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Quote: Originally posted by autopilot on 11/8/2013

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Quote: Originally posted by Librasam on 11/8/2013

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SIGs offer convenience in that you don't have to spend time on your hands and knees zipping in a ZIG, being all in one.

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I don't understand this comment sorry. Why would you spend time on your hands and knees zipping in a ZIG? The ground sheet stays attached just like a SIG, you pitch and decamp with it attached. The only time you need to unzip it is if you want to roll up the sides (or occasionally pack them separately). ZIGs are more convenient in every way, its simply a cost issue. I can't honestly think of one occasion a SIG would help, and I have been camping for over 30 years including 10 in a bell tent.

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Quote: Originally posted by Librasam on 12/8/2013

Quote: Originally posted by autopilot on 11/8/2013

Quote: Originally posted by Librasam on 11/8/2013 .   SIGs offer convenience in that you don't have to spend time on your hands and knees zipping in a ZIG, being all in one.

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I don't understand this comment sorry. Why would you spend time on your hands and knees zipping in a ZIG? The ground sheet stays attached just like a SIG, you pitch and decamp with it attached. The only time you need to unzip it is if you want to roll up the sides (or occasionally pack them separately). ZIGs are more convenient in every way, its simply a cost issue. I can't honestly think of one occasion a SIG would help, and I have been camping for over 30 years including 10 in a bell tent.

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I think you missed my rather tongue in cheek point of playing 'devil's advocate' and simply offering an alternative opinion!
   I did state that it is for the OP to decide for themselves what their needs are rather than accepting advice per se, as we will all base advice on our own experience and own needs.
    Best wishes Sam
    

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Quote: Originally posted by Librasam on 11/8/2013

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Hi Scrunchkins
In order to offer a balanced view supporting SIGs (and I've had both) it all depends what you want and this is where you need to draw up your own list.
SIGs offer convenience in that you don't have to spend time on your hands and knees zipping in a ZIG, being all in one.
ZIGs may be slightly heavier and usually of heavier or better quality rubber.
SIGs may be a bit cheaper.
Being from 'Oop North we don't usually have the extraordinary weather that necessitates rolling up the sides, and if its that good you're gonna make the most of it (for us northerners it's a rare occurrence!!) and side outside!!
Keeping a SIG clean is easy, simply put down a footprint (which I protected all my tents with) with the bell tent, simply bought a blue 5' x 7' tarpaulin from B&Q for under a tenner and folded it into halves, quarters then eighths, used the black marker on a string trick to draw the curve for the circle.
Bell tents fold into themselves so the groundsheet doesn't really touch the canvas so if it was a bit damp, simply used an old towel to dry the rubber as I rolled the tent up. All done. and no additional faffing with washing down a ZIG at home!
And for your other question, yes a bell tent can be easily erected solo, with practice (I've had mine 4 years) I can put up and peg out in 20 mins flat.
Good luck with deciding what suits your needs, everyone's different.
Best wishes Sam

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