Ridgemonkey: The Ultimate Guide to Their Innovative Angling Gear

Walk down any busy bankside and you're bound to see it: the distinctive black and green of premium angling gear. But when you see the Ridgemonkey logo, it’s easy to wonder if the products are worth the price tag. With a huge range of innovative gadgets, from cooking systems to advanced power packs, it can be overwhelming to figure out what you truly need and what’s just a luxury. Are you struggling to keep your phone and bivvy light charged during a long session, or just want to make your bankside life a bit more comfortable?

If you've ever felt that way, you're in the right place. In this ultimate guide, we're cutting through the noise to show you why Ridgemonkey is a favourite among so many successful anglers. We'll explore their hero products, from the game-changing Quad Connect Stove to the essential Vault C-Smart Power Packs, helping you understand which items are genuine game-changers. By the end, you'll feel confident choosing the right gear to elevate your fishing, making every session more efficient and enjoyable.

Who is Ridgemonkey? From One Bright Idea to an Angling Powerhouse

Every now and then, a brand comes along that completely changes the game. In the angling world, that brand is Ridgemonkey. Founded in 2014 by a group of dedicated anglers, the company was born from a single, simple idea: to create thoughtful products that they wanted to use themselves. Their core philosophy has always been about solving problems on the bank, making every session more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable.

It all started with the now-legendary Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster, a product that quickly became a must-have for any overnight carp angler. This focus on practical, high-quality gear is what made them an instant hit in the carp fishing scene and beyond.

To see some of their iconic cookware in action, check out this great review from the team at Caravan Carpers:

More Than Just Gadgets

While they started with cookware, Ridgemonkey quickly expanded their innovative approach to all aspects of angling. Their product range now covers everything from advanced bankside power solutions and clever tackle storage to durable luggage and practical clothing. They don't just make gadgets; they create a complete system for improving your entire experience on the bank. Here at the shop, we've seen their quality first-hand, which is why we stock their gear – we believe in it.

Why Anglers Trust the Ape

So, why has this brand earned such a loyal following? It's simple: their products work, and they last. Anglers trust them because of:

• Build Quality: Every item is built to withstand the tough conditions of bankside life. Durability is at the heart of their design.
• Clever Design: You’ll find countless thoughtful features designed specifically for anglers, from magnetic closures on tackle boxes to waterproof ratings on their power packs.
• Rigorous Testing: Before any product hits the shelves, it's put through its paces by a team of highly experienced anglers, ensuring it performs flawlessly when it matters most.

The Bankside Cooking Revolution: More Than Just a Toaster

If there's one product category that truly defines the ridgemonkey brand, it's their bankside cooking gear. They single-handedly transformed what was possible for a hot meal by the water, moving anglers away from basic sandwiches to cooking full, gourmet-style meals with ease. The secret lies in their innovative design and use of quality materials, like the market-leading fluoropolymer non-stick coatings that make both cooking and cleaning up a simple job.

The Famous Connect Sandwich Toasters & Griddles

At the heart of the range is the iconic Connect Sandwich Toaster. Its clever double-pan design, held together by strong magnetic locking handles, can be used as a single enclosed pan or split into two separate frying pans. This versatility means you can cook anything from a classic cheese toastie to a full English breakfast or even a curry. Available in Standard and XL sizes, there's a perfect option for every appetite.

Kettles, Cookware, and Accessories

Beyond the famous toaster, the range extends to a complete kitchen system. Their square kettles are a game-changer for saving space in your carryall, and the ThermoMugs keep your brew warm for hours. For longer, more social sessions, the Grilla BBQ offers a portable and efficient way to cook for you and your mates. To complete the setup, Ridgemonkey offers durable plates, cutlery sets, and clever modular storage solutions to keep everything organised.

Choosing Your Cooking Setup

Your ideal setup depends entirely on your angling style. A day session angler might only need a Connect Toaster and a square kettle for a hot drink and a quick meal. However, the long-stay carper planning a week-long trip will benefit from a more comprehensive kit. Here’s a simple checklist for a complete bankside kitchen:

• A reliable stove
• Connect Combi or Toaster
• Square Kettle
• Plates, mugs, and cutlery
• GorillaBox storage for food and supplies

Building the right ridgemonkey kit ensures you eat well and stay comfortable on the bank. Ready to upgrade your bankside dining? Explore our full Ridgemonkey cooking range here and find the perfect setup for your next session.

