Winter Tent Recommendation

[CAL]

I'd like a bit of advice for cold weather camping.

We currently use a four person dome tent, separate nylon flysheet and inner tent, that is 4m long, 2m wide and 2m tall. It’s exactly the right shape and layout for us and we've had many happy trips in it. However, we'd like start camping much earlier and later in the year but struggle a bit with the draughts as its very difficult to get the flysheet down the ground and the pegging loops are too far apart to get a decent ground hugging seal.

Whilst camping in the summer we saw a couple of heavy weight canvas tents that were much more substantial and obviously designed for cold, windy conditions. For example the flysheets had a rubber on every 12". Unfortunately I couldn't see a maker’s name, and so far, internet searches have been fruitless. The tents were much smaller than Tipi's and quite low.

Can someone point me in the direction of what I am looking for. I'd like to get an idea of prices and weights, or am I barking up the wrong tree and just need to alter our camping practice a bit? We have four season bags, sleep in layers etc but its just the general comfort when we are not sleeping that we would like to improve. It would be nice to not spend all the time in the sleeping bags if we aren't in the pub or out walking.

Thanks,

CAL.

[forestwalker]

No idea, but there are a bunch of manufacturers in the US and Cananda. The Scouts also used to have center pole tents which might be what you are thinking of. And then there are various military tents.

For real winter use you really need some sort of heating system, be it a fire (in a firebox or outside, a woodstove or a liquid fuel heater. At least if you are not going to spend all your time huddling in warm wear (but even a Trangia will heat something like a Tentipi 5 to a surprising exent).

[myotis]

As Forestwalker said, its difficult to say.

Here is a link to some bell tents

http://www.belltent.co.uk/index.php

and some other interesting tents at

http://www.greenoutdoor.co.uk/

And some ridge tents at

http://www.tents-direct.co.uk/scout_group_tents.php

We have one of these

http://www.tents-direct.co.uk/show_tents.php?productid=1304&forsale=tents&price=cheap&onlineproduct=Performance+Dome +Tents

It has a add in groundsheet that zips in round the bottom of fly to completely enclose the tent, and gives you a double groundsheet under the sleeping area. BUT its an extra, and I prefer having an enclosed area on grass that I can come into with my boots and wet weather gear when the weather is bad. I do have the extra groundsheet, but never used it for real.

I also like a bit of airflow through the tent, especially in winter as it reduced condensation problems, but getting the balance right can be difficult.

Graham

[CAL]

Cheers guys,

Those are similar tents, epecially the scout tents. Although the one I saw was almost like a cross between a traditional ridge tent and a dome tent. They've definitely given me some ideas though.

[phill_ue]

If you are after lightweight then there should be plenty to fit the bill. If you are after a canvas type tent that won't be man packable but can be turfed out of the car and set up then look out for a crew shelter or a signals tent. I believe they can be had at Anchor Supplies, not too sure of the money though.

[phill_ue]

Here's the Signls tent: http://www.tentsplus.co.uk/79ip.htm

And the Crew Shelter, which coud be used as a baker tent: http://www.tentsplus.co.uk/foxip.htm

Both could have a small stove fitted for warmth, the signals tent definitely.