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Anymore reviews on these guys?
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I have had a mk2 with scull cap for 3 or 4 yrs (in it at the moment) and it’s been great. Used through the winters and in a bit of wind. On the strength of it I got a mk3 with a cap and porch for abroad and to take the grandkids in. The 3 is a big one man. I think the zip in ground sheet keeps the draft out. The material is good as is ventilation. I will carry on using the mk2 as the size suits me and use the mk3 when needed.
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I have had a mk2 with scull cap for 3 or 4 yrs (in it at the moment) and it’s been great. Used through the winters and in a bit of wind. On the strength of it I got a mk3 with a cap and porch for abroad and to take the grandkids in. The 3 is a big one man. I think the zip in ground sheet keeps the draft out. The material is good as is ventilation. I will carry on using the mk2 as the size suits me and use the mk3 when needed.
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In reply to Post #38
Nice one cheers. I'll order one I think then!
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In reply to Post #37
Its a 1.5 man, loads of space. I'd say overwrap is a must when needed in colder months. I have a separate bag for it, hardly alot of work putting up and down when you're likely over for at least a night. Nothing nicer than waking to a bone dry bivvy. Vapour shields I just don't get. You'll end up with wet bivvy inside under the wet vapour shield . Just covering the condensation up lol. As for Groundsheet, zips in quick and attached at front via some toggles to give a nice 10cm or so lip off the ground. No rain getting in from ground water. Is it finished as nicely as a tempest, of course not. But it's decent value and for half price you get everything you need. Downside however...no internal pockets but lots of toggle hooks dotted around.
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In reply to Post #36
Is the one man a fairly standard size say similar to a tempest footprint?
And forgive me but what's the point in a zip in groundsheet if it doesn't zip on the front, seems more hassle than just a standard Clip style.
I'm not really one for overwraps tbh, can you pack it away with skull cap attached like pioneer or do you have to detach? Have to say it does look mega for half the price of a new tempest for sure.
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In reply to Post #35
I get condensation in mine, but I only use the vapor shield, which basically stops it dripping onto your bed and runs down the sides instead. I don't use the skull cap or overwrap , so I do expect condensation.
I'm still very happy with mine. Used it in extreme rain so far and no leaks at all. I would buy another if something happened to this one.
Happy to answer any questions about the mk3.
I have never used the pioneer, so can't answer if the pioneer is better than the mk3.
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In reply to Post #34
I think the aquatexx material on the pioneers way better than the newer stuff. But for value the mk3 is really good. I just use mine with the overwrap aswell instead of infil and cap. Zero condensation, loads of room also. Zip in ground sheet is fab. When I used with just skull cap I still got some condensation patches around bottom and windows. Not so much obvious drips. Using overwrap, bone dry whatever conditions. Also when it rains when you pack away and take wrap off bivvy is nice and dry. I'd say definitely the quest one over the sonik.
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Any longer term reviews? I'm very tempted at either this or the sonik V2.
I had the sonik axs camo and I loved it but they didn't do a skull cap for it and then I sold it and they brought out the V2 but I'd already bought a pioneer annoyingly.
I love the pioneer but it's heavy, not quick to put up and down either and very low which if you have a taller sleepsystem your nose is touching the rood nearly.
Would anyone recommend one over a pioneer?
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In reply to Post #32
I've used the ground sheet twice now and it goes quick and easy. It does only zip in on the sides and the back. So I just tucked the front underneath the ground sheet at the front.
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In reply to Post #31
Used mine for 3 nights last week. Faired OK, groundsheet is really nice touch being zipped in and its a lovely size and easy to put up. Didn't suffer from condensation until it rained when some darker damp patches appeared in various spots which they assured me was normal when it rains....I think it's priced where it should be, it's no where near the quality of the tempest I had previously.
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I bought one of these in green. Amazing bit of kit for the money. Had loads of bivvies over the years.
It’s ready to peg out in 30 seconds out the bag. Nice wide door. Black out material if you need that.
Had it out in downpours and the built in peak is a game changer. Doesn’t pool rain at the front.
Not used groundsheet yet. Had the wrap for winter.
Amazing value assuming it lasts
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In reply to Post #28
I have used mine and like it. However, not used it in any windy conditions yet. It is a tall bivvy, so the wind will rock it but I think once it's pegged down and the storm poles are in place, I think it'll be fine.
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In reply to Post #28
My Mk2 is solid in a brisk wind. I still haven't had my MK3 up yet, due to weather and working offshore.
Hoping to when I get home, but it's still likely to be in the mid 90's fahrenheit.......
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In reply to Post #27
Any of you owners been out in any kind of wind in the mk3 , how’s it fare???
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In reply to Post #26
I've only set it up in the garden quite quickly as I finished work late and never went fishing in the end. Seems okay but I want to set it on the bank to check it out properly.
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In reply to Post #25
I'll use it in a couple weeks. How you find it?
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In reply to Post #24
You going to keep it Tom or send it back?
