Jack Wolfskin Gossamer

surfnscenic · January 30, 2011, 10:31:15 PM

I'm thinking of purchasing a Jack Wolfskin Gossamer as as compromise between a tent and a true bivvy and especially because of its weight at 1.75Kgs.

What's your considered opinion?

LennyJ1 · January 30, 2011, 10:34:50 PM

Get a Gelert Solo instead. It is on £25 and weighs less.

I am looking at getting a mountain equipment one man tent also

surfnscenic · January 30, 2011, 11:06:00 PM

Thanks, LJ. I've been looking at a few internet shops that stock the Solo and the price seems to be around the £25 mark plus postage, approx £5-9. That's cheaper than the best price of £65 for the JW Gossamer, somewhere on t'internet, can't remember where I saw it!

I do note however that the height of the solo is 10cm less than the JWG at only 65cm. Ideally I'd like the increased height. The reviews of the Gelert Solo are favourable though.

whoRya · January 31, 2011, 09:11:52 AM

Sorry can't comment on the JWG. I just bought the Gelert Solo off amazon though, it's £24.99 with free delivery. I took out an Amazon credit card and got a £10 voucher at the same time as purchase. Done deal for £14.99!

chris · January 31, 2011, 08:26:42 PM

I would be more inclined to get a tent you can actually sit up in or a bivy bag. I dont see the point in "hooped bivy bags" its a horrible experience!

surfnscenic · January 31, 2011, 08:59:27 PM

Perhaps I'm looking too much for too little. I do see in the Cotswold catalogue a range of solo/2-person tents with increased height but of course this comes at an increased price. Maybe I'll just have to bear the weight of my existing tent, a Vango Spectre 300 at 3.15Kgs or dig deeper into a pocket that seems to have a hole in it! $:-\$

Must say that Terra Nova Laser Competition at .94Kgs looks the dogs.......!

suspectmonkey · January 31, 2011, 10:05:57 PM

You could get a Vango Banshee 200 for similar money, but with a lot more space than the JW Gossamer. According to the Vango website the Banshee 200 tips the scales at 1.85kg which would be a decent saving over your Spectre and light enough for one. Plenty of room to spread out with your gear and whilst it doesn't have a porch I think the door could be pegged out to give you some shelter for cooking. A quick Google throws up a few around £65, and if your as happy with your Spectre as I am with my Tempest then you know it will be good quality. Thats just my thoughts on the matter anyway

surfnscenic · January 31, 2011, 11:23:28 PM

Suspectmonkey, thank you for your reply and the helpful link to the Vango Banshee 200. Plenty of options have been offered so it's now down to my choice taking preferences into account. It might make more sense just to hire a chap to carry things for me. Much less hassle don't you think?

RedLeader · May 18, 2011, 03:08:41 PM

I don't think there really is a true compromise between a bivvy and tent. Either you're outside or inside! Get a bivvy and tarp but only use it when the weather isn't too bad.

Bivvying when it's clement is awesome - lying warm in your bag watching the stars and sunrise is just brilliant. But when something's come loose at 3am and you're trying desperately to peg the tarp down on a windy wet night wearing nothing but underpants and hiking boots you'll get an experience you'll not want to repeat twice

I still love it though. Except the mud. Don't start me on mud.

suspectmonkey · May 18, 2011, 03:52:55 PM

Quote from: RedLeader on May 18, 2011, 03:08:41 PMBut when something's come loose at 3am and you're trying desperately to peg the tarp down on a windy wet night wearing nothing but underpants and wet hiking boots you'll get an experience you'll not want to repeat twice

You left a bit out there

RedLeader · May 18, 2011, 04:04:12 PM

I was trying to sugar coat it

Quote from: suspectmonkey on May 18, 2011, 03:52:55 PM
Quote from: RedLeader on May 18, 2011, 03:08:41 PMBut when something's come loose at 3am and you're trying desperately to peg the tarp down on a windy wet night wearing nothing but underpants and wet hiking boots you'll get an experience you'll not want to repeat twice

You left a bit out there

suspectmonkey · May 19, 2011, 04:56:55 PM

Quote from: flipmeb on May 18, 2011, 06:55:01 PMI was looking at the vango force ten helium superlite 200 1.1kg 2 man but I have also been looking at the 100 superlite 1 man which is 900 odd gram and of course the Terra nova laser comp.

I think when you get to spending £200+ on a tent then you are as well going for the Laser Comp. They are still doing some pretty good deals on the Laser Comp as they clear out the older stock.

EDIT: Was just checking exactly what deals are available on the Laser Comp when I found this!

surfnscenic · May 19, 2011, 07:00:10 PM

Hey boy, this recuperation period is going to cost you a fortune!

Checked your link to filedandtrek but the Terra Nova Laser Comp appears to have been withdrawn unless I'm using the wrong llink?

Hope your getting your tea on a tray in your lap?

suspectmonkey · May 19, 2011, 09:24:19 PM

Quote from: surfnscenic on May 19, 2011, 07:00:10 PM
Hey boy, this recuperation period is going to cost you a fortune!

Checked your link to filedandtrek but the Terra Nova Laser Comp appears to have been withdrawn unless I'm using the wrong llink?

Hope your getting your tea on a tray in your lap?

I know, it would be a lot cheaper if I was still in the Highlands! Oh well, gives me added incentive to get back out as soon as possible and give the new tent a test drive

As far as I can gather they appear to have all sold out on F&T now. They never hang about long! That said, they do crop up quite often so always worth popping on.

I'm being looked after very well, Kat is being a real gem running around after me! Mind you, some might say that's always the case

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Jack Wolfskin Gossamer