View Full Version : The ground dwellers favourite?
Hello,
I’m not really that interested in hammocks, sacrilege I know - sorry, I’ve never been in one, but as I doubt there is one that could take me, and I’m sure I wouldn’t feel safe if there was or be comfortable, I’ve never got to know them. But there is a load of interesting conversation about them and even as someone not into them, I know the main manufactures.
However, stickbow's recent thread, Hex3 or Acto...
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38199
...got me thinking, we don’t talk tents nearly as much, I was really impressed with the Hex3 and I’d really like to know from all the experienced ground dwellers, what have you got, what’s good and bad about it, would you recommend it and what would you really like?
To start the ball rolling I’ve got two decidedly average tents, an old Coleman Cobra 3 which is massive on the inside, but pitches inner first - a pain in the rain and a bit of a pain to pack away.
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq275/AndyBrierley/Sales/100_1247.jpg (http://s455.photobucket.com/albums/qq275/AndyBrierley/Sales/?action=view¤t=100_1247.jpg)
And I’ve got Vango Omega 250, which is a bit short for my 6’4” but OK, although the recent Vango debacle has made me doubt its longevity.
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq275/AndyBrierley/100_1639.jpg (http://s455.photobucket.com/albums/qq275/AndyBrierley/?action=view¤t=100_1639.jpg)
As I said I fancy the Hex 3, but what I’d like is something that’s roomy, tall enough to sit up in, easy to pitch, hard wearing especially the groundsheet having had to make tarpaulin footprints for both of mine, pitches inner and outer together and most of all goes into a stuff sack like the Acto rather than needs rolling up in the mud and rain.
Please and info as I’m really interested in what you’re all using.
Thanks for ploughing through my guff,
Andy
Where are you in the second pic?
I have different tents for different uses.
My main tent is a Storproof Missouri 2 a cheapo american dome job that is huge inside, and has the all important porch.
its downside is its big, heavy and a pain to pack...and put up.
but its survived all weathers, though wet does get in at times. (a proofing helped)
my second tent is a vango Force 10
much smaller inside, no porch, heavy, bulky.
puts up and takes down in 6 mins, and that includes putting away. its also cool in summer and warm in winter.
my third tent is a beach shelter with door. small, light, easy to put up and pack away.
but a single skin, and Ive never dared use it in serious weather.
That’s me, floating out to sea :)
The sleeping section is from the central hoop towards the camera. Because the slope is such a shallow angle you have to sleep with your head in the middle of the tent and your toes in the wedge, so if you sleep on your back, your toes push the inner tent onto the outer tent and your sleeping bag gets wet!
What would you have if money was no object?
Or did you mean the location?
I have a vango spectre 200. It is a two man tent at 2kg but it has pointy ends with the inner having a vertical end wall with a zipped access at each end into the pointy void between the inner and the outer for storage. The porch is tiny and at one side. The point is it is a two man tent capable of taking me twice and I'm 2m tall. It also only cost me £50. I use it for solo car camping but for a DofE tent or for two it is bloody good value.
i also use a single skin tent from Vango's premium sub-brand called Force10. It is a simple ridge tent made up by either trekking poles or alloy poles supplied as uprights at each end of the apex. It has bell ends (no sniggering at the back), one is part of the main tent but the other is the porch created with a midge netting door and the outer fllysheet doors. The inner is protected from midge ingress by net doors and netting over the vent at the top of the end furthest from the door. The doors can be left open even in rain (except driven rain into the porch I reckon). If you leave the doors slightly open then youu don't get any condensation. IF you do then a simple wipe down in the morning is all that is needed and it will be dry to pack up shortly after.
If money was no option I'd get a laser competition for spring through to autumn and an atko for late autumn through to early spring. Also I'd get a shangri-la (Hex replacement). Of course I already own a good tarp but I'd get a tarptent as well. I'd never use al of them only the spectre for car camping, the force10 for backpacking and the tarp when the good weather can be guuaranteed and the midges are low.
I have a few tents..
