Message Forums

Quote: Originally posted by willshirew on 13/7/2007

---

rather than a popup i'd go for something like this http://www.springfield-camping.co.uk/brands/Vango/Sigma+300~~ The popup is a very quick pitch but the bag is quite a big disk shape , they're a nightmare to pop away again and the above tent has two porches (one for storage, sleeps 3, so 2 can roll over if they want too, is lot stronger and has a porch to sit under if it's raining.

If you're planning to hike and need less weight try this instead http://www.norwich-camping.co.uk/product_details/Vango_TBS_Tempest_200/3744.html. I have this one and it takes 3 minutes to pitch and 5 mins to pack they also do a 3 man equivalent.

Get a trangia 25 http://www.simplyhike.co.uk/ProductDetails.aspx?StockID=15434&Affiliate=Froogle and think about getting a gas adaptor so you have the choice of gas or meths. These cookers are bomb proof and pack into themselves so the take up little space and are light aluminium. Also take an alpine cookset.

2 plates 2 bowls 2 mugs 2 knife fork and spoon.

Your thermarests are an excellent choice they pack small and consider sleeping bags with compression bags they pack down to nothing.

You can get small foldy tables http://www.blacks.co.uk/blacks.storefront/product/BLK-SS06-Tents-and-Camping-Gear/BLK-AW06-Furniture/095291.aspx

Clothes for X + 1 amount of days not X + 25 just in case (my personal issue) with a reliable set of waterproofs.

Uco candle lanterns are also tiny and provide some heat at night.

First aid kit.

Soft cooler bag.

Sit mats.

Here's a link of forum and reviews if you want to look further at more extreme camping or just for reviews of gear http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/

Unfortunately a general rule of thumb is the lighter and smaller the gear the more expensive it is .

Anyway hope this helps!

 

Paul.

---

Hi peskypeeza sorry for this delay i have been at cub camp!

The sigma will take about 5-10 mins it's a strong shape so it will shrug off most elements, it's pitch as one which means that you can pre-pack it with the inner already attached, this is optional but stops the pitch or inner getting wet plus it saves time.

The Tempest I own takes 3 mins (timed it) it's literally dump the stuff out of the bag, apply the 2 frame poles apply the porch pole, peg the rear adjustable straps, pull the tent forewards then peg the front straps, then you have the basic shape, guy out the lines and voila! done! Then you have the TBS system to stabalise the tent  should the weather turn nasty and again it's pitch as one.

A bagged Tempest 200 is smaller than a standard mumy sleeping bag when packed and weight 2-3 kg. The 300 is'nt much larger in pack but offers a lot of extra space you would probably appreciate.

If you'd prefer something with a porch then Vango have some very good Omega and beta 350 deals on at the moment aswell. I just ordered a Beta for cub camp during late spring, summer and early autumn. Again pitch as one but not as strong as the smaller tents i have mentioned.

General rule of thumb is that..

Pure tunnel tents are quickest to pitch and offer the most space to weight/size ratio.

Geodesic Tents are strongest in adverse conditions followed by Semi-Geodesic then Dome then Tunnel then Ridge.

Hope this helps you a bit  but if you need any more info give me a shout.