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haven't experienced any bad weather yet in mine, so can't really say how it's going to stand up

can't see it being a problem though as it's a tried and trusted design for years

I used belltent.co.uk and was more than happy with them

Tina ordered hers from canvas and cast (only grizzle seems to be communications not too good if you look at her post on the other forum, but I'm sure they'll be fine)

Not a lot of difference in them really - the ground sheet seems to be main difference between the different models (SIG, ZIG and just loose)  And check if it will take an inner if you're thinking of getting one at any time

Other thing to watch out for is the A frame in the door - some are better than others

Raf is pretty good on the different bell tents, sure he will come along soon...

Quote: Originally posted by Bernie47 on 10/5/2010

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modern variants have A frames for the doors which totally destroy the integrity of the design.

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I don't really know what you mean by that but if you mean they won't be able to stand up to bad weather then it's just plain wrong.

We got a bell tent with an A frame, bought from holland but the same tent sold by belltent (except 30% cheaper..). It has a separate ground sheet

First use it was submitted to some light/medium showers: No issues whatsoever ref waterproofing.

On our third or fourth trip, we went to Newquay: we had what I would call very strong winds on our first 2 day. So much so that a handful of tents got ripped/broken by gusts. But our tent didn't flinch. We did however invested in some heavy duty pegs. At £12 a box of 20, it's hardly expensive.

The same trip saw quite a bit of rain, including some heavy downpours, with the grounds being very soggy in places, even the odd puddle forming. Yet again, despite having a separate ground sheet, we were fully sheltered, no leak from the canvas or on the floor.

So as far as I am concerned that's a full pass for a bell tent in bad weather.

Hope that helps...

We went camping over the May long weekend and it was freezing!!! My son and I were in the Glens of Scotland and there was still snow on the hills.

It was our maiden voyage for our tent so we were quite anxious as to how it would perform. We have the 4m zig bell tent.

All in all I can say that I was delighted. We only had a few minutes between heavy downpours to get the tent up so being able to erect it quickly and easily was great.

The rain poured on and off for the whole weekend, we had quite strong winds the one day and the weather was baltic! Yet, my tent impressed. There were no issues with the tent letting in water. The thick ground sheet was great and we were warm and cosy at night in our sleeping bags.

So, all in all, I am delighted with our purchase and can't wait for our next trip. We will be camping in the far north of Scotland so i needed a tent that could withstand winds and keep us warm.

Any other questions, just ask.

OK I'm here,

We have had two trips with strong winds, and no problems. I would say though, that some of the poles have been inferior, I had one that bent in half, replaced free of charge. This was on first pitching, no problems since then, and much stronger winds. This was with  A frame style front poles. When it gets windy, I use my two king poles strapped to the main pole with four velcro straps just in case,  but with the better pole, I don't think it's really necessary. I only feel really confident though in strong winds, when I am in my inflatable tent.

Quote: Originally posted by valbarley on 11/5/2010

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i've got the 285g and it's fine - decent thickness without being stupidly heavy to manoeuvre

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Just to add that I have the 5m seperate groundsheet from Soulpad which has the lighter 285g.  First trip out in it may bank hol to Snowdonia.  As you'd expect, mixture of cold, gales, downpours and maybe unexpectedly, sunshine!  Tent took it all with ease and surprised by the extra warmth from a canvas.  Stayed warm and dry, just ensured we adjusted the guy ropes appropriately when got windy/wet and calm/dry.

took the ultimate bell tent to norfolk last week, which at times was very windy and rainy. the tent didn't leak, though i suppose because it is the lighter weight cotton, the top of the tent was a billowing in the wind, which was a bit annoying in the night. the tent was fine though, but a heavier weight canvas i suppose would have been more rigid in the wind, though they are heavier and more expensive!