Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Camping and Bushcraft => Topic started by: admin on August 10, 2009

Title: Tent Reviews
Post by: admin on August 10, 2009
Please post here with your thoughts and recommendations on tents to help others to make a sensible choice.

Includes all types of tents from ultra-lightweight to family
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on August 10, 2009
Anyone own a hilleberg soulo ?? if you do what is your marks out of ten.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Celt_Ginger on August 10, 2009
I have 2 tents. One for the family and one for just me.

The family tent is a Vango Equinox TBS 450. It has been a great medium sized tent for the 3 of us. Very waterproof (that has been well tested) and very stable in windy conditions. Quick and easy to put up and take down again. it suffers a little from lack of height. You have to hunch over in it and cannot stand up straight.

My small tent is a Lightwave T1 trek XT. It's a fantastic tent. It's a 2 man tent which makes it very comfortable for just 1 person. It also has an extended vestibule which is great for storing gear. Very stable in the wind and very waterproof with a Hydrostatic head of 5000mm. Best part is it weighs less than 3kg. It is an inner tent first pitching system with the fly sheet going on second which some may not like, but this system makes the tent very secure in windy conditions. I can pitch it in about 5 minutes.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on August 10, 2009
Have you seen the hilleberg soulo on you tube being put up and do you think it is worth 400 odds ??
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: NeilB on August 10, 2009
think the hilleberg tents are go anywhere type tents, you could go to nortehrn alaska type conditions and it would hold up no problem, depends what you need your tent for, if your planning trip to north pole then hilleberg is the business
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: RedLeader on August 11, 2009
I think the question is what is the best value for money tent for the sort of climate we have (wet and reasonably cold in winter). The good name solo tents like Hilleberg are always too expensive for me. There must be a sweet spot at £150 or so that you can get a tent suitable for the UK climate but not quite good enough for Norway.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on August 11, 2009
Ill pay the extra cause you can put it up in 3 min, is there a cheaper one can be put up fast ??
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on August 12, 2009
I know its been covered, but the best tent for the money in my eyes is the argos pro action in the "sale" for 24.99 or something like that, really can't fault it for the money. Carbon copy of the MSR Zoids of which I previously owned, so I can tell you that it can take the winds pretty well.
Pitches inner first but the fly just buckles on in less than a minute so that isn't too much of an issue; you can sit up in it, unless you are gigantor; small porch to put a bit of kit in, wouldn't facy trying to cook in it;there is room for 2 good friends; some mesh on the inner to aid air flow/minimise condensation;it weighs in at under 2 Kilos; Oh aye did I say its only 24.99? I'm sure there is plenty more points, someone that own's one could pick put
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: chris on August 13, 2009
I think we should make the old pro action the mascot for ni wild! that and those sweet hats!
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: RedLeader on August 13, 2009
I think we should make the old pro action the mascot for ni wild! that and those sweet hats!

I'm taking the family to the Tall Ships on Sat. I'm really just going for the hat from the continental market :D
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: MG1 on August 13, 2009
I'm hitting the tall ships today but i'm going for the really strong beer.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on August 13, 2009
argos pro action is to heavy to carry on long trips
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on August 13, 2009
argos pro action is to heavy to carry on long trips

Too heavy depends on who is carrying it, 2 kilos isn't really that much, especially for a fully enclosed space, sure you could lose a Kilo off it but that would cost you probably another £200. I would advise anyone starting to camp/tent to get the Pro Action, there is no need to shell out loads of moeny if you're only starting out.

Out of curiousity how much water do you carry? I know a lot of people that would count every gram in their pack but still carry 2 litres of water about.

Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on August 13, 2009
I've 2 tents at the minute, a lightwave T1 trek, and a Terra Nova Laser Competition. Both are top notch in quality and I'd happily reccomend them to anyone. Both have retail prices around 250 quid, but I (like most of my kit) picked it up for a good bit under that due to sales/clearance items

The T1 is a 2 man tent with enough room in the inner for a couple peeps to sleep without getting intimate, plus a couple bits of kit, stored in the pockets. The vestibule is large enough for both peoples kit and is plenty large enough to cook in, and also has a couple of storage pockets big enough for food cooker etc. Its a brilliant tent and handled all the eind and rain I've had it up in, only problem is that the guys ripped out when my dog ran across them. Sending it off to Scottish-mountain-gear to get it fixed, prob cost me 30 quid if they don't decide that it's covered by the warranty.