Never Lose Power Again: The Vault Tech Range

There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a great session, only to see your phone battery flash red. In today's connected world, a dead phone, headtorch, or even laptop can cut a trip short. That’s exactly the problem the ridgemonkey Vault Tech range was designed to solve, giving you a reliable power source you can trust when you're miles from a mains socket.

Built around high-quality Lithium Polymer internals, these power packs are tough, dependable, and hold their charge exceptionally well. Whether you just need a small top-up for your phone or enough juice to power a laptop for a week-long trip, there's a Vault Power Pack to suit your needs, with various sizes and outputs available to match your angling style.

The Vault C-Smart Power Pack Explained

At the heart of the range is the Vault C-Smart Power Pack. Think of it as a portable wall socket for the bankside. It's built to charge everything from your phone and tablet to more demanding gear, thanks to its super-fast USB-C Power Delivery port. When you see different capacity numbers, just think of it in simple terms: a larger number means more charges. For example, a mid-range model can recharge a modern smartphone over 15 times, giving you more than enough power for a long weekend session.

Essential Bankside Lighting

Power is one thing, but light is just as crucial for those overnight sessions. The Vault range works seamlessly with the excellent ridgemonkey bankside lighting, like the Bivvy Lite and the VRH Headtorches. These aren't just any lights; they come with handy features that anglers truly appreciate:

• Multiple colour options, including red to preserve your night vision.
• Variable brightness settings to create the perfect amount of light.
• Convenient remote controls on select Bivvy Lite models.

Best of all, when they run low, you simply plug them straight into your Vault Power Pack to recharge. It’s a complete, reliable system designed to keep you comfortable and fishing effectively, no matter how long you’re out.

Smarter Rigs & Baiting: The RM-Tec Tackle Range

While famous for their bankside gadgets, Ridgemonkey has firmly established itself as a serious player in the tackle world with its RM-Tec range. Designed from the ground up for the modern carp angler, this collection is built on the same principles of innovation and quality. Every component, from the hook to the leader, is engineered to be strong, reliable, and perfectly suited for catching wary carp, proving they are much more than just a cookware brand.

Innovative Terminal Tackle

The heart of any rig is the hook, and the Ape-X series is a standout. These hooks are incredibly strong and feature a super-sharp, durable point for solid hook holds. The range covers patterns for every presentation. Paired with their versatile hooklink materials, like the supple Skinful Coated Braid or the stiff Chod Link, you can build rigs with confidence. They've also simplified rig creation with unique tools designed to make even complex rigs easier to tie on the bank.

Advanced Baiting Tools

Getting your bait out accurately is crucial, and the RM-Tec range delivers here too. Their Carbon Throwing Sticks are lightweight and balanced, making it easy to bait up at range without fatigue. For organisation, the Modular Bucket System is a game-changer. It allows you to keep different baits, liquids, and tools neatly separated and ready to go. Add in their robust bait spoons and catapults, and you have a complete system for effective bait application.

Building the Perfect Rig

The beauty of the RM-Tec range is how seamlessly the components work together. You can build a proven, effective rig entirely with Ridgemonkey tackle. For a classic blow-back rig, you could use:

• An Ape-X Medium Curve hook
• Skinful Coated Braid hooklink
• A Tungsten Rig Aligner
• A size 8 Kwik-Lok Swivel

This combination creates a reliable presentation that has fooled countless carp. It's a simple, effective setup, but getting the details right is key. Come in-store and we'll show you how to tie it!

Bankside Comfort: Buckets, Bivvy Gear & More

A successful session isn't just about the bite alarm screaming; it's about being comfortable and organised on the bank. This is where the thoughtful design of Ridgemonkey shines through, turning simple bankside essentials into highly practical, quality gear. They apply the same innovative thinking to a bucket as they do to a bivvy light, ensuring every item makes your time by the water more enjoyable and efficient.

