JRC Extreme TX Bivvy

Although there’s always something to celebrate at JRC, 2016 has the company cheering that little bit louder. Firstly, there’s the Cocoon Modular System which isn’t just a functional masterpiece, but the fabrics and stitching is second-to-none. Secondly, there’s their very clever collection of landing nets and net accessories. And thirdly, and most importantly, are their next generation Extreme TX 1 and 2 Man Bivvies.

The outer is woven from the brand’s 20000mm HH Hydra-Tex material

The two-rib structure results in optimal footprint/inner space ratio

Second-generation you say. What can I expect?
JRC has stuck to the old maxim: don’t change a winning formula. This latest bankside home from the northern bivvy/bedchair/luggage specialists has had a slight facelift, but essentially its raw DNA remains the same: strong, adaptable and comfortable.

What does a ‘slight facelift’ actually mean then?
Well, actually, it’s undergone quite a serious styling update, include a zip-off front panel that can be adjusted to three different door settings. This means should you be faced with a change in wind direction, you can still have protection without moving the entire bivvy. Add in new large front and rear vents, along with the PVC door and window panels, and it makes this bivvy very adaptable to any weather conditions you may face.

That must be heaven during the sticky-hot summer months!
You betcha! Open up both the rear vents and the three on the front and it’s wind-tunnel-fast ventilation!

Ha, ha! The front looks pretty normal, but the rear looks different…
Good observation. It’s based on a two-rib structure which results in optimal footprint/inner space ratio and this means plenty of space for your bed, guestie, bait boat and whatever else you bring along on your sessions nowadays. The peak system is a nice addition too, helping to combat driving rain.

It’s silly fast ventilation when all the panels are rolled back!

This 2016 version features a full zip-off front panel which can be adjusted to three different door settings

Build credentials: talk to me…
If you’re looking for an ultra lightweight pram-hood, this isn’t it at 11.8kgs (15.3kgs for the 2-Man). But what you do get with the Extreme TX Bivvy is top-end fabrics, uber strong poles and heavy-duty pegs. Its outer is woven from the brand’s 20000mm HH Hydra-Tex material. The poles are made from 6061 aerospace grade rigid aluminium poles. And it comes complete with a Frame Support System to ensure it’s totally rigid and locked down.

What’s the interior like?
A palace. Think high performance zips, taped seams, long-life HD PVC groundsheet and the large vents are protected by anti-leak storm baffles. And heading outside for a minute, you’ll find it comes supplied with heavy-duty pegs and comes in an equally as heavy-duty carry bag.

So what are the options?
As with many of JRC bivvies, there are two sizes available: 1-Man and 2-Man. The first measures 230(L) x 260(W) x 140cm(H) and retails for £279.99 whilst the latter measures up at 306(L) x 300(W) 160cm(H) and will set you back £339.99. Where the similarities do marry up is with the overall bivvy: they offer ‘best in class’ quality and provide outstanding protection, regardless of what Mother Nature is hurling at you. jrc-fishing.co.uk

The Full Frame Support System keeps the Extreme TX on lockdown

It comes supplied with heavy-duty pegs

And two rod retaining straps on the front peak