The laser comp is my baby and what I carried on the ulster way, it was in the Guinness book of record for a bit for being the lightest on the market, but thats taken by the terra nova photon now I believe. Its a great one man tent, weighing in at 890 grams (however I'd be a bit relucant to use the pegs supplied as they are nothing more than small skewers.) Inside its plenty long for me (I'm 6'2) and for an admin vortex big enough for dare I say it anyone, could maybe do with a pocket or 2 if anything. The porch is Huge, I don't know how you could fill it with kit, and as long as you're careful you can cook in it if its lashing down outside. Its a great little tent, thats light squashes down to nothing and is plenty big for 1 plus a close friend (me and a mate will be using it for the MMM), only bad thing about it is that it gets quite loud in the wind, but a pair of earplugs sorts that out.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on August 14, 2009
Does anyone own a hilleberg soulo ??
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on August 14, 2009
Does anyone own a hilleberg soulo ??

This boy does and has posted a good few pics, and a mini review.
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/4/UTN/29643/ (http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/4/UTN/29643/)

argos pro action is to heavy to carry on long trips

Just thought I'd bring up the point that the soulo is 2.12 Kilos, thus about the same if not more than the argos pro action  ;)
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on August 14, 2009
Cheers for the help again people !!
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on August 15, 2009
If anyone sees the hilleberg soulo going cheaper than £400 plz let me know, cheers.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Nightjar on August 22, 2009
I had thought about the Hilleberg Solo but changed my mind when one reviewer said that there wasnt a lot of headroom when you lay down.
I opted for the Terra Nova Sololite good sturdy wee tent,ample headroom  but maybe a tad to narrow for some.

Philip
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on August 22, 2009
I heard that to about the soulo also, what draws me to it is how easy its put up and the free standing side of it, what you think ? 

Im still looking for my perfect one man tent, and hope we can all help each other on this subject

What sort of tents do the rest of the members have ?? 

I know half the members own the argos pro action  ::)  LOL
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Steve on August 22, 2009
I picked up a Berg outdoor ultralight 2, 2 man tent in Portugal in July.  It is a single pole design.

It was only 35 euro but the quality seems to be as good as £100 tents over here.

It only weighs 5lb and the skins are thick and well sturdy and waterproof.

While in Portugal, I also bought a 3/5 watt LED torch and a multitool.  The torch is sturdy as and really bright.

If you are ever in Portugal, take advantage of the cheap outdoor gear.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on September 18, 2009
I heard that to about the soulo also, what draws me to it is how easy its put up and the free standing side of it, what you think ? 

Im still looking for my perfect one man tent, and hope we can all help each other on this subject

What sort of tents do the rest of the members have ?? 

I know half the members own the argos pro action  ::)  LOL

Now i am a proud owner of a pro action  ;) 

Who need a hilleberg soulo anyway  ::)
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: chris on September 20, 2009
heads up! two people in a pro action=condensation city! although to be fair i saw a few peeple takin down there terra nova's and when the flicked the fly sheet the condensation was so intense it made a rainbow!
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on September 21, 2009
Two people in any tent when it is still = condensation city  :D opened my door up around 5 in the morn to try and ease the condensation, but the damage had ben done, wet tent was carried for the rest of the day. Was so wet it might as well have been lashing down all night, should have known better
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on September 21, 2009
Pro action is a one man tent,  ;D
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: chris on September 21, 2009
Pro action is a one man tent,  ;D

sold as a one man but it will quite comfortably i have found sleep two (head to toe of course). you can fit your bags in aswell, asuming becase you've split a pro action you have a small-ish bag! boots etc in the porch and the jobs a good-un! you can even cook in the porch with the door closed.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on September 21, 2009
Happy days, i can sprall right out  ;D
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: b0ogaloo on October 08, 2009
Tent :  Vango Tempest 200

Capacity : Two man

Weight : 2.55kgs

Pack Size:   40x18x15cm

Pitching time : 10 mins  ( 5 with practice)

Price : Circa £90

(http://www.vango.co.uk/products/dataimgs/largeimages/tempest%20200%20pine.jpg)

I was looking for a lightweight tent that i could use for kayaking expeditions and for backpacking , the backpacking hasn't happened yet but I've used the tent quite a lot this year when kayaking

First impressions :  The first time I used the tent i was pleasantly surprised at the ease of erection .. it uses three sets of poles . which are colour coded as are the sleeves they feed into , anyone who has put up a tent before wouldn't need to look at the instructions
I'm 6 foot and quite broad so really there wouldn't be a lot of room for a another person , unless your planning on getting intimate
I can sit up at the entrance to the tent ,, the porch is ideal for cooking in and storing kit , theres a webbing loop to hang a torch from
It has pockets sewn in on both sides which are great for storing gear

