Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: wmoulds on January 17, 2013
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To start this topic I am going to tell you a short but painful story that may help you aid me choosing a tent. Well it all starts back to when I was 16 and my dad forced me to do the Mourne Marathon with him. We were very inexperienced for such an event and consequently were ill-prepared and naive. To put on my backpack I had to lie on top it, put my arms through the straps and someone had to pull me up. It was that heavy! We brought far too much and the fact that everything we did pack was so heavy and bulky didn't help matters either. We where even exempt from equipment checks to many peoples amusement.
Anyway it turned out to be one of the most difficult things I have ever done and subsequently I've been hooked on mountain marathons since.
Though with being a student and having no money due to rent, booze, socialising and the likes I had always stuck to the same equipment. But only until about 2-3 years ago with being in full-time employment I finally had been able to save up some money. The boots I had always worn were the wrong shoe for marathons, they where hiking boots, completely bald with huge holes in the sole - stones and grit and water always came through - but I had stuck with them, if not due to being skint, then out of loyalty. But they were the first piece of equipment to be replaced.
After plenty of research into equipment I realised how much I've been in the dark for all them years. The first purchase I made was a pair of lightweight innov-8 mudclaws 330. WOW! They were so light, fast and gripped amazingly. I couldn't believe how much difference having the right equipment caused. I was always proud of the fact that I had heavy equipment as it felt like a challenge and thats what I enjoyed, the accomplishment. But these new shoes where to start a whole new level of joy and freedom. I could now go further, see more stunning views and experience a lot more.
I then went on a spending spree, sacrificing a holiday and cutting back on luxuries. I had obtained an event race jacket and goretex trousers for waterproofs, technical high wicking baselayers, pocket rocket stove, alpkit ti mug, OMM race backpack etc. It honestly felt as if I wasn't even carrying anything compared to before and really enhanced my experience of being outdoors.
At the time my tent was a two man Coleman which weighed around 3.8Kg and packed to the size of my new backpack, roughly 32L. It was time to change. I was only looking to buy a tent for marathons and there wasn't a huge choice. 99% of people recommended the terra nova laser as the best tent to get. After sweating about how much the tent cost I took a leap and just purchased it. Self-hating followed the next few days as I couldn't believe I spent that money on a tent, until the tent actually arrived. With so much excitement I rushed out to the garden to erect my new soulmate. I grinned from ear to ear for the next week with how happy I was with it.
I kept all my new gear in a big brown box in my dads garage to make sure it was all together and safe. About 3 weeks later I was preparing for a trip up the Mournes. I wasn't camping over and I didn't want to get my new love damaged so I left it in the brown box with a few other bits and bobs I had gathered up over the last few months. After a tiring outing I left the backpack in the garage and thought to myself I'll clean it and pack it all away tomorrow. Next day came, time to pack the gear away... wheres my brown box? I contacted my dad, he said he cleared out the garage of all the junk. So wheres my brown box then? There was a brown box with nothing really in it that I chucked out he told me. So there you have it. A virgin terra nova laser that I only erected twice in my garden sent straight to land fill.
Out of pure disappointment I have stuck with my 3.8Kg Coleman ever since. But to seriously take up wild camping and have a better experience with marathons I am going to have to open my heart once again to allow a new tent into my life.
The only problem I am finding is the painstaking large amount of choice for lightweight tents now. I love the fact the terra nova laser competition 2 has 2 doors, so I can nosey out either side despite the weather, but is still expensive. Force 10 helium 200 looks good, has the same design as the laser, is alot cheaper, but is it as good? The same goes for the zephyros 2, though they have a lite version coming out soon which could be tempting. Then there is the TN solar competion 2, apparently got great reviews, meant to be sturdier than the laser, more spacious and same weight. TN voyager superlite, slightly heavier, but a lot more spacious again, more comfort, bulkier pack size though. The list goes on.
Basically I am looking help to buy a lightweight tent, preferably under 1.5kg, room enough for 2. The more durable it is the better. It will be used for wild camping and marathons.
