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Post your pics... :)
May be a useful* thread... I'll post something later...
Andy
* hopefully...
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Our tunnel tent barn... ('8' berth Kyham Indiana 06-ish)
(http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/5706/2279953550101458909S600x600Q85.jpg)
In use... with electric for first time.
(http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/26986/2567148220101458909S600x600Q85.jpg)
Sort of ready to pack... we take too much really. Packing is a tad stressful, and the minis often kick off the car journey with a space war amid sleeping bags, pillows etc...
(http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/45272/2442004290101458909S600x600Q85.jpg)
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You could have tidied up!
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Chuffin' eck... that's not a tent - it's an aircraft hanger :o
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Holy cow! That's bigger than some flats I've lived in. :o
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You have used small models in the photos to make the tent look bigger though haven't you?
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We arrived on a camp site as a young couple were putting up a tent like that. I politely asked them if they would be holding a barn dance later in the evening but they didn't seem to understand.
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:) It's big, but the space works well for a week. This last time it was chucking with rain when we were packing up, and for a second (Ok 1/10th of a sec) almost thought of backing the car inside the tent through the large end flap... ;)
But a simple design, and packs up small (probably 70x40x30) - weighs 20ish kg.
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To be fair, the Pikes did take something not a lot smaller than that on the Dun Run! There were mutterings something along the lines of "never again" however. ;D
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Some campsites charge more if the tent is larger than 5m square (by which I assume they mean 5m x 5m, not 5m2, which is tiny).
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Not very well pitched here but this is my cycle camping one
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/silverbackcyclist/DSC00574.jpg)
I also have a 12 birth dome tent but the only pic I can find is this one
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/silverbackcyclist/DSC00803.jpg)
I'm sat in one of the 4 birth pods (approx 7'x7'), it's bloody huge and great fun to put up on your own!
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This is my cycle camping Terra Nova Laser Photon on the Freeze Your Bits of Ride and Camp, earlier this year, which give a comparison to size compared to a bike.
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/FreezeYourBitsOffJan2010/small.php?file=P1010923.JPG&size=400) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/FreezeYourBitsOffJan2010/P1010923.JPG)
This is a shot of the entire group on Dunwich Beach, after the DunRun.
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/DunRun2010/small.php?file=CloseUpTentGroupPano.jpg&size=400) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/DunRun2010/CloseUpTentGroupPano.jpg)
I'm not sure about which tents belong to whom, and what they are.
The orange tent on the left is Kim's, the green one immediatley to the right of it is one of the Terra Nova Laser's, the green one to the right of that, towards the back of the group is the Pike's Hoooge one, and the one further forward in that shot is andygate's Terre Nova something.
The right hand group of tents, after those cooking, first has my Terra Nova Laser Photon again, the next dark green one (left to right) is Charlotte's Terra Nova Laser, but aside from that I'm not sure which is which.
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My Family Tent
It's quite a trailer but we've done it all. Started 20 years ago with a Canvas & Steel Poles family tent.
We liked camping in France so much that we invested in a cheap Trailer tent which did us proud for many years but still needed pegging out when it all folded out of the trailer. This made it a bit of a pain to use for over-nighting and in wet weather. The cabin was also just bedrooms so it was fairly unuseable without the awning erected.
4 years ago we bought this folding camper. The main trailer part takes about 15 minutes to set up and needs no pegging. It has 2 decent mattress beds, a theford flushing loo and washbasin , a 3 hob cooker, grill and oven, built-in fridge (and we take our old 3-way chest fridge as well), cupboards and shelves & sink. If you hook it up to the mains then it has hot/cold running water (seriously).
If we're staying for more than a couple of days then we'll put the awning up. That's a faff, just like a regular frame tent. It takes about 30 minutes. In England we zip the zides in but abroad we use it as a sun canopy.
The awning is about 6mx3m. Simply zip out the side window of the base unit and you have a superb living area on hols.
(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/France%202010/Tent4.jpg?t=1282646990)
I know, I know "it isn't proper camping". That's what we used to say as well, but it's bloody great to turn up on camp and be set up, drinking some local plonk 30 minutes later.
Here it is in short-stay mode
(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/France%202010/Tent3.jpg?t=1282656571)
In Sun-Canopy mode
(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/France%202010/Tent2.jpg?t=1282656701)
and in "I never ever want to go home" mode
(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/France%202010/Tent1.jpg?t=1282656768)
Everything you need for your hols fits in the trailer so, in theory, it's ready to go at the drop of a hat.
At the other extreme is my Coleman "Viper" 2kg but no luxuries. I'l lbe getting a Vango Spirit 200+ at some stage.
(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/YACF%202009/camp21.jpg?t=1282657764)
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Not very well pitched here but this is my cycle camping one
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/silverbackcyclist/DSC00574.jpg)
I also have a 12 birth dome tent but the only pic I can find is this one
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/silverbackcyclist/DSC00803.jpg)
I'm sat in one of the 4 birth pods (approx 7'x7'), it's bloody huge and great fun to put up on your own!
Good grief that's a lot bigger on the inside than it looks....oh, reads description properly...
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Birth pods? Sounds like some Native American neonatal custom.
We have decided that electric hookups are Wrong.
Big lamps lead to 'fridges. 'Fridges lead to TVs. TVs lead to PlayStations. PlayStations lead to the Dark Side (i.e. you might as well stay at home).
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Birth pods? Sounds like some Native American neonatal custom.
We have decided that electric hookups are Wrong.
Big lamps lead to 'fridges. 'Fridges lead to TVs. TVs lead to PlayStations. PlayStations lead to the Dark Side (i.e. you might as well stay at home).
Electric hookups aren't so necessary in the UK because food and drink just needs to be left outside in order to remain in a chilled/frozen state. However, it's 17C at night and 32C during the day in Southern France.
Not an issue if you like drinking your margarine straight from the tub or hot beer of course.
Having said that, both fridges run on Gas if required (and have done for weeks at a time in the past) so a leccy hook-up isn't vital. We've never even used the water heater apart from testing it when we bought it.
It depends why you camp really. We camp so we can see a few nice French towns, eat in a few nice restaurants then come back to a base where we can read a few books whilst drinking chilled Rose in the afternoon sun.
That's the same reason we've always done it. The quality of the tent/accessories hasn't changed that really (well, it has done, for several positive reasons, actually).
The only downside is towing a 1 ton trailer unit, but it's much easier than a caravan with same proportions inside (when unfolded) and, because it sits lower than roofline of the car, I get 40mpg towing it.
Like I say, we've done it for about 20 years and done virtually all the camping options. I've slept on the ground enough times, drunk gone-off milk enough times, gone for enough night-time wees in the rain, this is my bit of luxury until I buy a big camper van and head off into Southern Europe for the Winter.
The YACF Camping weekend in my 1-man tent is a useful reminder of days gone by.
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It is possible to stop at chilly box, apparently.
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This summer was our first trial of EHU - we used electric for:
Keeping the electric cooler box going (this worked well/probably the most useful), but also...
Boiling the kettle (convenience)
Inflating the air beds
Charging the large fluorescent lamp
Charging DS consoles (for minis, though they didn't use them much)
Watching a couple of DVDs on the portable DVD player...
Could have done without all of these really - the campsite had a freezer block service.
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(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/3085425446_91ca5266be.jpg)
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Pitches in one, strong composite pole. Vulerable to collapse in some conditions though.
http://glaswegian.info/images/Mingers-ugly-girls.jpg
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Does it cope with cold weather?
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Depends how occupied. 1 second pitch too and will sleep upto 3.
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A different sort of tent in a different sort of state...
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4929159615_f8d7926234_b.jpg)
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Not mine. Not yet, anyway: Hello Kitty Tent - Hello Kitty Hell (http://www.kittyhell.com/2009/06/09/hello-kitty-tent/)
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Civilised camping last year with the other half.
It's a Eurohike tent that I got for the eclipse 11 years ago. Since then it's been used for about a week every other year. It's been reproofed once, but now the integral ground sheet is disintegrating at the edges. Not bad for £30....
Very pleased to see we're not the only ones who seem to accumulate a large number plastic bags when out camping, I was worried it was just us.
(http://www.pbase.com/gchong2426/image/127846208/large.jpg)
Same tent in less civilised mode when a few mates and me finally decided to try live like Ray Mears for a week back in 2002.
(http://www.pbase.com/gchong2426/image/17760174.jpg)
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We slept in the garden last night. Obviously the living area isn't usually this empty when camping away from home. Note free-range rabbit for that sylvan feeling.
(http://www.peeble.com/vango1.jpg)
(http://www.peeble.com/vango2.jpg)
(http://www.peeble.com/vango3.jpg)
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Pretty sheltered where you are then Rog ;D
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And right at the other end of the scale from these 5 room fabric semi-detacheds
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/monstadog/P1010362.jpg)
Taken about 4.30pm last November just as it was starting to get dark.
As it got darker, a magic cloak of invisibility came over it. It couldn't be seen from more than about 10 feet away
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(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/tent-night.jpg)
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(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/tent-night.jpg)
I want tents. With frickin' laser beams.
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Our Blacks Octane 3 at 2400 metres in the Neouvielle National Park, Pyrenees.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I2koBEIwO7s/SnG7GGSwi6I/AAAAAAAAGL0/BoBT2BmkouY/s720/dsc01220.jpg)
Oh bugger, someone left the porch light on.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_I2koBEIwO7s/SnG7fYEq_sI/AAAAAAAAGPE/NGZZGQuF-Ik/s720/dsc01364.jpg)
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At a campsite near Hay-on-Wye, last September.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4938755064_5020596686_b.jpg)
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. Note free-range rabbit for that sylvan feeling.
(http://www.peeble.com/vango1.jpg)
Jesus, I thought that was Frank :o
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(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/pagness/500full-donnie-darko-poster.jpg)
Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?
:D
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At least six-foot prophetic rabbits don't chew guy ropes.
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We have more tents than a well stocked branch of Millets, here are just some of them.
Our Campus Indiana 8 which is the forerunner of andyoxon's Kyham Indiana 8 (Kyham took over the Campus brand so I gather). You can hold a circus in it, it's only draw back is the lack of a sewn in groundsheet in the middle living section. I think that has been sorted in the later versions. We purchased it in 2005 for £200 and have used it a great deal though it's retirement looms. It might even get replaced by a caravan :o :o :o
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/moonsixpencemay091.jpg)
One of our two Decathlon pop-ups. Both are the "Air" versions which have ears on either side that open to aid ventilation. Here we see the 3-man version. We also have the 2-man version. The pair are used primarily when we are overnighting to save erecting the Campus Big Top.
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/france2009115.jpg)
Our two Decathlon cycle camping tents. The smaller of the two in the background is a Quechua T2 ultralight pro. The larger in the foreground is a T2 ultralight. Both are very good in my opinion and incredible value for money.
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/SDC10386-1.jpg)
Given enough time in the loft I could also lay my hands on a 2-man dome tent, can't remember the make or model and my old Robert Saunders cycle camping tent that I haven't used in over 20 years.
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Why is Tony Hawks sat outside your Indiana 8? ???
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Why is Tony Hawks sat outside your Indiana 8? ???
He was having a rest. His fridge and piano are just out of shot.
By the way, the photo was taken on the Moon and Sixpence site near Woodbridge, Suffolk. The site is the current holder of the prestigious Oscar's dad Best Loo Block Award. Said block is a lovely log cabin type affair with Radio 2 piped 24/7. And, harking back to a comment I made earlier on another thread, the site owner does enforce the curfew so the site is nice and quiet at night.
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Crumbs, Pelli, I love those photos. Thought they were from a catalogue at first!
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Crumbs, Pelli, I love those photos. Thought they were from a catalogue at first!
I agree. Did you walk or cycle up there?
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By the way, the photo was taken on the Moon and Sixpence site near Woodbridge, Suffolk. The site is the current holder of the prestigious Oscar's dad Best Loo Block Award. Said block is a lovely log cabin type affair with Radio 2 piped 24/7.
And it's just improved still further with the departure of S*r*h K*nn*dy!
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Last year at the campsite in Kirk Michael on the Isle of Man, after one of the heaviest nights of rain I can remember camping in - I wouldn't normally have gone for the 'under the trees' position but it worked out quite well. Graham 's sitting outside his 'Argos' tent (same tent, but might not have been from Argos) and the black Coleman is mine.
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff128/shifty176/img_0609.jpg)
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At a campsite near Hay-on-Wye, last September.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4938755064_5020596686_b.jpg)
I think your taste in tents is impeccable :)
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Not as impressive a pitch as Peli & Woolly's, but here is our Octane at the wedding
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/Wedding066.jpg)
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Here's our Octane with Butterfly's Nallo (now adopted by TGL - he ain't daft)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/PICT0597.jpg)
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Old faithful cheapie - Eurohike. Still use it occasionally. Nice tent, but no porch at all.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/PICT0314-1.jpg)
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My Vaude MKII Light is directly behind NSTN
http://www.delthebike.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/milden2010/p8292733.jpg
Thanks/credit to Del for the pic.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/P1000861.jpg)
Not our tent, despite Butterfly sitting outside it and looking right at home. This is the Hilleberg dome tent being tested at Watlington.
The chap is a random ALC member.
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This is the tent we have just rescued from redundancy :)
Cabanon Guadeloupe Tent, quality pyramide style tent from Cabanon (http://www.attwoolls.co.uk/Tents-By-Brand/Cabanon-Tents/Guadeloupe.html)
The front extension is a little longer on ours
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Is it my imagination or is the Blacks Octane a rebadged Vango?
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Vango Spirit 200+
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_45o2t790K90/TH-PdvmxOOI/AAAAAAAAF9o/TcfEnGdxrMs/s640/p8272702.jpg)
And d inside d it t echos s.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_45o2t790K90/TH-PeOfoygI/AAAAAAAAF9s/Xi-BJxyo62A/s640/p8272703.jpg)
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Not great pictures, but, camping with the Scouts, I ride out if I can, which is usually for shorter, local camps, so I use a Coleman Epsilon 2 similar to redshift's (fits in pannier with a sleeping bag).
(http://www.rossall.plus.com/Coleman.jpg)
If I can't ride out, I take the chance to have a bit more space and use a Vango Beta 250.
(http://www.rossall.plus.com/Vango.jpg)
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Crumbs, Pelli, I love those photos. Thought they were from a catalogue at first!
I agree. Did you walk or cycle up there?
We walked up there. We used to camp up there when I was younger with my sister while my Dad slept out under the stars. I thought it only right to introduce Woolly to high mountain camping! Here's the blog (http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/07/where-are-you-2/) about it and here's some more piccies (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/woollypigs/LacDetMail250709#).
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Here's our Octane with Butterfly's Nallo (now adopted by TGL - he ain't daft)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/PICT0597.jpg)
When was that photo taken? Surely there isn't already frost in yon Englandshire?
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Spacepacker, Loch Etchachan (Cairngorms):
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9Ae_dGIUcWs/TIVnkAVAZ4I/AAAAAAAAAyk/De5RyCxabik/s640/Cairngorms%20June%202002%20044.jpg)
... and on a very wet campsite near Boulogne:
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9Ae_dGIUcWs/TIVo-Cgy-JI/AAAAAAAAAys/WhNJre5iMj0/s640/IMGP0964.JPG)
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Here's my Vango Beta 450 in the background
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs211.ash2/47376_511313907906_223500240_435334_8248346_n.jpg)
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Not great pictures, but, camping with the Scouts, I ride out if I can, which is usually for shorter, local camps, so I use a Coleman Epsilon 2 similar to redshift's (fits in pannier with a sleeping bag).
(http://www.rossall.plus.com/Coleman.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Tall%20Ships%20Ride%20with%20Camping%20Gear/NewtandRuthTanHill12Aug10004-1.jpg)
We have exactly this. Smashing tent, but I put it on the pannier rack as I like to take loads of stuff.
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a spacepacker! That takes me back 2n years!
I used to have one with a cotton inner. Lovely tent to sleep in, never any condensation.
Didn't cope with howling gales tho'. Got flattened by a gale in the lakes once - pole snapped when tent was crushed flat. Saunders replaced it free of charge.
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(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/3085425446_91ca5266be.jpg)
Lordy! :o :o
That's one 'morning glory' Sam....
;D
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Here's our Octane with Butterfly's Nallo (now adopted by TGL - he ain't daft)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/PICT0597.jpg)
When was that photo taken? Surely there isn't already frost in yon Englandshire?
March (I think) last year in a garden in Sussex belonging to some friends :).
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March is entitled to frost. :)
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Not great pictures, but, camping with the Scouts, I ride out if I can, which is usually for shorter, local camps, so I use a Coleman Epsilon 2 similar to redshift's (fits in pannier with a sleeping bag).
We have exactly this. Smashing tent, but I put it on the pannier rack as I like to take loads of stuff.
Hah! Bet it's not as much as I take. About half seems strictly necessary for cycle camping, and the rest is boots (for muddy sites) and extra shoes, administrative stuff, activity equipment, uniform, and so on. I use front and rear panniers, rack pack and occasionally a bar bag. Reckon I could use just the rear panniers if it was just camping ;D
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Spacepacker, Loch Etchachan (Cairngorms): ...
... and for those times when the Spacepacker isn't spacious enough (which is more often as we get older and crave luxury at the expense of weight) there's the Wild Country Hyperspace and an Outwell Indiana 4 - here sharing a very generous-sized pitch on a site in the Dordogne
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9Ae_dGIUcWs/TIaiuaU9mYI/AAAAAAAAA0A/CqY8J8YXAkg/s640/IMGP1945.JPG)
Oh, and an elderly Ultimate Equipment Peapod somewhere in the basement.
Looks like the n+1 rule also applies to tents ;)
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Apologies for this maybe stupid question which may be answered elsewhere.
Will keep it brief as this is a mainly pictorial thread.
That Blacks Octane pic looks very smiliar to the Vango Spirit 200 Plus which I've had my eye on.
Is it?
If so is the build quality the same?
Is it a particular model of Octane?
many thanks for any reply
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Peli & Woolly, and Ariadne IIRC (and us of course) own Octane 3s.
It's a very good tent, but I would reckon a Vango Spirit 300+ to be the equivalent in purpose, but better in build. Both are broadly copies of the Hilleberg Nallo 3GT.
We do camp a lot, but we've had a few issues with our Octane. Minor things, which could be repaired, if I had the skills, the time and the materials, but niggles nonetheless.
Camping on my own in palatial luxury, I would want (in order of preference):
Nallo 2GT
Nallo 2
Spirit 200+
Octane 3
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It's an Octane 3. It is pretty similar to the Spirit 200+, maybe slightly larger. The build quality isn't bad, although we have nearly used ours into the ground. We've been very happy with it, and when we had a problem with the first one after nearly a year, I took it back with no reciept and it was instantly replaced with no problem, so their customer service was brill :).
(cross posted with Clarion)
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Butterfly and Clarion -many thanks for the info.
Sort of made my decision for me then - when funds allow, the Vango Spirit 200 plus.
back to the charming pics ....
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Looks like the n+1 rule also applies to tents ;)
Of course!
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(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_B9VrC1kYlhs/S8B2eeQKvoI/AAAAAAAAARU/cIoP9N6Zc7o/s512/07.%20Campsite%20%26%20crags%20behind_phatch.JPG)
A Terra Nova Ultra Quasar on a campsite two minutes walk from the crags in Turkey.
If the inline linking to Picasa doesn't work then clicky click (http://lh4.ggpht.com/_B9VrC1kYlhs/S8B2eeQKvoI/AAAAAAAAARU/cIoP9N6Zc7o/s512/07.%20Campsite%20%26%20crags%20behind_phatch.JPG).
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Funny thing! The above pic', from adamski, is one of the most emotive I've seen. I really think it looks like the perfect place and, were I not Fat, Lazy and Broke, I'd head on out to Turkeylands and have a look myself.
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Looks like the n+1 rule also applies to tents ;)
Of course!
Mr R is enforcing an "n+1 = n-1" policy at the moment for tents... :'(
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Looks like the n+1 rule also applies to tents ;)
Of course!
Mr R is enforcing an "n+1 = n-1" policy at the moment for tents... :'(
So is Mrs JT. I'm having to sell my MSR Velo after getting a Mountain Equipment Dragonfly. Admittedly that's more to do with funding than restricting an expanding collection of tents but still... :'(
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Whilst I was looking at JT's MSR Velo, but facing the n+1 issue, so I'm probably going to have to pass :D
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Looks like the n+1 rule also applies to tents ;)
Of course!
Mr R is enforcing an "n+1 = n-1" policy at the moment for tents... :'(
So what are you selling?
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Looks like the n+1 rule also applies to tents ;)
Of course!
Mr R is enforcing an "n+1 = n-1" policy at the moment for tents... :'(
When shall we see pictures of your trailer tent thingy in action? I'm fascinated by it. Surely it's a right pain to tow and well heavy etc. However, I'm equally sure I'm wrong hence the fascination.
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Looks like the n+1 rule also applies to tents ;)
Of course!
Mr R is enforcing an "n+1 = n-1" policy at the moment for tents... :'(
When shall we see pictures of your trailer tent thingy in action? I'm fascinated by it. Surely it's a right pain to tow and well heavy etc. However, I'm equally sure I'm wrong hence the fascination.
Soon - I'm hatching a plan... but it may have to wait until October.
