|
 Topic: Cabanon Barbados, Obelink Alaska, or...?
|
  |
15/7/2014 at 4:27pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 08/12/2004 Gold Member 
Forum Posts: 483
| Site Reviews Total: | 0 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
I'm looking for a new tent after selling our Cabanon Biscaya 370. The Biscaya was great, but the three large, heavy packs took up too much space and were too unwieldy for short trips, meaning it went mostly unused.
I currently have a Hypercamp Eldorado which is a fine little tent, but just a tad too small for the three of us (2 adults and one 3-year-old). I would also love to have a SIG/ZIG again like the Biscaya.
I'm keen on the cotton pyramid tents, so have been looking at the Cabanon Barbados as a possible upgrade. However, the Obelink/Hypercamp Alaska also looks good, being half the price and bigger than the Barbados. However, the weight (10kg more than the Barbados) and pack size are a bit off-putting... and will I be happy with the quality compared to Cabanon?
Does anyone have experience of how the Alaska really compares with the Barbados in terms of size, weight and quality? And there any other options that I'm missing? What I need is a quality tent (preferably cotton) that is quick to erect and manageable without needing a trailer! We'll be using it for weekends and the occasional longer (1-2 week) holiday.
Thanks!
|
15/7/2014 at 5:20pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Karsten 3600 & Obelink River
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 20/5/2014 Standard Member
Forum Posts: 75
Tent Reviews: 1
| Site Reviews Total: | 0 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
I think you'll be disappointed. I have seen good reviews on here for the Obelink tents and the prices are outstanding, but that great price comes at a er, price! It won't be Cabanon quality. From what I remember, the niggles concerned the details - hooks, zips, sewing finish etc., etc.
Equally, aren't you just getting back to the Biscaya weight??? Might as well keep the Biscaya!
As to other recommendations, we have just bought a Karsten 3600 tunnel tent. A breeze to put up, it is an absolutely fabulous tent, one of amazing, second to none (more or less) quality. It comes in two sizes, a 3.6m wide one and a 2.9m one. Unfortunately the 3600 does up the weight again (not to mention price!) and the 2800 might be a tad too small for your needs. Still, if it a quality all-cotton tent you want, they are worth considering.
Another option would be De Waard, who make a tent similar to the Barbados called the Albatross. Again, this will give you the quality, but De Waard are, I think, even more expensive than Karsten tunnel tents. Yikes!
|
15/7/2014 at 9:03pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 08/12/2004 Gold Member
Forum Posts: 483
| Site Reviews Total: | 0 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Thanks, Kang. I think you're right about the weight of the Alaska - it's about the same as the Biscaya, and comes in two bags.
I've had no problems with the quality of my Eldorado so far, although the finishing is not up to Cabanon standards. However, I can afford the Barbados (just about!) so at the moment I'm leaning towards the Cabanon.
I just took a look at the De Waards and the Albatros is the same size and weight as the Obelink Alaska - it looks like the Alaska is basically a copy of it. The De Waard Lepelaar seems to be closer to the Barbados in size, but at EUR1699 + EUR499 for the inner tent it's out of my budget.
The Karsten tunnel tents look nice. Are they available in the UK, and what are the prices like if you don't mind me asking?!
Esvo do the Bedouin 340 which again is similar in size to the Barbados, and similar in price, but heavier.
Any other suggestions welcome!
|
15/7/2014 at 10:47pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB2BVW2BCrafter2
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 19/6/2009 Diamond Member 
Forum Posts: 9708
Tent Reviews: 6
| Site Reviews Total: | 57 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 10 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 9 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 8 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 9 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 49 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 47 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 46 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 34 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
One needs to appreciate that Hypercamp/Obelink canvas tents are good value for money for the budget conscious.
The finishing and the materials may not be as good as the likes of Cabanon, De Waard and ESVO etc., however, their build quality is pretty decent.
My Hypercamp Escala 4 had very minor niggles from Day 1, however, that's what I had expected, as I was not expecting to get champagne when I paid beer money for it.
The Bedouin 340 has an advantage over Cabanon Barbados in that it has less number of pegging points, which should make setting up easier. I was considering this tent to replace my Escala 4, however, I decided to plunge for a good quality inflatable instead.
The Bedouin 340 also wins over the Barbados due to its styling as the scallop edge is very striking. Also, the front porch is slightly deeper than the Barbados.
I have not seen an ESVO in real life, however, they are supposed to be up there with Cabanon and De Waard.
When I was looking for a storm resistant tent to replace my Khyam Freelander that was destroyed in the wind in Sep 2011, I could only afford to get a Hypercamp Escala 4 as my budget could not stretch to a Cabanon Barbados or a ESVO.
Have a look at the thread I started back in 2011: Cabanon vs Hypercamp
My Escala 4 had served me well for 3 good seasons and I have no complain except for the number of pegging points which makes setting up and packing a chore as I am not getting any younger.
Good luck with your new tent, whatever you decide to get in the end.