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In reply to Post #23
I would keep trying using his video on the FB page. Manage to get the knack in the end. You have to pull it into crotch level, keep it fairly low. I put everything up today and here are my initial thoughts
Pros
quick put up and pack down
Zip in groundsheet and seems fairly heavy duty although not full zipped as it says it is
Plus size 1 man
Material seems good quality
Seams/ stitching is generally good
Pretty compact in the bag
Pegs as good as any other big brand
Comes with a vapour shield
Lots of windows
Stupid clear window for door is seperate so no need to remove that
12 month guarantee
Main block is not plastic
Cons
Quality of poles, locks, loops seems pretty low to me (time will tell)
Flat roof at front doesn't allow run off to each side after testing with a hose creating pooling at the front.
I don't like the black webbing
Could do with another bar in middle creating a pitched roof, like most of the other brands
Skull cap would be better with velcro to create the tautness where needed
Struggled to get front infil taut
How it performs for its purpose is a different matter I will be using for 3 nights in a couple of weeks. Biggest concern is very high winds, have a feeling the poles could warp very easily.
Overall for 500 quid for bivvy, groundsheet, infil, skull cap and overwrap I'd say there is some value there. I wouldn't say it's mega cheap though. I've had the tempest, pioneer and the finish is much higher quality on the little details fittings, poles, zippers.
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In reply to Post #22
I never bought the skull cap. I went for the inner capsule. I wish I had of got the scull cap now lol.
Any tips for putting it up?
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In reply to Post #21
I've managed to get the knack now lol. It's up in garden. What i would say the skull cap isn't a great fit , loose in places and they are clipped apart from the front 2. The mk2 had velcro which I think is a better option as you can adjust them all
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In reply to Post #20
I'm out fishing later and going to use it so I'll let you know.
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In reply to Post #18
Let me know how you get on , I tried but failed miserably that way
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In reply to Post #14
Yeah my mk1 found a new home very quickly
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In reply to Post #17
I've not put mine up yet. I did ask matt for a video which he sent straight away, and he does make it look easy.
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In reply to Post #16
I think I'll give it a go, I was a bit harsh on it first off due to the finish I.e chrome zips and just the general screw joints isn't as good as the bigger companies and also unsure about the mesh holding the frame, I think normal bivvy material would be better. Also cannot seem to get it to go up easy . Watched all the videos and what to do but it's not behaving like matt shows in his video, it just wamts to fold back on itself. Skull cap never arrived either. I do like the zip in groundsheet though and it's pretty compact when packed away. plus the material inside and out seems decent enough.
My ocd doesn't like that the front bar locks aren't on same side, but looks like the arm can be removed easily enough from the block, rotated and put back?
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I have had all 3 models...
The mk 3 has more space..
I had one bit of the plastic block break on the Mk1..
New upgraded was sent next day.
They have all been waterproof.
Dark and cool.. I have used skull cap for them all... And the utility front.
I am harsh on my gear . These take the abuse with ease.
The zip in groundsheet is nice.
Plenty of room for my solar sp tec bedchair.
Zero condensation.i leave vapour sheild in all time.
If had to pick and find fault... The d rings and zip pullers chrome.. .not so carpy.
The storm poles swivel attachments do come unscrewed.. just thread lock but not nipped up..
Even the bag it comes in has proved long lasting and big enough for bivvy and skull cap.
The height was the best thing that attracted me in first place. I get in and out with ease..
If I lost it ... Next day I would buy another...
Yes I pay for them all in full.
Used all year round and several week sessions in France each year.
Oh I did need to tighten screws on the alloy center boss once..
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In reply to Post #14
Just put it up. Cheap and nasty joints,etc and bloody hard to put up. Material seems nice though. Just not finished with any quality.
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In reply to Post #1
I hope the quality has improved over the mk1, mine was dreadful quality and went back for a refund. I also found the sloping front left little room.
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In reply to Post #12
So have I. With cap and wrap. Although probably only use cap
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In reply to Post #11
Just ordered a green one - I'll let you guys know how I get on with it.
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In reply to Post #8
Anyone used it in proper rain yet? The front porch looks quite flat, just wondering whether any issues with pooling water...cheers
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In reply to Post #8
It does say 10 internal pockets, but I think that was for the inner dome?
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In reply to Post #1
I am on the verge of getting the bivvy, skull cap and wrap. Reviews seem extremely good. Only negative I see is no internal pockets in the bivvy alone and the rod straps are a bit basic. Very tempted.
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In reply to Post #6
Sound nice one Chris
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In reply to Post #5
Yes they are doing the mk3 in both green and dpm
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In reply to Post #2
The Mk3 looks great. Do they do it in green or just camo dpm?
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In reply to Post #3
Not too popular yet then ?😂
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following this thread as it does look decent for the money
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In reply to Post #1
I have both the MK2 and Mk3.
The MK2 is excellent. Well made, breathable "TEX " type blackout 20000mm material and I love the zip in goundsheet.
It is however quite a compact 1 man, which is why I ordered the Mk3, which apparently has much more useable space.
The full inner capsule and extra vents also sold it for me.
I haven't put it up yet, as it arrived while I am away working, but it will I'm sure be a considerable upgrade on the Mk2 , which is excellent itself.
Buy with confidence, in my opinion.
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Hi all, going to be in need of a new bivvy soon. Current tempest is starting to come apart , had a fair bit of use over the years so doesn’t really owe me much. . Baulked at the price of a new one tho. 😡
Anyone got a mk3 defier. At first glance looks ok , but would like someone’s honest verdict ,cheers
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