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What like towing it 50 miles off-road up the Peddars Way? Isn't thing designed of the Aussie outback? If so Norfolk should be a piece of pi55 :thumbsup:
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What like towing it 50 miles off-road up the Peddars Way? Isn't thing designed of the Aussie outback? If so Norfolk should be a piece of pi55 :thumbsup:
How slow do you want the ride to be? ;D
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What like towing it 50 miles off-road up the Peddars Way? Isn't thing designed of the Aussie outback? If so Norfolk should be a piece of pi55 :thumbsup:
How slow do you want the ride to be? ;D
I can't imagine it will be fast so I think you should give it a try. Worst case scenario is we abandon you and you simply deploy the self leveling system, rig up the satellite dish and camp where we dump you. You'll be fine :thumbsup:
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What like towing it 50 miles off-road up the Peddars Way? Isn't thing designed of the Aussie outback? If so Norfolk should be a piece of pi55 :thumbsup:
How slow do you want the ride to be? ;D
Of course. How silly to forget. It was built for Aussies. Real men. Not like those Kiwis... ;)
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I found it hard finding a picture of my tent as I don't tend to take one of it. I usually take a picture of the view from out of the tent door and I usually manage to get one of my feet in the shot.
Saunders Space Packer at Contin on the way to Ullapool a couple of years ago.
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2vhsrrc.jpg[/IMG
Example of what I mean with the view shot. Ardmair view.
[IMG]http://i51.tinypic.com/1ovwyh.jpg)
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............. and an example of what I mean about the tent view shot. Ardmair.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/1ovwyh.jpg)
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I have a far less exciting one of those.
(http://www.peeble.com/wyke2.jpg)
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Oh no, something has bitten off your foot !!!
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Shall we have a dedicated "Pictures from a tent door" thread ...?
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/1stcyclecampingtrip8.jpg)
And ...
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/IMG_0022.jpg)
EDIT: sorry, I didn't realise this post was an advert for Crocs (although the blue pair are cheapo copies)
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So this has turned into a thread for flap shots?
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(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/flap.jpg)
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Somewhere in the Andes in 1996
(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff320/jspooner99/peru108.jpg)
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I suppose now you're going to claim the Andes are somehow more impressive than a field just outside Andover? Tsk.
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LEL 2009 Washingborough campsite. Not quite the Andes ;)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4991044678_61d823d3d1_z_d.jpg)
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another flap shot...
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HNgR4FFUbuM/S1Q7K2LUbII/AAAAAAAAAnQ/ott6Fud5rEk/s400/p1000472.jpg)
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^^^ I can see my car! Do I get extra points?
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My new Mountain Equipment Dragonfly 3XT on its first outing at the White Horse Inn, Edwardstone, Suffolk on Thursday night.
(http://gallery.me.com/jtompy/100122/DSC_2997/web.jpg?ver=12847585710001)
Note the obligatory Crocs.
Really nice tent - very well made and feels really solid - I don't know why I bothered to guy it out actually considering there was no wind. Being a 3 person tent, it's nice and roomy for me and Mrs JT and there's enough room in the porch for Ted (the dog)'s trailer/crate while still allowing access for us and a bit more space for storage. This will be our cycle camping tent.
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Octane 2 for when its warm
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/jcm56/France2010036.jpg)
Dandy Delta for when there is snow on the ground
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/jcm56/006.jpg)
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Our car camping tent - a Wild Country Levache - at Lochranza, Arran:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5003549555_ab00abbcb3_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26008756@N08/5003549555/)
and my one man tent - a Macpac Microlight - at sunrise in Cwmystwyth:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5004154932_a1a1dda8b2_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26008756@N08/5004154932/)
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So this has turned into a thread for flap shots?
This is mine
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5004230238_f1a9d515a9_b.jpg)
Somewhere on Beinn Uidhe north of Inchnadamph in April this year
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Was that the trip where you somehow managed to have dry socks, if nothing else, every day? It looks distinctly chilly, but what a view to wake up to!
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Vango spirit 200+ in Italy before it failed disastrously.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4950193431_03e0f2b51a_z.jpg)
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What actually happened to it. Sorry if you have posted this before, must have missed it.
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The spirit 200+ is a cheap Hilleberg Nallo GT copy - only they failed to copy the poles and instead decided to engineer in an angled joint in the middle of each pole to concentrate all the stress and strain. Then, they decided to make this highly stressed piece of the pole out of the same thin/lightweight aluminium as the rest of the poles. Two out of three broke within 6 weeks (tent up and down almost daily in this time).
Vango consider poles to be 'consumables' and don't warranty them. Unfortunately, the tent was bought long before it got intensive use otherwise I'd be pursuing them under the 'not fit for purpose' banner.
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Hilleberg do not joint their poles but they have had problems with their 9mm alloy poles on Nallo 2 and 2GT models. Oddly, or maybe not, the poles on a 3 and 3GT don't seem to suffer the same way. Hilleberg are at least good enough to replace faulty poles though.
I notice that the poles on my new Nammatj 3GT are 10mm and not tapered, rather sleeved at the joins.
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Here (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=Ama%E1%B9%ADl%C3%AEch,+Aoujeft,+Adrar,+Mauritania&safe=off&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FTARKAEdGcQn_w&split=0&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=6.881357,14.941406&hq=&hnear=Ama%E1%B9%ADl%C3%AEch&ll=19.461413,-13.897705&spn=1.154971,2.469177&t=h&z=9)
I could have slept in one of the tents, but preferred to sleep under the stars.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5007808993_a32aca857d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnspooner/5007808993/)
Mauritania (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnspooner/5007808993/) by John Spooner (http://www.flickr.com/people/johnspooner/), on Flickr
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a spacepacker! That takes me back 2n years!
I used to have one with a cotton inner. Lovely tent to sleep in, never any condensation.
Didn't cope with howling gales tho'. Got flattened by a gale in the lakes once - pole snapped when tent was crushed flat. Saunders replaced it free of charge.
I can't find any pictures at the moment ???, but I have the one with a cotton liner from at least 20 years ago and its still going strong! I found the pole sprung back when the wind was strong enough to bend it in but flattened other tents.
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The spirit 200+ is a cheap Hilleberg Nallo GT copy - only they failed to copy the poles and instead decided to engineer in an angled joint in the middle of each pole to concentrate all the stress and strain. Then, they decided to make this highly stressed piece of the pole out of the same thin/lightweight aluminium as the rest of the poles. Two out of three broke within 6 weeks (tent up and down almost daily in this time).
Vango consider poles to be 'consumables' and don't warranty them. Unfortunately, the tent was bought long before it got intensive use otherwise I'd be pursuing them under the 'not fit for purpose' banner.
Anyone else had problems with this on this tent? Was thinking of getting one. Vango did replace some fibreglass poles of mine on a cheapish tent years ago so they seem to have changed their policy.
Angled joint sounds odd - the small hoop on my Coleman Cobra has angles but it hasn't been subjected to much.
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The spirit 200+ is a cheap Hilleberg Nallo GT copy - only they failed to copy the poles and instead decided to engineer in an angled joint in the middle of each pole to concentrate all the stress and strain. Then, they decided to make this highly stressed piece of the pole out of the same thin/lightweight aluminium as the rest of the poles. Two out of three broke within 6 weeks (tent up and down almost daily in this time).
Vango consider poles to be 'consumables' and don't warranty them. Unfortunately, the tent was bought long before it got intensive use otherwise I'd be pursuing them under the 'not fit for purpose' banner.
Anyone else had problems with this on this tent? Was thinking of getting one. Vango did replace some fibreglass poles of mine on a cheapish tent years ago (I did neglect to tell them about the truly horrendous winds one night in Barmouth) - so they seem to have changed their policy.
Angled joint sounds odd - the small hoop on my Coleman Cobra has angles but it hasn't been subjected to much.
If it's any help, I met up with a friend who had looked at our tent before we left and then bought himself one - he had exactly the same problem!
I was just going to get two replacement pole pieces (available online for c.£7 a piece), clean and reproof it and then sell it on with a hefty 'caveat emptor'. There is one tear in the fly to repair too but that should be straightforward as it's only a few inches long (sharp stick came through in high winds to scare the bejesus out of us!).
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The spirit 200+ is a cheap Hilleberg Nallo GT copy - only they failed to copy the poles and instead decided to engineer in an angled joint in the middle of each pole to concentrate all the stress and strain. Then, they decided to make this highly stressed piece of the pole out of the same thin/lightweight aluminium as the rest of the poles. Two out of three broke within 6 weeks (tent up and down almost daily in this time).
Vango consider poles to be 'consumables' and don't warranty them. Unfortunately, the tent was bought long before it got intensive use otherwise I'd be pursuing them under the 'not fit for purpose' banner.
I very nearly bought a Vango Spirit 200+ for the extended porch. Glad I didn't now. Still looking. I like the MSR two man tents but pricey, also the Vaude Hogans which are a bit cheaper. Decathlon do good stuff at affordable prices so maybe I'll check them out.
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(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/gordon1314/tent.jpg)
That's my Vango Spirit 200+ (note the bear locker at the end of the bench)
I reckon it's the best bit of kit I've ever bought, I think it's been pitched 200+ times all over the world, by nearly everone in the family.
:thumbsup:
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The spirit 200+ is a cheap Hilleberg Nallo GT copy - only they failed to copy the poles and instead decided to engineer in an angled joint in the middle of each pole to concentrate all the stress and strain. Then, they decided to make this highly stressed piece of the pole out of the same thin/lightweight aluminium as the rest of the poles. Two out of three broke within 6 weeks (tent up and down almost daily in this time).
Vango consider poles to be 'consumables' and don't warranty them. Unfortunately, the tent was bought long before it got intensive use otherwise I'd be pursuing them under the 'not fit for purpose' banner.
I very nearly bought a Vango Spirit 200+ for the extended porch. Glad I didn't now. Still looking. I like the MSR two man tents but pricey, also the Vaude Hogans which are a bit cheaper. Decathlon do good stuff at affordable prices so maybe I'll check them out.
Good plan. Decathlon :thumbsup:
EDIT: see reply #35 of this thread
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(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/gordon1314/tent.jpg)
That's my Vango Spirit 200+ (note the bear locker at the end of the bench)
I reckon it's the best bit of kit I've ever bought, I think it's been pitched 200+ times all over the world, by nearly everone in the family.
:thumbsup:
:facepalm: At first I read bear as beer. Now that would be my type of campsite :thumbsup:
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Our £50 Netto cheapo, 6 person and too big for the garden so pitched on the green at the front. It was my birthday and we had dinner in it.
I also have a jet packer plus
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad8/richsafham/yacf/P1000516.jpg)
(http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad8/richsafham/yacf/P1000518.jpg)
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My TN standing up to all the Hebrides can throw at it
(http://www.derbyctc.org.uk/ph/heb/howmore.jpg)
And I like it's big doors
(http://www.derbyctc.org.uk/ph/heb/barra.jpg)
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The spirit 200+ is a cheap Hilleberg Nallo GT copy - only they failed to copy the poles and instead decided to engineer in an angled joint in the middle of each pole to concentrate all the stress and strain. Then, they decided to make this highly stressed piece of the pole out of the same thin/lightweight aluminium as the rest of the poles. Two out of three broke within 6 weeks (tent up and down almost daily in this time).
Vango consider poles to be 'consumables' and don't warranty them. Unfortunately, the tent was bought long before it got intensive use otherwise I'd be pursuing them under the 'not fit for purpose' banner.
I very nearly bought a Vango Spirit 200+ for the extended porch. Glad I didn't now. Still looking. I like the MSR two man tents but pricey, also the Vaude Hogans which are a bit cheaper. Decathlon do good stuff at affordable prices so maybe I'll check them out.
I've been on the verge of buying a Spirit 200+ for 5 years and this is the first bad review I've seen. There must be thousands of them out there.
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Taken 2003 whilst pitched at Ceret during a tree-bending storm that lasted all day.
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t51/asorim1/DSCF0062.jpg)
The tent is a Saunders Spacepacker. It did exceedingly well.
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I've got one of these Jetpacker and Jetpacker Plus (http://www.robertsaunders.co.uk/pages/jetpacker.html) the one with the single pole. I bought it for backpacking as it's only 1.4kg, but getting in/out is tricky. At least you can take the inner down and pack away before the flysheet if it's raining. I used it up in Snowdonia last weekend. Still a great tent, but if you want to cook in the minimal porch you have to lie on your tummy and hang out the door. I like the idea of something a touch bigger with a side entrance for non-back packing.
Edit - it's the Jetpacker I've got, not the bigger one
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(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs777.snc4/67714_447679626838_551606838_5055572_1816525_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs054.ash2/36043_447679741838_551606838_5055573_6662087_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs399.ash2/67698_447680756838_551606838_5055577_719684_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs766.snc4/66620_447681066838_551606838_5055584_103609_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs449.ash2/72198_447681336838_551606838_5055589_45223_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs766.snc4/66611_447679186838_551606838_5055567_5411418_n.jpg)
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Fabulous! :D
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We had to borrow a friend's garden to put it up in, but it has been tested and proven to be a 4 monkey tent, so long as they're good friends. And you could just about fit three Crinklies in it, whilst the cubs are small anyway :)
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:thumbsup:
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Marvellous. That's rather exciting.
I notice that there was some trampolining happening in the background. Is this an essential part of helping with the erecting of this tent? If so, I could foresee difficulties...
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Oh dear, Clarion, how could you fail to understand? Trampolining is an essential part of life.
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Although I might struggle to fit a trampoline on the rack.....
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Oh dear, Clarion, how could you fail to understand? Trampolining is an essential part of life.
Yes, I see that. But can one get a trampoline in the panniers? ???
Actually, scratch that. I tour with Butterfly. She's probably already packed one ;D
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Well, the bouncy-stretchy bit should pack down ok, it's the frame and the sides that are going to be a problem. As you're camping, you'll have a tent, and tents have frames, so there is room for something to be improvised. ;D Sides? Don't need them, just make sure you bounce somewhere soft and, er... bouncy!
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My TN standing up to all the Hebrides can throw at it
(http://www.derbyctc.org.uk/ph/heb/howmore.jpg)
And I like it's big doors
(http://www.derbyctc.org.uk/ph/heb/barra.jpg)
Which TN is that ? The big door looks ace.
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Which TN is that ? The big door looks ace.
Solar 2.2, by the look
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It is a Solar 2.2, with big inner and outer doors both sides, each with a mesh option. Not perfect, but the best tent I've used, though the price has shot up since I bought mine. Decent review here;
http://www.andyhowell.info/trek-blog/2007/05/30/review-terra-nova-superlight-solar-22/
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i have a number of tents including a spirit 200. the one i have used the most this year is the wild country apex 1 i bought from the outdoor show in the spring :)
(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/cycleman108/cornwall%20cycle%20camping/066-2.jpg)
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Hilleberg flirts with Terra Nova
As Laser Comp eyes up Akto, she admires his hardy masculinity. At every campsite, Laser is still in final preparation as Akto is in full erection. However, some of the delay is due to Laser having the optional groundsheet to protect the delicate bits.
By comparison, Laser is slightly demure, needs a tad more attention to look perfect with all the lines adjusted and re-adjusted until they're just so, and her separate pole cover is so tedious - Akto's protection is always in place to keep unwanted moisture where it should be.
But, Akto's strength carries a weight penalty; as they ride away in the morning it's Laser who gets the biggest smile.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-3/672416/Akto%20and%20Laser.jpg)
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We had to borrow a friend's garden to put it up in, but it has been tested and proven to be a 4 monkey tent, so long as they're good friends. And you could just about fit three Crinklies in it, whilst the cubs are small anyway :)
yhpm
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(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/tents.jpg)
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(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/tents.jpg)
Yebbut have you seen what computer cables do when nobody's watching them? They get impossibly tangled in the clinch and no-one ever gave them any sex education...
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(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/tents.jpg)
Jaded, could you please tell which JPEG editor you used for the speech bubble? I like.
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Hi,
It is Comic Life, on a Mac but available for Windows too. :thumbsup:
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In New Zealand:
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hpgvxYB_7cs/TO6kJHMeQyI/AAAAAAAAB3g/bDKWxps2QIk/112.JPG)
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hpgvxYB_7cs/TPK6tAIboJI/AAAAAAAACUo/opvleZFk4bU/63.JPG)
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hpgvxYB_7cs/TPK73MkouQI/AAAAAAAACeg/rsyp5R8eH7c/218.JPG)
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hpgvxYB_7cs/TPK721CsX0I/AAAAAAAACec/em48od9PE-k/217.JPG)
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Moving house? ;D
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My camping set up when out on my own.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/4017950340_a9fd7a1ff6_z.jpg)
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now that is tiny
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I almost missed it. When I first glanced at the pic I thought the polythene groundcover in the background was some strange mega-tent :-[
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That's what I call camping light !!
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I almost missed it. When I first glanced at the pic I thought the polythene groundcover in the background was some strange mega-tent :-[
Yeah, I thought the hanging gardens were a bit OTT, tbh.
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Our best tent ever: Cabanon. Not even a little bit lightweight.
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1127109/CNV00017-2.jpg)
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I like Cabanons, not for the slightly 70s looks but for the way the heavy canvas is wrinkle-free compared to everyone else's tents at the campsite.
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Our best tent ever: Cabanon. Not even a little bit lightweight.
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1127109/CNV00017-2.jpg)
that's almost identical to our "standing up" tent.We have a front extension which adds a great deal to the feeling of spaceiousness.*
*is that a proper word?
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another look at the pic suggests that the extension is added to the tent.
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This is the tent we have just rescued from redundancy :)
Cabanon Guadeloupe Tent, quality pyramide style tent from Cabanon (http://www.attwoolls.co.uk/Tents-By-Brand/Cabanon-Tents/Guadeloupe.html)
The front extension is a little longer on ours
A lovely tent! ;-)
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another look at the pic suggests that the extension is added to the tent.
Not yet. Coming this spring...
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This is the tent we have just rescued from redundancy :)
Cabanon Guadeloupe Tent, quality pyramide style tent from Cabanon (http://www.attwoolls.co.uk/Tents-By-Brand/Cabanon-Tents/Guadeloupe.html)
The front extension is a little longer on ours
A lovely tent! ;-)
I had quite forgotten that I had posted that contribution ::-)
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That is a nice looking tent :)
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It's bomb-proof. Pretty big: tall enough to stand up in and sleeps 2 kids and 2 grown-ups comfortably. Because it's canvas it breathes very well in hot weather -- no sweatiness. You can open the whole thing up, too.
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Our best tent ever: Cabanon. Not even a little bit lightweight.
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1127109/CNV00017-2.jpg)
You know, I looked at that picture and immediately thought it was from the seventies, until I noticed the modern cars, tents, clothes etc.
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My Hilleberg Akto and bike at Tan Hill last month.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5449363220_484f4e0fca.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/5449363220/)
sundown at Tan Hill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/5449363220/) by dean.clementson (http://www.flickr.com/people/30024450@N04/), on Flickr
That was about ten to 5 in the evening: 15 minutes later there was a layer of frost on the tent. Ah well, the pub was warm and welcoming.
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My Coleman Cobra in the Chamonix Valley early June 2009.....
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4662900474_877b2d331a_z.jpg)
My Alpkit tarp on Dartmoor about a year ago....
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4413875434_e0ecef2616_z.jpg)
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Tents, pah!...whatabout a Bongo...with Kyham driveaway....
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/3717426047_5ce1c23f57.jpg)
erm, not exactly what you'd call minimalist though...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3758536259_b58aa2006b.jpg)
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Oi! Manotea, come back and say that ;D
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Our Nallo 3GT
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/Nallo3.jpg)
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:thumbsup:
Makes me want to get ours out :)
Again ;)
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My Hilleberg Akto and bike at Tan Hill last month.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5449363220_484f4e0fca.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/5449363220/)
sundown at Tan Hill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/5449363220/) by dean.clementson (http://www.flickr.com/people/30024450@N04/), on Flickr
That was about ten to 5 in the evening: 15 minutes later there was a layer of frost on the tent. Ah well, the pub was warm and welcoming.
Hardcore.
Respect :thumbsup:
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My Coleman Cobra in the Chamonix Valley early June 2009.....
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4662900474_877b2d331a_z.jpg)
My Alpkit tarp on Dartmoor about a year ago....
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4413875434_e0ecef2616_z.jpg)
Australian bike by any chance?
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Australian bike by any chance?
;D
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Our Nallo 3GT
seven hundred pounds!! oh my gosh I had no idea tents could cost that much.
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My Hilleberg Akto and bike at Tan Hill last month.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5449363220_484f4e0fca.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/5449363220/)
sundown at Tan Hill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/5449363220/) by dean.clementson (http://www.flickr.com/people/30024450@N04/), on Flickr
That was about ten to 5 in the evening: 15 minutes later there was a layer of frost on the tent. Ah well, the pub was warm and welcoming.
Hardcore.
Respect :thumbsup:
I'm that inspired I might fetch the TN laserlight I bought 6 months ago, get it out of its bag and erect it in the back garden tomorrow once its stopped raining, just for the hell of it!
Are 'grownups' allowed to camp out overnight in the back garden?
Our Nallo 3GT
seven hundred pounds!! oh my gosh I had no idea tents could cost that much.
It's great how much specialised kit costs, isn't it. I used to torture civiliansnon cyclists by asking them how much it was possible to spend on a front light for a bicycle. They mostly maxed out around £30, then when I sat impassively they'd take wild shots in the dark (no pun intended), £50, £100...
