Tent help, please
Discussion
Hi folks,
Just been camping once again, using my hike tent, thermarest and sleeping bag... my lovely comfy camp bed doesn't fit in my hike tent at all (I had to buy a long one to fit on, and it stands at least a foot high, too) and at the wrong side of forty and aching like a whatsit today, I've decided I'm getting too old for this s
t (on standing camp, at least!).
So I'm after a few pointers for towards a more "family" style tent that I will be able to use my bed in (sod the family!
), and maybe even nearly stand up in (6' 4" (and powerfully built, natch )). Random field sites, probably 3 or 4 times a year. Properly rain proof, no single skin very cheapy rubbish please, and reasonably wind resistant.
I must admit I've spent the last 30-odd years sneering at this sort of tent, so I really know little to nothing about them!
By co-incidence - which really made me think God intends me to live a life of improved luxury - I came home to a random spam email featuring several reduced-price tents in this vein... the one that grabbed me most was a Vango, and looking through, it looks like £100-£150 ought to be enough budget... but I worry slightly they may still be pants at that level?
Thanks in advance
Just been camping once again, using my hike tent, thermarest and sleeping bag... my lovely comfy camp bed doesn't fit in my hike tent at all (I had to buy a long one to fit on, and it stands at least a foot high, too) and at the wrong side of forty and aching like a whatsit today, I've decided I'm getting too old for this s
t (on standing camp, at least!).So I'm after a few pointers for towards a more "family" style tent that I will be able to use my bed in (sod the family!
), and maybe even nearly stand up in (6' 4" (and powerfully built, natch )). Random field sites, probably 3 or 4 times a year. Properly rain proof, no single skin very cheapy rubbish please, and reasonably wind resistant. I must admit I've spent the last 30-odd years sneering at this sort of tent, so I really know little to nothing about them!
By co-incidence - which really made me think God intends me to live a life of improved luxury
- I came home to a random spam email featuring several reduced-price tents in this vein... the one that grabbed me most was a Vango, and looking through, it looks like £100-£150 ought to be enough budget... but I worry slightly they may still be pants at that level?Thanks in advance
Ooooh, I've been moved... didn't notice this section before!
I'm down to 3 tents, mainly on the strength of headroom:
The Vango Kalu mentioned above - the most expensive on my list, but probably best made. Might be a little tight for my bed due to slope on rear wall if sleeping more than one person north-south (east-west always means climbing over someone!) - I'd sleep east-west on my own. Would also be the most flexible for sharing/family.
Outwell Arizona - quality looks OK, quoted height is best (those extra mm may be important!), east-west only, a little cheaper.
High Peak Colorado - quality looks a bit ropey, but old-fashioned ridge tent design saves money gives good space for sleeping and headroom along the whole length of the tent. Half the price of the others! Oodles of room, especially as I'm unlikely to have more than one other person sharing with me.
I can't decide! Help!
I'm down to 3 tents, mainly on the strength of headroom:
The Vango Kalu mentioned above - the most expensive on my list, but probably best made. Might be a little tight for my bed due to slope on rear wall if sleeping more than one person north-south (east-west always means climbing over someone!) - I'd sleep east-west on my own. Would also be the most flexible for sharing/family.
Outwell Arizona - quality looks OK, quoted height is best (those extra mm may be important!), east-west only, a little cheaper.
High Peak Colorado - quality looks a bit ropey, but old-fashioned ridge tent design saves money gives good space for sleeping and headroom along the whole length of the tent. Half the price of the others! Oodles of room, especially as I'm unlikely to have more than one other person sharing with me.
I can't decide! Help!
Well, think I've solved my dilemma:
Found a camp bed ( this one)that I think will be just about long enough for me - 190cm and I'm 192/193, and I usually sleep curled on my side... and as it's 20cm shorter and 20cm lower than my current bed (so the slope of the tent sides doesn't eat so far into the length available) I think it'll fit into my current tent
Less than £30... even if it doesn't fit my tent, so long as it's comfortable enough for me, it'll make many more tents feasible too, so worth a spin either way, I reckon.
Found a camp bed ( this one)that I think will be just about long enough for me - 190cm and I'm 192/193, and I usually sleep curled on my side... and as it's 20cm shorter and 20cm lower than my current bed (so the slope of the tent sides doesn't eat so far into the length available) I think it'll fit into my current tent
Less than £30... even if it doesn't fit my tent, so long as it's comfortable enough for me, it'll make many more tents feasible too, so worth a spin either way, I reckon.
given the links you've posted I take it your looking for a smallish tent ? i.e. 2 / 3 berth ?
the room in the bedrooms and living space open up when you go for a higher berth tent
we have one of these http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/freedom-trail-kanaka-6... loads of space in the bedroom compartments and it's quite tall can stand up with no problems in the centre section.
the room in the bedrooms and living space open up when you go for a higher berth tent
we have one of these http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/freedom-trail-kanaka-6... loads of space in the bedroom compartments and it's quite tall can stand up with no problems in the centre section.
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