Vented at both ends , condensation hasn't been a problem yet

Reflective tabs at each pegging point are a  nice detail

Gripe's: The  pegs are round and prone to bending , but  easy to straighten ..  L section pegs  would be stronger .. I've already upgraded , A webbing loop inside the tent for hanging a torch for reading etc would be nice , there is one at the other end . but i don't read with my feet ,

Overall its a great tent  easy to erect and good value for money IMO

hope this has been of some use

Andy

 





Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: pablo on October 09, 2009
proper review mate!
 should have mentioned its dog friendly too lol.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: pablo on October 10, 2009
went to argos last night and got one of those pro-action jobs for when my hammock isnt suitable(dunno when that`ll be though)

under 20 quid was a reasonable price. i almost bought the last two since they were so cheap but it remains to be seen just how good they are,from a subjective point of view that is.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: RedLeader on October 11, 2009
went to argos last night and got one of those pro-action jobs for when my hammock isnt suitable(dunno when that`ll be though)

under 20 quid was a reasonable price. i almost bought the last two since they were so cheap but it remains to be seen just how good they are,from a subjective point of view that is.

They're awesome. You wont be sorry!
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: suspectmonkey on January 07, 2010
Hope it's okay to add a few questions to this thread rather than start another tent thread? :)

I'm am currently tentless, and would like to get a new one fairly soon.  Budget is around £100 so that rules out the Hillebergs etc.  Hoping to do the West Highland Way in the spring time so fairly lightweight, quick to put up/take down and enough space for two adults and their rucksacks to stay in without murdering each other!  I suppose 2-3kg is the target weight as it can be split between two people, although I wouldn't rule out using it on solo trips in the future.  I'd also prefer to stick with a fully enclosed tent rather than a bivi or tent.

I was looking at the Vango tents which seem fairly good on paper.  The two in particular that stood out were the Spectre 200 (http://www.vango.co.uk/products/tentsInfo.aspx?productid=28&modelid=21&id=19) and the Tempest 200 (http://www.vango.co.uk/products/tentsInfo.aspx?productid=29&modelid=23&id=19).  I see b0ogaloo did a good write up of the Tempest 200 earlier in this thread which was useful. 

Do you think for two adults these tents would be okay for spending a week in, or would it be better going for the 3 person version to give a bit of extra space for kit etc?  Also, the Tempest looks like you could cook in the porch on a stove okay, but not so sure about the Spectre?

I understand all this is fairly subjective so I know I won't get a definitive answer, but any opinions would be very welcome.  It would be better if I could find a shop that has the tents on display to see inside them rather than going by spec sheets on the internet, but that doesnt seem to be an option locally.  If I get something sorted I might end up giving it a test drive on the Lecale Way trip if I can make it :)

Oh, whilst on the subject... what is the Pro Action you all speak of?  Is it still available through Argos?  Ta!
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Nightjar on January 07, 2010
How about getting a large lightweight tarp say 2m x 3m  some paracord and a few tent pegs, much more room than a tent and lighter as well
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: RedLeader on January 07, 2010
The Vango Banshee is a great tent but has no head room. I'd say the Spectre and Tempest would also be fine. If you're going to be in it for a while then some sort of porch for cooking / wet gear would probably be essential.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on January 07, 2010
If you have bivy bags and don't mind being a bit open to the elements then tarping isn't too bad an idea, however tarping isn't the sort of thing I'd personally do unless the weather is pretty reasonable. It might still be alright in spring but I also wouldn't want to leave myself open to Scottish midges, they are horrible critters.
*just saw you don't wanna tarp, oops

If I were you I'd have a look at the pro action 1 man tent from argos (http://www.argos.co.uk/ProductDisplayTRK019?partNumber=3400779) thats still at 15 quid or so, and have a tent each, If you really wanted to you could both squeeze into it, but if not there would be plenty of room in one for yourself and your kit, and you can even cook in the porch if you needed. For the money they are superb, just don't be expecting hilleberg construction! Obviously between the two of you'll be carrying 4kilos of tent which is clearly not the lightest option, but then you will have your own personal space.
After moving to a 1 man tent I don't know if I would go back to sharing, its very nice to have your own space and look after it or not as much as you want, others may disagree though.