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Our Nallo 3GT
seven hundred pounds!! oh my gosh I had no idea tents could cost that much.
We bought ours several years ago - expensive, but worth it :thumbsup:
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Are 'grownups' allowed to camp out overnight in the back garden?
Are 'grownups' allowed to camp out overnight in the back garden?
It happens frequently here.My grand daughter & I enjoy it.
Growing up is optional
Only growing older is compulsory
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I wish we had a garden to camp out in!
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The last time we had a new tent to try-out,it was too cold to camp in the garden.So we erected it in the living room & g.d. & I watched MotD from within the tent,eating crisps & drinking Diet Coke :thumbsup:
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I wish we had a garden to camp out in!
You could borrow mine. Bring a machete and a hammock. And something to tie it to...
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I wish we had a garden to camp out in!
Come and camp out in ours :D!
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Our Nallo 3GT
seven hundred pounds!! oh my gosh I had no idea tents could cost that much.
They don't need to. Check out Decathlon - good, lightweight tents at a fraction of the cost. You can even buy on-line now.
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Our Nallo 3GT
seven hundred pounds!! oh my gosh I had no idea tents could cost that much.
They don't need to. Check out Decathlon - good, lightweight tents at a fraction of the cost. You can even buy on-line now.
It's a bit like bikes really. There is cheap, there is light, there is quality, but there is not cheap lightweight quality tents. I paid under £400 for a Nallo 3GT in 2004. It has been used extensively, mainly cycle touring. It submitted to gale force winds in Shetland last year. It has been replaced with a Nammatj 3GT, another Hilleberg for less than £600. I hope for another 100 plus trouble-free nights ...
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I wish we had a garden to camp out in!
Come and camp out in ours :D!
+1
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Our Nallo 3GT
seven hundred pounds!! oh my gosh I had no idea tents could cost that much.
They don't need to. Check out Decathlon - good, lightweight tents at a fraction of the cost. You can even buy on-line now.
It's a bit like bikes really. There is cheap, there is light, there is quality, but there is not cheap lightweight quality tents. ...
As ever, it really depends on what you're doing. I've got several bikes which cost well over £1000 even before I started buying extra bits for them (and I know there are plenty of people on here who've spent a lot more on bikes), and I've got one which cost me £69 from Decathlon.
Having said that, my cheapest tent was £250, and is a small one man tent which I got when it was on special offer (it's current full price is close to £400), but there's plenty of room for things like cheap tents so long as you don't expect them to be light, well designed, rugged and long lasting. There's a reason that they're cheap! They'll often be fine for car camping, use during the warmer summer months, or using with kids (who are not likely to treat a several hundred pound tent like you and I would!)
Really, it's horses for courses. Of course there will be exceptions, and sometimes you'll find a fine cheap, lightweight tent that lasts a lifetime, but I'd suggest that mostly you get what you pay for.
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I will be camping as cheaply as it gets I think in order to see if I can develop a taste for it after many years of the annual flight/beach thing. If I find the practice matches the mental picture will buy some decent kit. The idea of chucking a bike on a plane and camping on Elba for the week end is also very very tempting.
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My tent was £25 from Argos. It's small, reasonably lightweight, competently waterproof, moderately faffy to pitch and extremely ORANGE. Camping doesn't have to be expensive.
While I'd like something easier to pitch and with a bit more room for extensive touring, there's other kit that's higher up on the shopping list.
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... there's other kit that's higher up on the shopping list.
n+1 ? ;D
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Any cheap single-skinned tent is a no-go except for summer, you'll have the groundsheet swimming in water in no time - same applies to expensive GTX tents too. Then you might want somewhere you can sit up in and cook comfortably rather than be crammed into a low porch with a pole in the middle. Lots of loose flapping material will keep you awake at night esp if it's only coated on the underside and thus expands when wet. I could probably manage with a cheap tent for summer use (though I'd rather not have to carry one at all), but not for 3-season.
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Our Nallo 3GT
seven hundred pounds!! oh my gosh I had no idea tents could cost that much.
They don't need to. Check out Decathlon - good, lightweight tents at a fraction of the cost. You can even buy on-line now.
It's a bit like bikes really. There is cheap, there is light, there is quality, but there is not cheap lightweight quality tents. ...
As ever, it really depends on what you're doing. I've got several bikes which cost well over £1000 even before I started buying extra bits for them (and I know there are plenty of people on here who've spent a lot more on bikes), and I've got one which cost me £69 from Decathlon.
Having said that, my cheapest tent was £250, and is a small one man tent which I got when it was on special offer (it's current full price is close to £400), but there's plenty of room for things like cheap tents so long as you don't expect them to be light, well designed, rugged and long lasting. There's a reason that they're cheap! They'll often be fine for car camping, use during the warmer summer months, or using with kids (who are not likely to treat a several hundred pound tent like you and I would!)
Really, it's horses for courses. Of course there will be exceptions, and sometimes you'll find a fine cheap, lightweight tent that lasts a lifetime, but I'd suggest that mostly you get what you pay for.
I would agree with Tim's sentiments.
I confess I have not had the chance to carefully examine an expensive £400+ tent. If you are intending to use a tent most weekends throughout the year and possibly in more extreme high altitude environments then buying a top dollar tent makes a great deal of sense.
However, we and I suspect many others are not in this bracket; we will use our Decathlon tents 2 or 3 times each year. Ordinarily I would agree with the "you get what you pay for" maxim. However, I was very surprised by our Decathlon Quecha Ultralight tents. They weigh 1.9 (2 people at a squeeze) and 2.9kgs (roomy 2 person tent) and cost c£70 and c£80 respectively. I cannot fault them for quality and they come with some nice touches - the pegs and bags are particularly good. As I say, how they compare to £400+ tents I couldn't say but I would have no hesitation in recommending them (as I have done on numerous occasions). Ours are entering their third season and providing we look after them I see no reason why they shouldn't give us many years of enjoyment to come.
One final thought, most tents now, even very cheap ones from Argos, Millets and Tesco etc have welded seams so are pretty much guarenteed to be waterproof. If you want to get cycle camping but can't stump up £400 then buy a cheap tent, you'll be fine and more importantly, you'll be cycle camping :thumbsup:
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IME you get what you pay for.Quality & durability cost more £.
Simples.
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Decathlon are possibly an exception to some cheap stuff being a bit naff. I'm not saying that their stuff is comparable in quality and usability to much more expensive equipment, but so long as you know what you're looking for, their stuff is often very reasonably priced for what it is. That seems to apply to things like bike as well as tents and clothing.
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Where's the pics ::-)
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Tent pic
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/andrew_sw/IMG_0136_Loch_Merkland_camp.jpg)
Presumably the same as Tim O's £400 reduced to £250 tent, except mine was reduced to £225 (though I dare say full price was a bit less then).
You could view it as being the equivalent of your £2000 road bike, where the £80/£100 Decathlon (current price) is equivalent to a £500 road bike.
As with everything else, you weigh up how much you are going to use a bit of equipment, how/where you are going to use it, and how much money you've got, and make a choice. If your cheap bike breaks, you've got unexpected taxi/train costs to get home; if your cheap tent breaks, you've got unexpected hotel costs.
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You could view it as being the equivalent of your £2000 road bike, where the £80/£100 Decathlon (current price) is equivalent to a £500 road bike.
...making the £25 Pro-Action tent the equivalent of a £100 single-speed mountain bike with slick tyres. Yeah, that sounds about right.
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Old and new. My old £25 Coleman next to my new £250 TN Solar. Is the TN better, of course, lighter, bigger, less flappy, easier to put up. will probably last longer... Is it ten times better? Who knows or cares. Did my luxury tent mean I enjoyed the tour I did with the Coleman's new owner more than him, no.
(http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g456/phbike1960/FirstnightMorar.jpg?t=1298319263)
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Our Nallo 3GT
seven hundred pounds!! oh my gosh I had no idea tents could cost that much.
They don't need to. Check out Decathlon - good, lightweight tents at a fraction of the cost. You can even buy on-line now.
Preaching to the converted, me and my T2 Ultralight have done plenty of miles together.
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^^^ :thumbsup:
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Wild country Duo-lite tourer. :thumbsup:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5494626526_a0c5434857_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/5494626526/)
IMG_0603 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/5494626526/) by Hey look, it's Luke! (http://www.flickr.com/people/60205142@N04/), on Flickr
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Interesting smokestack on your steam-bike.
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Interesting smokestack on your steam-bike.
It keeps my hands warm whilst riding :thumbsup:
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You could view it as being the equivalent of your £2000 road bike, where the £80/£100 Decathlon (current price) is equivalent to a £500 road bike.
...making the £25 Pro-Action tent the equivalent of a £100 single-speed mountain bike with slick tyres. Yeah, that sounds about right.
It's probably more like a £250 bike on a sale for £100.
Regular price for the Pro Action tent was £50, but it got discounted quite often. I did see it down to £17 once.
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The small tent, a terra nova laser comp.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5496980382_3ebbb9f421_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/5496980382/)
DSCF3934 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/5496980382/) by Hey look, it's Luke! (http://www.flickr.com/people/60205142@N04/), on Flickr
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Wild country Duo-lite tourer. :thumbsup:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5494626526_a0c5434857_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/5494626526/)
IMG_0603 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/5494626526/) by Hey look, it's Luke! (http://www.flickr.com/people/60205142@N04/), on Flickr
I think if I was in the market for a proper tent as opposed a cheapo Decthlon jobbie I would have one of these. I note that Field & Trek have this version marked down to £175 and the standard version down to £135.
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I am also coming around to this......
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Snip...
I think if I was in the market for a proper tent as opposed a cheapo Decthlon jobbie I would have one of these. I note that Field & Trek have this version marked down to £175 and the standard version down to £135.
I found one in sports direct in Nottingham for £150. This was about a week after I'd bought it for £200 elsewhere :facepalm:
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Two good looking tents Luke, I can't have more than one, it takes me long enough to decide which bike, if I had to choose a tent as well I'd never get away.
TN had just got the first batch of Duolite's in when I went to collect my Solar, they offered me one at a cracking price, but didn't want to invest in a tent nobody knew anything about. It's certainly a lot of tent for the money and weight.
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from monday evening:
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/tent.jpg)
a few hours before the wind picked it up at 2am and we had to walk back down in the dark and torrential rain. But that's another story.
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Do tell it!
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well..
we walked up to the base of cadair idris on a beautiful spring afternoon:
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/mike-1.jpg)
chose the most perfect campsite
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/campground.jpg) (you can just see Mrs Ms red jacket on the 'island' bit)
it got really cold but we had a nice dinner and a bottle of wine and were tucked up in our sleeping bags by 10. About midnight, the wind picked up to about 20-30mph and went around 180 degrees from when we pitched the tent. We tried to sleep through it but were rudely awakened at 2 when the front of the tent took off and we were both suddenly sitting straight up..
I held the tent down while Mrs M got dressed, then she did while I packed everything up. Unfortunately her pack had been blown away so we crammed as much as we could into mine and had to leave a few bits under a weighted-down tarp. Thank god it was her pack that went, the car keys were in mine..
we took about 2 hours to walk down to the car in pouring rain (and dark, obv), which was interesting.. we'd gone up the long way and decided to risk finding the shorter way down, it was fine, apart from the steep and slippery bits, but just needed a few map stops.
A couple of hours kip in the car (there's a great pic on her phone of me in my bag in the car with a bottle of scotch, will find it tomorrow), then an Olympic breakfast and a lot of tea at the nearest Little Chef, a clean pair of socks then back up the hill to get the stuff we'd left up there - no sign of Mrs Ms pack but everything else was there.
a memorable evening....
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Commiserations, Mike. That's really rotten luck.
Two or three years ago we climbed Cader from the King's YH. That was in May. It was very windy that week - so much so that Teethgrinder was almost lying down to avoid being blown away while we were approaching the summit.
The same week we all wheeled our bikes over Barmouth bridge. TG reckoned it was the strongest wind he'd ever tried to cycle in. It was an easterly, whipping straight off the mountain and along the Mawddach estuary.
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That's quite a trip. We had an altogether more peaceful weekend camping near Stratford. The views weren't as good, but I am consoled by how much safer it was.
Sorry to hear you lost some kit, but happy that no one was hurt.
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That is truly awful, I mean.....Little Chef! Surly there was an alternative?
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Wow - at least you got a good story out of it, and everything turned out ok!
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Stories like this remind me why I always sleep fully clothed when camping ;)
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Well after joining the camping and caravanning club we went off to the site at Ashbourne on monday and came back today.
(http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/joejoe11/carandtent.jpg)
We were the only tenters there and it was pretty windy! Had to alter the tent a bit because a pole was bending a tad funny. The tent is getting very thin in places and we have already had to sew a few bits up. Nothing special but its got us away for a few nights 8)
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:thumbsup: Camping is good.
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its got us away for a few nights 8)
That's usually special enough for me ;D
Was the campsite up to expectations?
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Campsite was great. I've stayed on campsites all over Europe and in bits of England but that's mainly been in a caravan. So camping was different. The site facilities were very clean, showers nice and hot and it was quiet.
We got told we must be very brave for camping then though. The wind even pushed a caravan awning against a caravan. It was only a lightweight porch awning rather then a more substantial one though.
Could quite reccomend the site. I'd be happy with a farmers field but the GF(who took some persuading to go camping) wanted showers and toilets.
To top it all we can't wait till we are next away in the tent!
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Cool :D :thumbsup:
We get some funny looks from site wardens when we camp in winter in rain/wind/snow/hail, but we always have fun. :)
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On my last wild pitch before the ride into Norseman, Western Australia in 2007.
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae29/cyclisttony/701.jpg)
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Half way up Ben Lomond. The Ben Lomond in Tasmania, that is:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Ua9XvuIKzVk/TYFBal1sIFI/AAAAAAAADEs/QUwu-XOsI04/s720/D7K_2718.JPG)
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(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5666394542_5b62fdd30b_b.jpg)
New toy, in use for the first time in Shropshire last weekend.
Both doors folded back, so you can't see the porch area.
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Have you sold the Shangri-La, then?
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No, it's in the cupboard with the Akto. As I've previously posted I've never been 100% happy at not having a proper porch in the Shangri La.
This chap is making a 1/2 size inner for it though.. I'm quite tempted OookWorks (http://oookworks.com/)
I bought the MSR Hubba in a sale at the back end of last year, it's an experiment. If I don't like it I won't be too much out of pocket if I sell it on.
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Half way up Ben Lomond. The Ben Lomond in Tasmania, that is:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_Ua9XvuIKzVk/TYFBal1sIFI/AAAAAAAADEs/QUwu-XOsI04/s720/D7K_2718.JPG)
Are those tents far enough apart to deaden the sounds of a little ladylike night breathing?
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I thought I'd go somewhere peaceful to get away from the Royal Wedding and try out the new tent
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5684544638_2a3cda2aa4.jpg)
Didn't see a single soul for 2 days not even far away in the valleys
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And then the Americans came and raided... ;D
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The Cabanon (Betty) will have her first outing this year in 3 weeks' time -- we're off to camp here (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Stowting,+Ashford&aq=0&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=14.797856,39.506836&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Stowting,+Ashford,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.12292,1.018252&spn=0.015434,0.054932&t=h&z=15) -- the Black Horse near Stowting (North Downs of Kent) free pitches in the paddock if you eat in the excellent pub. Cannot wait!
Here she is on her Maiden trip last year (a lovely farm in the Blackdown Hills):
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1127109/CNV00003-3.jpg)
We're so un-lightweight we even have a kitchen-type-thing this year! :thumbsup:
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I thought I'd go somewhere peaceful to get away from the Royal Wedding and try out the new tent
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5684544638_2a3cda2aa4.jpg)
Didn't see a single soul for 2 days not even far away in the valleys
I'd have fallen in the burn coming out the door - you're pretty close!
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The things you find to do when camping a long way from the pub.
My TN Solar 2.2 illuminated by my headtorch and a long exposure
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5685127194_a5e06f2d36_z.jpg)
My friends TN Voyager XL illuminated from within, another long exposure.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5685127184_9a667d4647_z.jpg)
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(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5694513186_ba348e3342_z.jpg)
Our two new tents, the one on the right was a £20 one :), going up for the first time last week.
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Better shot of the Coleman I mentioned earlier (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=37171.45#msg712205), on camp last weekend:
(http://www.rossall.plus.com/Epsilon_small.jpg)
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(http://www.peeble.com/tentsheep.jpg)
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This, you mean? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzaA5v9iSJE)
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First nights camp on my "Knot the Royal Wedding tour" to Royal Norfolk. This was the first nights stop at Whaploade Drove. Mine host said you might hear the Cockeril in the morning. It started at 01:45 and repeated every two hours.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5746247284_7f73c42538_z.jpg)
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(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/5744212128_3fcf01d4a6.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andygates/5744212128/)
Tent sunset at John O'Groats (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andygates/5744212128/) by andygates (http://www.flickr.com/people/andygates/), on Flickr
One of those photos of opportunity, just as I was pitching, the sun broke through the May Gobs and went all choral. That's just the inner, of course, the outer was wrapped around my legs like a randy Tesco bag at the time.
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(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3969473711_625b669625_o.jpg)
The trusty Hilleberg Akto pitched in the Lofoten Isles, Norway back in 2005.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5775477891_31f031dc03_o.jpg)
MSR Hubba HP pitched at Sandwood Bay, NW Scotland on May 19th 2011.
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(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5775477891_31f031dc03_o.jpg)
MSR Hubba HP pitched at Sandwood Bay, NW Scotland on May 19th 2011.
What a fantastic looking pitch. Not the golf course is it? :demon:
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The family C's various camping options:
the kids' tents:
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/TimC_1955/Camping/DSC00450.jpg)
Camper van and awning:
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/TimC_1955/Camping/DSC00463.jpg)
Gert big Outwell four-bedroom palace:
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/TimC_1955/Camping/Aug-Sep09008.jpg)
Caravan (currently in deep repair due damp):
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/TimC_1955/Caravan/DSC00592.jpg)
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I looked more closely at the last pic Tim, and saw there was some muck on the window. Cleaned it off, and here's the astonishing result. Lucky chap.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/Riggers_1956/Nice-Caravan.jpg)
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You will get me in so much trouble, Riggers!
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:o ;D
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(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4QyT-j4XaTs/Te1Hn_zCFWI/AAAAAAAAgxU/AHGVgA5yGh0/s640/DSC08655.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WYuwdTTDHUU/Te1HmHZvWhI/AAAAAAAAgw8/jOqg9afnlPY/s640/DSC08650.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dhWjbHw-tck/Te1Eg5URUkI/AAAAAAAAgEA/awY4Xet4DCg/s512/DSC08376.JPG)
We do tend to spread out rather a lot when cooking outdoors. :-[
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Last weekend:
(http://woofage.co.uk/images/percy_jun11_1.jpg)
The tent is not an awning as such but a "day room". We've had it a while but it's only ever been used once before and that was to provide cover for my mitre saw outside :-[.
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(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTEwNjExLTAwMTI0LmpwZw.jpg)
Our 2005 Campus Indiana 8 on the Thetford Camping & Caravan Club site this weekend. Also featured in the photo are The Current Mrs R and Tilly the Trailer.
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Conkers Caravan and Camping site. Lovely site, just needed to be there longer! Conkers is just around the courner, a very short walk away. So, if you have children and want to make a few days of going to Conkers and doing a few walks then i can really reccomend it. Theres a few places close by aswell.
Oh, and smaller tent i got cheap from work :thumbsup:
(http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/joejoe11/conkorscampsite.jpg)
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^^ Your number plate is on page 14 ;)
Why, out of interest, do you have your forum name in the window? Is it a rally?
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my nameplate just sits there really. Its a name on a few different forums, 1gear also has another meaning to it and if anyone is behind me they often find out what it means ;)
A rally? I dont think so, i wouldnt be seen dead at one of those thank you :sick: ;D ;D
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Test pitching of my new Gelert Solo in the garden:
(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/smutchin/028edee4.jpg)
Bought specifically for cycle camping purposes (weighs about 1.6kg, packs up very small) but not sure when I'll get to use it - maybe for the On-Offshore 200 in September.
It's very cosy.
d.
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This year one should always be seen with a colour co-ordinated tent and bike
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/jcm56/StMalo-Royan2011042-1.jpg)
When selecting a tent - never mind the weight.....are the pockets large enough for a kindle?
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/jcm56/StMalo-Royan2011005.jpg)
The Kindle proved a lifesaver during a recent wettish trip to France
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/jcm56/StMalo-Royan2011034.jpg)
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Did you need a mallet to get the pegs into that ground, Jen? :o
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Did you need a mallet to get the pegs into that ground, Jen? :o
It wasn't as bad as it looks - just a bit of pressure from my cycle shoe clad foot.
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(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cKyGFFh5ZOk/Tg0xN3HHiPI/AAAAAAAAAMc/G7055sxqhlU/s640/001.jpg)
Black diamond MegaLite. Fly only, one pole (or you can hang it from the loop on top), stakes out with 4-8 pegs depending on how secure you want it, floor available at extra cost.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--0RCSRikCDQ/Tg0xoziAZ9I/AAAAAAAAAM8/1JNeI4QUOf8/s640/002.jpg)
Without the floor.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jmWWt9gx3UQ/Tg0x2duc5uI/AAAAAAAAANA/rFc9yKHUj2U/s640/004.jpg)
With optional floor. The floor is a bathtub style to keep water out. You can also detach one side of the floor and roll it up to cook on bare ground, or have a boot/shoe storage area, or whatever. I have also used a sheet of polythene on one side of the tent if I wanted to save weight.
