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I would greatly appreciate some opinions from everyone about whether to get a 2 man tent with a large porch area (wild country duolite tourer type thing) or go for a sensible but high spec 1-2 person tent. Now I realise that they are poles apart but I really can't decide. I will be doing alot of wondering about the countryside of dartmoor and wales and have discovered to my expense that my small tent (ohvee something or other) is quite a sorry place to be in the rain. Also everything gets wet when I get in. There is no space etc etc. So I was thinking about the vango spirit 200+ for a lovely place to put all the soaking wet gear and then get into a warm dry bed. This idea stills holds true but I am not sure if it is just too much for one man to have.

Has anyone ever used a 2 man with a porch?

Are they massive?

Please people say yes or no to the idea of a giant porch tent for one person

Hi

Before you buy, you might want to have a look at the following utube video which shows how different small tent (mainly backpacking) designs stand up to wind. Unfortunately, it doesn't identify what the tents are, but you might be able to, and it might inform your decision on design of tent -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI-jTcjoRO8

There are also some specific tent video reviews as well. It's worth searching for a particular one you are interested in.

If going for a tunnel design, a Vango with its TBS certainly offers reassurance.

I always had a porch if I could carry the weight for gear and cooking shelter, but you might want to consider the level of ventilation in the design of the tent (especially if you are storing wet clothes under the flysheet, as it will contribute significantly to condensation). Good ventilation will be important, but so will insulation.

If you are not sure about the size, the best thing would be to see one in the flesh and physically try it out for size relative to what gear you are likely to have and whether you want to or can sit in the porch (height). You may not need such a large porch.

Nowadays - its family tents for me. There aren't many backpacking tents out there for 4.

Helen

A 2 man tent with a large porch isn't too big for one person, providing that person can carry it. If you're considering the Spirit 200, it isn't megga heavy, and it's quick to erect on your own, so I can't see a problem.

With a side door into a big porch will certainly ensure that your gear doesn't get wet, and let's face it with the good old British weather, you may need to cook inside the tent.