As for the 2man I cant really help you, I picked up a lightwave t1 trek at proper bargain price from their clearance section so won't be buying one anytime soon.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: suspectmonkey on January 07, 2010
I like the idea of a tarp, but I don't think I'm brave enough to face the Scottish midges under one having met them for the first time during the summer.  I know the midges there have a fierce reputation, but it would seem my skin is particularly attractive to them :D

Will keep an eye on the Argos website for the Pro Actions coming back in to stock, at that price I would definately buy one to try it.  If I go the two man route instead though the Tempest 200 seems to be a fairly decent choice.  Seems like a reasonable enough porch so at least if its raining I can still cook okay, and the pack size/weight is also pretty reasonable given you can buy the tent for around £90.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: RedLeader on January 07, 2010
I tarped a couple of times in Autumn and it was a good experience (made lots of noob mistakes but you live and learn!). We had a night in Donard where the midges were wild - insect repellant definitely lessened the onslaught but if I was bivvying I'd get a mozzie net. You can get one that hangs over your sleeping bag for about £20. I'll be investing in one before the summer comes around!
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on January 07, 2010
I can't remember where I read it, I think maybe on OutdoorsMagic, but I'm nearly certain someone said they are all getting sold off dirt cheap before the next version arrives so if you want it you might be best ordering it online, as they may not reappear in the store  :-\ At under 38 pounds delivered its still pretty hard to beat (and no I don't have shares in the Pro Action brand  ;) )

Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: kendogbaggio on January 07, 2010
Suspect, check this out, its 30 notes over your budget but it has £50 knocked off the rrp. Looks a cracking wee tent and only weighing in at 2.37kg. I prob should of linked this site to you all earlier but only found it last night, they have a good sale on. I bought http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN34690 (http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN34690) for £55, such a bargain and the weight isnt too bad for a 3 season. Heres the tent mate... http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN57280 (http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN57280)

Regards,

Dave
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: MG1 on January 07, 2010
666 pack has a tadpole they are cracker tent, you could quiz him bout it.It s def well worth the money.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: suspectmonkey on January 08, 2010
Tried to order the Pro Action but when I put in my postcode for home delivery it comes up as being out of stock.  I've signed up my e-mail address to be notified if they come back in to stock, but if they are selling them off maybe thats the last of them gone?

Thanks for the link Dave, another one to consider!  Seems like a good deal, I don't mind paying a bit over budget if it means I get better value for money.

Another tent I came across that looks fairly similar in design to the Vango Tempest is the Robens Voyager 2 (http://www.lpctents.com/pid_59.htm).  Its on the website of a local camping shop in Bangor, so hoping they might have it in stock so I can go check it out.  It has a slightly smaller porch, but more head room and a bit of extra length in the inner.  Weight is similar, pack size is slightly bigger but the hydrostatic head is listed as 5000mm compared to 3000mm on the Vango.  Anyone have experience of Robens tents?

I'm probably at risk of what they refer to as paralysis by analysis here ;D
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on January 08, 2010
I wouldn't bother anylising hydrostatic heads too much, however this stolen blurb will explain things better than I can

Quote
Going back to basics, hydrostatic head is measured by seeing whether a fabric will withstand a column of water in the lab. A tent rated with a hydrostatic head of 1000mm will withstand a column of water 1000mm high, while one rated to 3000mm will withstand three times that amount, so no surprises there.

Obviously it's pretty unlikely that your tent will ever find itself under a static column of water, but it's not a bad start. You're right to be concerned about fabrics with a static head of 1000mm since this is the minimum value which British Standards classes as waterproof.

One estimate is that a hydrostatic head of 1000mm is equivalent to rain driven by a 35mph wind. The other issue which you've identified is that hydrostatic head will degenerate with use, so the higher the value to begin with, the longer you can expect it to remain effectively waterproof. It's hard to put a time span on that deterioration, as it depends on how often it's used, the conditions it's used in and so on, but for a UK climate, I'd definitely prefer a higher hydrostatic head unless I was committed to camping only in still, dry conditions.

Ideally I'd look for a minimum value of 3000mm, which isn't impossible for a lightweight tent - Terra Nova's Laser for example, has a flysheet fabric which has a head of 4000mm and GoLite's Si-Lite, I believe, 3500mm. And at the very least, I'd want a head of at least 2000mm for peace of mind.

So, basically, unless you use the tent infrequently and in mostly good conditions, I'd look for a fly-sheet with a higher level of waterproofing for the UK.

and also maybe relevant to really high HH

Quote
Hydrostatic head, higher is better... but not really.