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The Kindle proved a lifesaver during a recent wettish trip to France
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd396/jcm56/StMalo-Royan2011034.jpg)
Looking at the size of that Kindle, have you considered glasses for reading?
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Don't you find the red a bit harsh?
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Don't you find the red a bit harsh?
magnolia would look better
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(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vaxq_TJEVAI/TeQc-9sYV6I/AAAAAAAABGM/JCvsBuc_FqQ/s400/watlington%25252007-10%252520002.jpg)
Our Octane 3 decorated for our wedding :).
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q3g79_kBY-E/TeQfnPkt_yI/AAAAAAAABGw/9RhZkRFsKp8/s400/watlington%25252007-10%252520010.jpg)
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Awww. :D
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.ning
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(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/camping_3.jpg)
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(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/camping_3.jpg)
I can't help thinking that that tent is going to tiptoe out from between the trees, and then freeze again when someone looks...
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@arch : hehhehehe
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I'm looking forward to taking pictures of our tent on Saturday.
*smiles enigmatically* :)
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Here's my Bike 'n Hike. This one seemed like a good idea at the time (I guess I bought it some time in the mid '90s), but in practice it's too bulky to carry on the rear rack so I've only ever toured with it in a trailer (the not the Royal Wedding trip to chez Volio earlier this year).
(http://www.zen146624.zen.co.uk/pictures/Cycling/bikenhike.jpg)
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I'm looking forward to taking pictures of our tent on Saturday.
*smiles enigmatically* :)
In view of the prospect (and later reality) of heavy rain, I thought it best not to take our new tent. Sorry! :(
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ours in the front, a friends amazing 5 meter teepee /bell tent thing in the middle and another friends absolutely enormous 'family tent' in the background.
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/P1020598.jpg)
They'd all driven, we'd pedalled ;D
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/P1020607.jpg)
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They'd all driven, we'd pedalled ;D
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/P1020607.jpg)
Nice to see the load evenly shared. ;D
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Nice to see the load evenly shared. ;D
we had that discussion.... to be fair, you cant see the panniers on her bike behind mine. She had her sleeping bag and some clothes in hers, I had everything else - edit - and she had the heavy lock (I've been told to say).
It was a handy test for me though, to see if the bike and my legs could cope with a solo camping trip. The answer's yes, but I need more gears before I go somewhere hilly!
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Our Cabanon Guadeloupe (again). Now with added side panel!
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1127109/DSC_0355-1.JPG)
Lovely weekend away in the North Downs of Kent near Petham.
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my vango airbeam infinity 800 with side canopy…
(http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/userimages/7111.jpg)
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Our Cabanon Guadeloupe (again). Now with added side panel!
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1127109/DSC_0355-1.JPG)
Lovely weekend away in the North Downs of Kent near Petham.
"off to tell marj that someone has 'arfinched our tent,& our camping Gaz cooker by the looks of it*
;D
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"off to tell marj that someone has 'arfinched our tent,& our camping Gaz cooker by the looks of it*
;D
Don't tell! Now lusting after a De Waard. Pretty!
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The shame:
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5993289440_ba70a71b70.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcusjb/5993289440/)
Our ginourmous tent (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcusjb/5993289440/) by marcus_jb1973 (http://www.flickr.com/people/marcusjb/), on Flickr
My girlfriend insisted suggested we got a larger tent, tables, chairs, that sort of thing to enable us to setup camp for a week, not worry too much about the weather etc.
So, I dutifully purchased a Vango Calisto 400 (including, luxurious carpet for the front section!). I've only ever owned lightweight tents - so this one was a bit of a shocker at 15kg (Cass has already pointed out that the trailer we use touring on the tandem is rated for 40kg!).
We've just spent the week down in Cornwall in it - and I have to admit, it was brilliant. It was nice just to be able to sit on proper chairs, eating, chatting etc. in the front section - no matter what the weather. I do however feel I need to undergo some sort of penance - let's say maybe riding my bike through France sleeping only in ditches?
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You carry a 13kg patio gas and a 3.9 of normal propane. You must have a big car to put all that in. Never thought of just using one bottle? Probably a silly question mind.
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You carry a 13kg patio gas and a 3.9 of normal propane. You must have a big car to put all that in. Never thought of just using one bottle? Probably a silly question mind.
We thought about it - but quickly discounted it - my other half loves to cook, so she wanted to be able to barbecue and cook sides etc. on the stove. Bit of a step up from my usual Primus! We ate rather well all holiday though.
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Ah right, thought that might be the reason.
I have seen a T piece for gas pipe so you can run two appliances off one gas bottle. You could up your 3.9kg to a 13kg(pretty much the same as what is in that patio gas bottle and it works out cheaper) and run off one large bottle, or a smaller one.
Something like this one
http://www.caravanaccessoryshop.co.uk/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=907 (http://www.caravanaccessoryshop.co.uk/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=907)
Never really looked too much into it, we never really get them in at work.
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That could be a good call - I will investigate further! Thanks!
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*peers at gas fittings*
*peers at Barbie horn*
*notes Mildenhall Rally at the end of the month*
:demon:
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(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/onb/035.jpg)
Vango beta 450 bought for £50 as new on ebay ,I think even as new vango tents seem to offer extraordinary vfm. :thumbsup:
The tent in the background (green) was abandoned and is now in our shed waiting for a new pole.
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Here's mine
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262826_10150256247811338_683341337_7887074_6720353_n.jpg)
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/282181_10150256249771338_683341337_7887093_3874272_n.jpg)
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Here is my Wild Country Duolite Tourer pitched at the C&CC site in Tarland
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6025404908_df9cd3d2b6_z.jpg)
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That tent looks huge. Have you used it much? What do you think of it?
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Here's mine
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262826_10150256247811338_683341337_7887074_6720353_n.jpg)
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/282181_10150256249771338_683341337_7887093_3874272_n.jpg)
Why do I imagine that the interior has a shag pile carpet, cocktail bar, disco lights and a revolving circular bed? ;) ;D
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That tent looks huge. Have you used it much? What do you think of it?
It has a very large porch area that is supposed to be able to take a bike. I have not had my bike in there yet but there is loads of space for kit etc. I have used it for a weekend (al la pics) and on my Way of the Roses trip (3 nights under canvas). I am very pleased with it. Here is a pic of the bike loaded for the WotR ride.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/6027966543_63519c988b_z.jpg)
Arriving in the Promised Land
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We just too our new MSR Mutha Hubba out for a three night jaunt in the far north of Scotland.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6036253496_4a78102503_z.jpg)
We endured one night of extremely heavy rain and some very stiff breezes, with the tent proving to cope with them very well. There was also plenty of room for two inside (it's a rooms 3 person tent), the porches were large enough to use a Trangia safely while it rained outside and it was very quick and easy to erect.
All round excellent tent. Five stars.
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Achmelvich?
(I know, wrong thread)
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Achmelvich?
(I know, wrong thread)
It is, well spotted. What a location for a campsite, even if we didn't get the weather to fully appreciate the beach.
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(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QxEboqsPg8c/Tk7TXKO-TlI/AAAAAAAABAo/CA9afAVswKs/s640/Photo4453.jpg)
We've replaced the family tent with two small backpacking tents (one Lidl and one Terra Nova LaserLarge) and a 4m x 4m tarp. It got its first airing in France this summer and we're really pleased - it's lighter than the family tent and allows one person to set off with one tent and join the others later, provides better shade cover allowing a longer morning lie in, and provides good sitting/cooking space when it's raining too.
Here are the bikes laden with camping stuff, plus obligatory stroppy teenage daughter.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bd6h0H9GD3Y/Tk7UjbCQzdI/AAAAAAAABAs/TMIURdAB9Dc/s640/Photo3547.jpg)
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flipping heck - those red ones are my panniers too: they must be twenty five years old at least! How do you keep them looking so clean? Mine look like they have been towed along a very dirty and muddy car park for a good while... (PITA having those straps without click fastners, isn't it?)
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Here are the bikes laden with camping stuff, plus obligatory stroppy teenage daughter.
You have teenage offspring prepared to entertain
a) a family holiday
b) riding a bike with parents
c) camping with parents
And you call that stroppy?
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(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/gus69/telt.jpg)
Taken earlier this week in Rondane Norway.
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(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTExMDE1LTAwMjM2LmpwZw.jpg)
Our new Kampa Pendine 8 family camping cum circus tent with option porch cum servants quarters. We got an end of season bargain at Camping and General on Canvey Island and for a very reasonable package price we got the tent, footprint, servants quarters and carpet ( ::-) I never thought I'd see the day)
Last weekend we pitched it at nearby Retreat Farm, Little Baddow for a couple of nights just to give it a go. It didn't rain so testing it's weather resistance will have to wait but other than that we were impressed. Having the add-on porch makes a terrific difference as you now have a dedicated cooking and storage area freeing up space in the main tent.
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Achmelvich?
(I know, wrong thread)
It is, well spotted. What a location for a campsite, even if we didn't get the weather to fully appreciate the beach.
Is the "one-man castle" still there by the beach?
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There is a picture of our tent, shelter and bikes Camping and Caravanning this month :D
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There is a picture of our tent, shelter and bikes Camping and Caravanning this month :D
Picture 6,page 89?
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It's attached to a short article about the ALC Birthday Meet at Watlington.
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I reckon I've got it right although recognising Butterfly's bike without all those panniers,saddlebag,bar bag,solar panels etc. etc. was a challenge :demon:
;D
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I think her bike (BRG Galaxy) is mostly obscured by the tents. I reckon you see more of TGL's (moss green Galaxy), and maybe the front end of my dark blue Orbit. :)
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What's moss green & dark blue?They are all black.Methinks you might be colourblind ;D
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Non lightweight camping
Hypercamp Eldorado
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/DSC_0216.jpg)
Nallo in France
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/DSC_012512.jpg)
Cabanon during the day
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/DSC_012517.jpg)
Cabanon with fairy lights
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/DSC_0118.jpg)
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/P1010295.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/P1010294.jpg)
Makes me want to go out under canvas again :)
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Does look rather inspiring (says he who last year decided not to buy a tent after all).
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Does look rather inspiring (says he who last year decided not to buy a tent after all).
We have some spares if you want to borrow one :).
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Does look rather inspiring (says he who last year decided not to buy a tent after all).
We have some spares if you want to borrow one :).
That's very generous, I might just take you up on that. :thumbsup:
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In the Fitzgerald River National Park. About four days into the walk. I am cheating a bit here. My tent is not in the photo, but it was the best photo with a tent in it from the walk.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O0mJ3O1qtjk/Tb_OpPLQ_dI/AAAAAAAAABI/3UBDptKChn8/s800/0061169_6932DSCN2081.JPG)
This one has me and my tent in it. This was the last night in a less glamourous spot, hiding behind the dunes.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vevsAqDxA6s/Tb_OpAfPohI/AAAAAAAAABI/pX3o9nIrB6E/s800/0097169_6932169_6952.JPG)
If any one is interested in the Fitzgerald River National Park, a wilderness biosphere, there are more photos here (https://picasaweb.google.com/115484624104009029837/FitzgeraldRiverNationalPark?authuser=0&feat=directlink). It is an eight day walk from one side of the park to the other, 98% off track. Only one spot has a water tank (shouldn't be there now as this is a declared wilderness area). Rest of the time one pretty much has to either do water drops (some access on the sides) or carry extra water. This river is btw salty.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jQTD1mQE-7w/Tb_OpCW04LI/AAAAAAAAABI/MszeMDFSfHg/s800/0075169_6932P4190044.JPG)
Andrew
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(http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af249/cjmcrbothy/IMG_2529.jpg)
The snow has arrived in the hills of Scotland! That's a Hilleberg Nallo under there....
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Awesome cal. Had me checking train times to the Highlands and mentally pulling out camping kit before I remembered I have this thing called work to do :( :D
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In the Fitzgerald River National Park. About four days into the walk. I am cheating a bit here. My tent is not in the photo, but it was the best photo with a tent in it from the walk.
[img width=640 height=480]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O0mJ3O1qtjk/Tb_OpPLQ_dI/AAAAAAAAABI/3UBDptKChn8/s800/0061169_6932DSCN2081.JPG
This one has me and my tent in it. This was the last night in a less glamourous spot, hiding behind the dunes.
[img width=640 height=480]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vevsAqDxA6s/Tb_OpAfPohI/AAAAAAAAABI/pX3o9nIrB6E/s800/0097169_6932169_6952.JPG
If any one is interested in the Fitzgerald River National Park, a wilderness biosphere, there are more photos here (https://picasaweb.google.com/115484624104009029837/FitzgeraldRiverNationalPark?authuser=0&feat=directlink). It is an eight day walk from one side of the park to the other, 98% off track. Only one spot has a water tank (shouldn't be there now as this is a declared wilderness area). Rest of the time one pretty much has to either do water drops (some access on the sides) or carry extra water. This river is btw salty.[/b]
[img width=640 height=480]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jQTD1mQE-7w/Tb_OpCW04LI/AAAAAAAAABI/MszeMDFSfHg/s800/0075169_6932P4190044.JPG
Andrew
Any Salties around..? :o
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Awesome cal.
Plus one. That is a great photo and it is funny to sit here sweating in the heat whilst looking at view.
Andrew
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Any Salties around..? :o
No. Crocs are not found that far south in Western Australia. Only dangerous thing around there besides the lack of fresh water is the drop bears and snakes and yep the snakes swim too :)
Andrew
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My faithful Hilleberg Akto in the Lofoten Islands, Norway.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3480/3969473711_fd9e402ea3_z.jpg)
MSR Hubba HP at Sandwood Bay, Scotland.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5023/5775477891_465d679cb3_z.jpg)
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(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tGs_COVb9SI/Tm_F2_WEKtI/AAAAAAAABpw/8Nna61r0_Yw/s400/2011-08-23%252020.16.37.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vaxq_TJEVAI/TeQc-9sYV6I/AAAAAAAABGM/JCvsBuc_FqQ/s400/watlington%252007-10%2520002.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9xnzTPD1Ldk/TGmkSvqLhsI/AAAAAAAAAOg/pPU27wznA34/s400/Marjory%2520and%2520Tent.jpg)
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I now have a family of tents.
The Daddy - Keron 3 GT - a bit big for bike touring but great for car camping with my wife.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7019162077_1e9e475246_z.jpg)
The Mummy - Nallo 2 GT - this is my bike touring tent
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7019161213_b094ce87ce_z.jpg)
The Baby - Akto - I bought this for wild camping but I also plan to use it for very light weight bike touring. I can get this, a sleeping bag and mat, plus a stove and a change of clothes into a Camper longflap. So S24Os and camping before audaxes.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6873071072_1345a4cd5c_z.jpg)
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Sunseeker 2 man on the beach of M'Zamboro Island, Mayotte, Comoros
- Deceased 1997 - broken zips
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/7053151479_4436c2efc0_z.jpg)
Unknown supermarket special at Kosi Bay, South Africa
- Deceased 2001 - cheap & nasty, broken poles, leaks
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5159/6907062362_3bbc0b6497_z.jpg)
Ferrino Mountain Highlab at Drakensberg, South Africa
- Injured 2006 - Blown into a barbed wire fence in Wales, flysheet torn
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6907062184_4280e6d17d_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/6907062064_708008e7f6_z.jpg)
Eureka Mountain Pass XT on shore of Lake Assad, Syria
- Injured & repaired - pitched on termites nest, ate through floor. Now Repaired. Prefered tent for bike tours.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7053152009_e8233926d3_z.jpg)
Bibler Eldorado at Ultar Meadows Pakistan
- Healthy - fantastic single wall tent best at home in the mountains. Unfortunately not getting much use at the moment.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7053151933_9187bfac46_z.jpg)
...Also Decathalon T2 ultralight (no photo). A solid performer. Good value. Still going strong.
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Evidence is any were required, that it's not about the tent.
What a fantastic set of photos.
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(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7053151933_9187bfac46_z.jpg)
Stunning..and then some.
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my little blacks octane 1 on the isle of wight over easter
(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/cycleman108/151.jpg)
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I had a wee bit of wild camping this weekend. Here's my Akto on the shores of Loch Laidon:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/6934453724_92979582ba_z.jpg)
This was my first trip out in the Akto and it's a sweet wee tent with quite a lot of usable space. It reminds me of a Spacepacker, with its ample porch space, but the inner isn't right against your face when you're sleeping.
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Butterfly just completed setting up our review tent (Terra Nova Voyager XL) in the rain in Norfolk last week:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_0311.jpg)
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(http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx158/Bloomers100/IMAG0116.jpg)
Two tents and a tarp at Edwardstone on Sunday night.
(http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx158/Bloomers100/IMAG0121.jpg)
and this my friends is ice. Water froze in the bottom of the jetboil overnight, I was glad of my bivvy bag as an extralayer.
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Hardcore bloomers! You free tomorrow night?
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Am I free for hardcore tomorrow, are you the fluffer?
I shall resort to the memwns thread.
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My little Macpac:
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7101708287_bb368d73d7_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26008756@N08/7101708287/)
Macpac Microlight (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26008756@N08/7101708287/) by cnarborough (http://www.flickr.com/people/26008756@N08/), on Flickr
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(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tQj6Lfdn3eY/SJra0YeCoZI/AAAAAAAADcs/lbpXTEy5TAg/s512/IMG_0322.JPG)
wee tent on gigha
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V60N8ZkLH6k/SDpOGihp_mI/AAAAAAAADNo/PsmKokrQOhU/s640/IMG_0272.JPG)
bigger tent at tighnabruich
(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/30753_10150189157330167_832665166_12222631_325181_n.jpg)
also wee tent on coll
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/40004_10150237723080167_832665166_13652330_5522392_n.jpg)
middle tent at applecross
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/39318_10150237723340167_832665166_13652332_7669882_n.jpg)
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Butterfly just completed setting up our review tent (Terra Nova Voyager XL) in the rain in Norfolk last week:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_0311.jpg)
I have a conventional Voyager - a good, strong, light tent, but for two it's snug (not necessarily a problem) and has limited storage. The XL should be a massive improvement on that score.
Co-incidentally, my tent's last outing was (far too long ago :-[ - honeymoon) here:
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/40004_10150237723080167_832665166_13652330_5522392_n.jpg)
middle tent at applecross
Great campsite (and pub).
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It's not my tent but I want one of these..
https://twitter.com/#!/Kay_McAllister/status/199881282627452928/photo/1/large
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I'm not sure how much small tent cycle touring is going to get done this year so we might have to make do with some big (carpeted ::-) ) tent camping instead - never mind.
Here is our Kampa Pendine 8 on its second outing last weekend ...
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/utf-8BU3VmZm9sayBDb2FzdGFsLTIwMTIwNTA1LTAwMDk4LmpwZw.jpg)
Yes, I know, the awning's a bit slack. Must try harder ...
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/utf-8BU3VmZm9sayBDb2FzdGFsLTIwMTIwNTA1LTAwMDk3LmpwZw.jpg)
Its proving to be a good tent. The sewn in groundsheet was certainly appreciated as the weather was rather wet. We were camping HERE. (http://www.moonandsixpence.eu/) A nice site, if a little pricey.
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Great tent OD. Handy, being able to park the car inside and keep it dry when you're camping.
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Great tent OD. Handy, being able to park the car inside and keep it dry when you're camping.
You jest but it is actually big enough to park a car in!
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The second tent that we bought was a 8 berth frame tent & we did park our Mini 850 in it ;D
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The second tent that we bought was a 8 berth frame tent & we did park our Mini 850 in it ;D
You could get at least two Minis in our tent. We could recreate the scene from The Italian Job where they're loading the Minis into back of the coach following the heist ;D
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Here's our Duolite Tourer
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7296381888_95a3fe152f.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/27898931@N06/7296381888/)
Tent (http://www.flickr.com/photos/27898931@N06/7296381888/) by mel_tot (http://www.flickr.com/people/27898931@N06/), on Flickr
at the recent YACF/Audax Ecosse camping weekend on Arran
GD
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That is a fabulously emotive picture GD. (And the tent doesn't look bad too.)
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That is a fabulously emotive picture GD. (And the tent doesn't look bad too.)
Thank you. I've told PerkyGirl, as it's her picture.
Dave
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(https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xcp-8kW81VkUshR4QGrKC9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink)
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xcp-8kW81VkUshR4QGrKC9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
Stormy night on a plateau in Spain... the ground was sandy so the stones were very necessary.
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Here's our Duolite Tourer
Hey, I've got one of those! But without the extended porch thingy, as it's just for me on my own. Stood up really well to high winds in the last couple of weeks on Lewis & Harris - first time out, and I'm really pleased with it. Trip report with pics to follow...
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(https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xcp-8kW81VkUshR4QGrKC9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink)
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xcp-8kW81VkUshR4QGrKC9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
Stormy night on a plateau in Spain... the ground was sandy so the stones were very necessary.
Looks pretty windy ... was the wind side on?
Andrew
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When I pitched with the back into the wind, but it turned a few degrees and was hitting the tent at an angle, maybe 20 degrees... It was difficult enough to stand and there was no shelter for miles, crazy night
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When I pitched with the back into the wind, but it turned a few degrees and was hitting the tent at an angle, maybe 20 degrees... It was difficult enough to stand and there was no shelter for miles, crazy night
Makes sense. It looked like it was coping a bit from the side.
