Topic: DofE - Recommended kit (Read 9659 times)

whoRya · « **on:** January 15, 2013 »

Hi folks,

Our BB company are kicking off with the DofE award and as such there will be some requirements for the purchase of new group kit. The kit we purchase will probably differ considerably from my own personal kit and requirements so I'm happy to take any advice from you good people. I know that we have a wealth of experience on the board with connections to Scouts, OECs, BB etc. so where better to ask some questions than here. I’m sure as parents many of you will also have an insight into the experiences of young people doing their expedition. I know that there are recommended retailers (with discounts) and kit lists, but I put a lot of faith in experience.

First thing is tents. I want the experience to be pleasant one for the boys and so there will be a balance to strike between weight and comfort for instance. At the same time they don’t need spoilt, they will only be in the tent for a handful of nights in total. It is a little difficult when you don't know exact numbers of participants but we will have to try to have a bit of flexibility e.g. 2 man and 3 man tents.

The Vango Banshee seems to be a well used tent for these purposes. The 200 is 2kg and I believe the 300 is 2.75kg. For the weight penalty of 750g the tent offers more space and two doors, I’m thinking it may be better for two occupants. Carrying just shy of 1.4kg isn’t too bad at all.
Does anyone have experience with using the Banshee with young people? If so which one 200/300?

Any other tents you would recommend? Would you justify the case for a more expensive tent? Any general comments about tents that you think would be relevant?

Thanks in advance; I’ll move onto some other pieces of kit at a later point.

Typo-On · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2013 »

I can't remember seeing a banshee pitched but how much 'porch' is there? Would you get two or three rucksacks in it?
It's maybe fine if your a couple or family stacking your packs on top of each other but boys being boys won't want theirs at the bottom of the pile. I also envision the bottom one being pulled out from underneath with little regard for the tent spelling a disaster waiting to happen :-/

Oisín · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2013 »

I think our tent was a similar model when I did my bronze. The porch was adequate, but I think we had a 4 person model? Similar/Other Vango model.

The weight wasn't bad at all, it pitched easy enough too. We tramped around Tollymore forest for most of ours so it wasn't a massive factor, the girls carried the same weight if not more (those hair straighteners are heavy)

Also with the Scouts I've slept in the old Vango Force 10's, and although they may be a bit heavier than the newer models, they worked fine. They wouldn't sleep as many though.

I don't think at that age I really knew that I was carrying overkill so I didn't really think about it at all. It was all part of the experience. They way we worked it with the weight distribution was by splitting: 1. Pegs and Outer 2.Inner 3.Poles 4. Trangia. That seems to work out fine, the weight each was even enough.

LandyLiam · « **Reply #3 on:** January 15, 2013 »

Our scouts seem to cope well with some cheapo pro-action 4 man tents from argos, nothing has ripped yet and we pack them tents to the gills

i don't see weight as a big issue as it is well spread out.

Kayakgirl · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2013 »

We would normally use the force tens. Split between 3 people there isn't much weight whilst also carrying a Triangia. When it comes down to it the only reason why their ruc is so heavy is due to carrying lots of energy drinks, tins and 2 litre bottles of coke.
As a registered group you can borrow tents from an outdoor centres depending on what board area you are in.
I own a Banshee 300 and find it would be tight for 3 people and kit, but definitely roomy enough for 2.
I would recommend the force tens, they are easy to set up, the poles are sturdy and won't break easily. If you need to borrow one let me know and I can get one from my youth club.

whoRya · « **Reply #5 on:** January 15, 2013 »

Thanks for the replies so far.

Good point about the bags Typo-on, that is realistic about how young people can react. My thinking of a Banshee 300 for two people with a door and a porch each means that it offers sustantial advantage to a 200.

Liam and Oisin mention a 4 man tent, KG a 3 man tent. Do you find the young people prefer higher numbers in a tent, say for the banter, or bad weather?

A few mentions of Force 10s, isn't that a range by Vango rather than a model? On their site, it seems so, and they are a pricey affair also! Perhaps most groups do push the boat out for top-price quality tents. If you are referring to the Force 10 Classic , at 8.2kg for a 3 man tent (2.7kg ea) it must be for 'static camps' only surely. I'm thinking a max of around 1.5kg to be about right.

I suppose in contrast to the scouts these tents will be for expedition use only, no jamborees.

Oisín · « **Reply #6 on:** January 15, 2013 »

I dont think its the Force 10's at £400 I've used, ours were probably the ancient model that are older than I am.

I'm not sure if you can buy the older ones cheaper?

One thing I know about the Force 10's is that they are simple to put up (5 poles and 2 A-frame pieces) and absolutely bombproof. So they may be a bit heavier to carry but they are safe and simple. The Vango website states they have been used for expeditions, I suppose back then these were the lightweight options. I know they pack up quite well, even though they may be heavier. KayakGirl is exactly right that the weight comes form the liters of coke that is carried.

I would say form my experience the best craic is always in larger groups, we used to sleep in the Icelandic A-Frames, which are the bigger brother to the Force 10s. If you have any troublesome ones threaten them with the Icelandics. Then again with the larger groups its better fun for the kids, but more noise for you? Then again divide them up and they could be shouting between tents? Its a choice between concentrated noise at a lower level or spread out noise at a higher level? From my experience there is always noise

How many kids are going on the expedition? How long is their journey?

Kayakgirl · « **Reply #7 on:** January 15, 2013 »

Btw is this the Bronze award?

whoRya · « **Reply #8 on:** January 15, 2013 »

Bronze and Silver.

Bronze will be 2 days/1 night, at least 6 hours of activity per day (at least 3hrs journey time)
Silver will be 3 days/2 nights with at least 7 hours of activity per day (at least 3.5hrs journey time)

Additionally there will be practice expeditions of substantially the same amount for each award, or as much as is required. Not worried about noise for me, I'll not be camping anywhere near them!

Troublesome ones....there were a few in my day. I'm sure things have changed though

hud · « **Reply #9 on:** January 15, 2013 »

Bit of a late arrival to the thread, apologies! Our bb company use the vango banshee 300s and find them spot on. Three reasonably sturdy lads can fit in the tent reasonably enough; porch space is light, but we've found two rucks can go in the porch with the third at the head of the middle man (put the short one in there!!) or else wrap it in the classic orange bag and leave it outside. If I were buying again I'd be buying these or the new equivalent. Good value robust little tents. Genuinely wouldn't go past it

jonnycrutchley · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2013 »

We have the Vango Hurricane 300's (a 3 man tent)! They are an amazingly good job! Had then and used them loads for 3-4 years now and still not a rip or pole split etc etc.

They have a good wee porch on both ends of the tent and 3 big lads have a good amount of room inside them. We have used them in the snow and in high winds and are that secure that they don't really even need the guy ropes up!

I know they are a little bit more expensive but they are def worth the extra money.

In contrast we purchased 2 2 man Vango Spectre tents, and the poles have split twice on me and needed repairs.

whoRya · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2013 »

Another couple of really useful posts there, thanks guys.

It certainly seems that Vango is the way to go for reliability. I suppose the fibreglass poles don't like to be sat on, stuffed or thrown down in a rucksack; all the things you can expect young fellas to do.

The Hurricanes look to be very robust indeed. I'd enjoy a night or two in them myself!

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Author Topic: DofE - Recommended kit (Read 9659 times)

whoRya

DofE - Recommended kit

Typo-On

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Oisín

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LandyLiam

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Kayakgirl

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whoRya

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Oisín

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Kayakgirl

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whoRya

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hud

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jonnycrutchley

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whoRya

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