There’s a lot of discussion on Facebook at the moment about Bivvy Heaters, with people asking why we don’t just wear better clothing or use a decent sleeping bag with hot water bottles.
The thing is, everyone is different. If, like me, you suffer from poor circulation and get cold very easily, it doesn’t matter how much money you spend on clothing; after a day sitting on the bank watching the water, I can still end up absolutely freezing.
The only time I’m really warm is when I’m tucked up in my sleeping bag with a hot water bottle. But I can’t spend 24 or 48 hours stuck inside my sleeping bag!
I’ve spent a small fortune on decent clothing, but I still struggle with the cold during the day. For me, a bivvy heater isn’t a luxury; it’s what makes winter fishing bearable.
The obvious answer is to stay at home and not go fishing, but I honestly don’t think my mental health would thank me for spending the whole winter stuck indoors. Being out on the bank, watching the water, enjoying the peace and quiet, and being close to nature is a massive part of what keeps me going.
That’s why I use a heater, and I’m sure there are plenty of other anglers who have their own reasons for doing the same.
I wish I didn’t need one, and I’d much rather be comfortable without it. But we’re all different, and what works for one angler doesn’t necessarily work for another.
⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
If you use a bivvy heater, please make sure it is suitable for the environment you’re using it in and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding ventilation and safe operation.
Never use a fuel-burning heater in a sealed or inadequately ventilated space. Carbon monoxide is odourless, potentially fatal, and can build up without you realising it. Never sleep with a fuel-burning heater running unless the manufacturer explicitly states that it is safe to do so under those conditions. A carbon monoxide detector is an important extra precaution, but it does not replace proper ventilation and safe operation.
Please stay safe out there this winter. No fish is worth risking your life for. 🎣
Perhaps before judging someone for using a bivvy heater, it’s worth remembering that you don’t always know the reasons behind their choices.
Hope this helps
Richard