Andrew
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A couple of pics of our Hilleberg Keron 3 GT from last week in NW Scotland. The Keron 3 GT it's a bit like a big red slug but I really like it as a 2 person car camping tent. I use the smaller vestibule as a kitchen area and the larger one can be used to store a huge amount of kit. It's also ultra stable - it was pretty windy and other tents on the site were getting blown around quite a bit but ours barely moved (it is designed for polar expeditions so it could be a bit of overkill for car camping but in Scotland you never know).
Dunvegan, Skye
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7376269620_c2c3045cf2_z.jpg)
Gairloch with Skye in the background
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7376268290_84ccf981a1_z.jpg)
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my little jamet at clyst st mary last week after a rainy and windy night
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kV0XAuXWxaQ/T9kDyOMqiJI/AAAAAAAAANU/I9sz8-Po08U/s640/112.JPG
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Way back in the mists of time, I bought myself one of those infamous Argos "Pro Action" one man tents.
Here is a picture of it in use, at Loch Lednock, way back in August 2003:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/BrianInnes/ProActionLochLednock_Aug_03.jpg?t=1340706025)
This was a car assisted trip! :-[
Recently I've been thinking - I now have a touring bike, so why not dust down the tent out the loft, and head out for some bicycle assisted camping? :D
Must dig the tent out the loft and see what condition it is in......
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If it hasn't turned bright orange like the newer models, then you're winning.
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If it hasn't turned bright orange like the newer models, then you're winning.
Last time I checked, it was green.
I'm sure I bought a second Argos Pro Action One Man TentTM when they were reduced in the sales a few months later after that camping trip. I don't *think* I sold the second tent.
Hopefully I'll be able to fettle a functional tent using either of the two tents.
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I must sort mine out - it really needs a new zip for the outer.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_0488.jpg)
Our loaned Terra Nova Voyager XL in amongst the lightweights at York
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^^^^^
it looks very sturdy & purposefull :thumbsup:
was it big enough for the luggage ;)
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^^^^^
it looks very sturdy & purposefull :thumbsup:
was it big enough for the luggage ;)
What I have decided is that as it has more room in the inner, you can both sit in there and the LUGGAGE can have the porch to itself :smug:. Mind you, Steph and Luke managed to fit in the porch to shelter from the rain whilst we had a good gossip, so it isn't that small!
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If it hasn't turned bright orange like the newer models, then you're winning.
Last time I checked, it was green.
I'm sure I bought a second Argos Pro Action One Man TentTM when they were reduced in the sales a few months later after that camping trip. I don't *think* I sold the second tent.
Hopefully I'll be able to fettle a functional tent using either of the two tents.
Setting it up in the lounge, it seems all intact and ready to go. I do also have the spare one, still in it's argos plastic bag! ;D
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(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7477318238_c33f7ef38a_z.jpg)
Dunbar
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Carrying a stool is a good idea. We have one just like that in our big tent kit. I might keep it handy for bike camping.
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(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7477318238_c33f7ef38a_z.jpg)
Dunbar
Is that the C&CC site with the great view of the cement works in the other direction?
I stayed there last year but didn't see any blue skies.
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It is. Although I didn't know it was a cement factory.
I was lucky with the weather both times I went there on my way between Newcastle and Edinburgh and back. Both times I had another half day of good weather afterwards, and in the afternoon both to Edinburgh and Newcastle the weather wasn't as nice.
The ground it quite gritty underneath the grass, it's not that easy to pitch a tent.
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Our new Fleabay purchase
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/quisling_photos/9a427dcc.jpg)
A Vango Maritsa 500 5 person tent - not for the cycle tourist, the poles alone weigh 21kg! It's a well appointed and well constructed tent. Not shown is the additional porch extension which we'll be testing out shortly.
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:o :o :o
How much does the whole tent weigh?
I hope it's strong enough to warrant the weight.
The heaviest tent I ever used was about 75lb, but I had a first hand report if one surviving 2 days of wind up to 200kt (ish), which does make the weight worthwhile.
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(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ANTEvu4nfMU/UBH778JmyvI/AAAAAAAAARM/0HqSFbTEYqE/s400/photo%25203.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WiQpSbest7s/UBH7qogXTHI/AAAAAAAAARA/SiVlZ3IFwkI/s400/photo%25202.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jIWJhgl2kc4/UBH7Sr9xbhI/AAAAAAAAAQw/JBz_eirthTk/s400/photo%25201.JPG)
The new Hilleberg Soulo tent, on its second outing. This was in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. I bought this tent for the compact footprint and free standing design, so far it looks like an excellent tent for solo backcountry travel and mountaineering. It's also available in a more discreet dark green for wild camping cycle tourists or anyone else who wants a less visible tent.
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Blacks & Edgington Good Companion Major with A-pole and extended flysheet.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/Anniversary%20Weekend%20July%202012/IMG_0599.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/Anniversary%20Weekend%20July%202012/IMG_0606.jpg)
A proper tent :)
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Old skool ;)
(I'd probably have recognised it with a standard flysheet)
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We would like a standard flysheet, but this one came with the extended one, which was, it has to be said, very useful in the circumstances, though it makes it look like a ridge tent. ;D
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Smells like a proper tent, too :thumbsup:
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The new Hilleberg Soulo tent, on its second outing.
I like that nice big door opening ... hate having to crawl inside and out of my tent.
Andrew
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(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7670200364_8c75b28dee_k.jpg)
The new Hubba Hubba HP at Watlington. Both front doors tied back, if you look carefully you can see the peg which is where the porch extends to (between the Trangia & the bottle) You can see the 2nd inner door leading into the rear porch as well.
I think it would be liveable for 2, it's palatial luxury for 1.
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It's a nice tent, and I had wanted to have a closer look, but didn't quite get round to coming over to look.
Not the sort of tent I prefer, but I can see it has a lot of good qualities.
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It's a nice tent, and I had wanted to have a closer look, but didn't quite get round to coming over to look.
Not the sort of tent I prefer, but I can see it has a lot of good qualities.
My tent is your tent. Feel free to visit next time you are around :)
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For a cold Easter, and a none-too-mobile Butterfly, we decided on a larger tent - Outwell Oregon 3
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0073_zps11064055.jpg)
It was rather bulky to pack...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0074_zpsa5e5a459.jpg)
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Aww doesn't she look beautiful!
What tent?
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great to see you both camping :thumbsup:. whereabouts did you go ?.
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We were at the Millennium Hall in Upton Bishop with the ALC. It's not an official campsite. That's only our second camp this year, as, though we got to Winchcombe Clubsite in January, we didn't get to Bewdley for the next one.
We're not going to the ALC meet in Saxmundham in May, for logistical, financial and maternity reasons, but Butterfly is hoping to get Gladys to his/her first night under canvas at Watlington in July, about a month after the due date. I might ride, but Butterfly will likely get a lift from the train.
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Not ours, but a classic Dutch one from last weekend:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_3017_zpsa745cd5f.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/CNV00020e_zps1b62f5a4.jpg)
The middle section is removable.
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/me adds "plastic oil tanks" to the list of things that ruin a perfectly good B&W photograph
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Yeah. But no one would help me move it. Nor yet was David willing to repitch his tent to somewhere more picturesque. Some people are utterly unreasonable, I tell you.
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This was our first weekend with this - Robens Osprey 3X. It is probably a bit too heavy and a bit too bulky but we appreciated the space inside especially when it was raining.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8741861184_87ef48c798_n.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/clive795/8741861184/)
IMGP0026 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/clive795/8741861184/) by clive795 (http://www.flickr.com/people/clive795/), on Flickr
I now have an old groundsheet which I have cut to fit inside the porch which will be an improvement.
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(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/8899310997_09bf7c55a1_c.jpg)
This is the opposite of 'Fully laden touring bike' photo:
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=61057.msg1487092#msg1487092
Wash and rest day - the tent under the sleeping bag is a Vango Banshee 200
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This was our first weekend with this - Robens Osprey 3X. It is probably a bit too heavy and a bit too bulky but we appreciated the space inside especially when it was raining.
In my opinion that's worth the weight & bulk.
I bought a similar looking Vango Spirit because I can't think of anything worse than being cramped in a tiny tent when the rain sets in.
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We (me and no. 1 son) had our first try at camping last night. Our tent is a Wild Country Hoolie 3, and we bought the footprint / groundsheet protector which extends into the porch. Like most 3-man tents, it's a bit too cosy for 3, but reasonably spacious for 2. It weighs about 3kg which is not too bad for the price, and fits well on the top of the pannier rack when packed away.
(http://www.russellmason.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF6439-600x600.jpg)
(http://www.russellmason.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF64251-800x531.jpg)
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Great pic of Russell junior. Looks like he's hooked.
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Fab picture :thumbsup:
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Here's my "Vango TDS Spirit 200+"
It's fundamentally a 6'2" sleeping berth, genuinely wide enough for 2 people and a 5'6" porch (a six footer could possibly sleep diagonally in the porch..just, but it would be draughty).
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-durC5tCSe5o/UcA9c7v86DI/AAAAAAAABYQ/Pwx9sGiYM3o/w958-h719-no/IMG_9087.JPG)
Here I am reclining in the porch on a Thermarest chair (it looks uncomfy but they are more comfortable than you can imagine)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IMTM52TUqNU/UcNYFjOCW7I/AAAAAAAABbM/dCeLgHJZPrg/w958-h719-no/IMG_9095.JPG)
And here are me, Keeks and Urban_Biker, back at mine, all in the porch, with wine, sheltering from the wind and cool night air.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ak7sGURUQkI/UcNYJ29CVKI/AAAAAAAABbU/_HLVDJBSNVA/w958-h719-no/IMG_9102.JPG)
If it's warm and dry weather then you don't really need this much space but, if you have to sit out a rainy day or so, I think it would be a luxurious option.
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(http://i40.tinypic.com/2nm0s9d.jpg)
Yesterday.
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Dale - lovely.
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Interesting tent - what is it?
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A Luxe Mini Peak II.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjR4XOrZQrk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjR4XOrZQrk)
It's a great good little tent. Can fit my bike in the porch too at a squeeze (sans front wheel).
Is that link working? It's a youtube video, but only a url link...
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(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/8847243060_9c1a666195_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/manicstreetpreacher/8847243060/)
No bike on this occasion.
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Just found another photo on my phone. This is with both doors open.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/261ffpz.jpg)
I had both doors open as I'd set the tent up with the main door facing away from the wind. This handily provided some shelter for the midge/greenfly. Opened the back door and the breeze kept them off.
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From a frosty morning in the Scottish Borders last month. My one and only tent, TN Solar 2.2, resisting the N+1 urge as I haven't found anything else I like as much.
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/8911936594_bfed01cc65_c.jpg)
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Not ours but we did rent it last weekend.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/v4v32t.jpg)
Water bottle included for scale.
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In Sedrun in Switzerland headed for the Furka Pass eventually.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9189334675_6793951dd3.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcdweeb/9189334675/)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcdweeb/9189334675/)
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Since I wasn't geared up to join LeeW and Fards for the HPV Worlds last month, I went to York Marine at the weekend instead to try out my tent and generally get the heck away from work for
not nearly long enough a short time. Although there were quite a few bikes on site, I was the only person who'd actually arrived on one. ::-)
(http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a470/BeckyT_bike/Miscellany/DSC_6874_2_zps15794786.jpg)
Yes, it's bit wrinkled, but it's taut and looked like that every time I've pitched it. Nothing very special, really; it's Decathlon's Quechua T2 Ultralight pro—for small values of 'pro', since it cost about 20% of a Hilleberg Akto. But it weighs 1.8kg including the bag, the pegs and my homemade peg hoiker-outer. The pole fits onto an aluminium prong at each end, which is a worse task than fitting Stelvios onto a Moulton rim.
(http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a470/BeckyT_bike/Miscellany/DSC_6875_2_zps77d91d65.jpg)
The venting isn't too much to write home about, but the tail end is permanently open with about half a square foot of mesh on the vertical face. Not brill if the wind turns and blows the rain in horizontally I suppose, but it was 30°C with no wind whatsoever. There's a largeish strip of mesh at the top of the inner tent's door, and a similar strip of mesh under the central pole bit on the flysheet. I noticed some minor condensation on the inside of the flysheet's doors in the morning but that was about all. The roughly shaped groundsheet is half a Wickes dustsheet and might last me another outing. The T2 is just long enough for me, with my head against the inner door; I wasn't bothered about that from a comfort or claustrophobia perspective, but on one occasion I did manage to zip the door shut and catch my hair in the process.
Then a bit of cookery with the Express Spider, which went well until I decided to pour some of my dinner onto my leg instead of onto my plate. The stove makes an encouragingly hearty roar and boils water efficiently.
(http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a470/BeckyT_bike/Miscellany/DSC_6775_2_zps45869708.jpg)
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We've got a Decathlon's Quechua T2 Ultralight Pro! Excellent bit of kit. It doesn't get used as much as it should :'(
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Vango Banshee 300 in North Norfolk last weekend.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/9346671202_66eb7beaf6_o.jpg)
I bought a 300 rather than 200 for one/two person use; glad I did, more room for panniers inside. Packs up with inner still attached - quite quick to strike.
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My Golite Shangri La 3 and Oookworks inner in upper Glen Tilt earlier this week:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/103439080/2013-07-22%2019.50.58-2.jpg)
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(http://www.nrtoone.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/nex5_20130719_0039_sm-600x399.jpg)
My 2.4kg Macpac Minaret in Pont Farcy, Normandy. Spacious for one, cozy for two but can just fit in 4 panniers under the entrance fly.
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My tent
(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s483/Iain_Jones/2013-05-31201512_zps8339d203.jpg) (http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/Iain_Jones/media/2013-05-31201512_zps8339d203.jpg.html)
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Bought myself a Vango Blade 200 over the weekend which Parcelforce delivered today. Am slightly amused that the merchant is (still) estimating delivery between Friday and Tuesday, am slightly less amused that the Parcelforce delivery driver "door stepped" the package containing my tent. :-\ Was very much in two minds about whether to get a Blade 200 or a Banshee 200, hope I've made the correct choice. <crosses fingers> (Was originally planning on a Tempest 200, but wasn't wild about the redesigned porch area.)
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/9613890445_ee2039a9a3_c.jpg)
Have only got as far as test pitching it on the grass near my flat, so can't give a definitive opinion on it's qualities as a tent yet!
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That looks much more spacious than the banshee I had. Looks easy to get in and out of, nice porch area and a more even headroom height :thumbsup:
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Our Quechua T4.1 (http://www.decathlon.co.uk/t41-4-man-family-tent-beige-id_8171136.html), at the Mildenhall Rally last weekend:
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/mildenhall2013/Photo0626.sized.jpg)
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/mildenhall2013/Photo0627.sized.jpg)
Unusually for heavyweight 4-person tents, it has a single large sleeping compartment rather than two small ones. Given that the idea is to have room for two of us with plenty of space to move about and get dressed etc, this makes much more sense. You could fit a family of 4 in it, but more than three adults would be a bit of a squeeze.
It's tall enough to stand fully upright in:
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/mildenhall2013/Photo0611.sized.jpg)
And there's more than enough room to park a trike:
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/mildenhall2013/Photo0653.sized.jpg)
:)
Initial impressions are that it's well made (nice sturdy zips), admirably waterproof (it got a proper test on Saturday night), and reasonably straightforward to pitch - a second pair of hands is helpful, but not a requirement. It ventilates well, but some sort of openable flap to evict the beasties through would be nice.
The one thing that irks me is the ends of the poles are secured by inserting fire extinguisher pins into the ends of the pole, rather than the usual end of the pole into a ferrule method. It works, but is fiddly while under tension.
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My tent
(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s483/Iain_Jones/2013-05-31201512_zps8339d203.jpg) (http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/Iain_Jones/media/2013-05-31201512_zps8339d203.jpg.html)
Looks like a Vango Gamma 200 - I have one!
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My tent
(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s483/Iain_Jones/2013-05-31201512_zps8339d203.jpg) (http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/Iain_Jones/media/2013-05-31201512_zps8339d203.jpg.html)
Yeah, so that looks like you are using the electric hookup when cycle camping. What for? Underfloor heating? Hair straighteners? Aircon?
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Have only got as far as test pitching it on the grass near my flat, so can't give a definitive opinion on it's qualities as a tent yet!
I have noticed something strange about it already though. The ends of the flysheet connect to the rest of the tent with the sort of plastic clips often found on rucksack belts/flaps, and the rest of the flysheet has elastic loops to connect to the pegs ... Except for one of the loops at the back end (but not the other side) which has another plastic clip instead, even though there's nothing to clip it to! Am I'm wondering if that's a manufacturing fault?
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Have only got as far as test pitching it on the grass near my flat, so can't give a definitive opinion on it's qualities as a tent yet!
I have noticed something strange about it already though. The ends of the flysheet connect to the rest of the tent with the sort of plastic clips often found on rucksack belts/flaps, and the rest of the flysheet has elastic loops to connect to the pegs ... Except for one of the loops at the back end (but not the other side) which has another plastic clip instead, even though there's nothing to clip it to! Am I'm wondering if that's a manufacturing fault?
That definitely sounds wrong. My Blade 100 only has 2 plastic clips, and loops (one at each corner and one on each side in the middle). I used it this summer for the ride to Russia with swarm_catcher (and back without her). There were times I wished I'd bought the 200. The 100 is so small there's room in it either for me or my panniers - not both.
Somewhere in Finland on the way back
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/9278513346_140de6a736_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnspooner/9278513346/)
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The one thing that irks me is the ends of the poles are secured by inserting fire extinguisher pins into the ends of the pole, rather than the usual end of the pole into a ferrule method. It works, but is fiddly while under tension.
It's pretty common on big tents. I guess cheap to make.
They can be difficult to get in under tension, particularly once some dirt has packed into the end of the pole.
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The one thing that irks me is the ends of the poles are secured by inserting fire extinguisher pins into the ends of the pole, rather than the usual end of the pole into a ferrule method. It works, but is fiddly while under tension.
It's pretty common on big tents. I guess cheap to make.
Seems reasonably robust, too. I can't imagine a plastic ferrule as you'd find on a lightweight tent lasting long under the forces involved.
I must admit my experience of big tents more modern than the frame-and-canvas construction is fairly limited.
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From Mildenhall, our TN Voyager XL
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/9645683445_e25c71635d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9645683445/)
DSCF1856 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9645683445/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/)
Andrewc's rather nice tent
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/9645205721_7f6c9d6d11.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9645205721/)
IMG_5412 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9645205721/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9648766646_3e3d7f133b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9648766646/)
DSCF1927 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9648766646/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/)
Rich's
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/9648937220_e80f3ee3a8.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9648937220/)
DSCF1852e (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9648937220/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/)
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Big tent and little tent at this years Tandem Club Nation Rally.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/9569443142_5748f649d9_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/9569443142/)
P1020575 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/9569443142/) by Joe.Audax (http://www.flickr.com/people/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/9569422670_5794dd6cc0_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/9569422670/)
P1020492 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/9569422670/) by Joe.Audax (http://www.flickr.com/people/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
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(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/9645683445_e25c71635d.jpg)
That very efficient photo also captures Luke's Wild Country Duolite Tourer and our Hilleberg Nallo 3GT.
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Who makes Andrewc's tent? It looks an awful lot like my previous tent.
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It's a GoLite SL3 I believe.
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Something like that. He's discussed it before. Very cool.
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Something like that. He's discussed it before. Very cool.
Golite SL3 indeed, used in singleskin mode with a 3/4 Oooktub (http://oookworks.com/oooktubs.html)
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A "campsite" on our recent Coast to Coast to Coast. It's the Mill Inn at Mungrisdale and to be fair, the camping was free and we got an excellent full English brekkie for £6.50.
Mine is the palest green MSR Hubba HP.
(http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/r544/JRT909/IMG_0887.jpg) (http://s1171.photobucket.com/user/JRT909/media/IMG_0887.jpg.html)
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Something like that. He's discussed it before. Very cool.
Golite SL3 indeed, used in singleskin mode with a 3/4 Oooktub (http://oookworks.com/oooktubs.html)
I've been trying to pick one up second hand as a luxury version of my Mini Peak. Was gutted to see I'd missed out on one that went for £60!
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I don't think I have a photo of my Akto in here. Here it is, at one of my favourite campsites ever, in deepest Serbia:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/9717736379_ccf4499f15_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/9717736379/)
wild camping in Serbia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/9717736379/) by dean.clementson (http://www.flickr.com/people/30024450@N04/), on Flickr
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my wild country venturi 2 and apollos new little tent at west row campsite milldenhall
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/9721238772_653fe5f5a0.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28688525@N08/9721238772/)
milldenhall2013 097 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28688525@N08/9721238772/) by cycleman108 (http://www.flickr.com/people/28688525@N08/), on Flickr
apollo had the choice of any tent in the sop and picked the smallest he could find ::-). when he got up in the morning i was reminded of a chicken hatching from it's egg ;D
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my wild country venturi 2 and apollos new little tent at west row campsite milldenhall
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/9721238772_653fe5f5a0.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28688525@N08/9721238772/)
milldenhall2013 097 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28688525@N08/9721238772/) by cycleman108 (http://www.flickr.com/people/28688525@N08/), on Flickr
apollo had the choice of any tent in the sop and picked the smallest he could find ::-). when he got up in the morning i was reminded of a chicken hatching from it's egg ;D
...and yet he still had more room than those caravanners :)
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My tent is on it's way out :( The UV has made the fly feel brittle, one of the zips sticks, some stitching has come undone and some drunken oaf** fell on it breaking a pole and putting a tear in the fly. But I can't find anything else that I like as much, it's the way it goes up so easily and tight every time and those huge doors... I shall miss it
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9763303985_55e0876075_c.jpg)
** OK it was me
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What is it? A Solar?
