I need a tent but I detest camping - what shall I get?
- Thread starter Orang Utan
- Start date
spawnofsatan
Down by the river
I have a Khyam classic xl, piss easy to put up, its like an umbrella, you can stand up in it and its very roomy, only downside is it weighs a ton, so car camping only and they aren't cheap, a second hand one on ebay might be good value though.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
If you're serious about a tent in that price range, can I suggest you head over to UK Climbing? Terra Nova make lovely, very durable tents, but I've not paid attention that seriously to the market for a few years, so you'll get more upto date advice.
Although I've no direct experience with Gore-Tex tents, I'm not sure I see the point. It's not that durable and Gore-Tex's main claim to fame is being breathable, rather then out and being waterproof, which all decent will be. Fine for my jacket
Callie
Pivoting
free spirit
more tea vicar?
a caravan.
or ver ver drunk, then just sleep wherever
or lots of pills then just don't sleep until the train / car on the way back
or ver ver drunk, then just sleep wherever
or lots of pills then just don't sleep until the train / car on the way back
chilango
Hypothetical Wanker
No. You don't need a gore-tex tent. I don't even know if they exist.
I second the Terra Nova suggestion, but if money really is no object have a look at a Hilleberg.
chilango
Hypothetical Wanker
We've just been given a Khyam for family camping. Haven't looked at it yet though...
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
I've definitely seen them...I think they are sold for more alpine conditions rather then the UK warm and wet.
spawnofsatan
Down by the river
Mine doesn't have a built in groundsheet apart from the bedrooms, so you might want to check that out.
chilango
Hypothetical Wanker
Yeah, I've heard of single skin eVent ones,
The Hilleberg Nammatj 2 is looking good. I don't have a lot of money but, for a one off purchase that will last for years and keep you alive and warm in freezing conditions, I think it's worth spending £500 to get a top of the range one.
http://hilleberg.se/product/nammatj-2
http://hilleberg.se/product/nammatj-2
stuff_it
Too skool for cool
You can actually wash them, but it's a pain in the arse and you need access to both your own washing machine and a tumble drier with a low heat setting.
http://www.trailspace.com/forums/gear-repair/topics/56739.html
http://www.alpkit.com/support/stickies/cleaning-down-sleeping-bags
Same goes for down jackets; it's best not to wash them but you can certainly wash them occasionally when they really need it.
stuff_it
Too skool for cool
Perhaps the fact that it's a hydrophobic coating is useful to make sure you aren't packing water away every day if you're on the move? Also alpine a lot of the moisture will be from condensation rather than the unavoidable damp we get here.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Yup. Temp difference...gore tex works at it's best when it's warm on the inside and cold out.
Thing is all decent tents have such a coating...I'm not convinced on this one, but am happy to be proved wrong.
stuff_it
Too skool for cool
I think a lot of it is brand image and people having heard of it. It's not like it lasts forever and the retreatment stuff works now, is it.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Yes and No.
There are more durable fabrics out there, but it's all a compromise. The retreatment stuff works for a while, but it's no miracle cure. In fact Paremo gear is way better for this, you can keep reproofing when your gore tex is as waterproof as a sieve.. It's also really easy to make a waterproof fabric that never wears out, but you'll sweat to death. The big thing about gore tex isn't that it's waterproof, but that it's breathable and semi waterproof.
New of the shelf it's probably the best fabric out there. Of course it's a big brand, but they are still top of the game for a reason.
There are more durable fabrics out there, but it's all a compromise. The retreatment stuff works for a while, but it's no miracle cure. In fact Paremo gear is way better for this, you can keep reproofing when your gore tex is as waterproof as a sieve.. It's also really easy to make a waterproof fabric that never wears out, but you'll sweat to death. The big thing about gore tex isn't that it's waterproof, but that it's breathable and semi waterproof.
New of the shelf it's probably the best fabric out there. Of course it's a big brand, but they are still top of the game for a reason.
chilango
Hypothetical Wanker
The only one I can find with a quick google is this from Terra Nova
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tarps-bivis-bothies/all-bivis-bivi-bags/gemini-bivi/
And a couple of hooped bivis.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
oh no, I want that one now. £700 though
That would be fucking miserable to sleep in our climate.
kalidarkone
Bringing YOU round.....
I want!!
chilango
Hypothetical Wanker
Lightest tent in the world:
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-spares/all-tents/laser-ultra-1-tent/
I saw on of these in a shop in the lakes. Drooled for a bit but it's a bit "gossamer" for me!
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-spares/all-tents/laser-ultra-1-tent/
I saw on of these in a shop in the lakes. Drooled for a bit but it's a bit "gossamer" for me!
DrRingDing
'anti-human wanker'
I'm enjoying this tent pr0n.
DrRingDing
'anti-human wanker'
But summer camping where you want to sleep in the day. You do need to entrances that allow a draft. Else you will suffer.
chilango
Hypothetical Wanker
chilango
Hypothetical Wanker
Tarp.
Once I've got more time again I fancy trying some summer bivying/tarping.
For the moment I'll be happy enough to get a bit more camping done though.
chilango
Hypothetical Wanker
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Yeah, I'm sure it won't but looks so lightweight it would just blow away. Think these are the kind of thing someone will buy for a few events, rather then a proper workhorse tent.
Condensation can be a fucker though, even in posh bivi bags.