DK 
-------------
Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2025: 19/71 inc. Scotland
- 2024: 10/49 inc. FR & NL
- 2023: 9/47 inc. FR
- 2022: 8/46
- 2021: 9/34
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
|
15/7/2014 at 11:09pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 08/12/2004 Gold Member
Forum Posts: 483
| Site Reviews Total: | 0 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Thanks, DK. So many choices! The Bedouin is indeed very striking.
|
16/7/2014 at 12:49am
Location: Near Petersfield Hants
Outfit: Barbados- Djakarta- Anssems trailer
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 02/9/2008 Platinum Member 
Forum Posts: 720
Tent Reviews: 2
| Site Reviews Total: | 4 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
I have a Barbados and a Hypercamp Djakarta, which the kids use. Yes, the stitching is a little dodgy on the Djakarta but we still love it. The Barbados is a great quality tent but will take quite a lot of space in the back of the car if using the inner tent and a carpet like we do. The only fault with the Barbados is the inner tent wastes far too much space so I don't bother using it in mid summer when its warm. I can easily put it up solo and love the speed and simplicity of it. The size is perfect for three and it looks great pitched. The older non-SIG pryamide Cabanons come up on ebay from time to time which will cost a lot less.
-------------
Live gently upon this earth
|
16/7/2014 at 7:23am
Location: Devon
Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 08/12/2004 Gold Member
Forum Posts: 483
| Site Reviews Total: | 0 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Quote: Originally posted by No Faff on 16/7/2014
I have a Barbados and a Hypercamp Djakarta, which the kids use. Yes, the stitching is a little dodgy on the Djakarta but we still love it. The Barbados is a great quality tent but will take quite a lot of space in the back of the car if using the inner tent and a carpet like we do. The only fault with the Barbados is the inner tent wastes far too much space so I don't bother using it in mid summer when its warm. I can easily put it up solo and love the speed and simplicity of it. The size is perfect for three and it looks great pitched. The older non-SIG pryamide Cabanons come up on ebay from time to time which will cost a lot less.
Thanks. What is the approximate pack size of the Barbados?
|
18/7/2014 at 8:07am
Location: Near Petersfield Hants
Outfit: Barbados- Djakarta- Anssems trailer
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 02/9/2008 Platinum Member
Forum Posts: 720
Tent Reviews: 2
| Site Reviews Total: | 4 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
I'll measure it for you when I get back from work this afternoon. I keep the carpet and the inner in the tent and roll the whole lot up to save time unless its damp. I also bought an Isabella awning bag which has been a real godsend - the whole lot easily fits in and you get carry handles on the zipped bag too.
-------------
Live gently upon this earth
|
18/7/2014 at 9:04pm
Location: Near Petersfield Hants
Outfit: Barbados- Djakarta- Anssems trailer
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 02/9/2008 Platinum Member
Forum Posts: 720
Tent Reviews: 2
| Site Reviews Total: | 4 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Hi, back again. I've measured the Barbados for pack size. Mine, including the tent carpet and inner tent is approx 36" long x 12" high x 20" deep. I always fold the Barbados starting with both sides folded in to the centre of the tent then in half again then its rolled up from the back of the tent to tge front- this keeps the underneath of the SIG away from the canvas. Hope this helps.
-------------
Live gently upon this earth
|
18/7/2014 at 9:44pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 08/12/2004 Gold Member
Forum Posts: 483
| Site Reviews Total: | 0 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Thanks nofaff, that's useful to know. So that's about the same length as the Eldorado pack, but about twice as fat. I think I can handle that!
|
12/8/2015 at 5:46pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Chausson Flash 510 & Cabanon Barbados
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 09/11/2006 Platinum Member
Forum Posts: 705
Tent Reviews: 2
| Site Reviews Total: | 9 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
We have a. Barbados and it is a a wonderful tent. Love the ease of erecting ad it looks great. We use the inner bedroom, but i can see why you wouldn't need too. We bougt ours second hand at a great price only used a couple of times, so well worth looking out for them. We also have the side panels which make a really nice porche.
|
12/8/2015 at 5:49pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Chausson Flash 510 & Cabanon Barbados
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 09/11/2006 Platinum Member
Forum Posts: 705
Tent Reviews: 2
| Site Reviews Total: | 9 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Oops sorry really old thread!!! Didn't realise sorry the op has probably bought their tent a long time ago!
|
12/8/2015 at 11:32pm
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 24/8/2009 Diamond Member
Forum Posts: 4497
| Site Reviews Total: | 57 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 7 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 10 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 4 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 37 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 48 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 20 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 9 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 2 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
Quote: Originally posted by spideygirl on 12/8/2015We have a. Barbados and it is a a wonderful tent. Love the ease of erecting ad it looks great. We use the inner bedroom, but i can see why you wouldn't need too. We bougt ours second hand at a great price only used a couple of times, so well worth looking out for them. We also have the side panels which make a really nice porche.
Your Barbados is a great tent which is easy to pitch, and the quality is better than Hypercamp/Obelink tents.
|
12/8/2015 at 11:39pm
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 24/8/2009 Diamond Member
Forum Posts: 4497
| Site Reviews Total: | 57 |
|
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 7 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 10 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 4 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 1 |
| Site Reviews 2019: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 37 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 48 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 20 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 9 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 2 |
| Site Nights 2019: | 0 |
|
The side panels are a bit of a faff though and I'm not impressed with the optional sun canopy. Now, if only Cabanon did a zip-on canopy and side panels, plus low-level vents and a mesh door panel...
|
|