Also are the lighter/more expensive tents less durable than the heavier/less expensive tents e.g laser competion 2 vs zephyros 2. And would they cope with mountain top winds well compared to the solar competition. For the money of a tent I really want to get it right. Increasingly though I think someone will need to hold me by the hand and pick a tent for me!
Think i exaggerated when I said short story ;D
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That was moving, I shed a tear when the tent went to landfill :)
I love my laser......
I looked at the helium and didn't like how it sloped down so close at one of the ends. It severely shortened its useful internal length IMO
I have used a TN voyager superlite a fair few times and would buy one tomorrow as my two man/really harsh weather tent.
To compare I fit my laser into a xs exped drybag the voyager superlite goes into two of these. I/he has them in colour coded bags green for outer orange for inner which works great (I thought is was a brill idea of mine ;) ) and the poles would be a fair bit bulkier.
As you know the weight diff is about 500-600g and my one and only complaint would be its internal pitch first.
I'm sure it would take much more wind than a laser but I've had my laser in wind I found hard to walk into and it was fine but very loud( it was tucked behind a broken wall but the wind was enough to bend an alpkit Y-beam.
I saw a solar on the TGOC and it looked ok but I only really glanced at it.
I could grab the voyager sometime and let you see it. I'm sure I could get it for either a Tuesday climb or the Hen camp.
I love terra nova tents :) and I really love my laser and would recommend them to anyone.
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To clarify the Y-beam was on the main pole guyline
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I couldn't believe it when I got to the bit about the Laser Comp going to landfill, I thought it was hsaping up for a break-in. I'm not saying that would be preferrable but.....aaarrgh!!
I have the Laser Comp as I was fortunate enough to get it in a heavily discounted sale. It's a good tent but it is very expensive. Honestly, if I was in your position I would give serious consideration to waiting for the new Zephyros 2 Lite. I don't know if a LC can be easily justified in comparison. Or the other thing you could do is wait until the new Zephyros lites are released then pick up a bargain original Zephyros, there are bound to be big bargains on them.
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Thanks for your opinions. You both have made my decision harder by making me reaffirm that the laser comp is a great tent!
I think Type-on really highlighted my problem; I want just one tent that caters for all my needs. Unfortunately none exists, so I am going to have to make a compromise on either weight, stability, price or inner/outer pitch first. Or buy two tents which I'm not too keen on due to cost.
The best compromise I think is the solar. After reading a review that raved about it, it seems to be a tent that lies somewhere between a laser and a voyager. http://terrybnd.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/terra-nova-solar-competition-2-tent.html (http://terrybnd.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/terra-nova-solar-competition-2-tent.html)
Despite that I will wait to see what the zephyros 2 lite is like as that could tip the scales with its price. I can still see myself just getting a laser comp after all this ;D
Oh and I love that idea with the exped drybags, think I will give that a go myself. I wouldn't mind having a look at the voyager sometime as its always tempted me, always gets great reviews.
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If you can't get one tent for every occassion do what i did, buy a different tent for every occassion ;D (quite cost effective if get them on ebay, i've probably spent less on my 12 tents than some spend on one new one :o )
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If you can't get one tent for every occassion do what i did, buy a different tent for every occassion ;D (quite cost effective if get them on ebay, i've probably spent less on my 12 tents than some spend on one new one :o )
You must have a very understanding wife.
Where do you put them all?!
I have two tents, a bivvy bag and a tarp - and our place looks like basecamp at times as it is!
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hey, I use a Coleman Cobra 2 Two Person Backpacking Tent
It says its 2.05 kg but it actually isn't, I have weight it. It weights about 1.8 kg
The good thing about this you can pitch it flysheet first, so if it rains your inner doesn't get wet. another good thing is the other side of the sleeping quaters which has a zip where you can open, it has room for storage, which I do, I put my whole 90 litre rucksack in there which doesn't block the other side of the tent where the door is.
Its quick and simple to put up and put away.
