SONIK SK-TEK Shelters
It’s a simple equation, right? Yet so many companies can’t make great kit for a truly great price. Luckily, Sonik keep on managing to get it right…
We know that you love value for money just as much as we do, and it’s a constant joy to be able to bring you news of the best deals out there! One brand that seems to be cropping up more and more whenever value is mentioned is Sonik Sports, more specifically its SK-TEK range. This month we’re taking questions on some of the shelter options that you’ve got within the Sonik stable…
The Big Questions
I’m looking for a pram-hood shelter for weekending…
Look no further then. The SK-TEK Bivvy 1 Man is just the job. It’s a robust-looking shelter that’s happy facing down the worst winter storms that you’re brave enough to be out in and that classic pram-hood design makes the 1 Man simplicity itself to assemble. Sonik has opted for the five-break pole system, which means that the packed-down shelter is short and stout, making it much easier to store or transport, especially if space in the motor or the shed is tight! You get a groundsheet, substantial storm peak and full infix panel (with a door that can be ‘letterboxed’), pegs and frame-support bars in the deal.
What about the tech and features?
Well might you ask. We’re a big fan of bivvies with mozzi vents, and the 1 Man has big ones (front and back), which will allow you to keep that crucial air-flow through the shelter in the summer, while shutting the insects out. Of course, the front can be rolled back completely should you be lucky enough to fish a venue with no biting insects. The shelter itself is made from PU-backed polyester with a hydrostatic head of 5,000mm, which is stitched around a skeleton of 16mm 6061 aluminium poles. What all that means is that you’ve got a pretty-damn waterproof shelter, with light, sturdy poles. Sonik has, of course, designed-in some rod straps, and the whole shooting match comes in an oversized carry bag.
I want a wrap for a French trip I’ve got planned…
You’re in luck then because Sonik produces a wrap for the SK-TEK Bivvy 1 Man. It’s made from exactly the same material as the bivvy itself. It’ll give you that extra room that you need for a long-stay session because the two side wings extend the footprint of the bivvy, creating a handy porch area.
What about me? I’m an overnighter who occasionally gets a weekend?
Fear not, we haven’t overlooked you, and nor has Sonik. You see, they’ve produced the SK-TEK 60” Brolly for you, and it’s a versatile bit of kit. The first thing to note is that it’s 60-inches across, rather than the more conventional 50-inches. That extra room really is a bonus, and makes slotting an extra food bag, or bigger carryall underneath that much easier. By pulling the outermost pegs on the tips of the storm sides apart gradually, you can lower the profile of the shelter too, keeping all but the worst of the weather out.
Does the extra coverage make it unwieldy?
Not at all. You’ll barely notice the increase in size, and because the frame is made from fibreglass, not only is it relatively light, but it’s also extremely flexible, and will move with the wind, rather than being blown apart!
What about features and extras?
Good question. Let’s get straight into it. The central boss is low-profile, which means that you won’t keep banging your head on it, even when it’s spread out and low profile. The Brolly comes with a groundsheet too, as well as quick-connect storm poles, pegs and an oversized carry bag. You’ve also got the now-ubiquitous rod straps and a clever piping gutter around the front of the brolly to carry rainwater away from the peak, preventing it dripping on you!
Can I convert it for a longer session?
Absolutely, you can. The SK-TEK 60” Brolly Front is a partial overwrap. Simply sling this thing over the top of your brolly and you can shut the elements out totally, making for a much more comfortable shelter for longer sessions. The wrap features mozzi vents and a door that can be ‘letterboxed’ should the weather get seriously inclement.
Bivvy 1-man £179.99
Bivvy 1-man Wrap £59.99
60” Brolly £119.99
60” Brolly Front £59.99