General:
Q: How do I set up a Tempest shelter?
A: All Tempest shelters are supplied with a "Know Your Bivvy" leaflet with set-up instructions enclosed. A digital copy of the same instructions can be found by online.
Q: Can I leave a Skull Cap on during set-up and pack-down?
A: Our Tempest Skull Caps have been designed in such a way that they can be left on when packing down. Be mindful to make sure all the material is neatly tucked into the folds of the shelter while doing this.
Q: Can I leave the front zipped-in for set-up and pack-down?
A: We strongly advise that infills be removed when packing down; this will relieve any extra stress on the material, zips and poles, avoiding any possible breakages.
Q: Do I always need to use storm poles with my shelter?
A: Due to the free-standing nature of the Tempest shelter range, it is not required to use Quicksticks. If you want extra stability, then you can use the Quicksticks provided or purchase some 36” Quicksticks if you use a Tempest Brolly 100.
Q: Which storm poles do I need?
A: All Aquatexx EV shelters come complete with Quicksticks; however, our Brolly 100 and Brolly 100T are modular systems, which require you to purchase Quicksticks separately. For the Brolly 100, you will need 36" Quicksticks and for the taller 100T Brolly, you will require 48" Quicksticks. Click here to view all available Quicksticks.
Q: Do I need to use a tension strap? And are they supplied with all Tempests?
A: Each Tempest comes supplied with a tension strap as standard; however, a groundsheet acts in the same way as a tension strap would, so only one is required at a time. If you prefer not to use groundsheets, we advise using the tension strap to help create the unique "Tempest" shape.
Q: Do I need to dry the shelter fully if I pack it away wet?
A: We always recommend that you don't pack a wet shelter away. If this isn't possible, please make sure to unpack the shelter and dry it completely within 24 hours to keep it from getting damaged.
Q: Can the inner capsule be left in place when packing down?
A: Tempest inner capsules can be left in place during set-up and pack-down, but we advise taking extra care to spread the shelter and capsule out before disengaging the erection handle. To get rid of any tension, it's imperative that the inner capsule be untoggled where the tension strap hook is located.
Q: How do I fit the skull cap clips?
A: Each Skull Cap comes with an easy-to-follow instruction manual showing you how to fit them. Additionally, an online version of this instruction manual can be found here.
Q: Can I purchase spares for tempest shelters and accessories?
A: Yes, we have a dedicated website with a selection of spares available, please visit www.cipherspares.co.uk.
Q: Is it easy to replace a pole elastic, how can I do it?
A: Yes, it is very easy to replace the elastic; here’s a guide to show you how it's done.
Q: Blistering has appeared on the inside of my Aquatexx EV shelter; is this normal?
A: The coating applied to the inner surface of the base fabric is designed to minimise condensation. Small dimples may form on the inside of the shelter as the inner coating absorbs moisture and repels it through the outer fabric. This will be more apparent during periods of heavy rain or humid conditions, when condensation build-up would normally be at a high level. This is a temporary physical effect and when dried out, this bubbling effect will disappear.
Q: My Tempest is damaged; do you offer a repair service?
A: No, unfortunately, we no longer offer a repair service. If you deem your shelter has a manufacturing fault, please contact your retailer for details about how to process a warranty claim. This can only be done in the first 12 months of your purchase, so please retain your receipt as proof of purchase.
Q: I’ve snapped the bolt on the front of my Tempest. Do you sell spares?
A: Yes, you can purchase spare bolts via our dedicated spares website.
Q: How can I clean my Tempest/Bivvy?
A: We advise regularly cleaning your bivvy to preserve its life. We have a detailed care and maintenance guide; please click here to read it.
Q: What is the difference between the materials used? Aquatexx and 210D.
A: Our tempest shelters are made from two materials: 210D polyester and our unique Aquatexx EV. The main difference is weight: 210D is a lightweight polyester offering a 10,000mm hydrostatic head waterproof rating. Our unique Aquatexx EV is our more premium material, which is a heavyweight, fully breathable fabric offering an industry-leading 25,000mm hydrostatic head waterproof rating.
Condensation Management
Q: Is my bivvy leaking, or is it condensation?
A: It is highly unlikely your bivvy will be leaking as Trakker bivvies are made using the latest, highly waterproof fabrics with strong seams, which are then carefully tape sealed to keep the worst of the weather out. The reason for water inside your bivvy will usually be condensation.
Q: Why does my bivvy condensate?
A: Condensation is caused by warm air on the inside of the bivvy hitting the relatively cool fabric, causing it to turn into moisture. Condensation can show in various forms, from droplets inside the bivvy to patches generally around the head end, or in some cases all over.
Q: What makes condensation worse?
A: Heavy rainfall can increase condensation, often misleading people into thinking their bivvy is leaking. This is because rainwater on the outside of a tent or rainwater evaporating from fabric rapidly cools the fabric and causes condensation as the warm air inside hits it.
Q: How do I minimise condensation inside my bivvy during use?
A: Use a wrap, skull cap or inner capsule where possible. These bivvy accessories are designed to create an air cavity between the inner and outer fabrics, which reduces condensation significantly. Still, in the worst cases, they might not be able to get rid of it completely, but in most cases, they help a lot.
Increase ventilation. A single person can produce more than one litre of perspiration in a night, so an effective way of reducing condensation is by leaving your door and/or vents open (weather permitting).
Use a ground sheet. A huge amount of moisture comes up through the ground, so using a groundsheet prevents it from entering your bivvy.
Never cook or use heaters inside your bivvy. The key point here is safety. It is extremely dangerous to use heating devices inside your bivvy. Cooking releases large amounts of moisture into your bivvy; that’s why we use extractor fans in our kitchens at home, therefore always cook outside of your bivvy. In cold conditions, rather than heating your bivvy, we recommend using the right clothing and sleeping bags.
Keep off the bivvy fabric. It is sometimes hard to avoid, but your bed, chairs, bags, or other items should not be touching bivvy fabric, as this can increase the effects of condensation.
Store wet items outside: You should not be drying damp stuff inside your bivvy, such as clothing, towels, boots, etc. This can make the effects of condensation much more severe.
Avoid being too sheltered. Ventilation can be helped by a natural breeze, while an area that is too sheltered can cause condensation.
Have a dry towel available. If the conditions are very severe, particularly in humid conditions where you have followed the guidelines and you are still getting a condensation build-up, simply use a dry, clean towel to wipe the condensation away.