The Wild Country Gemini.. Is really great up in the snow it's nice and light and stands up well to snow and you dont have to dig a big platform for it...
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/p1010076-12.jpg (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/?action=view¤t=p1010076-12.jpg)
Another one is a Phoenix Phreak classic sloping ridgline tent.. Really good porch on this one big enough for a decent sized bergen...
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/P1010005-2.jpg (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/?action=view¤t=P1010005-2.jpg)
There is also a Wild Country Quasar... Which is a great 4 season mountain tent... Plenty for room inside for 2 (or dad and 2 kids) and you can sit up in it with no problems.. Also Wildcountrys build quality is/ was superb and yellow grey is a choice colour....
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/DSCF2351.jpg (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/?action=view¤t=DSCF2351.jpg)
Finally there is our family tent.. It's a Vaude Badawi ( or something) It'll sleep 6 and has an interesting 'witches hat' on top.... The kids like it lots...
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/P1010283.jpg (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/?action=view¤t=P1010283.jpg)
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/chateauxswarbrick.jpg (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/?action=view¤t=chateauxswarbrick.jpg)
Tent's are great......
Celt_Ginger
25-03-2010, 08:58
Family camping for me is in a Vango Equinox TBS450, while solo camping is in a Lightwave T1 trek XT. Bushcrafting though is under a tarp or in a shelter
forestwalker
25-03-2010, 09:33
I use a Tentipi Tåpp 5 light (old style Varrie) as a camping tent every now and then. If money was no objection I'd add something from Hilleberg in the classic tunnel configuration.
But I'm really not much for tents, I'm more of a tarp guy.
Then there is the yurt or viking tent, but that is not quite the same thing.
Cheers guys, interesting stuff and I'm getting tent hungry!
Bushcrafting though is under a tarp or in a shelter
Is that a rule? :)
twisted firestarter
25-03-2010, 09:56
At 6'4" the hex 3 is going to be too small for you I'm afraid Andy. Even without the tent inner you'd find that your head and feet will touch the sides in the night and get wet with the condensation, I know because I've had 2 of them. The Shangrila which replaced the Hex 3 is a fair big bigger though.
My current favourite is the Terra Nova Quasar which is big enough for us tall folks to lie down, and sit up in :)
My all time favourite is the Hilleberg Nammatj 2GT but it's very pricey. The vestibule in them is huge and plenty big enough to keep all your gear dry.
.
Cheers Firestarter,
Do you think the Shangrila would be big enough?
twisted firestarter
25-03-2010, 10:28
Cheers Firestarter,
Do you think the Shangrila would be big enough?
I've not been in one yet TBH but understand they are fairly roomy.
:)
listenclear
25-03-2010, 10:51
I love my hammock but also love my tent.
Got a coleman x3 which is very light and sturdy wee tent. I tend to use it when i'm up munros etc (aint no trees high up in them hills). It claims to be a 3 man but i'm not sure i'd like to try that out. Perfect for 2 people when you are packing light.
Thanks Listenclear,
The thing I hate is putting them away, does anyone have a tent that is designed for a stuff sack?
Melonfish
25-03-2010, 11:03
I've got an old 2 man tent i got in 06, its heavy at 6kg and although it is waterproof it has major condensation issues and is just to small for my 6'2" frame, sleeping in it meant you were pushing on the liner both top and bottom and my sleeping bag got wet!
anyways, i find this to be my cosy setup, i even managed to sit in this and eat fish n chips this weekend just gone, then i snuggled into my bivi and watched thunderbolt & Lightfoot on my phone!
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c147/Melonfish79/Wilds/cosy.jpg
when i left there was a nice neat square of dry earth because it chucked it down all night and i was lovely and toasty dry.
calibanzwei
25-03-2010, 11:17
Personally, I've been looking at the Vango Banshee 200.
http://www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk/images/products/main/53627300000-.jpg
Andy2112
25-03-2010, 11:22
This is my current user, 4 season and light.
http://www.lightwave.uk.com/en/tent_t1trek.php
Golite Hex 3 (my lad is a big un and we fit no problem)
Force Ten Mk5
Force Ten Mk3
Vango Juno 800
Mountain Line 'Blue Ridge'
Argos one man job
Couple of cheap domes, 2 and 4 man.
