Tent recommendations for touring

[snorri]

Although I have that for a few grams more I uses a 6'x4' groundsheet from a hardware store that is quite a bit tougher. You definitely do need something under the tent floor in my view

A separate ground sheet can come in handy for the summer thunder plumps, it can be rigged up to a fence or tree very quickly to make a temporary rain shelter.

 

[Vantage]

i had a similar version called the Wild Country Zephyros 2 Lite (no longer on new market(
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYDkzkbXJpM
- different material and a friend had the non ultralight version but my impression was his version was a) less breathable and b) his main pole was longer when folded and would not fit in an Ortlieb pannier (mine did). Also the end poles on mine were aluminium. I cable tied them into place and rolled up with the tent.

Wild Country (Terra Nova) seem to be one of those companies that actually listen to their customers.
There were quiet a few complaints about condensation and pack size on the earlier Zephyros tents. They made what I can only describe as a cutaway on the ends of the tents to aid ventilation. Seems to have worked as mine has been bone dry after campouts so far. The end poles were made to fold in half too so the tents pack size was reduced. It's about 30cm/12" now in length hence the 'compact'.
Some folk aren't keen on the fact that it doesn't use a bathtub design in the groundsheet but I'd say if the water is so deep that it's coming up the sides of the tent, then the camper has bigger issues to worry about.

 

[mudsticks]

Wild Country (Terra Nova) seem to be one of those companies that actually listen to their customers.
There were quiet a few complaints about condensation and pack size on the earlier Zephyros tents. They made what I can only describe as a cutaway on the ends of the tents to aid ventilation. Seems to have worked as mine has been bone dry after campouts so far. The end poles were made to fold in half too so the tents pack size was reduced. It's about 30cm/12" now in length hence the 'compact'.
Some folk aren't keen on the fact that it doesn't use a bathtub design in the groundsheet but I'd say if the water is so deep that it's coming up the sides of the tent, then the camper has bigger issues to worry about.

You can still get bounce back from heavy blowing rain that lands under the edge of the fly which then soaks the inner tent walls if they are absorbant.

I think it's also useful having that seam, between groundsheet and sidewalls - particularly if they are part mesh - above ground level to reduce abrasion to that join too.

It wouldn't be an absolute deal breaker for me, if everything else about a shelter was perfect, but I think bathtub groundsheets are that way generally for good reason.

Good venting is also pretty key in a tent too imo.

Nobody wants to be cooped up in a soggy coffin.

 

[oldwheels]

You can still get bounce back from heavy blowing rain that lands under the edge of the fly which then soaks the inner tent walls if they are absorbant.

I think it's also useful having that seam, between groundsheet and sidewalls - particularly if they are part mesh - above ground level to reduce abrasion to that join too.

It wouldn't be an absolute deal breaker for me, if everything else about a shelter was perfect, but I think bathtub groundsheets are that way generally for good reason.

Good venting is also pretty key in a tent too imo.

Nobody wants to be cooped up in a soggy coffin.

I stopped overnight behind the toilet block at Lochboisdale to wait for the early ferry to Oban. It rained heavily overnight and I wakened in a bathtub with everything soaked. Good job I was getting on a warm ferry to get my clothes dried out a bit and I was heading for home anyway. I thought it best also to get my wife to drive down to Craignure to collect me. The tent was a cheapo one from Lidl and the wind blew the rain under the flysheet.

 

[RoMeR]

Looking for some tent recommendations please.
What’s ideal for 3-4 day touring?

It would be just me inside it so would I need just a 1 person tent or 2 persons for a little extra space?

Have you had a look at AliExpress, loads of good, cheap lightweight shelters. A lot of lightweight backpackers use the site with no complaints, only drawback is shipping time from China. Ive recently ordered a tarp and shipping is 20 to 40 days.

 

[mike chadwick]

Just orderd a wild country Helm 1 looks to have a lot of room for a 1 man tent
was initially attracted by the short pack size which will allow me to use smaller
Panniers.

 

[jay clock]

Just orderd a wild country Helm 1 looks to have a lot of room for a 1 man tent
was initially attracted by the short pack size which will allow me to use smaller
Panniers.

does look nice and small. I had a Wild Country Zephyros 2 UL and was a nice tent..

 

[citybabe]

Thanks for all your replies and recommendations guys.

When the lockdown is eased I will have a look at the Vango Banshee.
There’s a couple of outlets my way that sells the tent.

