Aqua Carbon Compact

RRP: £499.99

Talk and speculation about new products from Aqua is nothing new, but the amount of talk done online and on the bank regarding the Carbon Compact bivvy has exceeded anything from the past. Originally destined to be launched in 2010, Aqua have held back on this new shelter for reasons unknown, but when UKMA were asked to review the bivvy prior to the launch, we literally jumped at the chance, and after a couple of days on the bank with the Carbon Compact, we have written our findings.

The Carbon Compact is one of the new generation pramhood style bivvy's in that it only has two main ribs, instead of the traditional three. The two rib structure significantly lightens the weight of the shelter and also speeds up erection and dismantling of the product. Aqua have taken the design one step further and instead of using aluminium or alloy pole for the ribs, they have looked into the carbon fibre market and come up with a lightweight rib system that will not let the angler down in virtually any angling conditions. The carbon poles have been constructed from 24T carbon fibre with a 3K weave which keep the weight down but does not affect the strength. The carbon poles are all of a 3 piece/2 join construction that has the de facto standard elasticated bungee cord running through the centre of them. The joints of the poles are finished with metal collars on both male and female sections which allow for easy assembly and most importantly, disassembly as the joints come apart quite easy compared to other similar designed shelters.

Aqua have also provided a removable peak to the front of the Carbon Compact. Some anglers use the same shelter for all of their angling, and during day only sessions or overnighters in the sumer where the risk of inclement weather is minimal, they may not want to use a peak. When removed there is a small section of fabric that is left attached to the front of the bivvy which is out of the way and willnot obstruct view with the front completely open. The peak is kept rigid when in use by a slimmer carbon pole that slots in to a lug on either side of the bivvy front and the peak is kept extended an completely in place by a short tension pole that attaches between the peak pole and the front rib of the bivvy itself.

A full set of frame support poles are provided with the Carbon Compact that utilise an inline clip function that aligns the poles in a straight line. A full set of high quality T pegs are also provided.

Aqua have stuck with the tried and tested Aquatexx material that was first used in the M2 range of pramhood shelters. Aquatexx is one of the new breed of intelligent materials that will contract or expand to remain tensioned regardless of the atmospheric conditions. With a hydrostatic head of 14000mm, you can be certain that you will be kept warm and dry on the bank. Aquatexx is also breathable which will minimise condenstation should you wish to fish with the bivvy zipped up or without the groundsheet.

The groundsheet supplied with the Carbon Compact is of the typical Aqua quality in being a heavy duty rubberised material that will not rip or tear at the slightest touch from gravel or other hard materials on the bank. Underneath the groundsheet, Aqua have placed pegging rings at the same points as where the main bivvy points are as well as two hooks on the central area. These two rings are used to affix the bivvy to the groundsheet to obtain the perfect tension for keeping the shelter erected as well ensuring that the fit between the bivvy and groundsheet is perfect. For the angler that does not wish to use a groundsheet, Aqua also include a tension strap that attaches across the centre by use of carabiner clips.

The dimensions of the Carbon Compact are 260cm (w) x 185cm (d) x 124cm (h). The weight of the shelter is very good for the style with the main bivvy weighing in at 4.5kg without the fornt panel, groundsheet or pegs. This puts the Carbon Compact on par with a brolly and stormsides with regards to weight. The front panel weighs an additional 1.5kg, and the groundsheet a more than acceptable 2kg given the heavy duty nature. The complete package including groundsheet, pegs, support bars, etc comes in at 9.5kg, which is lighter than some other similar style shelters without all the sundry items.

On the reverse of the Carbon Compact, there is a panel that can be opened to give a mosquito mesh panel which allows air flow through the bivvy during the hottest of days. The panel rolls up neatly and can be tucked away under the top of the panel. On the front of the bivvy, Aqua have given the angler an almost perfect option of configurations to suit the anglers requirements. The front panel itself can be completely unzipped and removed for those days where you know that you are not going to require it and give the angler the maximum amount of view from inside.

The front panel also has mosquito mesh windows in the side panels that are covered by Aquatexx panels which are held close by zips and velcro to keep everything neat and element proof. The panels can be rolled back where they are kept in place by two unique clips that I had not seen before used on a bivvy. These clips are flat with a push button latch that does not cause bulk when the panel is rolled up. The door system allows itself to be unzipped from either the top or the bottom, and also has a panel which covers a mosquito mesh window. Aqua also include a clear plastic window option in the package for the worst that the elements can throw at the angler and still allow for good vision and light entry when zipped up.

Aqua have provided a video clip on how to erect the Carbon Compact which can be viewed below.

Aqua have also had the foresight to provide a bag that is plenty big enough to fit the bivvy and sundry items into without worrying about popping zips or requiring brute force. The bag provided opens via a 3 sided zip at the top that allows the flap to fold back fully. At each end of the bag, there is a neoprene handle to will make removal from the car or off a barrow simplicity. Aqua have also fitted a neoprene handle on the side for carrying. On the top side of the bag is a pocket that can be used to store bivvy pegs and the tension strap in, as well as three thin pockets designed to house the frame support system. Aqua really have put some thought into something that is forgotten about by a lot of manufacturers.

Final Thoughts

After using the Carbon Compact on a recent session, I can honestly say that it is a fantastic piece of kit. When people hear the word compact, they automatically think that it is going to be small. I managed to get all the equipment that I took with me inside the bivvy with room to move about still. The bedchair and sleeping bag did not touch the sides of the bivvy at all, and although the height is lower than the other pramhood bivvy's in the Aqua range, I was able to sit upright on the bedchair without my head touching the roof. I was able to erect the Carbon Compact in no time at all and although I didn't time it, I would say that it took less time to erect than brolly system with front panel and groundsheet. During the 36 hours session, the weather was changable to say the least with a constant wind in double figures and gusts to over 20mph being frequent, yet the Carbon Compact remained solid and I felt no fear at all of the shelter letting me down.

If I hadn't already just taken receipt of a top end bivvy, I would have been pleading with Aqua to let me keep this, as it really is worth every penny of the asking price. Is the Carbon Compact the perfect bivvy? I can not say that it is the "perfect bivvy" as there are no plans at this time for a winter skin option, but as a single skin shelter, it is pretty close to gaining that description.

For information on any of the products in the Aqua range, please click the image below.