View Full Version : Bells tents (request from SWMBO)
scrogger
25-03-2009, 22:13
Ok my good lady has asked me to post this question.
We are in the market for a new family tent, she is fed up of me saying we need to use 2 smaller tents. I am not fond of the old frame tent scenario or for thatr matter the huge dome tents with pod bedrooms. She has seen these made by a company called Soulpad
(conjours up some colourful images dont it) but in a nut shell they are a canvass tent a bit like a teepee.
Does anyone have any knowledge of them or there like and how good they are for family car camping in the summer.
Any information will be greatly appreciated as if she like this it means I can ditch the caravan!! weh heyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
thanks
Andy
Give Andywinkk a PM - he made one in his factory a while back for himself.
When I say he, I mean he got one of his staff to knock it up!
Simon
EDIT:
This one...
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/simonandbev/Blindbeck_Bridge.jpg
http://www.ravenlore.co.uk/assets/images/Bell_Tent.jpg
This was Andy's one.
Must find pictures faster!
MartinK9
25-03-2009, 22:27
http://www.ravenlore.co.uk/assets/images/Bell_Tent.jpg
This was Andy's one.
ooo that got dark quick :lmao:
scrogger
25-03-2009, 22:37
That looks like a great bit of kit, do you think he would mind a pm as regards costs etc, If indeed he does make them for sale. This site never ceases to amaze me with its hidden resources and helpfulness. Thanks guys I like the look of these as it seems a bit more like the old style of camping im sure my kids will love it, I can also see something like this geeting used for kids summer sleepovers in the garden.
HillBill
25-03-2009, 22:40
You may have seen these.
From the gallerys at soulpads website. ( i looked at them a few month ago and they sound good)
http://soulpad.co.uk/sanctuary/content/view/37
http://soulpad.co.uk/sanctuary/content/view/90
I like how the bottom skirt rolls up for when its warm it looks like it floats :D
andywinkk
25-03-2009, 22:42
No i made that one myself with the help of mentalnurse carl and singeblister john,
the staff made this one
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/ANDYWINKk/003-9.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/ANDYWINKk/007-8.jpg
There is a cap for it also, im just trying to get poles made as we speak and then i will be selling them hopefully
That looks like a great bit of kit, do you think he would mind a pm as regards costs etc, If indeed he does make them for sale. This site never ceases to amaze me with its hidden resources and helpfulness. Thanks guys I like the look of these as it seems a bit more like the old style of camping im sure my kids will love it, I can also see something like this geeting used for kids summer sleepovers in the garden.
Send him a PM - he won't mind.
He also does Tepee's - I know cos I'm testing his prototype with the Scouts next month!
Watch this space for an honest review!
Simon
Must type faster - .....or drink less!
Simon
tommy the cat
25-03-2009, 22:48
Their is a loads of info on SOTP about soulpad and bell tents an interesting read have a look.
Dave
scrogger
25-03-2009, 22:49
Well that answered my question :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Andy once you have got it all sorted what sort of price do you think they will run out at
I may be able to be one of your first customers. I would like to see someone of BCUK benefit to be honest and I am sure with us all having similar interests it would be well made with usefull features. I even like the colour!!
What sort of diameter will you make them at I have looked at the soulpad site and they seem really spacious the feature to enable the walls to be rolled up looks good aswell.
Happy to call you tomorrow or email you if you wish.
Regards
Andy
andywinkk
25-03-2009, 22:54
Well that answered my question :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Andy once you have got it all sorted what sort of price do you think they will run out at
I may be able to be one of your first customers. I would like to see someone of BCUK benefit to be honest and I am sure with us all having similar interests it would be well made with usefull features. I even like the colour!!
What sort of diameter will you make them at I have looked at the soulpad site and they seem really spacious the feature to enable the walls to be rolled up looks good aswell.
Happy to call you tomorrow or email you if you wish.
