The Trakker Tempest RS Review: Is the “Rapid Shelter” Worth the Premium Price Tag?

If you’ve been on the bank recently, you’ve likely seen the distinctive black block and flat back of a Trakker Tempest. It is arguably the most popular bivvy design of the last decade. But with the launch of the Tempest RS (Rapid Shelter) range, Trakker claims to have made the best even better.

With a price tag that can make your eyes water—ranging from around £450 for the brolly to over £1,000 for the full RS 200 system—the big question is: Is it actually worth the money?

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what makes the RS range special, how it beats the competition, and which model suits your style of angling.

What is the Tempest RS?

The “RS” stands for Rapid Shelter. While the original Tempest was fast, the RS introduces a new Rapid Knuckle System.

In simple terms, Trakker has moved the locking mechanism from the inside of the poles to the outside. Instead of reaching inside to lock arms in place, you now just fan the bivvy out and click the knuckles into place externally. It allows you to erect the entire shelter in literally less than 10 seconds.

Why is it “Better” Than Other Shelters?

When you compare the Tempest RS to its main rivals—the Nash Titan and the Fox Frontier—there are three specific areas where the RS pulls ahead:

1. The Block Mechanics (Vs. Nash Titan) The Nash Titan is legendary for strength, but its central block can be fiddly, often requiring you to pull aggressively to tension the frame. The Tempest RS block is purely mechanical; you fan it out, and the “knuckles” lock instantly. There is no wrestling with tension straps or heavy frames. It is faster and requires less physical strength to set up.

2. The Flat Back Design (Vs. Traditional Brollies) Most brollies and dome tents lose huge amounts of internal space due to the spoke mechanism or rounded back. The Tempest RS has a near-vertical flat back. This means your bedchair can be pushed right to the back of the shelter, giving you significantly more floor space at the front for bags, cooking gear, and muddy boots.

3. Aquatexx™ Material Trakker’s proprietary Aquatexx™ is widely considered the gold standard in bivvy fabric. It has a 25,000mm Hydrostatic Head rating (most standard tents are 5,000mm–10,000mm). It doesn’t just stop rain; it breathes exceptionally well, reducing condensation, and features a “blackout” pigment that keeps the shelter darker and cooler in summer.

The RS Range: Which One is For You?

Trakker has split the range into four distinct sizes. Here is how to pick the right one.

1. Tempest RS Brolly

Best Suited For: The mobile angler, overnighters, and tight swims.
The Details: This is the stripped-back version. It is incredibly light and has a smaller footprint. It’s perfect if you want to move onto fish quickly or fit into tiny overgrown swims where a full bivvy won’t fit.
Compromise: You lose some headroom compared to the bigger models.

2. Tempest RS 100

Best Suited For: The standard “one-man” angler doing 24-48 hour sessions.
The Details: This is the “Goldilocks” size. It fits one bedchair and all your tackle comfortably without being a behemoth. If you fish a variety of venues (commercials and club lakes), this is the one to buy.

3. Tempest RS 150

Best Suited For: The angler who wants luxury or takes a dog/partner occasionally.
The Details: The “150” size refers to it being a “one-and-a-half man” size. It has extra headroom (you can sit on your bed without hunching) and extra width. It’s ideal for week-long sessions in France or if you simply hate being cramped.

4. Tempest RS 200

Best Suited For: Two anglers or long-stay European trips.
The Details: A true two-man fortress. You can fit two bedchairs side-by-side with a walkway in the middle. It is massive, heavy, and practically a small house.

The Accessories: Unlocking the Full Potential

The Tempest is a “modular” system. You buy the shelter, and then you tailor it with accessories. Note: This is where the cost adds up.

Skull Cap: (Highly Recommended) This adds a peak to the front of the bivvy (stopping rain dripping in the door) and creates a second skin on the roof to massively reduce condensation.
Insect Panel: A magnetic mozzie mesh that zips into the front. Essential for summer fishing to keep the bugs out while keeping the airflow maxed.
Social Cap: This is a game-changer. It is a huge extension that zips onto the front, doubling the floor space. It creates a porch area where you can sit with friends, cook, or store huge amounts of bait. It effectively turns a 1-man bivvy into a 2-man social hub.
Inner Capsule: A fully enclosed inner mesh tent (with built-in groundsheet) that clips inside. This seals you off from rodents, bugs, and condensation drips.

The Verdict: Is it Worth the Price Tag?

Yes, but with a caveat.

If you only fish in fair weather for the odd night here and there, a £200 shelter will keep you dry just fine. The Tempest RS is overkill for the casual angler.

However, the Tempest RS is worth the investment if:

You fish in all weathers: The stability in high winds is unmatched. You will sleep soundly in a gale while other anglers are holding their brollies down.
Time is precious: The setup speed is genuine. If you arrive at the lake after work in the dark, having your house up in 10 seconds is priceless.
Resale Value: Trakker Tempests hold their value incredibly well. If you look after it, you can often sell it 3 years later for 60-70% of what you paid.

Bottom Line: The Trakker Tempest RS is the “Rolls Royce” of bankside accommodation. It is expensive, yes, but it is likely the last bivvy you will ever need to buy.