What about this? - http://www.tarptent.com/rainbow.html
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What is it? A Solar?
What about this? - http://www.tarptent.com/rainbow.html
Yes, Solar 2.2. I hadn't seen that Tarptent, I'll have a closer look, thanks. Though the great thing about the solar doors is not just the size but the way they drop to the floor, two zips and the door is wide open, no tying up and wide at the top as well as the bottom, I haven't seen anything else like it.
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I'm after a Phoenix Phreeranger EB (Which is fairly similar to the Solar) and was recommended that one.
Agree about the doors, great for venting.
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'The Coffin'
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/VinceHall/CyclingStuff/2013-10-05090752_zpsa8dd0a2f.jpg)
Eureka Moonshadow Solo XP
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Zambia, last night before Lusaka
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/Nagasawa25/zambia_zps1506e290.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/Nagasawa25/media/zambia_zps1506e290.jpg.html)
Picture by Thijs Kupers
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Oh, Gus ...
Wow.
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+1 (but no photo can ever really do that sky justice)
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Mind, it's Wunja's picture that makes me really jealous.
I wonder if I'm entitled to any annual leave. :)
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Internally lit tent pics are always evocative.
(http://s.mcstatic.com/thumb/2100644/8976016/4/flash_player/2/1/the_spy_who_shagged_me_tent_scene.jpg)
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Internally lit tent pics are always evocative.
(http://s.mcstatic.com/thumb/2100644/8976016/4/flash_player/2/1/the_spy_who_shagged_me_tent_scene.jpg)
Looks like you had a good weekend :D
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Carry On Camping perchance?
Ooo, Peter...
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Internally lit tent pics are always evocative.
(http://s.mcstatic.com/thumb/2100644/8976016/4/flash_player/2/1/the_spy_who_shagged_me_tent_scene.jpg)
Looks like you had a good weekend :D
That's Chris in the wig.
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My tent normally has a van attached
(http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx158/Bloomers100/528EA266-1C4A-4E48-88C1-8B9380769D59-9287-00000ABEA349864C_zps46df9da7.jpg) (http://s751.photobucket.com/user/Bloomers100/media/528EA266-1C4A-4E48-88C1-8B9380769D59-9287-00000ABEA349864C_zps46df9da7.jpg.html)
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Internally lit tent pics are always evocative.
(http://s.mcstatic.com/thumb/2100644/8976016/4/flash_player/2/1/the_spy_who_shagged_me_tent_scene.jpg)
Looks like you had a good weekend :D
That's Chris in the wig.
:D
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Moving on...
No2Daughter in The Big Tent
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae7/fboab/2012-08-06143452.jpg)
No2Son assisting with the test erection in the garden.
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae7/fboab/2012-08-03203437.jpg)
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My tent
(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s483/Iain_Jones/2013-05-31201512_zps8339d203.jpg) (http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/Iain_Jones/media/2013-05-31201512_zps8339d203.jpg.html)
Looks like a Vango Gamma 200 - I have one!
No it isn't a Vango Gamma 200,it is a Halfords own brand came with sleeping mat and a sleeping bag the whole thing came to about £30 for the whole package :-)
Ruthie I am not using electric hook up, it being used by the tent out of shot
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No it isn't a Vango Gamma 200,it is a Halfords own brand came with sleeping mat and a sleeping bag the whole thing came to about £30 for the whole package :-)
Ruthie I am not using electric hook up, it being used by the tent.
What do you think of it?
I've been wondering about getting son#1 a tent for xmas, seeing as he's started doing a bit of walking and camping.
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I found it easy to put up and enough room for 1 person and 2 panniers but 2 people would be a bit cramped, IMHO.
I am not sure on it's weight maybe 2.5 to 3kg.
I do recommend it
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Bit of overkill for one person to be honest but nice to have a big ground-sheeted porch to sit in and store stuff, could probably fit the bike in at a push. 'Tis a bit heavier and fatter than one would like at 4.8kg
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a257/ottocat/_1010046_zpsde3138e4.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/ottocat/media/_1010046_zpsde3138e4.jpg.html)
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Zambia, last night before Lusaka
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/Nagasawa25/zambia_zps1506e290.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/Nagasawa25/media/zambia_zps1506e290.jpg.html)
Picture by Thijs Kupers
now; THAT is an inspiring photo!
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Internally lit tent pics are always evocative.
(http://s.mcstatic.com/thumb/2100644/8976016/4/flash_player/2/1/the_spy_who_shagged_me_tent_scene.jpg)
Somehow; this one inspires me as well! ;D
That good ol' Nike phrase ... "Just do it!" comes to mind. :thumbsup: So, now, where's that tent of mine?
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just went through 17 pages of tents to see if anyone had one like mine,(i must have bought a pup)
mountain hardware spear gt 2, even tried youtube to find out the best way of pitching it no luck there either. ::-)
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Wild country hoolie 2.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/11224068554_39a5e6c187_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/11224068554/)
IMG-20130608-00086 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/11224068554/) by Hey look, it's Luke! (http://www.flickr.com/people/60205142@N04/), on Flickr
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Wild country hoolie 2.
Review please Luke. This is a new model isn't it? Someone was asking me if I'd heard of it and I hadn't. Looks similar to one of the discontinued TN Lasers. If Wild Country are raiding TNs back catalogue I hope they get round to the Solar 2 soon.
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I bought it as it was between my two existing tents (terra nova laser comp, and a wild country Duolite tourer) in terms of both weight and size. It's only had a couple of outings so far, so my experience of it is limited.
It's not quite as well made as the other two overall, but I think that is saying more about the quality of those two tents than it is about the hoolie. It's quick to pitch - I can get it up in under five minutes without trying too hard. There is more space in the inner than in my big tent ::-)
I'll upload some more photos later.
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Hoolie 2 photos here. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/sets/72157638440451966/)
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(https://31.media.tumblr.com/8f2de73c3c6e32846179a343bc55a714/tumblr_inline_n1xacnz2lg1qb73fo.jpg)
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Hoolie 2 photos here. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60205142@N04/sets/72157638440451966/)
splendifourisly palatial :thumbsup:
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After a couple of years of tent testing and tiny baby wrangling, we decided that we could probably manage with our Nallo 2GT this weekend, so pitched it in the garden. It's lovely! The tent, not the garden, I should point out. ;D
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14410609927_2c8a9fe3fd_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nXq9gR)Tent 1 (https://flic.kr/p/nXq9gR) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/14410456229_e698641216_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nXpmzT)Tent 2 (https://flic.kr/p/nXpmzT) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Being inside your favourite tent (and it rained a little while we were in there) is a great feeling :) :) :)
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Cabanon
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/DSC_012517.jpg) (http://s33.photobucket.com/user/epa611/media/DSC_012517.jpg.html)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/DSC_0118.jpg) (http://s33.photobucket.com/user/epa611/media/DSC_0118.jpg.html)
Eldorado
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/DSC_0218.jpg) (http://s33.photobucket.com/user/epa611/media/DSC_0218.jpg.html)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/DSC_0217.jpg) (http://s33.photobucket.com/user/epa611/media/DSC_0217.jpg.html)
Palamos 6 (not the best photo)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/epa611/SOT1PALEX2/Pictures/Dunbar%202013/DSC_0241_zps758156d8.jpg) (http://s33.photobucket.com/user/epa611/media/SOT1PALEX2/Pictures/Dunbar%202013/DSC_0241_zps758156d8.jpg.html)
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Once half the tents that were around me were taken down I could take a photo of mine.
Having lightweight camping gear means getting from car park to tent site without needing to hire a trolley.
(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/IMG_5537.jpg)
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Saw this at 3:00am yesterday.
Managed to take a photo without dropping the camera or falling over.
(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/DSC_5750.jpg)
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Is that a Laser Space 2, Jaded? Very nice :)
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Yes, it is, surprisingly quick to put up if you don't use all the guy ropes. I like it a lot, as I can stand up in it, which is why we got it.
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Saw this at 3:00am yesterday.
Managed to take a photo without dropping the camera or falling over.
(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/DSC_5750.jpg)
But will you be charged for a tent or a camper van?
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Yes, it is, surprisingly quick to put up if you don't use all the guy ropes. I like it a lot, as I can stand up in it, which is why we got it.
If I won the lottery, the first tent I would buy would be it's big brother the Laser Space 5 :). Well thought out tents.
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I think I saw that the 2 was discontinued :(
I used some funny Y section blue tent pegs for the first time over the weekend with the tent. They were recommended on here, I got them because the crew camping section for Womad last year was pretty rough ground. They worked v well, but I seem to have put a curve into one of them >:(
I like to look of the Space 5, but it is 2 extra kg and loads more £. As you say, a lottery win!
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The Laser Space 5 looks heavy, but you'd never carry it alone, as it's an ideal family tent, so you can split poles pegs and material between you.
We're currently very frustrated about the lack of lightweight vis-a-vis tents on the market.
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A non-tent being tried out: an Exped Ergo hammock.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dxcybxv4tcsi3te/DSCF0565_zps2e7d8012.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/8yccpiualnunqky/DSCF0412_zpsea105155.jpg?raw=1)
It's more comfortable than a tent, but because it doesn't warm up inside the same as my Akto I reckon it will end up heavier by the time you've allowed for extra clothing etc.
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Also your bottom can be pinched by bears.
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Spent yesterday making my £17, 800g, emergency tent more comfortable and amenable. very pleased with the result. The detail is on my blog, but this here is a pic.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/14687676633_74bda219a3_c.jpg)
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Thursday noon at TdF start :
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/gus69/10454279_10204170275002654_3612465823415118591_o_zpsab7023b6.jpg) (http://s20.photobucket.com/user/gus69/media/10454279_10204170275002654_3612465823415118591_o_zpsab7023b6.jpg.html)
Same place sunday morning :
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/gus69/DSC_0023_zps13d389c9.jpg) (http://s20.photobucket.com/user/gus69/media/DSC_0023_zps13d389c9.jpg.html)
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Some cycle campers:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14491137577_d283bbd7f0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o5wSkB)P7130142 (https://flic.kr/p/o5wSkB) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
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Watlington ?
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Oh yes. And you might recognise at least one of the bikes.
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RichForrest, on the Optima, with the lightweight campers.
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Thats Our man Rich andDawn set up for long distance loaded touring yellow flying machine. ;D
i spent a week in that campsite few years back with the fellclub what a week and a great bunch of folk love to get back over.
anto.
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(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14685589175_0681167d52_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/onHu2n)P7180010 (https://flic.kr/p/onHu2n) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/14498952339_0d515ff328_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o6dVoT)P7180007 (https://flic.kr/p/o6dVoT) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/14683223404_8d866fa53a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/onvmLd)P7180006m (https://flic.kr/p/onvmLd) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Blacks & Edgington Oregon.
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Your Oregon has been well & truly up-staged...twice :thumbsup:
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Tent plus tarp. Third iteration of the tarp pitching as we're trying out ideas. This seemed to keep the rain off.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3914/14515270050_b7e166a50c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o7Ey5J)P7200002 (https://flic.kr/p/o7Ey5J) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/14698766971_f447296cd5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ooT2jK)P7200003 (https://flic.kr/p/ooT2jK) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Yeah, I know it's not straight, but we did it in a rush as the rain was siling down.
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(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14701640672_896311afd6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/op8Kzj)P7200005 (https://flic.kr/p/op8Kzj) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2907/14701941845_8c1fbe3fe3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/opai6X)P7200004 (https://flic.kr/p/opai6X) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
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(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14685589175_0681167d52_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/onHu2n)P7180010 (https://flic.kr/p/onHu2n) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Blacks & Edgington Oregon.
This morning, our Little Duck crawled into the tent and kissed the groundsheet. :)
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We were thinking the same after seeing Jim's (?) setup at Watlington. ;D
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Old tent; new tarp (actually bought for a different tent):
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14720054635_7ba1fbf5e2_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oqL8pr)P7220001 (https://flic.kr/p/oqL8pr) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
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(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5591/14725856972_dc6b4cbc5b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/orgSeJ)P7210018 (https://flic.kr/p/orgSeJ) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
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is this feckin kettle ever going to boil. :o
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These are our two light tents. Wild Country Hoolie 2etc and Zethos.
Not cycle touring on these photos but camping with the car. The Zethos is a great touring tent, the larger Hoolie was purchaced for cycle touring with the whole family in attendence rather than just my daughter and I. It has not had chance to fulfil that roll as yet due work deciding that I should be out of the country for all but the final week of this years school holiday.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/15245959445_3e92b29516_s.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/peewzK)P1030344 (https://flic.kr/p/peewzK) by Joe.Audax (https://www.flickr.com/people/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/15059207179_49040ac5b6_s.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oWJnD6)P1030498 (https://flic.kr/p/oWJnD6) by Joe.Audax (https://www.flickr.com/people/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3849/15059403848_2233a3b03a_s.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oWKo6W)P1030462 (https://flic.kr/p/oWKo6W) by Joe.Audax (https://www.flickr.com/people/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
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MSR Hubba Hubba HP on its very first cycle tour pitching, though I had used it on another occasion.
I preferred the extra room rather than a smaller lighter tent, still it's only about 4lbs. In September in this country the flysheet was soaked with condensation every morning, and was always packed wet so I could be on my way. This will add a bit to the weight!
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/15542816026_2145e117d4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pFsZGE)2014 Ely tour (https://flic.kr/p/pFsZGE) by thermalsoareruk (https://www.flickr.com/people/29179705@N02/), on Flickr
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I've got one of those. A very comfortable tent :thumbsup: I can sit up in it without having to crick my neck & there's loads of space for one. Two up could be a bit snug though.
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(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3849/15059403848_2233a3b03a_s.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oWKo6W)P1030462 (https://flic.kr/p/oWKo6W) by Joe.Audax (https://www.flickr.com/people/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
Off topic! Nice pics of your Challenge Seiran, I have also been up that wee road above Gairloch.
I was out a couple of weeks ago on the MTB cycling between Aviemore and Fort William, over the Corrieyairack Pass, but unfortunately didn't get to the pitch until after dark, and as I was up at 5am left the pitch before it got light again. :O(
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Hi Dave,
That road through Glen Fruin from the Gareloch is very local to my work and often features on my rides. I've not had the Seiran very long and I'm not getting out often enough to really start making progress with my recumbent legs. I'm a long way fro being able to climb that hill in one go without stopping.
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(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14685589175_0681167d52_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/onHu2n)P7180010 (https://flic.kr/p/onHu2n) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Blacks & Edgington Oregon.
This morning, our Little Duck crawled into the tent and kissed the groundsheet. :)
thats very like the tent leftpoole sold me, whats the secret in pitching it.im serious.
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You might have to wait till Spring for us to pitch again so we can tell you! That was the first time we had pitched it :).
From memory: the upright poles go inside the inner, then spacers and ridge pole go outside the inner with the fly sheet over the top. A certain amount of repositioning pegs happened afterwards. The inner is freestanding before the fly sheet goes on. It maybe worth getting someone to hold the poles upright for you the first time you do it.
Hope that helps.
J
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Thanks for that butterfly every bit helps ,im not a tent dweller as you might have guessed ::-)
cheers
Anto.
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Inside an old Saunders tent sheltering from very stormy weather near Ceret years ago:
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t51/asorim1/DSCF0062_zpse11021f7.jpg)
Same tent somewhere near Agde when the weather was just a bit nicer.
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t51/asorim1/Agde-campsite_zpsb10e9563.jpg)
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(http://42q.eu/QeJ)
Picture from my trip out at the weekend. If you look closely you can see my Flecktarn tarp setup in the bottom of the picture.
I had a lovely comfy night out in the woods under my tarp in a bivvi bag, when it was -2°C. The tarp is this one (http://http://amzn.to/1tBAOld) by miltec. It's not the worlds greatest tarp, but it's pretty light, and the colour is perfect for the woods I camp in... and the price has come down by 6 quid since I bought it...
Only downside is that the camo works so well that on returning from a call of nature in the middle of the night, I couldn't find it and eventually tripped over it...
J
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Borrowed Peli's old man's 20+ year old Phoenix Phunnel for a spot off wild winter camp.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10857157_10152571533581507_8824086258283308883_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9)
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:thumbsup:
Was Tilley in the tent with you?
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Oh yes it is a two man erm man and his dog tent. Tilley loves camping. I had to kick her out three times so I could pack up, she kept coming back to lay down on the sleeping bag and matt. It is gore-tec single sheet/layer tent. It wicked brilliantly, no moisture at all inside. Need to give it a bit if nickwax before next outing, been in a bag for a good while.
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That's the one my dad still refers to as "my little new tent". I suppose it is, compared to his stable of Force Tens and Tinkers. :)
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Phoenix tents were really well made.
I have a phortress lurking in the tentage department, absolutely bomb proof mountain tent if a little heavy by today's standards.
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After a couple of years of tent testing and tiny baby wrangling, we decided that we could probably manage with our Nallo 2GT this weekend, so pitched it in the garden. It's lovely! The tent, not the garden, I should point out. ;D
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14410609927_2c8a9fe3fd_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nXq9gR)Tent 1 (https://flic.kr/p/nXq9gR) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/14410456229_e698641216_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nXpmzT)Tent 2 (https://flic.kr/p/nXpmzT) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Being inside your favourite tent (and it rained a little while we were in there) is a great feeling :) :) :)
Know what? From that and the other photos here, I think your garden's lovely too. Seriously! Sure, it could hardly be called pretty, but it looks like a garden for having adventures in.
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I've just been browsing this thread. Makes me want to have some camping adventures this year! Especially during the summer, head off early afternoon after work when I'm off the next day, and have a mini adventure! :smug: Bicycle, Camping gear and trailer! :thumbsup:
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Test erection of my Wild Country Trisar 2, which arrived today from Field and Trek
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/16812180355_e2157407df_o.jpg)
:D
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That looks rather splendid.
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Pretty spacious, if you can fit an elephant and two of his friends in there!
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From Tuesday morning at Pencelli Castle Campsite
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Py4oV2YzFY8/VQRjhk2WyNI/AAAAAAAAI1I/dXZvVmeIdhA/w737-h553-no/20150310_082544.jpg)
The tent is a Coleman Cobra 2, which is surprisingly spacious, and similar to the Vango Banshee. I like it, but an annoying aspect of the tent is that, though there's two porches for storing luggage on either side of the inner tent, only one has a door in the flysheet
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Do you get to the other one from the inside? Looks like it from online photos.
A lot of tent for the money. I suspect the sleeves for the poles will wear but they also look repairable.
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You do, the and there's a full door to it so the access isn't bad. For one person it's a brilliant tent for the money. It pitches all in one, seems pretty stable even in moderate winds (I haven't had a really windy night in it yet), and all the bits seem well made. At 2.1kg it's not as light as many, but light enough not to worry too much considering how much other stuff I carry normally on tour.
The poles are external, and colour coded and there's no fraying of the sleeves yet. As they are outside of the flysheet though, I agree they should be pretty easy to fix if needed.
The advantage I would see in having a second zipped door on the other side is if you have two people in the tent. As the doors are on the side, anyone on the non-door side would have to clamber over the other occupant to get in and out.
As I understand it the 3 person version of the tent has a door on either side.
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... but an annoying aspect of the tent is that, though there's two porches for storing luggage on either side of the inner tent, only one has a door in the flysheet
Not beyond the bounds of possibility to get handy seamstress to fit you another, though ...
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Vango Banshee 200 2014(http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s483/Iain_Jones/sideview_o_zpsx5nxtx4s.jpg) (http://s1054.photobucket.com/user/Iain_Jones/media/sideview_o_zpsx5nxtx4s.jpg.html)
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We've had 2 tents up in the garden today. First the High Point Tasman, which is handy as a 2 bedroom tent that you can carry by bike without a trailer:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8755/16868257206_34348bd234_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rGAebN)20150322_144107 (https://flic.kr/p/rGAebN) by misssherriff (https://www.flickr.com/people/52883981@N00/), on Flickr
Nye was very excited and jumped up and down!
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8733/16893205151_a7dde8fc3e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rJN6kM)20150322_144209 (https://flic.kr/p/rJN6kM) by misssherriff (https://www.flickr.com/people/52883981@N00/), on Flickr
Then the Vango Equinox 600 which is somewhat bigger and therefore surplus to requirements:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7642/16687713847_28f0a1a874_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rqCTWg)20150322_160718 (https://flic.kr/p/rqCTWg) by misssherriff (https://www.flickr.com/people/52883981@N00/), on Flickr
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Ooooh, can't beat a bit of tent porn. This is my Terra Nova/Wild Country Aspect 1, I bloody love it. Great for a shortarse, I can just sit up inside.
(http://www.sloeburn.co.uk/html/images/DSC_6319_big.jpg)
In Strathyre
(http://www.sloeburn.co.uk/html/images/DSC_6643_big.jpg)
Bettyhill
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Indeed excellent tent porn. Fine locations!
