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Hi folks,I am going to buy a tent I can stand up in.After years of using smaller more technical tents the time has come to give in to my bad back and invest in a more roomy tent. I am thinking of a vango oregon 400,what do you think? it ticks all the boxes we need,just the two of us, and I don't think domes of a similar price look as stable. So,does tbs help when it gets a bit windy? have you got an oregon 400 are they ok?? Thanks for your thoughts.

Adrian

I`ve got an Oregon 600, and coincidentally was discussing it this morning with another poster...

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=3&TopicID=76590&PagePosition=2

I`ve only had it up once in windy conditions. I kept the TBS clipped up across the two pod doorways while it was blowy, and the straps didn`t get in the way at all. I only put the central ones up at night, as they would have got in the way otherwise. They did make quite a difference to the stability of the poles...I tried shaking the poles around when the straps were on, and could barely move them. The straps provide a very useful support right where its needed, I feel.

The big pods are identical in all the Oregons, and are very roomy. When Hubby and I shared one we put the double airbed down the centre and had a walkway down each side for personal stuff. (Hubby`s personal stuff resembles a large heap of miscellaneous trash, which is why I like to corral it into a corner. ) Actually, he had a walkway, I had about four feet of a gap, because I had all the odds and sods of equipment in my side too. Still plenty of space.

I have to say, try looking at the 600 up as well as the 400, because the 600 would make a really great long stay tent for a couple, with all the room you could ever want and I doubt it would take significantly longer to pitch. The final hoop end of the 600(and presumably the 400) slopes a lot, and I would guess that this constricts the living space in the 400. Not seen it up myself though. The 600 version would also give you the option of hanging the second pod for bone dry storage or a guest or two.

TBS definatly works

We were camping in 40 mph winds in my equiox tbs. every time the wind got under the tent it started to lift like a huge kite. the tbs bands then brought the ten back doen to earth before it could get any where.

the tent was fine in the morning with and not a single peg had budged.

Quote: Originally posted by Ingers on 27/7/2006

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Whats TBS??

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Tension Band System, as used in tunnel tents. A webbing strap runs between the rings to the top centre of each hoop of pole. It`s adjustable and removable. You hitch the TBs up in windy weather, and they help prevent the poles flexing excessively. Excessive flexing is a prime cause of pole breakage.

Bad picture here...(Vango TBS Oregon 400)

http://www.outdoorfocus.co.uk/tall_fibreglass_steel_tents/Vango/Oregon/Vango_Oregon400_living_area.htm

Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 27/7/2006

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Quote: Originally posted by Ingers on 27/7/2006

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Whats TBS??

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Tension Band System, as used in tunnel tents. A webbing strap runs between the rings to the top centre of each hoop of pole. It`s adjustable and removable. You hitch the TBs up in windy weather, and they help prevent the poles flexing excessively. Excessive flexing is a prime cause of pole breakage.

Bad picture here...(Vango TBS Oregon 400)

http://www.outdoorfocus.co.uk/tall_fibreglass_steel_tents/Vango/Oregon/Vango_Oregon400_living_area.htm

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Ah ! I see - thanks !