There has been tents I have had before which when you un pack it, you can never get it back in. but with the coleman cobra 2, you can put it in its bag anyway you please and it all fits in no problem. I just fold mine and roll either way, doesn't matter what way. I get it back in its bag with ease.
one thing when I got this tent, they never gived enough pegs for the tent. Luckly I bought spares. its was only 1 peg that was missing. pegs are cheap.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coleman-Cobra-Person-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B0047T69S2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358880698&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coleman-Cobra-Person-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B0047T69S2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358880698&sr=8-1)
As you can see tent is cheap, in my budget anyway. I never had any problems,
I was up above 800 attitude and it was a really windy night and it holded perfectly. I have not been on any mountains yet so I don't know what it would be like on severe wind. I exspect the top of mountains would be extreamely windy.
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I would just go for one that you like. Ive had cheap and dear. I love them both :)
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The best compromise I think is the solar. After reading a review that raved about it, it seems to be a tent that lies somewhere between a laser and a voyager. http://terrybnd.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/terra-nova-solar-competition-2-tent.html (http://terrybnd.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/terra-nova-solar-competition-2-tent.html)
There is nothing more seductive than a tent lit-up on the summit of a Munro to tempt you to part with your cash. My tents are all in the garage apart from the LC, it stays in the dining room ;D
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Haha, landylaim whats the secret on having 12 tents and keeping a wife?
@doctor who: the cobra 2 does look very impressive and well built, love the second zipped area to store a bag, but its only rated as a 2 season tent which wouldn't be ideal for myself as I'd like to camp out all year round, great spec otherwise. Thanks
@whoRya Wolf Larson: I agree with both of you. I've only ever used cheaper tents and they've done their job fantastically, just tend to be quite bulky and heavy. I really can't figure out if it's that great picture sucking me in to wanting the solar or the specs lol.
After a LOT of thinking, my head is telling me to go for the solar, voyager, or wait for the zephyros lite, though my heart is firmly set with laser comp. Basically for two reasons; it is a side door tent (I love to lie on my side in a tent) and it has two doors. I would concede that a solar would probably be a better tent and my reasons for loving the laser are pathetic but I think the laser would make me happier. The raging battle between my head and heart may go on for a while but the heart is edging it at the min, I will keep you all updated on the outcome.
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In this country the cobra 2 will be suitable all year round, we have already tested our cobra 2 all year round, with heavy rain and very windy weather.
If your going to the himalayas, or there is a storm brewing then this tent won't be suitable. but the cobra 2 tent will be suitable for all northern ireland weather all year round. me and my bro has been using it in winter aswell as all the other seasons.
Its your choice, I think cobra 2 is a bargain compared to other tents that cost about £200 or more.
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I have the helium two person. Its certainly light but its quite cramped inside. It wouldnt suit tall people and although its described as a two person tent, its really for one adult and a child. I also find it a bit awkward to pitch.
Hope this helps
Fred
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I think all your really looking for is someone to tell you to buy the laser. I look for that reassurance all the time. I'll not give my opinion and tell you to buy a bivvy bag if its just for you sleeping in.
So go ahead, buy the tent! It is a seriously light tent, and if your happy with it then go ahead.
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Look into my eyes.....
Look into my eyes.........
Your under!....
Buy the laser.................when I click my fingers you'll awake and feel an overwhelming sense of contentment in having made the decision to buy the laser........
......... CLICK
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Look into my eyes.....
Look into my eyes.........
Your under!....
Buy the laser.................when I click my fingers you'll awake and feel an overwhelming sense of contentment in having made the decision to buy the laser........
......... CLICK
must....buy.....laser..., must....buy....laser.... ;D
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That worked so well I went ahead and bought one. What are you guys on about they are really dear, I didn't buy the wrong type of laser did I? ;)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41R3w-Z4M8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
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hey, I use a Coleman Cobra 2 Two Person Backpacking Tent
Hi Dr Who, just wondering if your tent is bigger on the inside, you should name it the Tentris. :)
I have the Coleman Avior X2, a bit more waterproofing and packs down smaller but the weight is heavier, stated at 2.4kg, but i've noticed it's more like 2.2kg, not a massive reduction but every little helps. And for some reason i got more tent pegs than i need, maybe i got some of yours. :). I really like that Cobra, nice choice.