I was once told by none other than mountain hardwear's neil grisham, that anything above about 2500mm was pointless on a fly, because it will never rain hard enough to mimic that. Also, higher HH rating is basically achieved by coating the fly with an extra thick layer of DWR finish, which reduces the tear strength of the material considerably.

Thats why cheapo tents often have a HH of something stupid like 10,000mm, while top of the range mountaineering models are nowhere near that.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: RedLeader on January 08, 2010
I'd never heard of Robens tents. Apparently they're popular in Germany and of reasonable quality.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Celt_Ginger on January 08, 2010
That second quote sounds seriously dodgey. it's either completely mis-quoted or made up.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on January 09, 2010
I would say theres some worth in it;
If a hydrostatic head of 1000mm is equivalent to rain driven by a 35mph wind then surely 2500mm is the equivalent to 87.5mph? If there was winds like that you would be pretty crazy to be in the hills and nothing except a top of the range geo is gonna stay up, also a top of the range geo would have a greater hydro head.

As for the DWR and tear strength, there is some truth there,  (taken from titanium goat):
Quote
There are many ways in which fabric is tested for strength, we will be sticking with tongue tear strength, grab tear strength, and
puncture resistance. Below is a description and explanation of what each test is, and the numbers that go with each test and fabric.

Tongue tear strength, is the measurement of force required to continue a rip through a piece of fabric. The test is performed by
dragging a small diameter pin through the fabric, causing a rip, and continuing the tear through the fabric. The tongue tear strength
of Sil-nylon is approximately 13 lbs, while the tongue tear strength for DWR treated nylon is approximately 9 lbs. So if you had a tear
in your sil-nylon tent it would require 13 lbs of force to make it longer, and 9 lbs in a DWR treated tent. These numbers are according
to industry standard testing, But in real world use may not be accurate. Here is how one person in the fabric industry explains it,

"Resistance to tearing in a woven fabric is a complex business depending on many variables. Fortunately it is usually sufficient to look
at only two variables; yarn tenacity (breaking strength), and finish firmness.
Finish firmness, either coating or impregnation, can make things complicated. A firm finish, bonded tightly to the yarns is often
desirable to decrease stretch. But, this type of finish also decreases tear strength.
An important mechanism in resisting tears in fabrics is the movement of individual yarns so as to bunch at the leading edge of the tear
and create a smoothed out reinforced area to stop the tear. This is why cheese cloth is so difficult to tear even though the yarns are
relatively weak. Flyers will also recognize the similarity with the practice of drilling a small hole at the leading edge of a crack in
aluminum aircraft skins."

Silicone impregnation would be considered a firm finish, but most of this is mute seeing as how the grids in ripstop nylon are there to
help keep small rips and tears in check.

Grab tear strength, is the measurement of force required to tear a piece of fabric into two pieces. Grab tear strength is based on the
breaking strength of the individual threads of the fabric working in conjunction with each other. In this case this is measured across a
three inch width piece of fabric. Both Sil-nylon and DWR treated nylon have the same breaking strength of approximately 145+ lbs

As for the cheapo tent and high hydro head, I don't know, but it sounds plausible. Anyways its time for bed!
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Celt_Ginger on January 09, 2010
Conventional tent makers increase the HH by applying additional PU coatings to the inside of the fabric. Applying it to the inside means that abrasion and UV have less effect on the coatings. DWR is usually only applied to the outside of the fabric as an aid to quick drying as it helps stop the outside of the fabric "wetting out". Even if this does occur, water will not penetrate the inside of the fabric.
Also the figures quoted seem very low. The tear strength of Silnylon is closer to 40lb and not 13 as quoted. I'd love to know where they get the wind driven rain figures from.
Tent makers like Hilleberg and Lightwave have large Hydrostatic heads for their flysheets without compromising on strength.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: ulsterwalker on January 10, 2010
Being perfectly honest I don't know that much about tent fabrics or their manufacture, but anything posted is from reliable sources. The wind driven rain is quoted from the OM gear editor so I would presume he knows something on the matter and is quoting it from a reliable source, but maybe not I don't know. The tear figures are taken from a cottage UL gear makers website, and I can't think of a reason why they would quote the tear strength as being less than what it is, I guess all silnylon is not made equal and the figures your aware of are a heavier grade? The cheapo tents with high HH bit to me refers to sub £50 tents quoting a HH of a gazillion mm when they have most probably achieved it in such a way that has compromised the fabric strength, maybe not fatally so but its still been compromised. Crux, Terra Nova and Hilleberg all have fabrics with high HH, but they make some of the finest tents in the world and are anything but cheap. I'd like to think that reason that they cost £250+ is that they have taken a bit more time in achieving their higher HH than the cheapo tents and haven't just picked the cheapest option which will most likely not be the most the greatest for fabric strength.