Its the Mk5's turn for camp next week :)
Ok not really bushcraft, but what would people suggest for a tent for me and the missus? I am having to slowly get her used to camping etc. but the problem is that so far the tents we have had (including a very expensive trailer tent(5K!!), all 'rattle' in the wind.
The Vango tent we have now (five birth dome with porch)has been flattened by wind on camp sites. and this is putting her off. We need to be able to sit in them and for now at least we need room, but all the tents we have looked at just dont like wind!
So any ideas?
Persoanlly I would like to just use bivvies and tarps but that is a long way off!
Alan
Andy2112
25-03-2010, 12:12
Ok not really bushcraft, but what would people msuggest for a tent for me and the missus? I am having to slowly get her used to camping etc. but the problem is that so far the tents we have had (including a very expensive trailer tent(5K!!), all 'rattle' in the wind.
The Vango tent we have now (five birth dome with proch)has been flattened by wind on camp sites. and this is putting her off. We need to be able to sit in them and for now at least we need room, but all the tents we have looked at just dont like wind!
So any ideas?
Persoanlly I would like to just use bivvies and tarps but that is a long way off!
Alan
Kyham do some very stable tents as do Outwell Alan, don't go for a tent which has pastic poles like my sister did, bent all over the place in the wind, better off with either an alloy or fibreglass pole. Saying that any tent will get battered in high winds tbh. If weight is not an issue go for the old style of frame tent with steel poles, bit more bombproof but heavy. hth.
I have a Vango Juno 800 tipi:
http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk/Vango-Juno-800-8-Person-Tepee-Family-Tent
It's advertised as an 8-man tent, but I think it is PERFECT for 2 people, since it allows good room inside for sleeping space as well as storage without feeling everything is on top of you. And if you pitch it up under a tree then you can suspend the apex from a branch and do away with the central pole, giving even more room. And at the price I think they are a steal.
I also have a Eurohike Backpacker from Millets:
http://www.millets.co.uk/camping/tents/1-2-person-tents/product/096018.html
Another good tent, but not been used in anger. To be honest, if I find myself using a tent I always plump for the Juno 800 (although if I am trying to camp 'stealthily' I never use a tent anyway; so only use tent if I am going to be loud and proud).
gowersponger
25-03-2010, 13:40
coleman cobra 2man ,used it for the first time last week love it and got it for a bargain 10quid brandnew ,,ilove bootfairs,,:cool:,the heavyduty red stuff bag they come in is great to.
gowersponger
25-03-2010, 13:48
Family camping for me is in a Vango Equinox TBS450, while solo camping is in a Lightwave T1 trek XT. Bushcrafting though is under a tarp or in a shelter
bushcrafting is under a tarp or in a shelter lol,most people that sleep in tents still have a tarp set up, if your going to say things like that you might aswell say bushcrafting can only be done in the bush.:rolleyes:
Melonfish
25-03-2010, 14:28
bushcrafting is under a tarp or in a shelter lol,most people that sleep in tents still have a tarp set up, if your going to say things like that you might aswell say bushcrafting can only be done in the bush.:rolleyes:
No i think you missed his point, he was saying that when he bushcrafts its under tarp or shelter, please read before attacking another member.
ta
i've bushcrafted in style myself in a concrete command post with a cast iron wood fire :D
that was LUXERY!
tent flattened by wind?
My Storproofs been out in it pretty bad. (why is it me who always ends up with the scenic campsite on the hill, above the sea facing into the westerlies??) and I have seen it bow, many a time, but never been in fear for it.
And thats no expeditionary thing. it cost me £20 new
You may bushcraft in what you want. A yurt, a campervan, a giant peapod.
