Avid Carp HQ Dual Layer Bivvy

This is Avid flexing their muscles, showing off what they can do when given licence to design the ultimate pram-hood bivvy. Bristling with unique features, these shelters are indicative of a confident company, assured of their place at the top table of carp-angling manufacturers. The original HQs were the first pram-hood bivvies to have a built-in second skin, and now the Dual Layer System further refines the concept.

The new HQ isn’t just pretty, it’s a powerhouse of form and function

It offers complete coverage inside the bivvy to eradicate condensation and boost heat retention in the winter and cooling in the summer. It’s a very well-engineered system that sits close to the outer fabric, meaning internal space isn’t compromised. This skin is finished in Avid’s new custom camo pattern and can be left in place even when the bivvy is packed down.

The external Dura-Stop fabric is also a real upgrade from the last version of the HQ range and is quite frankly about as rugged and as waterproof as you’ll find anywhere in the fishing market. Trust us when we say it has the sort of honeycomb look and texture that you will just keep running your hand over in the tackle shop – and the colouring is spot-on.

The second skin, which is finished in Avid’s new custom camo pattern, eradicates condensation and boosts heat retention in the winter and cooling in the summer

The fabric has a massive 20,000mm hydrostatic-head rating, meaning this bivvy would still be waterproof with an inch-square column of water 20 metres high pushing down on it.

Where many bivvies have rear vents for increased air flow, Avid have gone one step further with these new HQs. The whole rear panel can be completely removed, leaving the breathable inner skin to keep bugs at bay or, with that also removed, essentially creating a tunnel-like bivvy for when the temperatures are really soaring. If that’s too much for you, there’s a more standard crescent-shaped zip-up vent in the rear panel.

The Dura-Stop fabric is as rugged and as waterproof as you’ll find anywhere in the fishing market

As is conventional, the front panel can also be removed completely and both front and rear removable panels are neatly stowed in large internal pockets when not needed.

On the front panel, the Avid camo is also cleverly in evidence on the mozzi-mesh windows and doors, which are revealed from behind the solid fabric options. The camo mesh makes a stylish change from the usual black versions but doesn’t hinder your view at all. There’s a clear window option supplied, and the zipping arrangements allow for that classic letterbox aperture if needed.
Other features on these bivvies include Avid’s innovative rod-retaining bars on either side to keep your spod and marker rods safe and close by, plus a good-sized peak and a heavy-duty groundsheet.

As with previous versions of the HQ design, the two structural poles do not join at the ground, maximizing space without any internal pinch points.

The full one-man version weighs in at 16kg, so it’s not light, but it is a genuine tour de force of features and functions. And, thank the lord, it fits in its carrying bag without a struggle!
£499.99 and £599.99