ESP · Brolly
ESP Lo-Pro MK2 Brolly
Short session and mobile anglers who want a genuinely lightweight overnight capable brolly at an honest price
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The WhichBivvy Verdict
The ESP Lo-Pro MK2 is built around a simple idea that ESP have executed properly – a brolly light enough to carry without a barrow, that still gives you a genuine overnight capable shelter rather than just a rain umbrella.
At 3.7kg shelter only and packing down to 173cm, it fits inside most carp rod quivers, which means you can genuinely carry it alongside your rods without a separate bag taking up space.
The freestanding design is the standout feature. Most brollies at this price point need storm poles to stay upright in anything beyond a light breeze.
The Lo-Pro MK2 holds its own in most weather conditions without them, thanks to the tough 8mm fibreglass ribs throughout the frame. The space saver mechanism inside maximises headroom for the footprint, and the wide skirt running around the outer edge is genuinely useful for stashing a holdall or rucksack under cover.
At 5,000mm hydrostatic head the waterproofing is entry level, and ESP do not pretend otherwise – this is explicitly aimed at the short session and overnight angler who wants to travel light and stay mobile rather than the angler doing multi-night winter campaigns.
The inner light-proof laminate is a nice touch that most brollies at this price skip, helping block sunlight through the material for better daytime sleep.
A dedicated heavy duty groundsheet, overwrap and mozzy mesh panel are all available separately, which means you can build the Lo-Pro MK2 out into a more complete system as your needs and budget allow, rather than being forced to buy everything upfront.
Key Features
See It In Action
Full Specifications
- Capacity
- 1 Man
- Width
- 230cm
- Depth
- 170cm
- Height
- 115cm
- Weight
- 3.4kg
- Hydrostatic Head
- 5,000mm
- Setup Type
- Quick-erect
- Model Year
- 2024
How Does It Stack Up?
Pick a second bivvy and compare specs side by side
Pros & Cons
What we like
- 3.7kg shelter weight is genuinely light for an overnight capable shelter
- Packed length of 173cm fits inside most standard carp rod quivers
- Freestanding design holds its own in most weather without storm poles
- 8mm fibreglass ribs throughout give a surprisingly rigid structure for the weight
- Space saver mechanism maximises internal headroom for the compact footprint
- Inner light-proof laminate helps block sunlight for better daytime sleep
- Wide waterproof skirt protects luggage stored underneath from damp and dirt
- Groundsheet, overwrap and mozzy mesh all available separately to build out the system
Watch out for
- 5,000mm hydrostatic head is entry level and not suitable for hard winter fishing
- 115cm maximum height means most anglers will be crouching to get in and out
- Groundsheet is not included as standard and is a separate purchase
- No mozzy mesh included as standard, also sold separately
- Compact 230cm by 170cm footprint is tight for larger bedchairs
- Height adjustable design means less internal space at lower settings
Should You Buy This Bivvy?
Buy it if...
- You want a genuinely light overnight capable shelter that fits in your rod quiver
- You do short sessions and overnighters and want to stay mobile between swims
- You want a freestanding brolly that does not require storm poles in most conditions
- You are prepared to add groundsheet, overwrap and mozzy mesh separately as budget allows
- You fish fair weather to moderate conditions and 5,000mm waterproofing is adequate
Look elsewhere if...
- You fish regularly through autumn and winter and need higher waterproofing
- You want a groundsheet and mozzy mesh included as standard rather than separate purchases
- You are tall and need more than 115cm of maximum height
- You want the widest possible footprint for a large bedchair
- You need a shelter with a full accessory ecosystem built in from day one
Best Suited For...
Short session and mobile anglers who want a genuinely lightweight overnight capable brolly at an honest price
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Hydrostatic Head Rating On The Esp Lo-pro Mk2 Brolly?
The ESP Lo-Pro MK2 uses 210D PU backed polyester fabric with a 5,000mm hydrostatic head rating. This is an entry-level waterproofing rating suitable for fair weather and moderate rain during short sessions and overnight stays.
ESP position this explicitly as a shelter for the short session and overnight angler who wants to travel light, rather than a hard winter campaign shelter. For regular winter use the separately available overwrap significantly improves both waterproofing and insulation.
Does The Esp Lo-pro Mk2 Need Storm Poles To Stay Up?
No, not in most conditions. The freestanding design with 8mm fibreglass ribs throughout the frame holds its own without storm poles in typical UK weather.
This is one of the genuine advantages of the design over cheaper brolly alternatives that require storm poles even in moderate wind. Storm poles can still be added for extra security in very exposed swims or severe weather.
What Comes Included With The Esp Lo-pro Mk2 Brolly And What Is Sold Separately?
The Lo-Pro MK2 comes with the shelter itself and 8 pegs at 4.4kg total weight. The heavy duty groundsheet, overwrap and mozzy mesh panel are all available separately from ESP and are designed specifically to fit this model.
This modular approach means you only pay for what you need, though it is worth factoring the additional cost of a groundsheet into your total budget if you plan to use it regularly.
How Compact Is The Esp Lo-pro Mk2 When Packed Down?
The Lo-Pro MK2 packs down to 173cm in length, which ESP specifically designed to fit inside most standard carp rod quivers. This is a genuinely useful feature for mobile anglers as it means the shelter can be carried alongside your rods rather than needing a separate large bivvy bag.
Shelter weight without the bag and pegs is 3.7kg, rising to 4.4kg with the bag and 8 pegs included.