Peapod? (http://www.downeastpeapods.com/)
Money no object? I'd go for this tent,
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1271/amundsenatthepole.jpg
If I could get my hands on one of the similar Golites I would. I'm still partial to my Black Diamond Megamid. Mine never sleeps four but 2 bicycles and 2 people can fit inside and still cook within with one flap open. Open 2 flaps and it's basically a tarp. Get the floor and netting and it's a real-deal tent. I've never had a problem with condensation, in fact I've always found condensation to be a little worse in double walled, nylon tents.
One thing I like about my megamid is that if the weather is terrible I have plenty of room to move about. If the weather is still nasty, I can pack everything up and save packing the tent till the last minute. It can take 20 minutes maybe to get a bicycle loaded up, fidget with clothing and it is nice to be able to do this completely out of the weather. If the weather is really nasty, dig your cathole...and then pack up the 'mid.:eek:
I had a $25 dome tent that was pitched in a long term camp for maybe 5 months. My Megamid became a storage tent. Insects were not too bad but the sound of large centipedes, slithering under the floor of the tent drove me into the trees. Just a cheap Mexican hammock, but one of my favorites as well.
helixpteron
25-03-2010, 18:52
I have a Tatonka Tarp Pyramid Cocoon, here (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29389&highlight=tatonka+pyramid), the 180cm Pole and two base liners (one for modification to take a tent stove).
I have a Tatonka Tarp Pyramid Cocoon, the 180cm Pole and two base liners (one for modification to take a tent stove).
Do you have a link to that sir?
littlebiglane
25-03-2010, 19:19
I had a Hex 3 for years. Loved it. Regret selling it. Try the Shangri-La 5 if you think the Shangri-La 3 won't fit you.
Here are some piccies of it in use on Dartmoor
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/DSC01527.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/?action=view¤t=DSC01527.jpg)
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/DSC01530.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/?action=view¤t=DSC01530.jpg)
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/DSC01533.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/?action=view¤t=DSC01533.jpg)
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/DSC01534.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/?action=view¤t=DSC01534.jpg)
If I use a tent now it tends to be the big tentipi varrie CP9
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/DSC01771.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/?action=view¤t=DSC01771.jpg)
i hate tents and never use them with the exception of going to festivals when you want some privacy.
tarps are easier to set up
easier to pack away
easier to clean and dry
much cheaper than a decent tent
doesn't have any parts to break
doesn't get stuffy like some tents
much much lighter than a tent
you can cook over a fire whilst under a tarp
also camping under tarps unlike tents is never boring!
for me a tarp is definitely the way forward but im sure there are reasons people don't use them
pete
I had a Hex 3 for years. Loved it. Regret selling it. Try the Shangri-La 5 if you think the Shangri-La 3 won't fit you.
Here are some piccies of it in use on Dartmoor
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/DSC01533.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/?action=view¤t=DSC01533.jpg)
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/DSC01534.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/littlebiglane/?action=view¤t=DSC01534.jpg)
Nice pictures and a nice post... Whereabouts on Dartmoor were you in these two pictures??
Cheers
John
i hate tents and never use them with the exception of going to festivals when you want some privacy.
tarps are easier to set up
easier to pack away
easier to clean and dry
much cheaper than a decent tent
doesn't have any parts to break
doesn't get stuffy like some tents
much much lighter than a tent
you can cook over a fire whilst under a tarp
also camping under tarps unlike tents is never boring!
for me a tarp is definitely the way forward but im sure there are reasons people don't use them
pete
Tarps are great Tents are great being out camping is great...
littlebiglane
25-03-2010, 19:32
First two piccies was here:
http://www.multimap.com/s/NE1fqSKC
Second two:
http://www.multimap.com/s/NEzeqdQC
littlebiglane
25-03-2010, 19:37
i hate tents and never use them with the exception of going to festivals when you want some privacy.
tarps are easier to set up
easier to pack away
easier to clean and dry
much cheaper than a decent tent
doesn't have any parts to break
doesn't get stuffy like some tents
much much lighter than a tent
you can cook over a fire whilst under a tarp
also camping under tarps unlike tents is never boring!
for me a tarp is definitely the way forward but im sure there are reasons people don't use them
pete
Although I use a tarp quite a bit I find plenty of reason to use a tent.
