Buying a Tent

Site Admin: many thanks Steve ...that's all really helpful 🙂🙂🙂

Fully agree Steve

Oh yeah, and as a scout leader we do buy Vangos. They survive the bashing the kids give them better than other low cost makes it seems.

Carpe Diem!: Can I pitch in here?
Key questions:
- Car vs. Backpack? If latter look at the weight for volume.
- Where? Coastal/mountain need to handle a hooley. Consider domes or metal poles (more cost) as well as lower profile.
- Cook in or out? Porch/living area issue. Can you sit inside in a camp chair and cook/slurp da vino? In midgy/mosquito infected areas this is a key consideration, as well as in bad weather. Sit in your camp chair and measure top of head to floor.

Tunnel tents have become hugely popular (I have three) as they give a great weight to volume ratio and are a doddle to put up. Checkout the vango website (sturdy but not too expensive).

e.g.
http://www.vango.co.uk/gb/scouts-recommended/32-ark-400.html
I have one of these:
http://www.vango.co.uk/gb/scouts-recommended/54-beta-350-xl.html
Loads of porch space for sitting/ stripping off wet gear before heading inside but not eating up too much boot space.
For back packing you can't really beat the Banshee:
http://www.vango.co.uk/gb/duke-of-edinburgh-recommended/43-banshee-200.html

Lookingforseaturtles: thanks for that - great advice! 🙂

landranger68: thanks Keith - I've got lots of notes now - bit spoilt for good advice!! 🙂🙂🙂

Hi C.D.I have a Vango/force 10 assault,double Bell end and able to cook inside the housing.Downside is that at 4k not for backpacking alone,but with two( inner & Outer) camped all over Scotland in Knoydart and Cairngorms.It is a mountain tent🙂

bluegap: thanks for this! 🙂

Bit late.. but for two people, you need a 3 man tent as above OR, a roomy 2 man tent.. of which there a couple. The Vango Blade 200 is one of the largest footprint 2 man tents you'll find. It can suffer from condensation though as the inner is very close to the outer layer. However, its an excellent large 2 man tent for ?100 and 2kg.

You might also consider the Vango Zenith 300, or the Banshee 300. The 3 man tents obviously weight more, around 2.5kg as opposed to 2kg for a 2 man tent... but if theres two of you you can easily split the load no problem.

Rourky: cheers Clive ...I'll check it out 🙂

CD on sport persuit .com under essential camping are a few tents you may wish to look at. All have between 30 - 45% off rrp and come in around ?70, worth a look anyway. Ive used this company a lot and products are great, hope of use mate, see you soon.😋

Rourky: ...they are just so flexible!🙂

Tenting for me this year as globe trotting again, Snowdonia, Lakes, Arran, you know how it is 😋

Jacktherussell : I really want a campervan...am saving!🙂

womble: I'm bitterly disappointed...I had you down as a Victoria's Secret convert 😀😀😀

Rourky: nah... Ambleside hostel ...you camping?

Having camped for years when the kids were young,I finally realised the way forward is a tin tent. Toilet,shower,cooker,fridge and lovely bed.

CD you camping at Low Wray for Chris' bash?

womble: naahh - and I'll always go for the romance!! Guess it depends on the washing line 🙂

Rourky: "potted pansies" is quite poetic for you C..... and you read my mind!😀😋😉🙂

RE the porch, you being you CD, maybe some carved stone lions and some potted pansies etc.... its you to a T ....living the dream !!!! 😋😋😋

minty : thanks matey 🙂
Sparkle: thanks - a good porch it will be!🙂

Hi Carpe Diem!: I quite agree with all the comments go for a 3 man tent it gives you more room for your gear. And when it comes to lightweight tents. The lighter the better.womble: between me and you we can hire out the tents. Hahahahaha

womble: 😀..that's great news! 🙂🙂🙂

Pendle Hill: sounds good!🙂
Rourky: cheers Clive (you always bore me, pal) 😉 see you soon!
Clinton: Thanks C - hope to meet you before long!
Gatepostgazer: 😀😀😀 ..I know where you're coming from...
womble: wow - how many tents have you got Penny?!🙂🙂🙂

My first was a Coleman Bi-space, old now, but gold and remains a great tool, mine the 400. The 300 is good, cosy for 2 and 500 perhaps perfect. Some models have no windows - buyer beware!
I now also have 6 man family tent , great for longer trips - Carado from Go Outddoors.

The Static head count is important as said and if you can, with modern items, a foot-print is of worth that or a ground sheet, keeps the mess of the bottom!

A search / watch on eBay will reduces the work!

Good luck!

Jonathan me ole china, some good advice above. Always go 3 person as more room, 2 is a tad cramped especially with kit, which is exaggerated when wet. But also look at the hydrostatic head value, the higher this is the dryer youll end up. Ill bore you with details at Mintys or Chris' bash or give me a buzz 😋

I have recently bought a two man Vango tent, Hi-Gear -18 degrees sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, lamp, self inflating mattress (single), ground sheet,for just under two hundred pounds.
Agood deal I thought.

Montane: Thanks again! 🙂

womble: Montane: PeteWarks: thank you to all of you for your help. .
Much appreciated and lots to think about now! 🙂😉🙂

Goodlife: good idea....thanks! 🙂

Philtheetiler: thanks Phil - great advice!🙂

Carpe Diem!: If camping from a car no problem but if you intend to hike then weight is a large factor and a good lightweight will be more expensive. Choose a well ventilated tent with a large portch to store your wet kit. Happy camping😀

Pear Drop (Sarah): Thanks Sarah - I wondered about that 🙂 ..so glad your Whitby weekend went so well for you 🙂

If you want to sleep 2 people don't buy a 2 man tent, buy a 3 or 4 man 🙂