I’m pretty sure this is the one I’ll go for.

Thanks again

 

[Tom B]

A friend of mine has an Alpkit Ordos 2 which he uses regularly and and I have borrowed on one occasion. Mate speaks highly of it and he knows his stuff. From my POV it kept me dry and warm.

I quite fancy the Alpkit Jarran when it's back in stock and SWMBO releases funds.

As others have said a tarp/ extra groundsheet is a good idea. From a bit of extra protection to keeping your tent clean or covering up your bike /kit. My mate is the man who has everything and probably has something from an outdoor kit manufacturer costing the same as a bungalow in Burnley. I'm much more frugal and just use a big tarpaulin from Toolstation that cost a couple of quid. They're not heavy and well worth it, just peg down with pegs*.

* Have a mooch around campsites for pegs or ask at reception. I've got quite a collection of lightweight pegs I've found stuck in the ground. Found a set in the local woods where some homeless had been staying... Win win

 

[jay clock]

A friend of mine has an Alpkit Ordos 2 which he uses regularly and and I have borrowed on one occasion. Mate speaks highly of it and he knows his stuff. From my POV it kept me dry and warm.

I quite fancy the Alpkit Jarran when it's back in stock and SWMBO releases funds.

As others have said a tarp/ extra groundsheet is a good idea. From a bit of extra protection to keeping your tent clean or covering up your bike /kit. My mate is the man who has everything and probably has something from an outdoor kit manufacturer costing the same as a bungalow in Burnley. I'm much more frugal and just use a big tarpaulin from Toolstation that cost a couple of quid. They're not heavy and well worth it, just peg down with pegs*.

* Have a mooch around campsites for pegs or ask at reception. I've got quite a collection of lightweight pegs I've found stuck in the ground. Found a set in the local woods where some homeless had been staying... Win win

A friend of mine has the ALpkit Ordos 2 and gives rave reviews

 

[Blue Hills]

I'm much more frugal and just use a big tarpaulin from Toolstation that cost a couple of quid.

I use a tarp from B&Q - cost a bit more - thanks for the Toolstation tip - one down the road from me.

But checked it out and like mine it seems to have metal grommets -I am always worried that these will tear the tent and I have no use for them anyway as I just use the tarp under the tent.

Does anyone know any cheap tarps without metal inserts?

 

[jay clock]

I use a tarp from B&Q - cost a bit more - thanks for the Toolstation tip - one down the road from me.

But checked it out and like mine it seems to have metal grommets -I am always worried that these will tear the tent and I have no use for them anyway as I just use the tarp under the tent.

Does anyone know any cheap tarps without metal inserts?

i can't see how the grommets would damage the tent. Particularly since they are in the far corners where you will put no pressure on them. Certainly zero issue for me

 

[RoMeR]

Thanks for all your replies and recommendations guys.

When the lockdown is eased I will have a look at the Vango Banshee.
There’s a couple of outlets my way that sells the tent.

I’m pretty sure this is the one I’ll go for.

Thanks again

The Banshee is not a lightweight tent, but it is good. Have you considered a tarp?. DD Hammocks do a 3x3m at around 720g and costs about £35,loads of space.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Main reason I don't have grommets is because I find it easier to tie off to the loops on my non-grommet tarp. But I use a rather large tent for full on shelter overnight. The tarp is mainly for short trips and day tours.

 

[Tom B]

I use a tarp from B&Q - cost a bit more - thanks for the Toolstation tip - one down the road from me.

But checked it out and like mine it seems to have metal grommets -I am always worried that these will tear the tent and I have no use for them anyway as I just use the tarp under the tent.

Does anyone know any cheap tarps without metal inserts?

I find Toolstation to be cheaper for most things, quality can be iffy on some stuff but they have a no quibble exchange/returns policy. They're also getting with the quality goods too and in many cases offering something cheap and something good.

My big big tarp has three brass eyelets one has been lost at some point. I've just totted it up and it's spent the best part of 4 months under my big carboot camping tent on about 10 camping trips over 4 of 5 years. There is no issue with it wearing the underside of the tent. The biggest issue seems to be UV damage to the tent upper and weeping seems (local tent god suggests rubbing a candle over the seams). One of those two things will kill the tent in the end.

On most occasions the eyelets are just out from under the tent.

If it is an issue for you just pull/cut/cover the eyelets