Anyway's thats how I see it  ???

I think the point is that anything with a HH over 1000 should keep you dry, however obviously higher will give you greater performance and reassurance. Speaking of which from what I can find out that TNF tadpole only has a HH of 1500mm? If a tent is dirt cheap and has a massive HH then be a bit dubious as it may been achieved through compromising the fabrics structural integrity.


Back to the tent search -->
The coleman falcon X2 looks like a good choice to me at around £115 delivered from here (http://www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk/products/coleman-falcon-x2-tent-2009-00000.aspx). 1.45 kg for a double skin 2 berth tent seems pretty good especially around 100 quid (from 200)

Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: 666_pack on January 13, 2010
Being perfectly honest I don't know that much about tent fabrics or their manufacture, but anything posted is from reliable sources. The wind driven rain is quoted from the OM gear editor so I would presume he knows something on the matter and is quoting it from a reliable source, but maybe not I don't know. The tear figures are taken from a cottage UL gear makers website, and I can't think of a reason why they would quote the tear strength as being less than what it is, I guess all silnylon is not made equal and the figures your aware of are a heavier grade? The cheapo tents with high HH bit to me refers to sub £50 tents quoting a HH of a gazillion mm when they have most probably achieved it in such a way that has compromised the fabric strength, maybe not fatally so but its still been compromised. Crux, Terra Nova and Hilleberg all have fabrics with high HH, but they make some of the finest tents in the world and are anything but cheap. I'd like to think that reason that they cost £250+ is that they have taken a bit more time in achieving their higher HH than the cheapo tents and haven't just picked the cheapest option which will most likely not be the most the greatest for fabric strength.

Anyway's thats how I see it  ???

I think the point is that anything with a HH over 1000 should keep you dry, however obviously higher will give you greater performance and reassurance. Speaking of which from what I can find out that TNF tadpole only has a HH of 1500mm? If a tent is dirt cheap and has a massive HH then be a bit dubious as it may been achieved through compromising the fabrics structural integrity.


Back to the tent search -->
The coleman falcon X2 looks like a good choice to me at around £115 delivered from here (http://www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk/products/coleman-falcon-x2-tent-2009-00000.aspx). 1.45 kg for a double skin 2 berth tent seems pretty good especially around 100 quid (from 200)



I was a bit wary of that myself keith but with my tadpole all I can say is so far so good. I know it's a 3 season tent but i performed really well last weekend and did stand up to a overnight fall of snow. I must have shook a few kilos of snow of the fly when i woke up and the inside was dry apart from where some snow got in when I entered the tent for the night. But that said I still wont be able to give it 100% untill I've pitched it in proper Norn Iron rain.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: RedLeader on January 13, 2010


I was a bit wary of that myself keith but with my tadpole all I can say is so far so good. I know it's a 3 season tent but i performed really well last weekend and did stand up to a overnight fall of snow. I must have shook a few kilos of snow of the fly when i woke up and the inside was dry apart from where some snow got in when I entered the tent for the night. But that said I still wont be able to give it 100% untill I've pitched it in proper Norn Iron rain.

I daresay you'll see a bit of good'ol Ulster moisture soon enough.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Wolf_Larson on January 20, 2010
How is the pro argos holding out ?  ;-)
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: twentyclicks on January 29, 2010
I may be able to lend a number of useful points here.

1. When in Spring do you plan to do the WHW?  I've been in that area both early and late April and there were hardly any midges.

2. My friend has a Robens tent which we used last year for the WHW.  It's 2 man of average size.  Pitches outer first, but wasn't the quickest to get up.  Stood up to some strong gusts in Glencoe and kept us dry.  It has decent venting options, and as I slept by the door, the nice choice of zipping it over if the breeze got too cool.  We didn't have any problems with condensation.

