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Quote: Originally posted by Merry on 26/3/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by valbarley on 24/3/2010

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Looking at about 30kg for the whole bell tent, so no more than a 4 man canvas really

And i agree i think they're luverly!

I got mine as a weekender for when i want to escape with just the dogs on my own.  Hopefully will be easier to pitch than the Bear Lake

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Well, now I am shocked. All this time I was thinking that a Bear Lake 6 was an easypeasy to put up tent , ideal for the solo camper or single mum.

I don't think anyone has ever said the Bear Lake would be ideal for a solo camper or single mum

What we have said it that it can be done by one person, female or male.

I find it easy peasy to put up but thats not to say everyone does.

I think Valbarley means the Bell Tent will be easier than the BL as it's only got a one pole....compared to 7 on the BL

Our bell tent (4m, 285g/sqm for th canvas) is nowhere near 30kg..It is advertised as 16kg actually... very easy to handle alone and quite compact once packed.

Before buying it I read all about pros/cons of canvas weight, and ultimatley went for the cheap 285g one, to save money and as we are mainly fair weather campers.

On the third trip, to Newquay, we had pouring rain and very very strong wind...And we stayed dry and safe...so unless you're planning to camp in Antartica and/or in the midddle of a hurricane then the cheaper/lighter bell tents will do the job.

People that want mod cons to go camping with will not suit bell tents. It's a return to basics. But the simplicity is awesome and a breath of fresh air. Up in not time, can be nice and airy when temps are high (with walls up)...

 We cheat though, we have an old VW camper van so the tent is effectively just the bedroom..

Quote: Originally posted by kruisler on 29/3/2010

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Our bell tent (4m, 285g/sqm for th canvas) is nowhere near 30kg..It is advertised as 16kg actually... very easy to handle alone and quite compact once packed.

Before buying it I read all about pros/cons of canvas weight, and ultimatley went for the cheap 285g one, to save money and as we are mainly fair weather campers.

On the third trip, to Newquay, we had pouring rain and very very strong wind...And we stayed dry and safe...so unless you're planning to camp in Antartica and/or in the midddle of a hurricane then the cheaper/lighter bell tents will do the job.

People that want mod cons to go camping with will not suit bell tents. It's a return to basics. But the simplicity is awesome and a breath of fresh air. Up in not time, can be nice and airy when temps are high (with walls up)...

 We cheat though, we have an old VW camper van so the tent is effectively just the bedroom..

 

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to be honest not sure what mine weighs, but it's the 5m with zipped in ground sheet and it's not exactly light....

just checked....

Lightweight but strong 285 g/ m²) high quality cotton canvas (think of new denim jeans thickness)

Weighs 31.5kg (This is a serious bit of kit so you don't want to be carrying it too far.)

PS: Thanks woofers for answering about the 'easy pitching' BL!  Not suite sure when i am supposed to have recommended it as a easy pitch weekend tent..!

Quote: Originally posted by valbarley on 29/3/2010

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  Not suite sure when i am supposed to have recommended it[the Bear Lake]as a easy pitch weekend tent..!

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Quote: Originally posted by Merry on 29/3/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by valbarley on 29/3/2010

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  Not suite sure when i am supposed to have recommended it[the Bear Lake]as a easy pitch weekend tent..!

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Apologies, I must be mis remembering. There is someone who pops up in most 'Recommend me an easy-up solo erect tent, I'm a single parent' to talk (quite irresponsibly imo) about putting up a BL single handed and I must have got mixed up as to who it was. Sorry!

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You're forgiven!

Me and woofers have both said we have put the tent up solo, but both have said it's a bit of a pain to pull the front up, and that we're both a bit 'meaty' for females, so it's not easy if your a 5ft single mum

Quote: Originally posted by valbarley on 29/3/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by Merry on 29/3/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by valbarley on 29/3/2010

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  Not suite sure when i am supposed to have recommended it[the Bear Lake]as a easy pitch weekend tent..!

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Apologies, I must be mis remembering. There is someone who pops up in most 'Recommend me an easy-up solo erect tent, I'm a single parent' to talk (quite irresponsibly imo) about putting up a BL single handed and I must have got mixed up as to who it was. Sorry!

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You're forgiven!

Me and woofers have both said we have put the tent up solo, but both have said it's a bit of a pain to pull the front up, and that we're both a bit 'meaty' for females, so it's not easy if your a 5ft single mum

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Quote: Originally posted by moonmummy on 29/3/2010

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Hi, I am looking at getting the soulpad 300 with ZIG. I'm a single mum, with a 3 yr old. Do you reckon I'd be able to put it up by myself? It's 2m high. Anybody had one of these little bell tents?

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RAF can probably answer better than anyone - I'm sure he has a 3m one?

I don't think you'll have a problem putting it up, but not sure how much usable floor space you will have with a little un

Quote: Originally posted by moonmummy on 29/3/2010

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Hi, I am looking at getting the soulpad 300 with ZIG. I'm a single mum, with a 3 yr old. Do you reckon I'd be able to put it up by myself? It's 2m high. Anybody had one of these little bell tents?

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Hi Val,

I can't even begin to think how I missed a post about Bell Tents  

But actually, I don't have a three meter Bell Tent. YET

Hi claireyfairy3, I was going to bid on your 3mtr with the missing, dog chewed ground sheet, but it got to expensive. My son lives close to you, so could have collected it on my behalf.

Hi Raf48

I could beleive how much it sold for in the end! I don't know who made it but it wasn't anywhere near as nice as the one from bell tent or soulpad,just hope the person that bought it is pleased with it now.

I went to a festival last year & stayed in my friends bell tent, hadnt been camping since i was a kid but just loved the tent & now i have two!

Quote: Originally posted by muggle1105 on 24/3/2010

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looks like I'm going to have to do some serious saving!

 I'm aware the bell tents are very heavy, do I take it they also take up a lot of room too as I'm unable to drive a trailer?   have one sat in the garage think I may sell it and put the money towards something...

Also wondering about keeping them clean and mud splashes up the sides?

Oh what to do?! Any help appreciated!

 

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