The bankside hybrid home

Let’s talk about the hybrid pram-hood, because actually that’s what this new JRC Stealth X-Lite bivvy is all about. While the idea of having a rock-solid, plenty of space, easy-to-set-up bivvy is high on most agendas, that package does come at a price – and we’re not just talking pounds sterling either. They’re also heavy and bulky.

So what’s the answer? Enter the hybrid. All the benefits of a heavyweight pram-hood but just lighter, equally as strong, and more importantly, at a price you can get under the missus’s radar. JRC’s has just such a bivvy: The Stealth X-Lite.

There are three mozzy mesh windows on the front panel space

The big questions

I know that name.
Hell yeah you do. JRC has a very rich heritage when it comes to building bivvies. Their STI model is one of the biggest-selling pram-hoods in history, and the original Stealth X-Lite was a spin-off of the aforementioned bivvy. JRC have been producing the X-Lite for almost a decade now, so yes, you should recognise the name… This new version though, has just been refined and reworked to create what you see before you today: a super light and super compact bivvy but with a spacious inner shell.

The rear vents will keep you cool during the summer months

What’s all this ‘hybrid stuff’ about?
It’s two parts. The X-Lite sits between two camps: it’s not a super light oval and nor is it a heavyweight, three-pole construction pram-hood. It very much planted itself between the two. Thanks to its unique two-rib frame it means it’s light (just 6.9kgs) like an oval, but because of its clever flat back design it means it’s supremely spacious inside, just like a larger three-pole pram-hood.
The second part to this ‘hybrid stuff’ is the pole construction – it’s a blend of two. The first section is made from a strong and rigid aluminium which then runs into a more flexible lighter weight pole and this offers up great stability combined with strength and almost zero weight.

The two-way door system is extremely handy

Although I tend to do overnighters, I do have a week away to France each year, so will I be comfortable in this?
Definitely. Although the X-Lite has been created for overnight and short stay sessions – thanks to its incredibly quick set-up time and compact transport dimensions – because it has a footprint size of 2.2(D) x 2.6(W)m it lends itself perfectly for a long stay trip too. It will easily soak up any wideboy style bed, along with all your tackle, bait and home comforts. And what’s more, should you require a little more space, or if you fancy taking on the winter, there is an Overwrap available (RRP £129.99) which will help reduce condensation as well as give you a little more space for storage.

The supplied frame system ensures the X-Lite can be set-up rock solid

It’s a bit of a looker, isn’t it?
Oh aye. Previous JRC bivvies have always looked nice, but this one really does look the business in their new “more carpy green” 10,000HH Hydratex waterproof material, which, by the way is insanely waterproof. And whilst we’re on the subject of weather protection, to ensure zero water will ever seep through, JRC has tape-sealed all the seams.

Two rod straps are situated at either side of the bivvy

So what else has it got?
Where do we start? At the front you’ll find a detachable peak along with a removable front panel. On said panel you’ll find two mozzy mesh windows, along with both a PVC and mozzy mesh window in the front door. That door is a two-way system which allows you to create a letterbox opening. Around the back you’ll see there are two large back vents for ultimate climate control (perfect for while you’re away on your France trip, right?), and inside there’s a heavy-duty PE groundsheet and two sewn-in pockets which are perfect for housing keys, phone, wallet, etc.

The two-rib design creates a flat back results in loads of internal

Should I buy one?
The new Stealth X-Lite is one seriously superb piece of kit. It does everything a hybrid bivvy should do: it’s compact yet spacious; strong yet light; multifunctional, well-made and brilliantly priced. It does everything – and more – and it’s for those reasons why JRC has been producing and selling this model of bivvy for almost ten years. So to answer your question, yes, get one.

“GIMME”: £249.99; jrc-fishing.com

The front panel can be completely removed