3. I have had a Coleman 2 man tent for about 7 years.  It cost £90 and is doing well.  No bends, rips, tears or leaks (I only washed and proofed it last year, more out of guilt than necessity).  I've had it on some very rough grass and stubble so very surprised not to puncture the groundsheet.  It pitches inner first (mostly mesh) but I can put it up in 5 mins on a good day.  You get a really good solid pitch out of it.  Side entrance on both sides with ok space for some gear - with 2 people the bags sit outside.  Loads of ventilation because of the mesh, but my only gripe is that the outer sits quite high - so when the cold wind blows it passes right through the tent.  It always gets laughed at, or called an 'action man' tent, but it does the job.  Last May when the crazy winds hit the UK I camped in it on the coast of Anglesey.  Didn't budge.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Coleman as a standard tent that will last.

Both the Robens and the Coleman are about 2.5kg.  I want something lighter, and had been thinking of the Vango Tempest but it is very low/small.  Those Henry Shires tents mentioned above look more the ticket.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: suspectmonkey on January 29, 2010
Thanks for the reply 20.  I'm hoping to do WHW over Easter week, starting on 3rd April, so from everything I've heard midges wont be a problem.  Thank goodness, because I was in the West Highlands last June and the midges were fierce!

I got sorted with a tent since my last posts in this thread though.  Went with the Vango Tempest 200 in the end.  Had it out on the Donard Wood trip last weekend and it seems to tick all the boxes for me.  Bit heavy and bulky to carry for 1 person, but split between 2 (which it will be most of the time) it works out at just over a kilo each.  The porch space is great, can keep 2x rucksacks in there easily and cook away.  I was a bit worried about head height, but I'm around 6ft and can sit upright with my head just shy of the top of the inner.  Only thing I need to do now is learn to pitch it and pack it away a lot, lot quicker :)
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: twentyclicks on January 29, 2010
Oh, I made a mistake - wondered at the weight of the Tempest you noted so had a check: It was the Helium from the Force 10 range that I'd been looking at.

Make sure you get your tent buddy around to practice too so you are like a slick F1 pit crew (and the take-down/packing).

April is a great time for WHW - not too hot during day, not too cold at night.  The weather will likely be changeable but it's all pretty fresh!
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: FlyFishing on August 27, 2010
I've owned a number of tents and especially like the Eureka brand. In regard to rainy conditions - I'm pretty sure the rain here in Ontario, Canada is just as wet as the rain in Ireland when it comes down :).  A good quality tent with a fly and the addition of a ground sheet usually works well in all but the biggest downpours.

There is a great product I use here called "Seam Seal" by a company called Aquaseal/Trondak that is made for waterproofing tent seams. It works very well - have you heard of it over there?

Ian Scott
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: LandyLiam on November 09, 2010
There's a very comprehensive list of tent reviews here

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/



Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Samm on February 12, 2011
Looking for some advice on a good tent to travel to Australia/New Zealand with and use back here in the hills for our wet, windy weather. I'm going to be going solo, so looking for something reasonably lightweight, ideally sub 1500g. I'm going to be living in it for the best part of 6 weeks, so ideally something fairly rugged. I'd prefer a small 2 man tent, something roomy for just me, but that I could squeeze another person in if needs be. So far I like the look of the Vango Force 10 Helium. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: suspectmonkey on February 14, 2011
Hi Samm.  I recently bought a Vaude Hogan Ultralight I (http://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de.sf/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Vaude/Products/15762/SubProducts/157624000&Locale=en_GB&NavSignature=4,5,4) which comes in at just under 1500g.  Its listed as a two man tent, but it would be a bit of a squeeze so best for solo trips with room for an extra body if needs be.  It also has a porch which is big enough for storing your gear and cooking, an important consideration if you are backpacking and the weather turns sour!  The RRP is £250 but I managed to get mine for £100 which is a bargain.  Worth shopping around...

I also have a Vango Tempest 200 which is an awesome two man tent, but a bit heavy and overkill on space for solo trips.  I really rate the Vango tents highly, although haven't used the "Force 10" variants.  The Banshee 200 gets a great rep around here and the Force 10 Helium seems to be a similar design.  I think Cotswold at Boucher Rd have a Helium pitched in the store so at least you can go and check it out before buying! 
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: LennyJ1 on February 14, 2011
I am currently bidding on a Mountain Equipment Sprite 1. There is one in Cotswold city centre for £125 which is reduced from £190. great one man tent for a solo and it is roomy aswell.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: DryBag on February 16, 2011
At the other end of the scale, I just bought a Vango Orchy 500, so I'll let you know how that works out over the summer (well it's not quite the end of the scale, considering our other family tent is a 9-man Sunncamp Horizon)

The Orchy is a featherweight at 12kg compared to the Horizon's 28kg.

