Lightweight Tents

[suspectmonkey]

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?

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

[LennyJ1]

Good find, I have the Gelert which is slightly smaller and would weight around the same and is less than half that price.

[suspectmonkey]

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

[RedLeader]

I really want a proper ultralight 2 man tent but without being too expensive. Someone please tell me which to buy 

[LennyJ1]

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

Ok alot smaller but so's the price.

[Matthew]

I really want a proper ultralight 2 man tent but without being too expensive. Someone please tell me which to buy 

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

Matthew

[RedLeader]

Would be interested to know what you think.

I really want a proper ultralight 2 man tent but without being too expensive. Someone please tell me which to buy 

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

Matthew

[Matthew]

http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2408.msg25269
There you are bud

[Rumblebum]

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!

[Jimmy Ray]

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.

[twentyclicks]

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!

[Jimmy Ray]

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....

[twentyclicks]

Agh - nightmare - indoor rain! Lucky you had the bivvy bags

[dean1970]

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

[dean1970]

should have mentioned, i like vango tents, got a 2 man and its quite good.