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having camped for 5 years+, and having had our vango flattened by high winds last year, I have to say I still don't really understand all the technical advice above.  Maybe I'm thick or is it just too early in the morning??

Anyway, the upshot of our experience is...we're off tent shopping today!  (which is one of my favourite pasttimes so "every cloud" 'n' all that...)

Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 22/4/2006

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Is this another resaon to add to my list of "why I prefer a non-Sig tent" when every one else seems to think SIG is the only way to camp! 

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Well, I`m with you on preferring non-SIG tents, so not quite "everyone else".

Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 22/4/2006

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Is this another resaon to add to my list of "why I prefer a non-Sig tent" when every one else seems to think SIG is the only way to camp! 

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No, its another reason not to buy an inner-first tent.

And I am still watching for anyone else who's tried camping with a SIG to decide that their personal prefernce is a loose lay! MT

Well, I may not have tried camping in a SIG tent, but I know the reasons why people prefer them and I know these reasons don`t signify with me. I don`t mind bugs, I often don`t use a groundsheet at all, I don`t particularly worry about sitting around in a cold tent (just use more clothes).

I`m sure I`d quite like camping in a SIG tent and would enjoy the cosyness but the downsides are real killers for me. Most are inner first erection in the rain, having to carry a second groundsheet to protect the first,  non-Sig tents are a lot easier to clean and dry out because they come in more and seperate pieces.. And (really critical one here) I don`t always use a full groundsheet anyway...in warm weather I prefer the grass, and that simply isn`t an option in a SIG tent. And sometimes we keep the third bedroom down and use it for bike storage...also not an option in a SIG tent.

Yes, SIGs are cosier and more bug-proof. But there`s more factors involved in tent preference  than that, and utimately what your personal preference in a tent is going to be is affected by what your top priority factors are, and the sort of camping you do. Who knows, if I decided to camp more in very early and late season I might buy a SIG tent just for that, because the increased warmth woud become the overriding factor, same as bug proofing is the No1 priority for other folk and all the rest a poor second.

Ultimately I think it`s down to the individual. Do I care what my neighbour is camping in, as long as it doesn`t fall on top of me? No.   But I do like to keep flagging up the downsides of SIGs, because I think it`s important for the newbies to hear more than "SIG is best" and to know the pros and  cons of each type. Educated decisions and all that.

(And the manufacturers read this forum too....as witness the introduction of the riser groundsheet this year, and flysheet first full SIG tents last year. Got to keep them on their toes!)

Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 22/4/2006

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....Yes, SIGs are cosier and more bug-proof. But there`s more factors involved in tent preference  than that, and utimately what your personal preference in a tent is going to be is affected by what your top priority factors are, and the sort of camping you do. Who knows, if I decided to camp more in very early and late season I might buy a SIG tent just for that, because the increased warmth woud become the overriding factor, same as bug proofing is the No1 priority for other folk and all the rest a poor second......

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Val, these are important points. If, like you, we had our main camping holiday somewhere where it was hot, hot, hot then whether or not to have a SIG would become quite a different discussion. But as we do April and September camping in Cornwall, and even in July the north coast is never exactly balmy - once we tried a SIG I became reluctant to go camping without one!

And it is all very personal. The 'bug-free' arguement in favour of SIGs always bemuses me, but ranks highly for others. Many people adore their inner first SIG tents but I don't like either the method of erection or the way they feel inside. But I am fully prepare to accept that that is my problem not anybody else's!  MT

hello bigedyant. you should alwats pitch your tent with with the porch end the opposite way to the wind blowing.i have the tempest 200.the tbs system is for extra stability as the wind often changes direction so if you have them taught but not over tight and all the guy lines pegged out the tent will be solid.the only change i would like made to the tempest is extra pegging points between the main poles on both sides cause the outer flaps around in the wind,but this is common with all tunnel tents.the actual tent did not move at all in the night though 2000 ft up a mountain.as ianork says on this site,its a great tent well worth the money.i think vango are great tents and will buy in the future.to be honest i have several tents by different manufacturers and i like them all.vango, robens,wynnster and gelert.i always look for whats in my price range.not too keen on the gelert as the innere touches the outer in certain places.i've waffled on enough!!  

Val/MT - I hope you don't mind but I've copied your posts across to the stickied "SIG" thread as I think this is very valid discussion that should form part of that thread. 

Naturally I've added my own opinon

Quote: Originally posted by Merry Terrier on 22/4/2006

 

And I am still watching for anyone else who's tried camping with a SIG to decide that their personal prefernce is a loose lay! MT

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We just bought a montana 4 and i don't really like the sown in ground sheet. it's the worst part of the tent.

In fact i prefere to have no groundsheet at all and enjoy mother natures grass at her best.