One of them is that in really, really foul weather I like the enclosed 'protective' space of a good tent. Another is in high winds/exposed places where I find ancorage difficult (like on the high moors) because there are no trees etc. Finally I like a tent in very cold weather too. Nothing better than a tentipi in the snow with a wood burning stove inside :)
Peapod? (http://www.downeastpeapods.com/)
Money no object? I'd go for this tent,
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1271/amundsenatthepole.jpg
If I could get my hands on one of the similar Golites I would. I'm still partial to my Black Diamond Megamid. Mine never sleeps four but 2 bicycles and 2 people can fit inside and still cook within with one flap open. Open 2 flaps and it's basically a tarp. Get the floor and netting and it's a real-deal tent. I've never had a problem with condensation, in fact I've always found condensation to be a little worse in double walled, nylon tents.
One thing I like about my megamid is that if the weather is terrible I have plenty of room to move about. If the weather is still nasty, I can pack everything up and save packing the tent till the last minute. It can take 20 minutes maybe to get a bicycle loaded up, fidget with clothing and it is nice to be able to do this completely out of the weather. If the weather is really nasty, dig your cathole...and then pack up the 'mid.:eek:
I had a $25 dome tent that was pitched in a long term camp for maybe 5 months. My Megamid became a storage tent. Insects were not too bad but the sound of large centipedes, slithering under the floor of the tent drove me into the trees. Just a cheap Mexican hammock, but one of my favorites as well.
Here you go, only £450 :)
http://www.tentsplus.co.uk/ora.htm
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/test/ora3.jpg
littlebiglane
25-03-2010, 19:50
Also a lovely picture. I used to own a badawi - lots of space, took an age to put up and let in water through the inverted windows in heavy rain :( but other than that it was a well made tent - especially in hot weather. I also use to have a couple of Wild Country Tents (Tempest) and then Family Khamsin. Beautifully made, top materials. I thought that the Family Khamsin was one of the best small family tents around. Not cheap but the scaled up semi-geo design worked well in windy conditions.
I have a few tents..
Finally there is our family tent.. It's a Vaude Badawi ( or something) It'll sleep 6 and has an interesting 'witches hat' on top.... The kids like it lots...
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/P1010283.jpg (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/?action=view¤t=P1010283.jpg)
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/chateauxswarbrick.jpg (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/?action=view¤t=chateauxswarbrick.jpg)
Tent's are great......
Also a lovely picture. I used to own a badawi - lots of space, took an age to put up and let in water through the inverted windows in heavy rain :( but other than that it was a well made tent - especially in hot weather.
Yep it does take a long time to pitch... TBH that put's me off using it at weekends, but for the use we give it here in NZ it's perfect and it'll last an age.. I never use the central ground sheet on it so any leaks through the windows just sak into the ground the central area is a really good size big enough to get our table and charis into to dine and also cook in and stand up.... For a family tent for an extended stay somewhere it's great... For a weekend trip with the whanau we generally just take a couple of 2 man tents. I keep looking for something like the Old Wild Country / Terranova Hyperspace which would fit the bill... Something will crop up at some point there always folk heading over here and then ditching their old UK gear when they get here....
really like the look of them Hex 3 great pics..are there much room in the hex 3...atb alza
littlebiglane
25-03-2010, 20:20
really like the look of them Hex 3 great pics..are there much room in the hex 3...atb alza
Depends. If you under 6'4" then yes - you can fit two of you plus kit. Mind you....no vestibule. But easy to put up and its 4 season.
I can't get in and out of my Hex easily these days (bad knees) but I still love the tent
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/DSCF1899.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/rik_uk3/DSCF1962Small.jpg
Hi Rick, I think I'm getting hooked on these, how easy are they to pack away and do they pitch inner and outer together?
How tall are you, and is there enough room for you?
And other personal questions - sorry :)
Want to sell it :)
hi i am also defos thinking of buying one of these but at 305 pounds i need too wait another week..they look well good ..atb alza i think the pitch inner nest first..
i think the pitch inner nest first..