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seen this and finally caved in ;D
http://www.uttingsoutdoors.co.uk/Product/193/107762/terra-nova-laser-competition-1-tent-2011-43lc/
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seen this and finally caved in ;D
http://www.uttingsoutdoors.co.uk/Product/193/107762/terra-nova-laser-competition-1-tent-2011-43lc/
Oh yeah 8) Any plans for it in the near future?
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seen this and finally caved in ;D
http://www.uttingsoutdoors.co.uk/Product/193/107762/terra-nova-laser-competition-1-tent-2011-43lc/
Oh yeah 8) Any plans for it in the near future?
Its going to be my carrot on a stick :P .get me up of my arse and do more .since getting a normal 9-5 job after 16 years of shifts ive put on a stone and not got out much . Think i will be practising pitching in back garden this wekend and sealing the seams before i head out proper .
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Unless your not going to use the pole cover, in which case forget using the tent in wind as it has the two main guys, I wouldn't bother. Mine has never leaked.
I think ppl have tied the guys to the pole cover attachment loops but IMO the cover provides a certain amount of rigidity to the structure when it's on nice and tight helping in bad wind and spreads the load. The stress is then not on one guy point it's out over the entire hoop.
I always pitch mine door facing the wind, the wind is then going over the main pole not pushing it from the side as it would be if you pitch end to end into the wind. The door way isn't ideal as getting in and out can be a bit wetter but it helps keep the outer being blown against the inner during strong winds.
Sorry if that was granny and eggs.
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Unless your not going to use the pole cover, in which case forget using the tent in wind as it has the two main guys, I wouldn't bother. Mine has never leaked.
I think ppl have tied the guys to the pole cover attachment loops but IMO the cover provides a certain amount of rigidity to the structure when it's on nice and tight helping in bad wind and spreads the load. The stress is then not on one guy point it's out over the entire hoop.
I always pitch mine door facing the wind, the wind is then going over the main pole not pushing it from the side as it would be if you pitch end to end into the wind. The door way isn't ideal as getting in and out can be a bit wetter but it helps keep the outer being blown against the inner during strong winds.
Sorry if that was granny and eggs.
Nope that's the sort of advice that's makes a shitty morning better. I was nervous about putting sealant anywhere near it. New pegs getting ordered as as I hear they aren't the best. I'm like a kid waiting on santa. Should be here Friday
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The pegs are ok but really easy to loose if a guy or fly loop slips off as they are tiny. I've a couple of sets other titanium ones and the alpkit y-beams which I prefer as they are really easy to get in and due to the cord loop really easy to see and get out.
Also remember the inner will go onto the same pegs as the corresponding outer loop, no need to carry extra pegs :)
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Never arrived but i did get a call to say they missed last post .monday it will arrive :D.might get the alpkit pegs or stick with my poundland plastic pegs that have nevervlet me or my tarp down ..added bonus they come with lights :P
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Tent got its first outing last night. Pegs are being replaced just glad I did bring my plastic ones. Overall I'm very impressed. I won't be squeezing myself and son in it again as he fidgets too much and kept rolling into side of tent causing it to hit fly sheet . I read somewhere that it could be used as a two man tent. I think two man in broken back mountain style maybe but it would be a tight squeeze on the comfort for me to share again. Next outing will hopefully be Doan.
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Just to let folks know.... the Zephyros 2 Lite is out... well sort off, the initial stock has been sold out
http://www.simplyhike.co.uk/products/WildCountry/Zephyros2LiteTent.aspx (http://www.simplyhike.co.uk/products/WildCountry/Zephyros2LiteTent.aspx)
At £210 it seems a bit expensive seeing as you can get the Laser comp 2 on deal at around £269. Though if it goes on deal it could be very tempting as an alternative.