A PEAK PERFORMER!
Carpfeed tackle editor Marc Coulson reveals how his much-loved Tempest V2 has become even better with an ingenious add-on feature
THE ease with which it goes up and down, rock-solid stability, huge internal space, and the superb Aquatexx material from which it is made all combine to make Trakker’s Tempest V2 a king among shelters.
However, when using mine I always felt that there was one slight quibble. Unlike pram-hood-style bivvies, the Tempest never featured a peak and, so, in rainy conditions, it lacked that little bit of extra coverage. More recently, though, I have coupled mine with the Skull Cap.
This is a genuinely ingenious addition which, within just a few seconds of attaching it, creates the perfect peak complete with rain gutter. What’s more, it can be left on the Tempest in between trips, although I have to confess that I remove mine, as I then find the bivvy a bit easier to pack away.
Attaching the Skull Cap is a doddle, thanks to some small clips which you fit to each rib of the Tempest frame. This is best done at home before you take it out for its first trip.
These are really easy to fit – there’s a small tool included – and then they remain in place permanently afterwards. Don’t make the mistake I did, which was to over-tighten these, otherwise it becomes a pain to fit the Skull Cap on the bank.
Once in your swim you insert the three small poles (around 10ins long) of the Skull Cap into the front of the Tempest and throw the material over the top. Velcro straps then fit into the aforementioned clips, and it’s all done and dusted. Not only does this form the perfect peak, by creating a second layer over the top, but it also eliminates condensation. Trakker’s Insect Panel, which creates a complete mozzi-mesh front, can be used in conjunction with the Skull Cap, although it does need to be fitted first.