Topic: Lidl tent - first look. (Read 13846 times)

twentyclicks · « **on:** April 29, 2010 »

Well guys, courtesy of Lidl Castlereagh, I can give you all the details on this 2-man 1Kg tent.

Weights & measures
Packed (instructions removed): 420 x 150 x 100mm // 1078g
Bag: 36g
Material: 620g
Poles (small, large each): 85g // 112g
Pegs: 6 x 16g - I can bend them in my hands no bother.

Took a leisurely 4 mins to pitch first time, although I didn't realise the pole at the back goes inside the tent.
Shown below with thermarest prolite 4 inside - cosy for 2 people. I'm 6 ft and the tent is just long enough - definite squeeze for anyone longer.
Side flappy and touch body. Could do with guy-lines about 1/3 up the sides to tension them a bit.

I did manage to pitch with my 2 walking poles but the bulk of the handles look likely to tear the fabric - should be easy to add extra support though.

If you like to save grammes there are plenty of options:

Use your walking poles - bam: 225g saved!
Cut out the fire label on the inside & probably the useless pocket that is too low.
Trim the long blue 'pull' on the bag & remove plastic window.
Actually, just use a stuff sac & a rubber band for the poles.

With a few modifications, this should be ok.

RedLeader · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2010 »

Awesome, I'll also be taking the wife on a romantic suprise trip to Lidl Castlereagh this evening!

Bottom line is would you trust it to keep you dry?

chris · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2010 »

I was able to pitch it with one pole at the front and one at the rear. I played around a bit with pullung the guylines through the pole straps to avoid placing tension on the fabric.

twentyclicks · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2010 »

@ J: Well, the instructions advise it is not for use in snow or storms, but this is probably a strength factor more than anything.

I think in average conditions I'll be pretty safe for a night. Condensation would be a bigger worry than outside rain. If you can get the door downwind and open it up as much as possible there should be decent through-flow, especially if your face is at that end so your breath will escape quicker.

It'll be perfect for the MM but I hope to get some use out of it in the summer. My wee Coleman is solid but weighs a mighty 2.5 kg - it's a house! This is a camper van

@Chris: Good thinking - although, how was access? (It's tight enough as is)

Eamonn · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2010 »

I just put my one up..it's a laugh.

So when are we going to try them out??

MikeD · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2010 »

Lidl in Antrim at Junction One, have about 10 of them sitting out....

chris · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2010 »

Quote from: twentyclicks on April 29, 2010

@Chris: Good thinking - although, how was access? (It's tight enough as is)

Pretty tight to be honest! I've yet to pitch it properly (i.e with the supplied poles) but I dont think that'll make much difference the door seems to be manufactured a tad too small for easy (non commical) entry and exit!

Did you notice that instructions say its "not suitable for repeat water proofing", scratch that big tub of nikwax!

DryBag · « **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2010 »

I finally spent the night in mine on Thursday at meelmore lodge. It was a dry mild night with no wind, so it didn't exactly get a tough workout.

My other small tent (does anybody else have a McKinley Katmai 3?) cost ten times the price, so my expectations for the Lidl tent weren't that high.

It went up no bother, the pegs only got slightly bent when I tramped on them and pulling the guys out tight I got the skin nice and taught, threw in my airic and sleeping bag and headed off for my ride.

When I came back, exhausted, at 2am (long story; I might tell it to you some time $:-\$ ) the tent was still standing, as you'd expect.

I'm not the biggest, so there was plenty of space for me, my back pack and my shoes. The bike had to stay outside

It's difficult not to touch the sides when you're rolling over during the night, and the single skin meant every time I touched the sides I got soaked with condensation.

In the morning the flysheet was a bit saggy, but nothing unnacceptable.

All in all, I was well satisfied with how the tent performed. It's a tent, it weighs a kilo and it cost a tenner.

Next time I suppose I'll have to pick a night when it's raining stair rods with gale force winds.

John

pinki · « **Reply #8 on:** August 19, 2010 »

A late post on an old topic, but here is my review of this in action...

The last Sunday in August I decided to walk the Tain way with the dog. We took this tent. It was light and compact, and comfortable enough for both of us. Two adults should try it before taking it away

. Condensation was a problem, especailly with damp kit from a day of showers. The dog turned frequently brushing the sides, and it is so low that when I turned over my shoulders brushed the sides even though I was trying to lie dead centre. The front guy is a pain as it is in the middle of the small door. This should be modified to a double guy to either side of the door allowing ease of access. Like stated previously, I may have to use this with the door open to reduce condensation. I am prepared to give it another go, but not with my son as I do not think it would be fair on him. If it does not pass the next camp, I will probably slice it up and use as a tarp, at least then I will not have to worry about condensation, and after all, it was only a tenner

(It also took me more than 4 minutes to set up as the rear pole kept slipping)

ChuckMcB · « **Reply #9 on:** August 19, 2010 »

Thanks for the review.

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Author Topic: Lidl tent - first look. (Read 13846 times)

twentyclicks

Lidl tent - first look.

RedLeader

Re: Lidl tent - first look.

chris

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twentyclicks

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Eamonn

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MikeD

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chris

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DryBag

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pinki

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ChuckMcB

Re: Lidl tent - first look.

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