Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Pudd on April 27, 2012
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Hi all.
As you know from my introduction to NI-Wild I have been trying to upgrade most of my gear to meet two conditions: 1. 'Buy nice and don't buy twice', and 2. Reduce my pack weight.
Now I have been able to do pretty much that. I'm able to get about 2/3 nights of camping from a 35 litre rucksack. Which includes 3 litres of water and enough food to last me the entire trip.
To my question - I'm looking for a bomb proof tent which doesn't weigh as much as the one I have now and doesn't suffer from condensation (Coleman Avior x2 2.45kgs). Fair enough my pack is already very light compared to previous trips. But it's still weight I wish to reduce.
What tents would you all recommend? Keeping in mind that:
- Money isn't a factor
- Keep weight as well under 2kgs as possible
- Strong enough so that could stand up to pretty much anything weather wise
- Wouldn't suffer from condensation as bad as the Coleman
- Pitches outer first (as this is what I have grown accustomed too with the Coleman
I'd definitely be looking at a 2 man tent as sometimes my Girlfriend likes to come with me. Plus when camping in campsites I'd like to keep my gear beside me whilst I sleep so it doesn't do any disappearing acts. Call me paranoid.
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If money isn't an option then I'm a big fan of Big Agnes tents. They're hard to get in Europe, but some places are starting to stock them. Though if you have any friends in America who could send it to you, then you can get it easily and for ok money. I have the Fly Creek UL2. It's perfect for just me, 2 people and all their gear might be a bit of a tight squeeze. But it's super lightweight so I've no problem with using it as a luxuriously large 1 woman tent! The one I have has no problem with condensation as there's lots of mesh. I've used it from +30 to -5 with no problems. They've lots of different types of tent depending on your needs, so have a look and see what fits your requirements. They aren't necessarily given as a pitch outer first, but once you get used to how they go together you are able to modify how you pitch them. I've managed to pitch mine outer first, inner first and best of all, both together. They're also adaptable to be used as either just inner or outer, depending on conditions.
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...ooh to be in the situation were money were no object :P
I have two recommendations:
One - a classic IMHO but it pitches differently to what you are currently used with. But to me this is the ultimate take anywhere, do anything 2 man tent
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Downloads/Factsheet/Voyager.pdf
Two - new to me anyhow, but I've drooled longingly over its predecessor:
http://www.lightwave.uk.com/en/tent_g20ultra.php
Heard great things about all of the tents this firm produces, but as I say never used it myself
Slightly over your weight requirements but only just... :-\
If you get one of these will you let me know?? I want to come and stroke lovingly/longingly!!!
Good luck!
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Forgot about the superlite version!
If money is genuinely no object, could go for the ultra version...
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Tents/2_Person_Tents/Voyager_Ultra_2_Tent.html
0.9kg total weight and even more waterproof!
...course it costs the same as my last car....but
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Wow £1,100. Maybe there is a price limit then. :P
I was right in thinking Terra Nova. The superlite does put me off in two areas - the colour and the price unfortunately. I'm definitely thinking something to blend in with the surroundings.
If money isn't an option then I'm a big fan of Big Agnes tents. They're hard to get in Europe, but some places are starting to stock them. Though if you have any friends in America who could send it to you, then you can get it easily and for ok money. I have the Fly Creek UL2. It's perfect for just me, 2 people and all their gear might be a bit of a tight squeeze. But it's super lightweight so I've no problem with using it as a luxuriously large 1 woman tent! The one I have has no problem with condensation as there's lots of mesh. I've used it from +30 to -5 with no problems. They've lots of different types of tent depending on your needs, so have a look and see what fits your requirements. They aren't necessarily given as a pitch outer first, but once you get used to how they go together you are able to modify how you pitch them. I've managed to pitch mine outer first, inner first and best of all, both together. They're also adaptable to be used as either just inner or outer, depending on conditions.
That's exactly how my Coleman goes up, either together, or outer first, inner second. I think it's a really good idea, and simple system too. Because I'm accustomed to this method, that's why I'm looking for a similar tent.
...ooh to be in the situation were money were no object :P
I have two recommendations:
One - a classic IMHO but it pitches differently to what you are currently used with. But to me this is the ultimate take anywhere, do anything 2 man tent
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Downloads/Factsheet/Voyager.pdf
Two - new to me anyhow, but I've drooled longingly over its predecessor:
http://www.lightwave.uk.com/en/tent_g20ultra.php
Heard great things about all of the tents this firm produces, but as I say never used it myself
Slightly over your weight requirements but only just... :-\
If you get one of these will you let me know?? I want to come and stroke lovingly/longingly!!!
Good luck!
I doubt I'll be going with the G20 hud as for the price difference between my Coleman and the G20 for the amount of weight I'd be shedding doesn't quite justify me buying it to be honest.
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Wow £1,100. Maybe there is a price limit then.
keep your current tent and hire a sherpa, my rates are favourable :D
i'd take a look at the vaude range, seen a couple in action and liked them, then bought one myself, but it was the heavier (2.5kg) taurus II, but its a 2/3 manner.
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But it's green ??? Only the inner is yellow
Sorry TypoOn, I was meaning the Ultra in my post rather than the superlite. The Ultra seems to have this translucent outer to it that puts me off.
Wow £1,100. Maybe there is a price limit then.
keep your current tent and hire a sherpa, my rates are favourable :D
i'd take a look at the vaude range, seen a couple in action and liked them, then bought one myself, but it was the heavier (2.5kg) taurus II, but its a 2/3 manner.
Hope you aren't looking minimum wage? :P
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Can't go wrong with the superlite in my opinion pudd - should be able to pick it up for about 320 quid - anything cheaper is the older, heavier one. And I agree - tents need to blend in....not make a statement!!
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As tents are being discussed I thought I might piggy back on this thread rather than start a new one, hope no one minds!!
I am looking a light three man tent for hiking mainly in the Mournes, unfortunatley money is an option (altough my wife seems to have differnt ideas!!!!!)
If anyone can give some advice I would appreciate it, bearing in mind I know as much about tents as I do astro physics!!
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Rough price?
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At a push £300 :o but would prefer less
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what about
http://www.uttings.co.uk/Product/445/100420/vaude-taurus-ii-tent-green-15743/ (http://www.uttings.co.uk/Product/445/100420/vaude-taurus-ii-tent-green-15743/)
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On the three man question....
For the hiking in the hills we use 2 x vango banshee 300 for the family. Mum dad 4 kids and the dog. Mrs and i with dog use one tent and the 4 kids use the other. About 2.5kg tent. Would be tight for 3 adults but you can enter the tent from either side so adults wouldnt need to all climb over each other. Build quality is fair enough not terra nova standard but hasnt let us down before. Good cheap tent.
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Can also vouch for the Vango Banshees - we have these for our D of Eders in our BB company - legendary wee tents for the money, but agree tight squueze for 3
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MSR Mutha Hubba 3P might be worth a look...not one I have used but I know a few who do and speak highly of it...should be for the money :P