That would be a shame, it would be great if it pitched together! I assume from what has been said you can no longer buy them, the replacement being the Shangr-La 3
http://www.golite.co.uk/Product/ProdDetail.aspx?p=370003110&mc=154&t=&lat=
Here you go, only £450 :)
http://www.tentsplus.co.uk/ora.htm
Nice,:cool:. I wonder which came first?
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31hQ2-X5A-L._SL500_AA280_.jpg
I was hoping for this tent (http://www.southpolestation.com/trivia/tentc1.html) but I think it's off limits (http://traverse.npolar.no/expedition-diary/archive/2008/01/11/roald-amundsen2019s-tent-at-the-south-pole).:D
"Defining Field Accommodation Systems"
90 kb pdf (http://www.aad.gov.au/MediaLibrary/asset/MediaItems/ml_376976205208333_Part%203%20 Defining%20Field%20Accommodati on%20Systems.pdf)
"Selecting Temporary Field Accommodations Solutions (in Antarctica)"
357 kb pdf (http://www.aad.gov.au/MediaLibrary/asset/MediaItems/ml_376976209375_Part%204%20Sel ecting%20Field%20Accommodation %20Systems.pdf)
That's right. In the 21st century tarps and tents became known as "temporaray field accomodation solutions", T-FAS.
Picked up a Highlander Jura 2 recently.
A bit fiddly to put up, but rock solid once it is.
Tall folks might have problems with it, but, as i'm vertically challenged...
helixpteron
26-03-2010, 07:55
I have a Tatonka Tarp Pyramid Cocoon, here (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29389&highlight=tatonka+pyramid), the 180cm Pole and two base liners (one for modification to take a tent stove).
Do you have a link to that sir?
I meant to put the link in the post, as above, but got distracted, the 'Search' function also has links to the tent.
That apart, its time to stop calling me "Sir"!
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/person-smiley-9589.gifhttp://images6.cafepress.com/product/367191736v1_225x225_Front.jpgh ttp://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/sign0195.gif
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f272/Skylinec10/P6010014.jpg
You all know what a force 10 looks like, Ill find pics of my big tent.
That's the kind of picture I used to draw when I was little :)
Well I like the idea of a hex in winter on snow. I've heard you can pitch it without the inner burying the sides a bit. Then you can dig down into the snow to make it have more room. I guess that works for the larger hexes.
If you're looking for good shelter in really cold climes then there's a guy in the USA who makes and sells a lightweight, flat folding box thing that allows you to make perfect igloos quickly. Apparently the box is the perfect shape to make the blocks. You fill it with snow and compact it down. Then you basically stack them up. I read about them somewhere. A magazine writer went ot the Yellowstone with the guy who made and designed it. Was an interesting read.
Personally I'm into tarps and single skin shelters. My force10 vitesse is actually quite a bombproof shelter considering. It is also one of the few tents to really fit me in comforatbly as it takes my 6'5" frame quite easily.
helixpteron
27-03-2010, 22:38
Well I like the idea of a hex in winter on snow. I've heard you can pitch it without the inner burying the sides a bit. Then you can dig down into the snow to make it have more room. I guess that works for the larger hexes.
If you're looking for good shelter in really cold climes then there's a guy in the USA who makes and sells a lightweight, flat folding box thing that allows you to make perfect igloos quickly. Apparently the box is the perfect shape to make the blocks. You fill it with snow and compact it down. Then you basically stack them up. I read about them somewhere. A magazine writer went ot the Yellowstone with the guy who made and designed it. Was an interesting read.
Personally I'm into tarps and single skin shelters. My force10 vitesse is actually quite a bombproof shelter considering. It is also one of the few tents to really fit me in comforatbly as it takes my 6'5" frame quite easily.
That will be the Grand Shelters Icebox, a great piece of gear!
