'I want a top-end bivvy for peanuts. Hit me.'
When’s a feature-packed bivvy better than another feature-packed bivvy? When it’s as cheap as SONIK’s new bivvy…
SONIK is on a mission. A few years ago, it was just a rod company, producing just carp rods. Now it’s a tackle powerhouse, determined to take over a big percentage of your tackle shed. Alongside fly, sea and lure rod ranges, the Northumberland-based brand has recently introduced a ‘green line’ (luggage, beds and bivvies) to its carp collection called SKS and dropping this month is the brand’s first ever bivvy.
SKS? I recognize that.
You should. The first two letters have been around since the company was formed and make up the bulk of their product names, including their legendary SK3 and SK4 rods. And just like those rods, this new bivvy, the simply named SKS Bivvy, has been built from the ground up on with two things in mind: quality and value.
There’s two window options: clear or mozzi
It looks nice, but how is it any different to other bivvies?
For two and a bit reasons. One: it’s packed with features. Two: it’s mind-blowingly cheap. Two-and-a-bit: it’s exceptionally well made, but then most bivvies are these days, so hence the ‘bit’ bit.
So what are these features?
There’s twin rear vents to provide excellent air circulation in hot weather. The front panel can be completely removed via a super hardwearing Tank Zip, plus there’s a removable mozzi mesh front door with a clear window option. Add in a hardwearing PU groundsheet with strengthening points and bar tacking to keep your gear clean and tidy, two Velcro rod retaining straps, SKS zip pullers and a full set of SONIK green pegs and you can see why we said it was feature-packed.
Rear vents as standard
Also included is a full frame support system
Yeah, it sounds great, but then haven’t most bivvies got all that?
Errr, maybe, but you’ll get all this loveliness and feature-packedness for about £100 less than SONIK’s competitors’ efforts. Plus, there’s lashings more awesomeness when it comes to the actual carcass of the bivvy. Thanks to blending 16mm matt green 6061 aluminium poles with a lightweight yet super reliable 210D polyester with a 5000mm hydrostatic head waterproof cover, it means the SKS Bivvy, complete with pegs and groundsheet, weighs just 8.4kgs.
Is there much room in there?
Because of the clever extended rear rib, it means the back is almost flat, resulting in a larger internal footprint. So yes, thanks to measuring 140(H) x 290(W) x 250(D)cm it does mean you can get that extra wide bedchair of yours comfortably in there, along with all your home comforts.
There’s two Velcro rod retaining straps
Tensioning elastic pegging points
And what about an overwrap?
Yes, SONIK do produce one, and when applied it’ll convert said bivvy into an all-weather-beating twin skin system. It’s made from the same 210D material, comes with a carry bag and is supplied with a full set of pegs too.
What’s the damage then?
All these bells and whistles will set you back just £149.99, whilst the Overwrap retails for £79.99. Like we said at the start: quality and value – that’s what SONIK Sports stands for. soniksports.com