Topic: Opinions on bags and tents wanted (Read 8543 times)

Rich.H · « **on:** December 13, 2011 »

So just picked up two bags from tesco today. the comfort mummy http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.100-2775.aspx and the microlite mummy http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.204-2384.aspx. Got them heavily discounted for under a tenner the pair so am willing to watch them fall apart on the first use if needs be. From unpacking both they seem okish bags and capable of the job needed although the compression sack on the comfort bag looks quite weak and prone to ripping.

The heavy bag will be tested this weekend however just wondering in advance if anyone has used either of these before and what they thought about them? as far as the compression sack goes, how well did it hold up or am i better just getting an old mod jungle compression sack?

Also looking for a one man budget tent to help reduce general weight carried and currently have my eye on a Gelert solo http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gelert-Solo-One-Man-Tent/dp/B00322QRQE/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1323777443&sr=1-1 anyone used them before? I know the rocky model is a stand up bit of kit but not sure about their lower budget ranges.

twentyclicks · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2011 »

I believe Dowser has 2 of the microlight bags - using 1 for summer and both for winter. He washes them in the machine regularly so they must be well enough made.
Chuck has been using a tesco bag as well as far as I recall.

Search 'Gelert Solo' on the forum and you will see plenty of talk. There's a pic of LennyJ with his in the Crimbo Camp thread.

LennyJ1 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2011 »

I do have a Gelert Solo and I think it is great. It has more room than a bivvy and is warmer than a bivvy. I would not bother if you are over 5ft 8inches.

More than enought room to store kit under the fly near the door and you can put your bag under the other side.

I may review it for my website

AdamMcC5 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2011 »

I have a solo aswell, but i just haven't got round to using it yet

but i have read that they take a person up to 6ft2? They look the part though for a quick overnighter. If you are reviewing it Lenny then i will be checking regularly on your website

surfnscenic · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2011 »

Gelert Solo got his first real outing to Hares Gap on Friday (May 2011)as part of the Plod Mournes challenge. His achievement was suitably acknowledged with some beverages:- .."easy on the palate with subtle hints of peat and heathers."

It is easy to pitch, the inner first followed by the outer flysheet. I prefer a tent that can be pitched inner and outer together. The luminous guylines help minimise trips. I'm 5'8", 12 stone and found that inside is a little tight. I had my ruck in with me due to it pouring down. Moving about is difficult and trying to get into a sleeping bag would be a struggle, though possible. I just couldn't be bothered trying to wiggle about. That said, once lying down I found it to be comfortable enough. It was windy up there and the tent felt stable enough. A couple of the peg loops came undone but I was able to re-knot them again.

Its advantages are that it's light and compact providing shelter for one. It would be ok for one or two nights and ideally in better weather as theres no room to sit up or cook inside.

In conclusion a good buy for £25.

Hope this of use to you Rich H

whoRya · « **Reply #5 on:** December 14, 2011 »

Similarly I have a Gelert Solo. Some good information already posted above.

I have only used it once so far since I'm not usually alone and share a 2 man tent. The time I went was good weather. The tent was easily errected, light and I found the space sufficient to fit my gear in.

Lenny's suggestion about having the rucksack on the other side from the door is a good one. If you use dry bags then you can throw them all in the space on the door side or even some in the inner with you. Thereby you can access all the stuff you need.

Some questions you could apply to the tent are:

Is it better than more expensive 1 man tents? Probably not, but it is cheaper.

Does it have sufficent space? In dry conditions when you spend your time outside then climb in to sleep, it's great. In my last half-dozen camps I have been able to sit out. If you were camping in winter and in bad weather then after 6 hours awake confined in the tent you will discover some of its limitations e.g. head room. That said you'll get by, and you may argue a night out even in bad conditions is better than none at all.

Re: the space inside. I am 5'9'' with size 9 feet. Lying on my back my toes are touching the inner, though not necessarily the outer. If you lie on your side, not a problem. I tend to move around a bit.

If you are looking at lots of use then there may be some better, more durable, more expensive options out there. I have read some negative feedback about the durablilty of the fibreglass poles.

If it is the difference between getting out and not, then get it. You'll enjoy many nights with it.

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Author Topic: Opinions on bags and tents wanted (Read 8543 times)

Rich.H

Opinions on bags and tents wanted

twentyclicks

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LennyJ1

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AdamMcC5

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surfnscenic

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whoRya

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