Regards
Andy
I think the soul pads look great but the fabric isnt as tough, im using 12oz ripstop pollcotton canvas that is proofed so it is good for winter also,
At the mo there coming out at aprox £500 without the pole
scrogger
25-03-2009, 22:59
Well swmbo likes the look of them this is something we would be looking to buy in about 2 months time. She likes the green colour aswell. not so sure we would use it in the Winter but as I am getting into Canoeing at the mo it could be a good buy if its going to be stronger and more expediton type quality. What sort of Poles are you thinking of using I have seen some recently with Wooden Poles and some with the old fashioned tube metal.?
cheers
Andy
andywinkk
25-03-2009, 23:11
Im trying to get the type of pole that all slots together they work well and pack down small
scrogger
25-03-2009, 23:13
brill ill do a bit more research and keep in touch on this one if its ok with you.
andywinkk
25-03-2009, 23:29
brill ill do a bit more research and keep in touch on this one if its ok with you.
Ye thats fine matey
forestwalker
26-03-2009, 05:35
I think the soul pads look great but the fabric isnt as tough, im using 12oz ripstop pollcotton canvas that is proofed so it is good for winter also,
At the mo there coming out at aprox £500 without the pole
My thought is that the 12 oz fabric would put the weight up quite a bit, What does it weight? Can it be made with a stove jack of some sort, either central or to one side. What is the actual size?I've been thinking about a Tentipi Arran 7 in their polycotton, is it comparable in features?
forestwalker
26-03-2009, 08:18
My thought is that the 12 oz fabric would put the weight up quite a bit, What does it weight? Can it be made with a stove jack of some sort, either central or to one side. What is the actual size?I've been thinking about a Tentipi Arran 7 in their polycotton, is it comparable in features?
One more thing: I do not like zippers on critical points. Could one make a overlap style opening (like in the Connovers "Snowwalker" tent)?
andywinkk
26-03-2009, 08:52
One more thing: I do not like zippers on critical points. Could one make a overlap style opening (like in the Connovers "Snowwalker" tent)?
Have you got any images how it closes ?
forestwalker
26-03-2009, 09:54
Have you got any images how it closes ?
No image, it is a 40 cm section where two layers overlaps, and then some toggles/tie tapes to close. For a lavu design I'd be tempeted to make it slanted so that drips don't run into the tent.
Basically my ideal tent would be reasonable in a canoe or on a pulk, accept a stove, be securable againt moquitos, and have the ability to have a second "fly" roof in winter (I could do that mod myself easilly)
mayobushcraft
26-03-2009, 13:17
My wife and I have a Sole Pad. Its up in 15 mins. including the stove. We have used it a half dozen times so far with no compaints. I wanted the one without the floor but SHMBO wanted the builtin floor. But it has plenty of room and we used it at Tintagel when it rained for the hole weekend. We did get a little spot of water in a corner where the sides met the floor. And when we took it there I tied it on the roof rack with no problem. But after the weekend while soaking wet it was very heavy on difficult to load.
campingcrazy
27-02-2010, 22:08
Cracking picture of a bell tent.
I have a great 4m bell tent from http://www.belltent.biz
They also have some nice bell tent pics but none as fine as this.
campingcrazy
27-02-2010, 22:11
Do you have any trouble with rain coming in the flue exit? My bell tent stove exits at the side which liberates the middle of the tent and leaking is not an issue.
mayobushcraft
28-02-2010, 19:06
I just looked at the SoulPad pictures from post #7. My wife is in the picture that is fifth from the top.
Bazzworx
28-02-2010, 19:15
I have a soulpad bell tent. Cost about £300 for the tent, there are cheaper ones about but the ones I looked at are a thinner canvas. I wouldn't buy a stove from them though I made one from a gas bottle and it works great!
Ben
Hi
We had the same dilemma last summer and I picked up a soulpad from Ebay. In my opinion it is great.
We camped as a family of four in Scotland, the first two days were very wet and windy and it stood up really well. Warm enough at night and loads of ventilation options during the day. Looks great, really light inside and non of this false colour due to the colour of the tent. plenty of room for 4 and kit. Completely transformed my wife's idea of camping (it wasn't too great before this tent).
The canvas is good and the build quality seems ok. The only thing that I have done is put a jubilee clip on the end of one of the poles to stop it splaying under the pressure of the tent. Would reccomend getting one.
Our three, handy if you've got thirty people camping it the orchard:D
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff346/zaramascara/NoahsarkbyZara063-1.jpg