The Perspective Collapsible Bucket Range

Space is always a premium, whether in the car or on the barrow. The Perspective Collapsible Bucket range tackles this head-on with its brilliant space-saving design. But the cleverness doesn't stop there. The clear PVC front panel is a game-changer, allowing you to check your rigs and see how your bait is behaving underwater without disturbance. Available in different sizes, they are perfect for everything from mixing a bit of spod mix to carrying water for a wash-up.

Water Carriers and Storage

Having a reliable water source is vital for any session, especially for that all-important cuppa. The brand's heavy-duty water carriers are built to last and designed for convenience. They solve the common problems anglers face with simple, effective features.

• Rugged Construction: Made from tough HDPE material, these carriers can handle the bumps and scrapes of a typical session.
• Multiple Sizes: Available in 5, 10, and 15-litre versions to suit everything from a quick overnighter to a long week on the bank.
• Smart Tap System: The included tap makes it incredibly easy to pour water without spills, perfect for filling a kettle or washing your hands.

This focus on practical storage extends to other items like their Air Dry System bags, which help you look after your boilies. It’s all part of a cohesive system designed to keep you organised and focused on your fishing. To see the full range of bankside gear, feel free to browse our collection at stevenagebaitandtackle.co.uk.

Your Next Session, Powered by Ridgemonkey

From their game-changing Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster to the indispensable Vault Power Packs and the precision-engineered RM-Tec tackle range, it's clear that this brand is driven by innovation. Their gear isn't just about looking good on the bank; it's designed to solve real problems, making every session more efficient, comfortable, and ultimately, more successful.

Investing in quality ridgemonkey equipment is an investment in better angling. But you don't have to take our word for it. As a trusted, local family-run business, we believe in letting the gear speak for itself. That's why we invite you to our Stevenage shop, where you can see and handle the products before you buy and get honest, expert advice from passionate anglers who use the kit themselves.

Ready to experience the difference? Shop our complete collection of Ridgemonkey gear today and get properly kitted out for your next adventure. Tight lines!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ridgemonkey gear worth the money?

Absolutely. While Ridgemonkey gear comes with a premium price tag, you're paying for exceptional design, quality, and durability. Their products are built to last and solve real problems anglers face on the bank, from cooking to power management. Many anglers see it as a long-term investment that improves comfort and efficiency during their sessions. In our experience, the innovation and reliability you get make it well worth the money for any serious angler.

What is the single most popular or 'must-have' Ridgemonkey product?

Without a doubt, the most iconic and popular product is the Connect Combi & Steamer pan. It completely changed bankside cooking forever. It's far more than just a toaster; you can cook full meals, from a classic full English breakfast to pasta dishes, with minimal fuss and washing up. Its sheer versatility and simple, effective design make it a true 'must-have' piece of kit that you'll find in almost every serious carp angler's bag.

Can I use the Ridgemonkey toaster pan on a normal gas hob at home?

Yes, you certainly can! The toaster pans work perfectly well on a standard gas hob at home, and also on most electric hobs. Just be sure to use a low to medium heat, as they are designed for efficiency and can get very hot, very quickly. It's a great way to get used to cooking with it before you head out. Please note, however, that they are not suitable for use on induction hobs.

What's the main difference between the Vault C-Smart and the older power packs?

The biggest leap forward with the Vault C-Smart range is the inclusion of USB-C Power Delivery (PD) technology. This means you can charge the power pack itself much faster than the older models. It also allows for super-fast charging of compatible devices like modern smartphones, tablets, and even some laptops. Essentially, it's a huge upgrade in speed and convenience, both for charging the Vault and for powering your essential bankside electronics.

Where can I see Ridgemonkey products in person near Stevenage?

You can see a fantastic range of Ridgemonkey gear right here at our shop, Stevenage Bait and Tackle! We keep a great selection in stock, from the famous toasters to their latest power packs and bivvy lights. The best way to appreciate the quality is to see it for yourself. Pop in for a chat and a cuppa, and we’ll be happy to walk you through the products and answer any questions you have.

Are Ridgemonkey products only for carp fishing?

While the brand is hugely popular in the carp fishing world, their gear is fantastic for any angler who spends long sessions on the bank. Specimen hunters, pike anglers, and even festival-goers and campers love the products for their practicality and quality. The cooking equipment, power packs, and lighting solutions are useful for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and needs reliable, well-designed kit. They are built for comfort and convenience, no matter what you're fishing for.