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Topic: bell tents without centre pole

Saskatoon

08/8/2016 at 6:02pm
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Does anyone have any experience of a bell tent without a central pole? There are some 3m bell tents that have a metal frame instead, making it possible to use a double mattress, but I have been advised that this is not as stable in strong wind as a central pole. I am downsizing to a 3m and am more concerned about robustness. Would be grateful for any comments on this.

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armchaircamper

14/8/2016 at 5:19pm
Location: Aberdeenshire
Outfit: Several tents and a hammock

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I have no experience of the frame style but I would have imagined that a tripod frame shape would be more stable than a central pole.

I've seen my own central pole bending in strong winds and now always carry a spare pole to brace it with.

If I was buying a 3m I would certainly look at the frame design, if only because it would make the limited space much more usable.

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Sarah

Saskatoon

15/8/2016 at 7:49am
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Thanks Sarah. Having just survived a very stormy night in my 4m bell tent I was impressed by it's performance, though it has a wide wooden centre pole which may make a difference.

Soulpad have told me they are not planning on making a framed 3m bell tent and when I asked why said it was less likely to stand up to storms because the stability of a bell tent relies on the tension created by the centre pole.

I still have not quite made up my mind, but will probably go for a traditional design.

Tynxuk

15/8/2016 at 8:56am
Location: Sunny Suffolk (West)
Outfit: inflatable dome Palamos6 frame tent

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If you like traditional design the Dutch pyramids are made to withstand the elements https://www.obelink.co.uk/eldorado.html?category_params=s_company%3D4%26category_id%3D4151

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armchaircamper

15/8/2016 at 9:37pm
Location: Aberdeenshire
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Quote: Originally posted by Tynxuk on 15/8/2016
If you like traditional design the Dutch pyramids are made to withstand the elements https://www.obelink.co.uk/eldorado.html?category_params=s_company%3D4%26category_id%3D4151

Ive got one of those too.

The other thing I've noticed with a bell tent in the wind is that the tent sides billow in and out quite a bit regardless of how tightly it is guyed out. The Eldorado is more work to pitch but should perform much better in the wind.

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Sarah

foggers

21/8/2016 at 1:08am
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: Cabanon Guadeloupe Zephyros3

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I have the Soulpad ultralite 3m with centre pole. I use a FB page for bell tent owners and people on there advised that whilst the tripod frame gives more space it is very heavy and a pain to put up. I was shown pics of a standard double SIM mattress fitting to one side of the centre pole of a 3m, and that convinced me.

I have been delighted with the tent. It is spacious for my solo camping, and also works for two on short breaks, with less kit.

Saskatoon

21/8/2016 at 1:03pm
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The Soulpad ultralite 3m is the one I am thinking of going for as I will mostly use it on my own. I will check the FB page too. Thanks for that
Elisabeth

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