Three extensive, long term reviews, here (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Shelters/Shelter%20Accessories/Grand%20Shelters%20Icebox/).
interesting thread, i need a tent to sleep a minimun of four people, must have a porch area and seperate sleeping area and be big enough to stand in. (all that swmbo wants or she wont go camping lol)
can anyone recommend me anything, im not sure how much i should spend or who to use, all i had before was a bastid heavy canvas ridge tent from france that was awesome but massive and difficult to move around even with the car lol, it was in about 4 big bags!!
interesting thread, i need a tent to sleep a minimun of four people, must have a porch area and seperate sleeping area and be big enough to stand in. (all that swmbo wants or she wont go camping lol)
can anyone recommend me anything, im not sure how much i should spend or who to use, all i had before was a bastid heavy canvas ridge tent from france that was awesome but massive and difficult to move around even with the car lol, it was in about 4 big bags!!
I’ve had a Colman Bi Space 500 for about 8 years although it’s only been used half a dozen times...
http://www.scoutdooronline.com/scoutshop/583.html
It was about £100 and for the money, I think it was pretty good, I am amazed they’re still for sale, but I guess this is very old stock. There seem to be equivalents, and I have no doubt, better tents in the Coleman range now including ones with multiple sleeping areas which mine doesn’t have. Although it was hardly used it did see a really good storm – and was dry and rock solid when serious campers in serious tents at the Great Langdale site were packing up in the middle of the night. It’s heavy, but then you’re not carrying it on your back.
Landy_Dom
06-04-2010, 22:34
Personally, I've been looking at the Vango Banshee 200.
http://www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk/images/products/main/53627300000-.jpg
I got one of these.
Pretty happy with it, although I'd say if you're nudging (or over) 6 foot then steer clear. I'm 5'11" and although there's plenty of apparent length, the foot inner touches my toes as the head inner leans just above my nose. Not for the claustrophobic!!
Apart from that, I'd reccommend them.
Dom.
I do like that "wedge of cheese" design, it's very much like my Coleman Cobra 3 (which is massive inside).
Can anyone recommend a sub £50 lightweight 1 or 2 person tent.
You should get the Banshee for that if you shop around. I do know a little outfit near Kendal called Kendal Camping that sell a lot of Vango tents. If you don't mind blue (an unpopular colour) you can get some tents cheaply. The website is not really worth visiting except to get telephone number. I'd certainly give the guy a call as he is friendly and helpful. This time of year he will be selling off Vango stuff. I got a Spectre 200 for about £50 from him (got it at his blue tent price despite it being green and black). At 2kg ish it is a good 2 man tent. He might have a banshee. He sells the vitesse 200 force10 single skin tent which I have and rate. Although not everyone suits a single skin also he doesn't mark it down much as it surprisingly sells quite well.
I think a good tent is the Coleman Falcon X1 tent. It is very light but out of your £50 price range. Still thought I'd mention it as there are some bargains for ti to be found. There is also the 2 man X2 I think. Coleman with this tent has come out of the budget end a bit IMHO.
another for the Pheonix Phreak - 20 years old and still going strong. Although it needed a new A point.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/johnsnz/P1010005-2.jpg
I've not got a photo of mine
If want more room a Vaude Mk3 or for lightweight Outdoor Designs Alpine Bivi
beachlover
07-04-2010, 19:39
simple ground dwelling
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r261/beachloveriow_photos/03102009145.jpg
comfort
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r261/beachloveriow_photos/17062009024.jpg
Hi Andy, i was pondering this the other day, as i fancy tryin gettin of the floor!So i emaled dd hammocks and here reply was interesting.
"Hi Andy,
We recommend our hammocks for a max weight of 25 stone however the actual hammocks can support more than this if you change the webbing / rope that they come with for stronger climbing rope (which you can buy from most big outdoor stores).
Either our Camping, Travel or Frontline Hammocks would be suitable. To be on the safe side I'd also recommend checking the hammock before using for signs of wear on the stitching at either end, although I'm pretty sure there won't be a problem with it I can't think of many people that weight who've used our hammocks.
Best regards,
Nick
http://www.ddhammocks.com/
email: sales@ddhammocks.com
now i tip the scales a little over the 25 stone mark so i am about to get myself off the ground!!
btw no link to dd just really pleased with there customer service