Elan

The Elan is a light and packable waterproof shelter, ideal for multi-day backpacking and bikepacking trips when you can’t outrun the weather forever.

• More protection and comfort than a traditional bivvy
• Self-supporting head canopy for pitching anywhere
• Compact packsize for backpacking and strapping to handlebars

The head canopy offers much more relative comfort than a bivvy bag (plus no wet faces) for a minor weight penalty. When the storm clouds roll in you can just zip the canopy shut for a protected and dry night’s sleep.

The crossed pole design is completely free-standing, quick to put up, and stable in the event of strong winds or snowfall. The low-profile design, combined with undergrowth-coloured fabric, also makes for a particularly discreet wild camping set-up. (Unless you’re in snow. Or a red sand desert.)

The mesh panel at the back maintains air flow without letting in the midgies (essential in the Highlands in summer!) and a roll-away storm flap stops the rain getting in.

We were able to use fabric with a waterproof performance closer to that of tent flysheets (10K HH) due to the increased water run-off provided by the canopy. The 70D nylon also offers much greater durability than ultralight backpacking tents. The zipped side entry was inspired by military-style bivouacs, allowing you to easily slip in and out during the night.

Product Developer Rowan has managed to squeeze his 6 foot 4 frame, a Dozer camping mat and an AlpineDream 800 sleeping bag inside, but it’s optimised for use with a PipeDream 400 and a Numo.

“I first field-tested the Elan by riding the Trans-Cambrian Way with Customer Service Hero Josh,” says Rowan. “I stayed dry despite an exceptionally wet night, but I did feel bad zipping up the canopy while Josh had his face rained on all night!”