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Borve campsite, on Barra
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9l3h1yti6ahzg67/Borve_camp_zpse9k6zrus.jpg?raw=1)
The wind was up to around 50mph overnight. (no midges)
by the side of Loch Sunart, about 2 miles SW of Salen
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/qwvb128kfr5lwxq/salen_camp_zps8w6aaxbn.jpg?raw=1)
Unfortunately, too midge infested to enjoy the view properly :(.
Oban, also with midges
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/mvs3bf2z0fjg3k6/oban_camp_zpsytys5zty.jpg?raw=1)
The chair (Alite Mayfly) is very good - usefully smaller and lighter than the Helinox, and low enough and sufficiently groundsheet friendly that it also works well inside the tent (on an empty Ortleib)
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We bought a new family tent after our older Wynnster tore in the wind last week. Its a large family Outwell Whitecove 6 from Charles Direct, as they were the cheapest we could find.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p86/Dave_Crampton/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150613_165352_zps0pkszv70.jpg) (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/Dave_Crampton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150613_165352_zps0pkszv70.jpg.html)
Batman action child not included... Actually if you want him he is yours! Though no help at pitching the new tent.
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I went to fetch the big tarp to go have a play in the garden, then spotted the little Octane 1, which needed a pitch and an air. Very satisfying to get it up. Pic taken will follow, but it is such fun to erect a simple tent and create a peaceful space.
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such fun to erect a simple tent and create a peaceful space.
We should totally do a den-building weekend sometime ;D
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I've been playing tarps. On iteration #6 right now, with an eye on #7.
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such fun to erect a simple tent and create a peaceful space.
We should totally do a den-building weekend sometime ;D
Sounds like an excellent idea.
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such fun to erect a simple tent and create a peaceful space.
We should totally do a den-building weekend sometime ;D
Sounds like an excellent idea.
One of the frustrations of working with Scouts is that they get to do all this good shit, whilst we look on from the sidelines. I'd be up for it, should I be in the right country at the right time.
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Go on a leader training weekend. The good ones let you try it. Or our District and County occasionally give us a go. There's a leaders' gliding weekend coming up. (But I'll be elsewhere.)
And I did get a go when I was a Scout :thumbsup:
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My Wild Country Trisar 2, pitched at Comrie Croft for a wee overnighter last night!
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/268/19561821400_54b98dfdf7_z.jpg)
Thought I'd give the tent a wee try out before the weekend, as I'm meeting up with a college chum (who is a bit of an ex navy / mountain man / park rangery type dude) for a spot of wild camping near his abode in Killin. :thumbsup:
I've been bitten by the camping bug, and seeing as I've still got next week off on annual leave, I think I may head down to this rather nice sounding camp site:
http://www.ruberslaw.co.uk/ (http://www.ruberslaw.co.uk/)
Not quite got enough camping-fu to go solo wild camping yet!
-- Edited to add thats 2 nights booked at the ruberslaw campsite next week, at their rather nicely named "Castle View Small Tent Pitch" which is one of the woodland pitches!
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Out for a "wild camp" at $SecretLocation with my mountain man college chum.
Shown below is a pair of lesser spotted Wild Country Trisar 2 tents.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/19837798285_5704abe784_z.jpg)
The specimen with the purple plumage is my mountain man chums 1992 era Wild Country Trisar 2, while mine with the green plumage is the 2015 era!
A bit of a difference in headroom and profile comparing the old to the new!
Still, my mountain man chum has had his up in the mountains in the snow, and it's held up well. So i think mine will be more than adequate for my low level camping! :thumbsup:
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Here's our tent (and tarp of shame) in amongst some redwoods in California
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpxoEomUkAAQjfF.jpg)
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From last week's mini-tour of Essex (this is a campsite behind a pub on the Dengie peninsula). The tent is a cheapish one I bought while walking and camping in Wales when I broke two poles of my old Wild Country tent.
(http://i.imgur.com/yBFxWTk.jpg)
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Which pub?
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Which pub?
It was called The Huntsman and Hounds. Rode past, saw a sign that said camping and since I'd had enough for the day stayed there.
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Which pub?
It was called The Huntsman and Hounds. Rode past, saw a sign that said camping and since I'd had enough for the day stayed there.
Ah yes, we stayed there some years ago. Are the showers still simply attached to the wall of a storeroom? ;D
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Which pub?
It was called The Huntsman and Hounds. Rode past, saw a sign that said camping and since I'd had enough for the day stayed there.
Ah yes, we stayed there some years ago. Are the showers still simply attached to the wall of a storeroom? ;D
There was a shower room with two showers next to a store room (in the same building, with a partition wall between them). Not the best shower facilities though- there was a horrible soggy carpet tile in front of the shower pan that I managed to step on after I'd put my socks back on.
I ordered a cheddar salad for lunch because I wanted some lettuce and tomato and stuff after eating little but service station and Spar food on the previous day. It was mostly chips and cheese, the sort of amount of cheese that I'd normally buy to last a week or more. They had a local beer on that was pretty good.
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I recall it wasn't the best pub / campsite combo but things do seem to have improved a bit. It's a shame as there are too few campsites in the Chelmsford / Maldon area.
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I recall it wasn't the best pub / campsite combo but things do seem to have improved a bit. It's a shame as there are too few campsites in the Chelmsford / Maldon area.
There aren't many! my usual tactic of not booking and hoping for the best didn't go so well. Two or three of the campsites marked on my recent OS map are now caravan-only sites. I did see one other pub campsite earlier in the day and I was making my way back to that when I chanced upon the Huntsman.
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Where were you heading to when you happened across The Huntsman?
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I stayed near Maldon on the first night (Osea park, caravan place with a couple of fields for tents, expensive) then did a bit of a circuit of the Dengie peninsula. I was heading back from Burnham to a pub I'd passed earlier on the road B1018- possibly near Steeple which had camping (from Streetview I can see this was probably the Sun and Anchor)
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such fun to erect a simple tent and create a peaceful space.
We should totally do a den-building weekend sometime ;D
Sounds like an excellent idea.
One of the frustrations of working with Scouts is that they get to do all this good shit, whilst we look on from the sidelines. I'd be up for it, should I be in the right country at the right time.
I know a place, in Gloucestershire, in the woods, a little scout group campsite, with a pub a short ish walk away.
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I stayed near Maldon on the first night (Osea park, caravan place with a couple of fields for tents, expensive) then did a bit of a circuit of the Dengie peninsula. I was heading back from Burnham to a pub I'd passed earlier on the road B1018- possibly near Steeple which had camping (from Streetview I can see this was probably the Sun and Anchor)
OK, thanks, I might take a toddle out that way and see what I can find.
If you're ever in the area again let us know. As you might have detected there's a good deal of yacf activity in Essex.
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Did my first wild camp last night, hoping to finally have a clear sky and a view of the last of the Perseid meteors.
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8138/28988420226_069c1556ee_c.jpg)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8055/28736306290_aae2be06d4_z.jpg)
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8362/28735242420_707262fca4_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8713/28736934360_23fb094081_c.jpg)
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7642/28735759190_a49f3b5203_c.jpg)
All good ...except for the meteors >:(
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Hi Nikki, please tell us what make and model of tent you have please? Thanks, Dave C
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My new Luxe Hexpeak v4a complete with Brompton and luggage in the porch!
(http://photos.quixotic.eu/IoM/XT1A3458_sm.JPG)
This tent has loads of space for one, and you can even get a 2 person inner for it (not sure that you would fit the Brompton in then...)
Love it, it survived some gnarrly storms on the Isle of Man recently.
J
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Hi Nikki, please tell us what make and model of tent you have please? Thanks, Dave C
It's a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2, reviewed here: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=84480.0
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Inside looking out
(https://s3.postimg.org/82fmj66o3/20160814_093040.jpg)
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Jack Wolfskin Skydome II, on an island in a fjord in the Lofoten Islands, N or the Arctic Circle. The island is joined to the mainland by 2 causeways - it's a shortcut so you don't have to right round the fjord.
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8469/28492017764_b744039464_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KpK3eA)Wild Camp (https://flic.kr/p/KpK3eA) by John Spooner (https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnspooner/), on Flickr
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(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/P1030589_zps5coig4jc.jpg)
my helsport ringstind* by a stream somewhere in yorkshire.
* - I admit it, I mainly bought it because the name made me giggle. Great tent though, < 2kg, lots of space for 2 tall folk.
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Inside looking out
(https://s3.postimg.org/82fmj66o3/20160814_093040.jpg)
Expansive view there.
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Jack Wolfskin Skydome II, on an island in a fjord in the Lofoten Islands, N or the Arctic Circle. The island is joined to the mainland by 2 causeways - it's a shortcut so you don't have to right round the fjord.
[img height=480 width=640]https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8469/28492017764_b744039464_c.jpg[/img] (https://flic.kr/p/KpK3eA)Wild Camp (https://flic.kr/p/KpK3eA) by John Spooner (https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnspooner/), on Flickr
The Lofotens are gorgeous, one of my most fondly remembered tours. https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewclark/albums/72157622365574201
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/3/2585/3969454609_33c0c9c91a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/73Luyz)
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The Lofotens are gorgeous, one of my most fondly remembered tours. https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewclark/albums/72157622365574201
Thanks Andrew - I've been thinking about a Lofoten trip, there's plenty of inspiration there. Where did you get to?
Looking forward to more inspiration from Salvatore too...
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The Lofotens are gorgeous, one of my most fondly remembered tours. https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewclark/albums/72157622365574201
Thanks Andrew - I've been thinking about a Lofoten trip, there's plenty of inspiration there. Where did you get to?
Looking forward to more inspiration from Salvatore too...
Bill, I'm sure you'd love the Lofotens. I had ridden from the south of Norway (Kristiansand) to the coast then north on route 17, and at times I wondered if I would become blasé about the stupendous views of fjords and snowcapped mountains every day. But there was no chance of that once I reached the Lofotens. The ferry from Bodø arrived at Moskones at 7:30pm, but I hadn't done much that day, and my legs were still fresh, and that far north in mid-June it wasn't going to get dark, so I just rode off into the evening. It was a magical cycling experience, through little fishing villages (smelling of rotting fish), with the sun, sky, sea and mountains putting on an every-changing light show, which went on and on. It wasn't until it got very cold at about 2 and I began to wonder if the views were real or some exaggerated film backdrop. Whenever the road turned inland it wasn't long before it reached the sea again. At about 2 am tiredness and cold got the better of me near here (https://flic.kr/p/KqMcL1) and I pitched my tent in a clearing at the side of the road.
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8424/29048751311_50a4fc9d02_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LfWrHR)Wild Camp (https://flic.kr/p/LfWrHR) by John Spooner (https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnspooner/), on Flickr
Most cyclists I met had the same strategy as I had - 3 or 4 nights wild camping then a night in a paid campsite for showering shaving, charging gadgets etc. I wondered if a hammock might have been useful, as there are plenty of trees, and it's often difficult to find an ideal wild-camping spot because of stones, undergrowth, density of forest, absence of a square inch of flat ground etc etc etc. But a hammock would need the addition of robust and effective mosquito netting.
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Thanks John. Inspiration level duly raised...
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I flew to Bodo via Oslo & got a ferry the next morning. Mostly wild camping by the road or shore. I had no insect trouble in July & I'm usually a mozzie magnet.
I remember 1 long & scary tunnel! Got as far north as Andenes on the Vesteralen group, then picked up & stomach bug which spoilt the next few days :-(
Ferry back to Bodo for a flight back. Wideroe were great, BA were bastards & tried to do me for excess baggage!
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And notched up a tad further! Ta
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I went back the next year on the ferry to Bergen. Worked my way up to Floro & then got a fast ferry back to the start. https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewclark/albums/72157601944187049/page1
Cool & wet in September, including the worst all day rain I've ever ridden in!
I wish they'd start the ferry up again :(
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I went back the next year on the ferry to Bergen. Worked my way up to Floro & then got a fast ferry back to the start. https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewclark/albums/72157601944187049/page1
Cool & wet in September, including the worst all day rain I've ever ridden in!
I wish they'd start the ferry up again :(
Wow!!
In June 2005, I took that ferry (from Newcastle to Bergen) to scuba dive wrecks, off a British live-a-board north between Bergen and Flora. Your images look similar to my memories, Norway is beautiful and the scenery is astounding! Cheers for sharing.
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In contrast the main ferries I used were Newhaven-Dieppe, Hitrshals-Kristiansand, Helsinki-Tallinn, Tallinn-Stockholm, Trellleborg-Travemünde, Ouistreham-Portsmouth, plus dozens of shorter ferry crossings.
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8826/29227699485_28dc0f3f3b_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LwKAMc)
Back on topic, my tent somewhere near the top of that map, in the no-mans land between taiga and tundra. It's at the northern extremity of the area where trees will grow, and then it's only these sparse stunted birch trees which spend much of the year buried in snow. So it isn't quite tundra, and it definitely isn't taiga. Whatever the stunted vegetation is which covers the ground, it's nice and springy which makes it rather comfortable to sleep on.
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8303/29260536285_e188ac6353_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LzDU1V)
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I've shown this Vango tent before, but here it is in the slightly unusual setting of a railway platform (you can just see the station buildings down the end). You need a tent, because it's going to be a long wait for a train; none have run for about 60 years.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ygkwegsvrgf38ps/IMGP1177_small.JPG?raw=1)
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Camping in the garden with my two boys last night. The 7yr old was with me in my 16yr old Mountain Hardware, which really needs some sort of good reproofing, and the 9 yr old upstart was in my newer Wild Country Zephyrus 2.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/06d7523f633d87f7a7817d616d9aefa2.jpg)
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
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At Field Barn Park, a couple of miles south of Bourton-on-the-Water. £18(!!! :o) but very nice place.
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7484/28785639174_64033e2a7b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KRFVDG)
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Erection, Semaine Federale style.
https://youtu.be/kXHZ8bW8VGg
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Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8678/29795225152_0c6e5115d1_h.jpg) (https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8678/29795225152_0c6e5115d1_h.jpg)
And at night
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5034/29282774683_32a8012f86_h.jpg) (https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5034/29282774683_32a8012f86_h.jpg)
(Those photos are from the last night our Nordisk tent will get used because the tent got 100+ holes put into the outer thanks to a cat, so it'll be pretty ineffective in the British climate.)
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Minimalist
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5579/30249590144_b05d1bb910_b.jpg)
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...and funky multional!
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On a trip down to a CC&C site in the midlands last weekend we took the opportunity to try the setup we’ll use in Germany & the Netherlands this summer rather than use the big family tent. Over all it worked quite well though Mrs B wasn’t quite so sure. Being more accustomed to the big family tent and not having joined the kids and me on cycle camping trips before she struggled on the Thermorest Prolite and the low height of the Wildcountry Hoolie. For the big trip taking a wider/deeper matt won’t present any difficulty but I don’t think I’ll be replacing the Hoolie 2 with something taller before then.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2810/33562522144_3373c7cf98_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T8NGwU)IMG_20170429_190442264 (https://flic.kr/p/T8NGwU) by ;D (https://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4177/33562523184_6d0d18a57e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T8NGQQ)IMG_20170429_190425936 (https://flic.kr/p/T8NGQQ) by ;D (https://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
Anyway the site was Conkers near Ashby De-La-Zouch and we were based there for a weekend of cycling with some pals from the Tandem Club. Having only ever passed through the area in trains or cars before I had expected it to be horrendously busy but quite the opposite was true; the cycling was terrific and the lanes wonderfully quiet. So people of the Midlands I apologise for two decades of judging the area based on view from the M5/6/42 and look forward to visiting again.
Guess I've rambled on enough for a board that's suppost to be for tent pics.
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Anyway the site was Conkers near Ashby De-La-Zouch and we were based there for a weekend of cycling with some pals from the Tandem Club. Having only ever passed through the area in trains or cars before I had expected it to be horrendously busy but quite the opposite was true; the cycling was terrific and the lanes wonderfully quiet. So people of the Midlands I apologise for two decades of judging the area based on view from the M5/6/42 and look forward to visiting again.
The whole point in those motorways is to act as a car-sink for the decent cycling roads...
I love cycling in that direction, once I've escaped Greater Birmingham.
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We used a Hilleberg tarp to "connect" two lightweight tents on a cycle camping trip.
It worked well, in fact given the fact that you can't serve a family meal in two small tents, the tarp adds a lot more useable space.
Mrs. M would be envious of the seats.
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First night camping for many years in my new Zephyros 2. At Kielder Campsite before the Dirty Reiver.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2813/34083876841_9c37153994_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TVSM7Z)Dirty Reiver 200km Gravel Grind (https://flic.kr/p/TVSM7Z) by ian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/acf_windy/), on Flickr
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We're searching for our ideal tent. Not much money to spare so we're looking at a tipi tent we've seen. Perhaps we should consider smaller tents linked by a tarp ourselves. We have an ultralight 2 man force 10 tent and a heavier 2 man Vango plus tarps from 1.2x2.4m up to either 3 or 4m square I can't remember which. Could just buy two poles and use the rest of the 2mm dynema and mini lineloks for guys.
Trouble is the bigger tent would be best suited for my child and his mum but I don't fit in the other tent. Most UL tents achieve low weight by being small. I'm 1.96m tall which means in real terms I need a tent with the marketed internal length of 2.2/2.25m. This is due to the slope of the tent and the lying marketing specifications.
BTW how old is your hoolie 2? Is it the etc extended porch one? My hoolie got a failed pole less than a few days of use. How are you getting on with your tent? I suspect I got a bad one but it's put me off them.
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First night camping for many years in my new Zephyros 2. At Kielder Campsite before the Dirty Reiver.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2813/34083876841_9c37153994_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TVSM7Z)Dirty Reiver 200km Gravel Grind (https://flic.kr/p/TVSM7Z) by ian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/acf_windy/), on Flickr
I do like the Kielder campsite, I was there with my lad just a week before you and had a terrific stay.
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We're searching for our ideal tent. Not much money to spare so we're looking at a tipi tent we've seen. Perhaps we should consider smaller tents linked by a tarp ourselves. We have an ultralight 2 man force 10 tent and a heavier 2 man Vango plus tarps from 1.2x2.4m up to either 3 or 4m square I can't remember which. Could just buy two poles and use the rest of the 2mm dynema and mini lineloks for guys.
Trouble is the bigger tent would be best suited for my child and his mum but I don't fit in the other tent. Most UL tents achieve low weight by being small. I'm 1.96m tall which means in real terms I need a tent with the marketed internal length of 2.2/2.25m. This is due to the slope of the tent and the lying marketing specifications.
BTW how old is your hoolie 2? Is it the etc extended porch one? My hoolie got a failed pole less than a few days of use. How are you getting on with your tent? I suspect I got a bad one but it's put me off them.
It is a Hoolie 2 ETC and I've got to say that it has been a terrific tent for us. I bought it a couple of years ago for cycle camping with the whole family in order to give Mrs B a bit more room than something like our Zephos 2 provides. Up until very recently it hadn't been used for that purpose but has seen frequent use on short car camping trips were we haven't used the big family tent.
On the trip where the above photo was taken Mrs B didn't get on too well in the Hoolie, ideally she would like to get something much taller. I believe wild country do a tall version of the zephos but I don't thing our funds can stretch to another tent before this years big trip.
If you don't mind a low tent the Hoolie 2 ETC isn't a bad choice, not the lightest tent you could buy but for the money and weight you get a superb amount of space.
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We had the hoolie 3etc. Great tent and we loved it but one of the poles shattered at the joint. We taped a pole splint on and it coped with the second week. It had 3 days use up to that point. By the second week stitching failed on the webbing to the inner tent. It had loose threads all over the place. Quality was poor throughout with the stitching. Pegs were as good as a chocolate fire guard. With the first use on a campsite with good ground 2 pegs hit what must have been the only stones on the whole site. They instantly bent over. I straightened them. Then over the 2 weeks I ended up without any peg that hadn't bent and been straightened. I was glad I'd packed some Ti pegs as spares.
It got sent back for a full refund but we've been looking for a good replacement with ideally the same design but lighter. So far I've not found anything that is better than that tent for the money. If only the quality had been better. Now I've been put off the whole brand, TN and WC are both out being the same group of companies. The blizzard 3 is a lighter version that's slightly smaller and lighter but a 4 season tent. It's just from one of those two companies I no longer trust.
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While our zephos definitely seems better made than the hoolie I'm happy to say that I've had none of the problems you repot. I'd certainly buy TN/WC again.
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I suspect it's down to market position. WC are the cheaper brand in the company. Within that brand there's higher end such as their lightweight products or 4 season products like zephyros and blizzard. Hoolie is their cheaper level. That's probably why the quality is lower. TN is the more premium brand and their products I've seen are a lot better made.
