s a measly 128 (L) x 22cm (W). This is thanks to the ingenious flat back design which means you get maximum internal space without the bivvy taking up unnecessary room in your swim. This flat back also allows you to get your bedchair right to the back of the shelter, protecting you even more from all the elements.
What about features?
In addition to that patented block design, the Composite is based on a super-strong but lightweight aluminium frame, and just like the V2 Tempest model, these come finished in a black powder-coating that is simply delicious. Trakker has also given it dual-zipped doors (complete with roll-up mozzie window) to allow you to create a letterbox opening or to pull them both right back to create a completely open-fronted shelter. Oh, and don’t panic that Trakker have used some wanky, cheap fabric to wrap around that eye-catching matt black frame either: it’s 210D polyester which isn’t just lightweight (hence the bivvy only weighing 5.5kg) but it’s exceptionally waterproof too.
Trakker are renowned for their free bolt-ons, so what’s the score with this model?
You’re right, they are, and we’re pleased to say they haven’t disappointed here. Inside your Trakker carry bag you’ll find two 36-inch Quicksticks (which are the bollocks), a mid-weight groundsheet, tension strap and T-pegs.
Would I be right in thinking there’s an overwrap to go with this?
You would be and it’s called the Tempest Composite System Bivvy Wrap. This transforms the Composite into a twin-skin shelter which not only reduces condensation but actually increases heat retention. This too is made from the same 210D polyester material and weighs in at 2.4kgs.
I love it. When and where can I get one and how much for?
You’re going to love all three of our next answers: it’s on-sale right now; it’s available from all Trakker stockists and it will retail for just £399.99 with the overwrap retailing for £149.99!
SPEC SHEET
Price: £399.99
Material: 210D polyester
Weight: 5.5kgs without pegs and groundsheet
Size packed: 128 (L) x 22cm (W)
Size open: 265 (W) x 210 (D) x 130cm (H)
Included: Two 36” Quicksticks, groundsheet, tension stap, carry bag and T-Pegs
Optional extras: Composite System Bivvy Wrap, £149.99