Bivi Pole (Extendable) - Small
[AABIVI]

Bivi Poles aren't really the sort of thing that makes a young man's heart go boom so when I was given a set to review by RVOps I just about managed to restrain my excitement. Having had them for 3 months and tested them in some of the most unpleasant field conditions that Dartmoor has to offer I'm a total convert!

If you haven't seen RVOps Bivi Poles before then they are similar to walking poles in that they have a twist lock telescope ation that means they are easily extendable but at the same time pack down to a nice small size. The ones that I had were of a new improved design which makes them lighter, stronger, longer and a much thinner design than before. Despite this they are very robust and I should know having given them a really good beasting.

For the first real test I found myself in an observation post on a tor in the midst of one of Dartmoor's frequent storms. Once in position and with 'eyes on' target we set about trying to put up some top cover to shield us from the elements, we tried many ways to keep the bivvi up but the winds kept ripping it from the rock face. I then tried extending my Bivi Poles between the faces of two rocks and wedged my bivi in between pole and rock thus forming a roof of some description. The shelter stayed erected for a further 4 days bearing the brunt of the weather trying to tear the poles from their feeble perch.

After closing the OP we returned to a secure location for debriefs and make plans for subsequent attacks. As we were in a secure location it was feasible to set up 'high as you can make them' admin bivis, once again my now (team named)'gucci poles' were put to use. These new poles are considerably longer than your bog standard pole, enabling us to sit comfortably out of the rain in our palace and conduct our admin.

Up until this present date I have been using these poles and not once have they let me down. Many thanks! These new poles are of an excellent design and the team could not recommend them highly enough. For such a simple item they fulfil a very important task and these Bivi Poles are brilliant. On a scale of 1-10 they score an easy and well deserved 10 out of 10 pass.

Date Added: 26/10/2010 by Arrse Reviews