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Well, after 30 years of camping under canvas, I have decided to try out a poly dome tent.

I am now the proud owner of a Gelert Cadiz 6 berth tent that I am hoping to test out in the next few weeks via a weekend in the lakes.

For our long stays the canvas frame tent will remain our firm favourite I think. There are 5 of us and although the cadiz says it will sleep 6, I would probably use the rooms as a doube and a single rather than a 4 and a 2. (The big frame tent has spoilt me).

A big PLUS for the dome, it took us 20 minutes to errect it and another 20 mins to put it down fold it and bag it!! I was amazed.

One thing though, I am lead to believe that poly tents suffer condensation.  Is this a big issue and is there anything I can do to help prevent it?

Also, what about cooking in them? I cook in my frame tent, but that is so much more stable and alot higher than the cadiz that I dont know if I should risk it.

I sound like I am moaning already, I am not.. I am really excited about my new tent, but want to get peoples views before I take it and end up making a terrible mistake somewhere.

At the end of the day my hope is that it will keep us dry and warm. Be a quick put up for a weekend getaway for myself my hubby and our youngest son and provide a little privacy for my teenage daughters when we go away as a family.

Am I likely to be pleasantly surprised or disappointed?

I would be really greatful if anyone could reply, especially if they have a gelert cadiz or similar and answer my quierires.

Thanks in advance

Deb X

Hi Deb

We've just used our Gelert Cyclone 6 for the first time this weekend, it stood up pretty well to the weather (some 30+ hours of heavy rain and 30mph gusts).

I'm not sure what the Cadiz looks like but yes you do get condensation in these type of tents, try not having damp/wet stuff inside the tent that helps. How high is your tent inside? in the middle the Cyclone is over 6' and this means it is more than adequate to cook in, however TRY to have the door open or the "windows" if you are doing this as that obviously adds to the condensation. I used to go camping with my folks in a Vango canvas frame tent with steel poles (sadly no more) canvas is obviously a breathable material so less susceptible to condensation than the nylon type. Since the demise of the old one I have only used the nylon/polymer type and not had too much of a problem with them. Don't forget to maybe proof the tent (see the other threads) with Fabsil or such type and take some seam seal or gaffer tape just in case the worst does happen.

Keith

Hi Keith,

Thanks for the advice. I have just been reading the fabsil debate with iinterest!!

I think I will go out and buy some, or at least some seam tape. I want to try it out first. If it does leak I can then fabsil it later. I dont want to invalidate the warrenty until I have tried it out, just in case something bad happens and it rips,

I think I am an old fashioned canvas girl at heart, but I do love the 20 minute put up.. BRILLIANT!!!

Lakes, here I come

thanks,

i think for short trips i will have to cook in the car :P

I am going to go to the lakes and test it.. It always rains in teh lakes so it should get a good run :D