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Author Topic: Lightweight Tents  (Read 13090 times)

suspectmonkey

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Lightweight Tents
« on: September 09, 2011 »
I was just having a nosey around the t'internet at lightweight, 1-2 man backpacking tents and I'm amazed at what you can get for your money now.  Whilst the world of uber lightweight tents has moved on to fancy materials like cuben fibre it seems some of the "old" lightweight technologies and materials are dripping down to the more budget end of the market.  For example, Wild Country (a brand owned and made by Terra Nova) make the Zephyros tent which is pretty much a Terra Nova Laser.  Unlike the Laser the Zephyros doesn't need the fiddly pole sleeve and still features an alloy main pole.  Best of all you can buy one for £90 on Field & Trek, which is a pretty good deal for a tent that weighs less than 1.5kg!  There is also a 2 man version which is slightly heavier and costs £120.

Obviously I'm not in the market for a new tent, but it's still pretty interesting seeing just how good a quality, lightweight tent you can get for around or under £100.  Anyone else spotted similar good deals on lightweight kit recently?



Quote
Wild Country Zephyros 1 Tent

The Wild Country Zephyros 1 Tent is an extremely lightweight tent with a small packed size that won't weigh you down, perfect for the single outdoor adventure seeker. Offering great protection against the elements, this light backpacking tent is easy to pitch with a tunnel shape design.

> Backpacking tent
> Sleeps 1 person
> Tunnel shape
> 1 alloy pole, 2 black fibre poles
> 10 alloy pegs
> Max height: 95cm
> Dimensions: W143 x L220cm
> Packed size: 52 x 14cm
> Weight: 1.41kg
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LennyJ1

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2011 »
Good find, I have the Gelert which is slightly smaller and would weight around the same and is less than half that price.
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suspectmonkey

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2011 »
Is the Gelert not a good bit smaller though?  I know the Laser actually has quite good porch space between the inner and outer, and is definitely tall enough to sit up in.  Might be wrong, but I always thought the Gelert was a bit like an XL coffin :D
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RedLeader

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2011 »
I really want a proper ultralight 2 man tent but without being too expensive. Someone please tell me which to buy  ;D
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LennyJ1

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #4 on: September 09, 2011 »
Quote from: suspectmonkey on September 09, 2011
Is the Gelert not a good bit smaller though?  I know the Laser actually has quite good porch space between the inner and outer, and is definitely tall enough to sit up in.  Might be wrong, but I always thought the Gelert was a bit like an XL coffin :D

Ok alot smaller but so's the price.
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Matthew

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2011 »
Quote from: RedLeader on September 09, 2011
I really want a proper ultralight 2 man tent but without being too expensive. Someone please tell me which to buy  ;D

MY Tadpole two arrived today hopefully ill get some pics up later for you bud.

Matthew
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RedLeader

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #6 on: September 09, 2011 »
Would be interested to know what you think.

Quote from: Matthew Black on September 09, 2011
Quote from: RedLeader on September 09, 2011
I really want a proper ultralight 2 man tent but without being too expensive. Someone please tell me which to buy  ;D

MY Tadpole two arrived today hopefully ill get some pics up later for you bud.

Matthew
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Matthew

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #7 on: September 09, 2011 »
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Rumblebum

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #8 on: September 09, 2011 »
STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!

Ive been clean now for 7 months and you lot talkin about tents is gonna make me go off the wagon! I want a zephyros somethin rotten!

God.................... what's the number for that helpline!
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Jimmy Ray

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2011 »
As much a question as it is a suggestion! I only last week purchased a North Face Vario 23 and sold my wild country venturi 2 (was a bit big and bulky for me + 1/2 Pint).

Picked up new for £150 RRP £270

I know its very very light and incredibly simple to erect. I will know better come this saturday morning what i think of it after a night in hares gap.

has anyone else experience with one of these? i wanted compact and light & trust is is as sturdy as i expect come the bad weather.

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Backpacking:  An extended form of hiking in which people carry double the amount of gear they need for half the distance they planned to go in twice the time it should take.

twentyclicks

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2011 »
No experience of it. People seem to say it is fairly robust, good sit-up height... but being single skin, don't forget to open the vents! (maybe bring a wee square of towel or use a buff to wipe down any condensation if it gets too much).

I have a single skin LIDL tent that has a mesh door and rain door. I only use the mesh door and sleep with my head at the door end so my moist breath easily escapes. Used it in June with a bit of rain and barely noticed any condensation (and that's cheap crappy material). You should be fine. Have a good christening at the weekend!
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Craig
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And ask the gods to pardon this clear flame." - Thoreau

Jimmy Ray

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #11 on: October 05, 2011 »
It was well wild at the weekend, the rain hitting the tent hard, the condensation was terrible, it was like raining as the condensation was knocked off the inside by the rain.

Glad we had bivvy bags. Vents were open too. I can steam the windows in a car when its driving so its as much me as the tent.

possibly be there again this weekend with new bivvy bags and new basha for a closer to nature nights camping. no need to find a suitable pitching site, rocks on a summit will do....
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Backpacking:  An extended form of hiking in which people carry double the amount of gear they need for half the distance they planned to go in twice the time it should take.

twentyclicks

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #12 on: October 05, 2011 »
Agh - nightmare - indoor rain! Lucky you had the bivvy bags
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Craig
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And ask the gods to pardon this clear flame." - Thoreau

dean1970

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #13 on: October 10, 2011 »
i am still looking for a lightweight one man tent. budget is no more that £100

lots of choice but differing quailty and comment

any firm thoughts?

Cotswold have a few, bit expensive though
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dean1970

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Re: Lightweight Tents
« Reply #14 on: October 10, 2011 »
should have mentioned, i like vango tents, got a 2 man and its quite good.
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