I bet they're both roomier than the Sprite.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Scribble on February 17, 2011
Just seen this in Trail
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Ultra_1_Tent.html

560gm for £650  :o :o that's divorce material
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: LennyJ1 on February 17, 2011
£650 is abit steep.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: whoRya on March 03, 2011
A friend has just bought a Vango Cyclone 200+ as a bit of an impulse purchase, but is a little unsure about it.  I can't find a single review for it online, even on that site Liam posted (which has about 60 Vango tents reviewed!)  I don't suppose anyone here has had any experience with it?

It is weighing in at 3.6kg and is a 2 man tent described as lightweight and for backpacking.  It strikes me a little as being at the upper end of what you would want to carry (1.8kg each).  Any thoughts? 
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Matthew on March 03, 2011
If I am ever in the hills with my mate Paul we normally bring a Marmot Thor 2P @3.5kg. We have never had any issues with carrying that weight for an overnight. I suppose if you were going for multiple days and had more food to pack the weight of the tent may pose a bit more of an issue.

Matthew
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: hamsterboots on August 02, 2012
I camped on Commedagh in February in a coleman  which got ripped apart in a storm and swore I would invest in a top notch tent for future trips. After a lot of research I settled on a scarp 1 whivh had to be imported from America, I rate it very highly for one man trips. However after I purchased it ( and much complaining from my partner ) I picked up a Hilleberg Nammatj GT2 on gumtree for £270, a lot for a second hand tent but it feels indestructable, so easy to pitch and the porch area would even sleep another person. Hopefully I will never have to purchase another tent ( yes I rate it that highly)
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: LandyLiam on August 02, 2012
sounds like an interesting night, must have been pretty wild up there
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: aquapiranha on June 14, 2016
currently I have a Hilleberg Akto which appears to be very well made and probably indestructible under real conditions. In the past I have had a VauDe Space Explorer which was nice but a l little bulky and a North Face tadpole which I was not that impressed with. Bear in mind that while bomb proof, the Akto is not free standing and requires guying. I look forward to giving it a good go in the Mournes.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Matthew on July 13, 2016
a North Face tadpole which I was not that impressed with.

I must say that I have been nothing short of amazed with my tadpole. From overnights to living out of it for a month it has been flawless.

MB
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Tenebreaux on July 15, 2017
I've had the Argos Pro Action Hike Lite for about a decade now. It's done the entire Pennine Way with me and god knows how many Lake District wild camps. Weighs bugger all and cost me the grand total of fifteen quid. Value for money is an understatement. Can't get them any more from what I can see. 
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/p/Pro-Action/Argos-Hike-Lite/497

But I've just bought one of these for a bit more room: https://www.allfouroutdoors.co.uk/blogs/camping-hiking-equipment-reviews-and-discussions/introducing-the-naturehike-cirrus-2-person-tent

Haven't even taken it out of the bag yet, it was waiting in my shed when I got home from work yesterday. I'll stick it up in the garden tomorrow for a first look.
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: polroger on July 16, 2017
Mmmm nice. Keep us updated
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: twentyclicks on July 16, 2017
Just got a new tent for an upcoming trip with the better half. The £10 Lidl special just wasn't going to cut it for 3 months use... I'm not sure whether we would have killed the tent or each other first  ;D

I considered lots of tents including Hilleburg, Lightwave, MSR, Big Agnes and Tarptent... but in the end couldn't look past the features and value of Decathlon's finest... the Quechua Quickhiker Ultralight 3.

A full review will be written later in the year upon my return, but here are the initial thoughts:
http://www.twentyclicks.co.uk/quechua-quickhiker-ultralight-3-person-tent/ (http://www.twentyclicks.co.uk/quechua-quickhiker-ultralight-3-person-tent/)

Full tent specification can be seen on Decathlon's site here:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/quickhiker-ultralight-3-hiking-tent-3-man-grey-id_8245651.html (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/quickhiker-ultralight-3-hiking-tent-3-man-grey-id_8245651.html)
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: Tenebreaux on July 16, 2017
So, shoved the Cirrus up quickly in the back garden just to check everything was there. Took less than ten minutes, not bad for first time pitching. It's HUGE! I could probably kip in the porch. Didn't put all the pegs in or the guys. A few phone snaps:



(http://i.imgur.com/AB3fn0n.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UfwJTHX.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/tkcUNFb.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/sdNUZOQ.jpg)
Title: Re: Tent Reviews
Post by: whoRya on July 17, 2017
Great to see an example of another tent available.  Those Naturehikes seem to be great value.