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First night camping for many years in my new Zephyros 2. At Kielder Campsite before the Dirty Reiver.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2813/34083876841_9c37153994_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TVSM7Z)Dirty Reiver 200km Gravel Grind (https://flic.kr/p/TVSM7Z) by ian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/acf_windy/), on Flickr
Never mind the tent, you rode the Dirty Reiver! I am well impressed! :thumbsup:
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Never mind the tent, you rode the Dirty Reiver! I am well impressed! :thumbsup:
Thanks - it was one of the toughest events I think I've ever done, I was seriously questioning my sanity from about 130 - 150 km but pulled out of it when the potatoes and cheese at the 3rd feed kicked in and worked their magic. I had secretly hoped to get inside 12 hours and managed 11.47 - so I was well chuffed :)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2904/34056588082_1db7f926d4.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TTsV89)Dirty Reiver 200km Gravel Grind (https://flic.kr/p/TTsV89) by ian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/acf_windy/), on Flickr
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2847/33371923674_1542742739.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SQXQfo)Dirty Reiver 200km Gravel Grind (https://flic.kr/p/SQXQfo) by ian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/acf_windy/), on Flickr
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Less than 12 hours for 200km on gravel tracks? :o
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2847/33371923674_1542742739.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SQXQfo)Dirty Reiver 200km Gravel Grind (https://flic.kr/p/SQXQfo) by ian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/acf_windy/), on Flickr
Like the Cross Check, but what on earth are you holding in your hands there? Did you have a team of bike-sled dogs to pull you? !!!
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Less than 12 hours for 200km on gravel tracks? :o
Like the Cross Check, but what on earth are you holding in your hands there? Did you have a team of bike-sled dogs to pull you? !!!
Yeah, dog leads - we made the trip a holiday and rented a cottage about an hour away. I camped Friday so that I didn't have to get up at silly o'clock and got picked up Saturday evening. Held the dogs whilst Mrs W took the photo. Wish they had dragged me 'round :D
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Here's the Wild Country Coshee 3 that I accidentally bought at a camping exhibition the other week. It was being cleared for £60 - strike it and take it yourself. It's bigger than the Coleman Epsilon 2 I've been packing in my panniers, but it's lighter and packs smaller.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/e70d1anvtqkocn9/IMGP1909.JPG?raw=1)
A three-man tent is a probably a bit big for just me, but there's space for kit and, unlike the Coleman, I can sit up in it to get changed :thumbsup:
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/zx8rs2dt8k3apu5/IMGP1910.JPG?raw=1)
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Vaude Hogan Ultralight, Co. Monaghan, Ireland.
(http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc356/Kilroy8282/DSCN0305_zps0ec6ba15.jpg) (http://s527.photobucket.com/user/Kilroy8282/media/DSCN0305_zps0ec6ba15.jpg.html)
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I have a stable of tents, but a little while ago a deal came up on a Vango Tempest 300. Not the lightest of tents, but it has good reviews, and as a base camp tent it looks a lot roomier than my Vaude Taurus and a lot lighter than my TN HD Hyperspace, bombproof though that is. I will take it to York and see how it handles. The logic is that somewhere like the Shrewsbury Festival involves four nights of camping, and I learned that lesson many years ago: a small tent is snug and cosy for the first night...
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On a trip down to a CC&C site in the midlands last weekend we took the opportunity to try the setup we’ll use in Germany & the Netherlands this summer rather than use the big family tent. Over all it worked quite well though Mrs B wasn’t quite so sure. Being more accustomed to the big family tent and not having joined the kids and me on cycle camping trips before she struggled on the Thermorest Prolite and the low height of the Wildcountry Hoolie. For the big trip taking a wider/deeper matt won’t present any difficulty but I don’t think I’ll be replacing the Hoolie 2 with something taller before then.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2810/33562522144_3373c7cf98_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T8NGwU)IMG_20170429_190442264 (https://flic.kr/p/T8NGwU) by ;D (https://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4177/33562523184_6d0d18a57e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T8NGQQ)IMG_20170429_190425936 (https://flic.kr/p/T8NGQQ) by ;D (https://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
Anyway the site was Conkers near Ashby De-La-Zouch and we were based there for a weekend of cycling with some pals from the Tandem Club. Having only ever passed through the area in trains or cars before I had expected it to be horrendously busy but quite the opposite was true; the cycling was terrific and the lanes wonderfully quiet. So people of the Midlands I apologise for two decades of judging the area based on view from the M5/6/42 and look forward to visiting again.
Guess I've rambled on enough for a board that's suppost to be for tent pics.
Perhaps you should bring your tents, bikes and the family down for a Long itch weekend. In return we'll be happy to show you some more fabulous and quiet country lanes as well as you having a great time with lots of fellow YACFers.
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Trying out my new Alpkit Tetri tent.
It is not lightweight, but is quite spacious, comfy for me, and seems sturdy enough. It has stood up to a week of Scottish summer weather anyway...
(http://i.imgur.com/4WmC2auh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UmtxmP7h.jpg)
Even includes a groundsheet for the porch.
(http://i.imgur.com/VhNmeXwh.jpg)
And sensible instructions...
(http://i.imgur.com/Zorg5slh.jpg)
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Just put up the old Vango Force 10, and found these stickers on the
guy-ropes, dated 1995...
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4266/34783342653_7ab245d853_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UZFHWn)
20170628_174550 (https://flic.kr/p/UZFHWn) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4235/34751273924_f9c3336f9d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UWRn2f)
20170628_174510 (https://flic.kr/p/UWRn2f) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr
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Wow. Looks like fabric/cotton. Reminds me of my old scout tents.
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Wow. Looks like fabric/cotton. Reminds me of my old scout tents.
Still available.
They were, and still are, very good tents, provided you don't have to carry them.
(Mk 3, 2 man, £250 new, on a quick google)
7 kg/15 lb dry, and substantially more than that if it's been getting rained on all night
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Any chance of a pic of that vango erected?
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This is rapidly turning into some sort of camping fetish thread...
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This is rapidly turning into some sort of camping fetish thread...
You say that as if it wasn't before :-[
;)
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Any chance of a pic of that vango erected?
Well, for you, big boy...
It's a Mk5 3-man tent and weighs about 100 tons dry.
But it does divide neatly into 3: Outer, Inner, Poles 'n' pegs.
The pictures were taken in the garden, where I was putting it up to check all the bits were there.
I've not bothered with the guy-ropes, either from the sides or from the A-frame apexes.
Yes, I *know* the flysheet is insides-out.
I was working on repairing it, and wanted the inner surface to the outside!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4283/35617426465_3d5785a304_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WgoBZK)
2017-06-29_10-31-37 (https://flic.kr/p/WgoBZK) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4011/35449318002_ae25556245_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/W1x2cY)
2017-06-29_10-32-50 (https://flic.kr/p/W1x2cY) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4137/35617451995_7dd618f33a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WgoKzV)
2017-06-29_10-33-21 (https://flic.kr/p/WgoKzV) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr
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Lovely :D
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First tent I owned was a Force 10 mk3 :)
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Thanks feanor.
Am amazed that they are still available.
Presume that with care and the odd repair they will last a lifetime or could even be handed down to future generations?
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The Carradice of tents?
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(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4437/37106750645_91334d41e5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YwZNbR)Camp (https://flic.kr/p/YwZNbR) by JuanM58 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/83697226@N02/), on Flickr
Juan and Marco go camping. Rushbanks Farm in Suffolk (just) earlier this week. A great site but a long way to the pub, especially when it is closed.
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I have just taken delivery of one of these :
http://www.blacksofgreenock.co.uk/patrol-tents/3-icelandic-i-tent.html#.WbklvcuWzmc
Icelandic I, Patrol Tent. My Employer's CSR bought it for my local Scout Group, but it needs weathering first, so I can see an impromptu camping trip to my Garden to see how it fares. It is not exactly manpackable, but instead designed to be driven to the campsite.
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Or, as our former Cub Scout Leader would remind me, put on a trekking cart and wheeled there. He could remember doing that when he was a Scout.
We used three Icelandics and similar on summer camp last month. Glad to know we're not the only ones :thumbsup:
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Vango Banshee 300 Pro, picked up at Cotswold Outdoor inna sale (~£105)
Weighs about 2.8kg. Ventilation seems good, mesh panels on inner, low level zipped ventilation for head. Door on each side.
Used it for the first time at Disserth, nr Llandrindod Wells for TINAT. Test for two next month.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1729/41728591505_2581849cb8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26zpWse)IMG_20180602_170702893 (https://flic.kr/p/26zpWse) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
p.s. what's the elongated geodesic tent in the backgrd?
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1758/27759762057_453e6f392c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ji338c)IMG_20180602_222406678 (https://flic.kr/p/Ji338c) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
Tea by citronella candlelight
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The pro versions of vango's tents look interesting.
Difference is a tougher flysheet and better poles if I am correct?
Have you used the non pro version of the banshee? If so, I would be interested in your views.
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The pro versions of vango's tents look interesting.
Difference is a tougher flysheet and better poles if I am correct?
Have you used the non pro version of the banshee? If so, I would be interested in your views.
I've not used the previous non-Pro version. As you say the main diffs seem to be the Flysheet (68D 190T Ripstop Polyester 5000mm) and the Yunan Eco Alloy Poles. Groundsheet base of the inner is 6000mm HH, but don't know if that's new. Pegs are standard - lightweight alloy. Door panels when open can be stuffed into inner pockets. Impressed with ease of pitching, goes up as all in one (if leave the inner attached packed).
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I’ve just seen a heavyweight copy of a laser space 2
next to mine it looks like it is made of canvas.
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New tent!
Quechua Quick Hiker 3 Fresh & Black (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/quick-hiker-fb-3-id_8386029.html)
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/quick_hiker3/2018_07_13_13_05_57.sized.jpg)
After baking at the York Rally, I bought this for the WHPVA World Championships (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=107940.0), which was due to be similarly scorchio. I don't do well in the heat, and faced with the prospect of several hours of world championship rushing about over the course of a weekend, anything that would enhance the quality/quantity of sleep, or provide a bit of shade would be worth it. As I was travelling by car, I considered buying one of the cheaper pop-up fresh & black tents, but I knew I'd only regret that later.
Anyway, instant review, based on a long weekend in increasingly hot and sunny, but not particularly windy conditions:
Firstly and foremost the Fresh & Black stuff actually works. The outer successfully reflects an impressive amount of the sun's heat, so it doesn't turn into a sauna within an hour of dawn. Indeed, even at noon the temperature was closer to the meteorological temperature than the 40C that you'd usually expect inside a closed tent. The inner is a BLACK that any goth would be proud of, and the combined effect is such that in the midday sun it's useful to have a torch when rummaging about inside the tent. At night, no wandering torchlight penetrates. I woke up at bladder o'clock and took some time to grope around for my torch, as I could see literally nothing with dark-adapted eyes. TBH, I found this level of darkness quite annoying, particularly when moving from bright sunlight into the tent to get things, but if you're someone who finds it difficult to sleep when there's light, it could be well worth it. (This photo doesn't do it justice, obviously.)
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/quick_hiker3/2018_07_14_17_55_53.sized.jpg)
In addition to the unconventional materials, the tent is extremely well ventilated, with generous amount of mesh and porous fabric on the inner, as well as a couple of ventilation flaps at low level. The flysheet comes all the way to the ground (with a pair of additional openable vents top and bottom), and would appear to do as good a job keeping Weather out as it does with sunlight. There was a moderate dew overnight, but not enough to cause any drips. It doesn't *look* like they're going to land on your face.
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/quick_hiker3/2018_07_14_17_55_31.sized.jpg)
The overall construction is the classic free-standing dome arrangement, with an additional cross-piece to add extra width at the top. This makes it quite spacious inside, with plenty of headroom. 3 adults is, as usual, optimistic, but two would be reasonably comfortable. I was able to fit barakta's Exped Airmat 12LXW in with ease, which is unusual in small tents.
They've provided a generous assortment of pockets for storing stuff and loops for dangling things from, and included a little string with a guy-rope adjuster between two of them so that I always knew where my towel was. There are symmetrical small porches either side, which you can just about squeeze a folded Brompton into. My usual concern with this sort of outer door arrangement is that you get dripped on as soon as you open it, but the wet-weather performance remains untested.
Pitching is outer-first (or both together), as all good tents should be. The inner is equipped with attachment points for the poles, so that it can be pitched without the fly, which is a nice touch, but something I'm unlikely to ever use.
Weight wise, it's just under 4kg, but it's quite a generously proportioned tent compared to say the Vango Banshee 300. The lengthy aluminium poles are split into quite short sections, for pannier/backpack friendliness (though I suspect the weight of all the joints adds up). Pegs are reasonably decent round alloy ones. The supplied bag is generous enough that you can fit it back in without too much drama, even if you don't bother with careful folding.
Pending a test of the wet-weather performance, my main complaint is that the groundsheet of the inner seems quite flimsy. Pitching on the mess of hacked-back brambles and thistle that passes for Betteshanger's overflow car park meant that I was prickled as soon as I crawled in to inflate the mat. (Fortunately I was able to re-purpose the tarp that lines the car boot as a surprisingly well-fitted footprint, and both I and the mat remained unpunctured.)
In summary: Worthwhile if you know it's going to be silly hot, seems like good value. While it does combine the useful features of European and Leftpondian tent design, it's unlikely to be the best choice for cold weather.
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Interesting report!
I was about to post that I’d seen one of these over the weekend and had a mental note to look it up.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/outbacklogic/siesta4-heat-and-light-blocking-tent-with-built-in
The users were waxing lyrical about it.
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The idea of using a reflective material for the fly seems sound, though presumably it's a heavier material, and it probably takes a fair bit longer to dry if the weather isn't scorchio.
The rest is in the details. I've considered using a solar-powered computer fan to increase airflow in my Akto, but a couple of well-placed vents ought to achieve the same thing in less weight/bulk.
I've also noticed Decathlon do a tarp of a similar material, which might be a decent summer enhancement for an otherwise-good tent.
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The pro versions of vango's tents look interesting.
Difference is a tougher flysheet and better poles if I am correct?
Have you used the non pro version of the banshee? If so, I would be interested in your views.
I've not used the previous non-Pro version. As you say the main diffs seem to be the Flysheet (68D 190T Ripstop Polyester 5000mm) and the Yunan Eco Alloy Poles. Groundsheet base of the inner is 6000mm HH, but don't know if that's new. Pegs are standard - lightweight alloy. Door panels when open can be stuffed into inner pockets. Impressed with ease of pitching, goes up as all in one (if leave the inner attached packed).
See 'Juan & Marco go off to Suffolk' further upthread; Vango Banshee 300 used for trips on bike and in car, loads of room for one, okay for two, three in extremis, I guess. Pitched all in one with inner attached at the bottom, quick to do. Mine has a hexagonal pattern ripstop fly, but quite a thin groundsheet; I use a cheap woven polyprop oblong 'footprint' to protect it, which also fits around the tent in the bag. Well vented, two doors & small port to the bell end from the inner (ejection of smelly shoes?). Seems very stable, don't think I have ever used the side guys as not yet required. I like it, think I got it about 4 years ago for about £75.
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I also have a non-pro Banshee 300, purchased for a similar price. My main complaint is that the you tend to end up with wet feet (well, damp foot end of sleeping bag) in high-condensation conditions, due to a combination of drips from the fly falling through the vent on the bottom end of the inner, and lack of lengthwise room meaning that if you sleep on your back it's easy for your toes to touch the inner and potentially push it against the fly, unless you're very short. If it's just one person, you can lay your mat diagonally and avoid the problem entirely.
It's sturdy (I've had idiots cycle into the guy ropes at the York Rally), quick-drying in exactly the way that Hilleberg tents aren't (this may have changed with the fly material in the pro), and excellent value for money. Well-ventilated, which means relatively cold, but not to the point of draughty.
The smelly shoe compartment seems like a waste of space that would be better used to make the inner a few inches longer.
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Some more pics (post-rain) of the Banshee 300 Pro, from recent Barmouth, Wales camp. Picked up a vango tarp off ebay for a reasonable price - used for the first time. Had significant rain overnight, so the tarp was useful. No tent leaks, or condensation as warmer at night I guess. The rear main vent has a rigid velcro tab to keep it open. I used a thick plastic sheet, of more or less the same size, under the groundsheet for a bit of extra protection. Two of us, was comfortable - space not an issue. Notice the tent is £108 currently. Not tried cycle camping with it all yet.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/915/42711882205_12407c3be4_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/285iywa)IMG_20180716_103508880 (https://flic.kr/p/285iywa) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/850/42898357624_eb39b2f7ef_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28mMiaA)IMG_20180716_103451685 (https://flic.kr/p/28mMiaA) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/836/42711869565_131e2720bc_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/285iuLe)IMG_20180716_103528563 (https://flic.kr/p/285iuLe) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/850/28728357507_fec007d943_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KLCkNK)IMG_20180716_103628314 (https://flic.kr/p/KLCkNK) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/846/41807928800_aad3fe52c1_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26GqyEC)IMG_20180716_103613143_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/26GqyEC) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
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the Pro sounds like a bargain for £108. Not quite sure about the pairing with the tarp - looks like they are mating in some shots.
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Still playing around with the tarp. :) One can also get something called the Banshee gear store, which is like a small extra porch, and moar ££ than the tarp. I looked at reviews and decided the tarp may be more flexible - to keep some extra kit dry/ area for cooking if wet etc.
Looks like B300P has gone up again in £.
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New tent!
Quechua Quick Hiker 3 Fresh & Black (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/quick-hiker-fb-3-id_8386029.html)
Update:
BN: Oh noes! It's b0rked!
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/quick_hiker3/2018_08_05_08_45_18.sized.jpg)
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/quick_hiker3/2018_08_05_10_42_08.sized.jpg)
GN: Since it happened just within the 30 days distance selling limit, and they still had some in stock, arranging a no-quibble exchange was simply a matter of filling in web form, and a replacement is already on its way to the collection point thingy at a nearby Asda. I will partake in some comedy off-roading[1] to swap it for the new one later in the week.
Consensus amongst the various ALC types who were present is that this is a stress fracture caused by the crimping of the ferrule, and therefore a manufacturing defect. Certainly it's not where I'd expect a pole to fail. The hole in the fly is unfortunate collateral damage.
Conclusion after a further three nights of scorchio is that it does start to get quite warm if the air is completely still (I measured 33C in the tent when the ambient air was 26ish), but much less so than with traditional fabrics. As soon as there's a bit of breeze the difference is greatly reduced. Opening the door on the side that isn't in direct sunlight helps, but opening the one that is can make it heat up rapidly.
Useful side benefit of a completely black inner: It's of negligible interest to flying beasties. Over three nights my invaders were limited to a couple of ants on Watlington's flying ant day, and a solitary earwig (which may soon be on its way to the decathlon depot, because it's surprisingly hard to find earwigs in a black tent at night).
Still not had any rain, but the dew evaporation rate is - as you'd expect - at the Hilleberg (ie. slow) end of the spectrum.
At 4kg and most of a back-roller full, it's a bit too much tent for solo cycle touring, but still practical to carry by bike if you're riding somewhere to camp. I expect I'll be using it to enhance my sleep at the York Rally in future.
[1] There's a cyclepath that would be a convenient direct route, if you didn't need a mountain bike and no luggage to ride it easily.
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(https://images.theconversation.com/files/121182/original/image-20160504-17469-2aczcs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip)
Would be great to see this in colour!
From: https://theconversation.com/rebel-youth-how-britains-woodcraft-folk-tried-to-change-the-world-55892?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=twitterbutton
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Very cool picture, and the linked article is excellent.
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Here's me new tent on its (almost) first outing on the Isle of Barra.
It's a Luxe Megahorn, a bit heavy for cycle touring but Mrs b will only cycle camp in a tent that she can stand up in.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48387104347_6eea73da17_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gHNykM)SANY0006 (https://flic.kr/p/2gHNykM) by Joe B (https://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48386965091_ab3862c8cd_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gHMQWP)SANY0005 (https://flic.kr/p/2gHMQWP) by Joe B (https://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
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How much does that weight?
Must admit I don't entirely understand her need to stand.
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The standing thing goes back to a camping trip we did when she had a bad back a few years ago, she had difficulty in the tent so in order to save a three week Germany/Netherlands trip we had planned I borrowed a Terra Nova Laser Space 2 which she could stand up in. She no longer has a bad back but won't go back to a normal height tent.
Weight wise its about 4.5kg but could be nearly a kg lighter if the inner is left behind. The weight wasn't much of an issue on this trip as it was just me and 9 year old mini Joe and I was only cycling at his speed. Besides the pannier full of wetsuits and snorkeling gear weighed more.
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I think I stayed at that campsite a few years ago. Do they have a toilet block yet ? I had to get my trowel out....
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I think I stayed at that campsite a few years ago. Do they have a toilet block yet ? I had to get my trowel out....
Yes, a very nice utility block. The kitchen has an oven, microwave, kettle, pots pans and scran spanners, tea and coffee. Even rather good wifi.
I stayed at the site in March 2017 and it was there then, I had the site to myself on that trip too which was rather nice.
That particular site is this one, http://www.barracamping.co.uk/ and being just 2 miles from Castlebay is very useful for the ferry back to Oban which departs at 0755(ish). Because of this it can get busy but that was useful on this occasion as it meant there were plenty of other kids for mini Joe to play with.
Croft Number 3 campsite at the most Northerly point of the island is much quieter and also set in beautiful surroundings, a little more basic but it still provides everything a cycle camper requires.
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https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=59070.msg1219694#msg1219694
Yes, same place , 2012. I was in my Shangri-La 3. I think they'd just opened.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/8155/7279299160_0ef821c9a0.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/c6fj2W)
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(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9l3h1yti6ahzg67/Borve_camp_zpse9k6zrus.jpg?raw=1)
I've camped on that spot too
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(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9l3h1yti6ahzg67/Borve_camp_zpse9k6zrus.jpg?raw=1)
I've camped on that spot too
Surprised they let you in with a non-pointy tent :)