Cyprinus Carpstar Pleasure Dome Bivvy

Surely not? A proper bivvy and overwrap… for £124.99? Well, start believing your eyes, because the Carpstar Pleasure Dome is just that. We aren’t talking end-of-line models either; they’re fully functioning pram-hood shelters, with bang up-to-date two-rib, two-break design. Selling direct to you allows Cyprinius to offer stellar deals that just defy logic. So, if you have to be careful with funds for fishing kit, then buying one of these might just allow you to come in under budget! Still sceptical? Well, that’s understandable, so let’s see if we can answer some of your questions…

The big questions

How? How is this even possible?
Suspend your disbelief and bear with us here. The reason that you can pick up a full-on bivvy and wrap for £124.99 is that Cyprinius has cut out the middleman. They sell direct to you, and pass on the saving that they make by missing out the retailers. You can buy direct from them either in their on-line shop or on eBay.

The quality can’t be there as well, surely?
Well, it is! You’re talking all-modern materials, which make the Pleasure Dome both lightweight and strong. They’ve used 5,000 hydrostatic head material for the shelter and overwrap, which is more than enough spec to keep out the lashings of rain we’re subjected to on these islands.

What’s the catch? Do I have to buy a host of extras?
Nope, all the bits you need are included. You get a groundsheet, heavy-duty T-pegs and a zipped carry bag, all in on the deal, as well as interlocking frame support poles to guarantee extra stability.

Any nice design tweaks?
Surprisingly, yes. The guys chose to reconfigure the normal bivvy footprint, to make a shelter than makes much better use of that internal space. Rather than a rounded back, they cleverly flattened it off, so you can push your bedchair right up against the back, wasting less space, and this creates loads of room for storage and cooking in front. Chuck on the overwrap and you’ve got enough room to happily while away a long session abroad without feeling claustrophobic. The rear of the shelter has a mozzie-mesh vent in it, which can be revealed by rolling down the outer skin, helping to keep you cool on those sticky summer nights.

Is it versatile too?
You bet, especially when you take into account the overwrap. The front can be rolled back and secured to give you a totally open-fronted affair, or, you can get it all locked down, and letterbox the door in case Storm Norma comes knocking. The door itself has a roll-up mozzie window too, to keep our annoying friends at bay, so you can keep an eye on the lake and not get eaten alive!

I don’t want to be tying myself in knots putting it up!
Don’t worry, you won’t have to. The Pleasure Dome has just two ribs, which saves on weight, without compromising stability. The good news is that there are fewer break points too, just two per rib, which means that there’s so much less work for you to do when setting up.

Can I trust them?
Cyprinius are the biggest seller of bivvies and bedchairs on eBay, with an absolutely flawless feedback rating, so yes, it’s fair to say that you can.

So, it’s direct from them, am I going to be waiting forever for delivery?
As direct-selling specialists, this is their area of expertise, so you’ll get brilliant customer service and prompt delivery when you order with them. Check out their site at cyprinus.co.uk for all the delivery options. “GIMME”: Normally £259.98 for the bivvy and overwrap, but currently on special offer for £124.99.